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Over the past three weeks, Equestrian Australia’s (EA) High Performance Program has been conducting Para-dressage training camps, with a strong focus on medal-winning performances at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
Riders from across Australia made their way to Evans Park, NSW, and Boneo Park, VIC, for three days of intensive world-class performance programming, which included both on- and off-horse components.
The focus of the camps was to further develop potential combinations for Tokyo 2020, to ensure they are as prepared as possible ahead of selection for the Paralympic Games next year.
Riders were offered the opportunity to participate in two mounted sessions each day with Team Coach and Olympian, Lone Joergensen.
In addition, NSW-based riders had the opportunity for test review and protocol sessions with Sue Cunningham, who will be on the Ground Jury at the 2020 Paralympic Games.
Just as valuable as the on-horse sessions were the off-horse sessions, which clarified the latest rules, updates and formats, and offered comprehensive vet inspections with the Australian Para-dressage Team Veterinarian, to check that all horses are in peak condition and that horse welfare and management remains the highest priority.
“There have been a number of beneficial sessions including lessons and test protocols with Lone Joergensen on both Zidane and Lincoln, vet assessments, informative lectures, group discussions, as well as some time for a bit of team bonding,” said Paralympian Emma Booth, who attended the Victorian camp. “This camp is primarily aimed to prepare us to move forward to Tokyo 2020, in order to give the Australian team the best possible outcome.”
By Equestrian Australia
Posted: 19/10/2019
