Para equestrian receives exposure in USA

"The crowd roared and applauded like never before because they recognised real talent and were anxious to learn more about Para dressage"

Para equestrian received great exposure in the USA, with athletes showcasing their talents at a recent World Cup held in early April in Omaha, Nebraska.

The 2017 LONGINES International Equestrian Federation (FEI) World Cup Jumping and FEI World Cup Dressage Finals was held for able-bodied athletes, and also featured a demonstration of Para equestrian.

Following the Dressage FEI World Cup winning performance of Germany’s Olympic champion Isabell Werth, FEI World Equestrian Games competitor and US Paralympian Annie Peavy and teammate Katie Jackson gave the Omaha crowd a look at Para equestrian.

Spectators watched each athlete demonstrate the difficult movements of their grade tests, using the demonstration classes to showcase the beauty and agility of their sport.

"It was brilliant," said Paralympian and US Para Equestrian Association President, Hope Hand. "Para dressage was in the spotlight in front of the biggest crowd ever. I was so proud of our riders for representing the US at this prestigious event. The crowd roared and applauded like never before because they recognised real talent and were anxious to learn more about Para dressage. I am still getting emails from around the world saying how wonderful the demo was."

Peavy rode Lancelot Warrior in the demonstration and added: "It was very exciting. Lance lit up as we went into the arena because it was so electric. The crowd was cheering during my test, which I'd never had before, but both Lance and I enjoyed their enthusiasm. The venue was wonderful and the show was done very well."