Australia’s Para-equestrians concluded their World Equestrian Games campaign on Friday it was the first World Equestrian Games for all four members of the Australian team and their efforts over the five days of competition helped to book the Aussies a place at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
National Performance Director for Para-equestrian Julia Battams explained that
Leading into the Games, it was the goal of Australia’s Para-equestrian program to return home with a medal and despite not achieving a podium finish there are a number of positives to come out of the campaign.
“There will be an opportunity for reflection on the team’s performance when the Games are over but now is the time to celebrate the efforts of our riders and their achievements. A key goal coming out of WEG was to qualify a team for Rio 2016 and we’re pleased to say this team has achieved that.” Ms Battams commented.
Ms Battams pointed out that the final day of Para-Equestrian competition was an emotional day for the Australian team with Paralympic gold medal winning horse Worldwide PB giving his final performance in the Grade Ib Freestyle. Battams added that it was a fitting retirement for the 20 year old who famously won gold at the London 2012 Paralympic Games with his rider Joann Formosa and the pair scored 67.0 which saw them finish in 9th position. “He’s getting on in age and he was a bit tired today. Every ride with him is a good one so I can’t complain. I love him to bits.” Joann Formosa commented.
Formosa said the team and how it feels like family “We’re stronger as a team. We’re all there for each other. We’ve got each other’s backs. We go through the highs and lows with each other, we support each other and we help each other out.”
Full results as follows:
Team test
Grade Ib Joann Formosa – 7th from 25 competitors 71.200
Grade 3 Lizzie Sobecki – 14th from 19competitors 64.737
Grade 3 Chelsea Higgins – 11th from 19 competitors 65.289
Grade 4 Nicole Blanks – 9th from 16 competitors 66.500
Individual Championship
Grade Ib Joann Formosa – 8th from 25 competitors 68.310
Grade 3 Lizzie Sobecki – 10th from 19 competitors 66.927
Grade 3 Chelsea Higgins – 13th from 19 competitors 66.268
Grade 4 Nicole Blanks – 6th from 17 competitors 66.810
Freestyle
Grade 1b Joann Formosa – 67.000
Grade 4 Nicole Blanks – 68.550
Team
Australia – 404.484 13th from 19 countries