8th April 2010
Hertfordshire based para-equestrian dressage rider Mari Durward-Akhurst is riding high after winning the para-equestrian Grade 3 Winter Restricted Championships held at Vale View Equestrian in Leicestershire at the weekend (28 March).
Mari, (16) is a member of the British Equestrian Federation's (BEF) East Midlands Regional Foundation Squad, which aims to identify and support riders who show the potential to progress to International sporting success.
Mari picked up the top spot at the weekend riding Wald Minor (Woody) a 21 year old 17.2 Danish Warmblood owned by Mrs Jean Scharf. This was her first Championship win and Mari has only been riding Woody since October 2009.
Classified as a Grade 3 rider Mari suffers with weakness on her left side and also has hypermobility. As a result her coordination, balance and muscle tone are all affected.
"Woody and I have been developing a relationship by competing in able-bodied and para competitions as much as possible," said Mari. "We were lucky to be awarded a Wild Card for this year's Winter Championships so it was great to get the opportunity to compete.
"The day started very early as the clocks went forward and we needed to leave home at 4.30am to get Woody ready! However, it was all worthwhile and I was delighted with the result as Woody is a big horse for me to ride and I have not been riding him for long. We've already formed a great partnership and hope there will be many more wins to come.
"I want to thank Sacha Hamilton for training me on Woody and for the support I receive via the Regional Foundation Squad."
Mari is currently studying for her GCSE's at Watford Girls Grammar School, but aims to qualify for the National Para Championships at Hickstead in June and hopes to ride in the Regional Squad competition and Junior International at Millfield School in July.
The Regional Foundation Squads have been set up through funding from Sport England and are being co-ordinated by the British Equestrian Federation (BEF). The squads include the three Olympic and one Paralympic disciplines - dressage, eventing, show jumping and para-equestrian dressage.
Mari is also being supported via the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS), a Government funded programme that represents a unique partnership between sport and higher and further education.
