The once-in-a-lifetime spectacle for Para-equestrian continued on Friday 6 September at the Chateau de Versailles for the team event, in which Lisa Martin, Stella Barton and Bridget Murphy competed for Australia.
A field of 48 athletes including some of the world’s most experienced and decorated combinations, representing 16 countries, took to the outdoor arena on the Etoile Royal esplanade in the centre of the Palace’s gardens.
The third and final combination to enter the arena was Murphy and her 13hh part-bred Welsh superstar, Macey, who were on a mission to deliver a score.
After having made a positive start on Tuesday, the focus and confidence was clear as the debutant Murphy more than proved her mettle in producing an encouraging routine to score 67.1 per cent with her young star.
“It was definitely more intense out there today, the atmosphere from the crowd was a lot more, but I genuinely loved it. It might not have been the best test we’ve ever done, but I rode as best I could with the horse I had, and she gave it her all – I couldn’t ask for more from her. She’s probably chomping at the bit for a nap before we go again tomorrow!” Murphy said.
The US won team gold ahead of the Netherlands (silver) and Germany (bronze).
The Australian team finished 12th overall with a total score of 206.343 per cent.
The final Para-equestrian event of the Paris Paralympic Games, the individual freestyle, saw the top eight riders from each grade compete for individual medals on Saturday 7 September.
Australian trio Lisa Martin, Stella Barton and Bridget Murphy had all qualified to ride down Versailles’ spectacular centreline for a third and final time.
The freestyle is a clean-slate competition, meaning no scores are carried over from either of the previous tests, and much like gymnastics, the marks for performances fall into two categories – technical and artistic – with each counting for 50 per cent of the score.
The day dawned pleasantly cool, drizzly and overcast and all 40 horses were inspected by the Ground Jury for fitness to compete and all were accepted without issue – and so the stage was set for an enjoyable day of dancing in the sand.
Bridget Murphy was again the final Australian to put her steed Macey through the curious rigours of dressage in Grade II and anticipation and excitement filled the air as the talk of the town entered the arena.
As the beat dropped on the upbeat version of Men at Work’s ‘Down Under’, the crowd’s toes were tapping as Murphy and Macey glided across the sand, performing beautifully to score 70.154 per cent and finish seventh.
“Macey was so much more confident today so I felt I could really push her, and she just embraced it. We made that floor plan to play to her strengths and it worked. She was so confident and ready to have a dance,” Murphy said.
Their test had energy, showed clear transitions and accuracy and drew praise from equestrian royalty, Denmark’s Paralympic legend Stinna Kaastrup who noted that, although Murphy’s body naturally leans to one side (due to her disability – multiple pterygium syndrome) it by no means impacts how evenly Macey works on both reins – a true testament to Murphy’s ability and the training she has done with this young mare.
Reflecting on her time at her maiden Paralympics, Murphy was proud and grateful.
“It means everything, like all kids in Australia, I grew up thinking that wearing the green and gold is the pinnacle, and it was such an honour, and I hope that I did it proud,” she said.
Australia’s Para-equestrians have ended their four-day competition and can all feel proud of their performances on such a spectacular stage.
