04 September 2024
Stella Barton began riding at the age of seven, but it was the idea of competing against the stunning backdrop of Versailles that really sparked her dream of making her Paralympic debut at Paris 2024.
“A few years ago, my Mum and I were on our way to a lesson at Sally’s [coach Sally Francis OAM] place and we were listening to the Para Dressage Podcast, and they announced that the Dressage for Paris was going to be at Versailles.
“Mum and I just looked at one another and said, ‘Now that’s something to work towards’. We told Sally, who I think thought we were bonkers, but she got on board and we just began training how to make it happen. And here we are, we’re off to Versailles.
Barton, who is a Grade 1 rider born with cerebral palsy, made a strong start to her Paris campaign, scoring a 70.833 per cent to finish eighth in the Individual Grade IV Event on her beloved horse Lord Larmarque, who is affectionately known as Bug.
“I have benefitted from the generosity of three-time Paralympian Sharon Jarvis who has loaned me her horse Bug,” Barton said.
“I’m really only as good as the horse I’m riding because the events are judged on the horse’s movement and how I get the horse to produce that movement.”
Barton described her opening event as “a dream come true”, with the result qualifying her and Bug for this weekend’s individual freestyle.
The 22-year-old has blossomed within the Australian Paralympic Equestrian team, which personifies Australian sport’s commitment to win well through their support and care for each other.
Dianne Barnes, a Grade IV rider diagnosed with Parkinson’s and dystonia, is thrilled to be making her Paralympics debut alongside her good friend.
“I'm so glad to be on the team with Stella, she’s just the best person ever,” Barnes said.
“I’ve known her a long time and she just deserves a gold star for all the help she gives to everyone on the team.”
“Just riding down that centre line at Versailles is just a dream come true and I really will give it my best shot. I want to try and make the team proud of me and I don't want to let the team down. If I happen to have a test that doesn't go to plan, I'll still have a smile on my face and still love my horse.
Barnes will be retiring after Paris, but she won’t be lost to the sport having recently been appointed as the Athlete Representative on Equestrian Australia’s Para Dressage Committee.
“Hopefully I can make a difference, talking to the athletes, trying to put forward things to better the sport for the athletes so they've got a real voice in it,” Barnes said.
Barnes will be making her official debut in the Individual Grade VI tonight. To learn more about the Equestrian team and the wider Australian team, follow this link to the ASC Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Brief.