Riding goals get riders back in saddle

Source: Xinhua | 09-07-2008 21:33

HONG KONG, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Twists and turns in one's life can often be cruel, as many Para-Equestrian athletes found out when trying to fulfill their goals in the Equestrian events of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games at the Shatin Equestrian Venue from Sept. 7 to 11.

Many Para-Equestrian athletes started riding as able-bodied people with a love for horses, but various accidents left them paralyzed. They are trying very hard to overcome misfortune and got back in the saddle after accidents with a faith always in their mind, that is "They believe in their abilities despite their disabilities".

Canadian rider Karen Brain and her teammates are among those Para-Equestrian riders who came back with confidence after accidents.

Riding from the age of eight, Brain was an Evening team athlete and represented her country at the Rome 1998 World Equestrian Games and was even shortlisted for the Sydney 2000 Olympics. However, a fall from her young horse in September 2001 changed everything.

The accident left her partially paralyzed, but a ride on a horse seven months later inspired her to set a new target-the Paralympics.

Now a Grade IV rider, Brain claimed two Bronzes at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games and two Silvers at the Pacific Rim Championships in Vancouver in 2006. She also competed in the World Championships in Hartpury, England, last year.

Teammates Lauren Barwick and Jennifer Mckenzie also came through similar misfortunes. Barwick began riding at seven and later competed in Eventing and Jumping. But life changed when, at the age of 18, a bale of hay fell on her, resulting in paraplegia.