Beijing Paralympian Grace Bowman and newcomer Hannah Dodd have been named on the Para-Equestrian National Elite Squad ahead of the Paralympic selection trials later this year.

Announced by Equestrian Australia, Bowman, 21, and Dodd, 19, were the only two to make the elite squad following on from strong performances at the Para-Equestrian Grand Prix in Victoria late last year. They can expect to also be joined by fellow international rider, Sharon Jarvis.

The three riders’ performances at last year’s Grand Prix helped qualify the Australian equestrian team for the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Top performer Dodd, from New South Wales, won each of her events to boost the Australians’ overall score to 385.214 to finish ahead of New Zealand and claim the regional qualification spot.

Meanwhile Paralympian Jan Pike, whose scores also contributed to Australia’s qualification, has been named on the Para-Equestrian National A squad along with international riders Rob Oakley and Elizabeth Sobecki.

Equestrian Australia’s High Performance Manager Brett Mace says the elite squad is not the final team that will be nominated to the Australian Paralympic Committee for selection and the 10 athletes on the National A squad will have the chance to earn their place throughout the selection events in April and May.

“Through the National Performance Directors and Selection panels, we will continue to monitor our combinations at major events prior to nominations being due to the Australian Paralympic Committee...” he said.

Nominations to the Australian Paralympic Committee are due in May with the final team to be selected and announced in July.
2012 National Para-Equestrian Squad

National Elite Squad

Grace Bowman (Horse: Kirby Park Joy)
Hannah Dodd (Horse: Waikiwi)
Sharon Jarvis (Horse: Applewood Odorado) – TBC

National A Squad

Chelsea Higgins (Horse: Holstein Park Comedian)
Elizabeth Skinner (Horse: Aubaine Cossack)
Elizabeth Sobecki (Horse: Ponderosa Stud Lucarno)
Fleur Litster (Horse: Penroban Augustus)
Jan Pike (Horse: Pinky)
Joann Formosa (Horse: Worldwide PB)
Lesley Smit (Horse: Willow Tree Serendipity)
Nicole Blanks (Horse: Just A Gem)
Nikki Doogue (Horse: Ricacho)
Rob Oakley (Horse: Statford Mantovani)

By Rebekka Wake
Posted 18/1/2012