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Triple Paralympian Sharon Jarvis rode her last dressage test at a Paralympic Games, with tonight’s Dressage Team Championship calling an end to her international equestrian career that began back at the 2008 Beijing Games.
Riding Romanos, the duo looked incredible in the main arena scoring 67.900% for the team in the Grade IV division.
Jarvis said she had made the decision this would be her last Paralympic Games before embarking on her Tokyo campaign.
“The Paralympics have given me so much, I was a bit lost during my teenage years and didn’t know where I belonged,” said Jarvis.
“When I found the Paralympics I suddenly belonged to a family that was incredibly inclusive.”
When looking back over her para-equestrian journey Jarvis said if she has been able to inspire one other person to follow their dream, no matter what it is, that would mean the most to her.
The three-time Paralympian who was visibility emotional at the conclusion of the event, paid tribute to her horse Romanos and his owners who gave her the privilege of riding such an incredible horse.
“After Tokyo he will be returned to his owners, it’s very emotional as I’ve absolutely loved riding him. We have had a wonderful two years together, where I have been able to improve my skills and learn so much,” said Jarvis.
Emma Booth and her horse Zidane kicked off the Dressage Team Championship in the Grade III division last night were the first combination to enter the arena.
The duo made a few minor mistakes at the beginning of the test but made a strong comeback with a score of 68.000%.
“It wasn’t our best performance I made an error which of course, at this level, you can’t afford to be doing,” said Booth.
“I just had to focus my energy on where I was going after that and not get too frazzled which I think we sort of managed to do.”
“We went out there and did the job and I think I did the best we could given the situation.”
Amelia White and her horse Genius were next up in the team test this evening in the Grade V division earning a score of 70.581%.
The spectacular ride was just 1% behind their personal best, but White says there is definitely more in the tank.
“I think there’s always more, if you ask me if I’m happy the answer is never 100%,” said White.
In the final day of competition tomorrow evening White and Booth will contest a strong field in the Dressage Individual Freestyle Tests.
“There is some tough competition, as it should be, it’s the best in the world coming from every country,” said Booth.
Booth is eager to put in a strong performance in her favoured event.
“It’s mine and Zidane’s favourite event so hopefully we can really put our best foot forward and enjoy dancing to our music,” said Booth.
White who sets a high bar for herself said she would ideally like to crack a score in the 70’s again.
“We’ve been up there all year with the freestyle so I’d really like to stay up there,” she said.
“I feel a bit little bit less pressure with the freestyle test because it’s my own test and my own design. There’s a little bit of security of knowing where I’m going and it’s a surprise for the judges so that always makes me feel a lot more excited,” said White.Booth and White will conclude the Australian Para-Equestrian campaign tomorrow night.
17:14 (18:14 AEST) Amelia White – Dressage Individual Freestyle Test – Grade V
18:33 (19:33 AEST) Emma Booth – Dressage Individual Test – Dressage Individual Freestyle Test – Grade III
By: Amanda Scott, Paralympics Australia
Posted: 29 August 2021
