Saturday, 07 September 2024
Dawn broke over Versailles on the final day of the para equestrian action at Paris 2024 under heavy, leaden clouds. However, even in the greyest of days, the Freestyle competition is enough to brighten anyone’s mood. With five sets of medals up for grabs by the top eight in each of the grades, the competition to leave France with a treasured gold, silver or bronze would be fierce. All four ParalympicsGB combinations were in action and looking to add to their own personal medal tally.
After the Grade 4 competitors had got the day underway, it was time for the Grade 5 athletes to go in front of the Ground Jury of Ineke Jansen (NED) as the President at C, Anne Prain (FRA), Katherine Lucheschi (ITA), Kristi Wyscoki (USA) and John Robinson (GBR). As British representative Sophie Wells entered as third last to go, the lead was held by Germany’s Isabel Nowak on a score of 73.540% – the benchmark to beat for a medal.
Riding the young talent LJT Egebjerggards Samoa, owned by the Lady Joseph Trust, Sophie was set on making amends for yesterday’s performance, which she felt was below what the duo could achieve. They entered with extreme focus to the emotive piano melody of Juliet’s Dream. The first halt to salute the judges was bang on the musical pause and, as the echoey tunes restarted, so did the duo.
Freestyles are judged on two elements – the artistic, which looks at the music selection, choreography and suitability, while the technical score is for the execution of the 16 required movements. Sophie’s floorplan was purposely designed to secure the highest marks possible. While not with the highest level of technicality due to the mare’s age, the music was perfect – elegant, emotional and dramatic, put together by long-term friend, Erin Orford, who witnessed the performance firsthand as a commentator for Channel 4.
The overall picture was really pleasing as they glided their way around. The first extended trot showed good relaxation and lengthening of the frame, the trot half-passes were expressive, and the whole test had a pleasing flow. The transitions in pace and direction were fluid and well presented to have an effortless appeal.
There was good overtrack and ground cover in the free walk, before they started the canter tour. There was a slight anticipation by ‘Diana’ in the first simple change, where she wanted to canter early, but Sophie was quick to rectify for a clean strike off. The extended canter, cleverly placed in the choreography, was impressive on both reins.
The final halt was perfectly in synch with the music and a salute to the judges gave way to a huge smile on the Lincolnshire rider’s face – she was delighted with her young charge today, as were her support crew, none more so than groom Beth Revill, who wiped away the tears. After what felt like a long wait, the score was announced at 75.445% – into the lead and, importantly, a staggering 40th championship medal for Sophie. The question now was what colour it would be.
“Happy,” was the first thought Sophie gave. “I'm really pleased. I finished the test and I just thought I couldn't have asked any more from her. The first simple change wasn't perfect, the second simple change wasn't perfect, but we didn't have a horrendous error like yesterday.
“She just felt really cool and it's a simple floor plan because, to some extent, she doesn't need something complicated at this stage in her career. I thought we'd go simple and basic, and hope it's enough for now. She's got another floor plan to music, which I just wasn't going to do at a Paralympic Games, but I'm chuffed to bits with her. It was amazing to ride in the arena again. I went in and thought, ‘This is the last time,’ so, I want to enjoy it, but also not relax too soon. So yeah, chuffed to bits. I’m really proud. I'm proud that some of my family are here. I've got a lot of friends, and they got to see it too. So, yeah. What's wrong with me? It’s raining inside my hat,” she jibed as she wiped away tears.
Next up were the Grade 5 individual champions, Belgium’s Michele George and Best of 8, and they more than matched Wednesday’s performance – it was a spectacular showing, packed full of technicality, all well executed to a musical score which complemented the horse perfectly. The final score of 81.470% was very much warranted and into the gold position they sailed.
Last to go was the individual silver medallists Regine Mispelkamp and Highlander Delight’s for Germany and it would be them to decide Sophie’s silver or bronze fate. They delivered an assured performance – again, showing great technical skill delivered against a matching musical score. It didn’t look to have quite enough to secure gold, but would it relegate Sophie and Diana to bronze? The mark was announced at 80.100% – silver for the German and a second bronze of the Games for the Brit and her 10th Paralympic medal.
The change in grade and, indeed, tempo, brough a change in judging panel – for the Grade 1 it was Suzanne Cunningham (AUS) at C, Anne Prain (FRA), Freddy Leyman (BEL), Kristi Wysocki (USA) and Katherine Lucheschi (ITA) to preside over the masters of the walk.
Australian duo Stella Barton and Lord Lamarque set the early pace, but third in was ParalympicsGB debutante Mari Durward-Akhurst with the experienced Athene Lindebjerg, owned by Di Redfern, Mari’s dad Nick Durward-Akhurst, and her coach Rob Waine. Mari and Athene were the nominated individuals, so have had a good break since their first test on Tuesday to regroup and channel their efforts into this final dance.
Their opening music choice was ‘My name is Lincoln’, from the film The Island, and it created the perfect atmosphere for something memorable. Mari once again turned down the centreline to reveal a huge smile in anticipation of what was to come. They started in a very assured manner, with Mari seamlessly guiding Athene through an intricate floorplan which showed off the Gribaldi-sired mare’s rangy walk. A tricky five-loop serpentine was well executed, as were a series of eight and 10 metre voltes (circles). The challenging plan certainly packed in the difficulty, with plenty to keep the judges’ interest.
As the test went on, the smile broadened on the Buckinghamshire rider’s face – she knew it was going to plan, but she couldn’t lose concentration for a moment. The tempo was exceptional for the full five minutes with no changes, just as is required, and Mari expertly kept the flow of the test with no deviations, all in good harmony with the music from The Pirates of the Caribbean and Pearl Harbour, which was perfectly suited to the ‘gentle giant’, Athene. The final halt brought the biggest smile yet, with Mari clearly delighted with the work, and so she should have been – it was a great effort by the world number one.
The eagerly anticipated mark eventually adorned the big screen as 77.747% – breaking down as 76.133% for the technical side and 79.360% for the artistic. That was more than enough to catapult them into the lead for now, but it was going to be an agonising wait to see if it was enough for a medal, particularly with Tuesday’s medallists still to ride.
“Yeah, really happy,” reflected Mari. “Everything went to plan. It's the first time riding that music in competition, so I was slightly concerned that it might not fit, or something might happen, but everything came off, and especially our shoulder in, which I find really hard, but she did it. I put her in position, and she went, “I've got this.”
She continued; “It's been incredible to finally be able to say that I'm a Paralympian. It’s been a lifetime dream to actually say it now. I think it's starting to sink in. I think I was really disappointed after the first test and with not knowing my score and then, obviously, my score changed, and then to finish sixth – but now I realise actually that's really good in a class of 22.
And what has the Buckinghamshire rider made of her Paralympic experience? “Yeah, it's been amazing. I was really disappointed after the first day, especially as my score changed and went down. It took a bit to get over it, so to actually come back and do the music, is good. And onwards and upwards now,” she enthused.
Annemarie Nobel and Doo Schufro delivered an impressive performance for The Netherlands to go very close to Mari – agonizingly close – with 77.614%, but the Brit was safe at the top for now. Next up was Roxanne Trunnell for the USA riding Fan Tastico H and, having taken silver individually and then playing a key role in the America’s well-earned team gold yesterday, the veteran of three Paralympic Games would be high on confidence.
They put up a great performance, but there were just a few costly miscommunications, which impacted the final score. A 77.307% was close to Annemarieke and Mari, but not quite enough to overtake and left her in third with the two individual medallists to come. The penultimate pairing was the eagerly awaited Rihards Snikus and King of the Dance for Latvia, who won a new legion of fans in taking gold individually. Rihard is a DJ away from his equestrian exploits, so hopes were high for something special.
The crowds in the stands and spectators watching globally weren’t disappointed. Rihards had done a remix of an upbeat South American tune with a slight techno feel, which gave the Latvian a perfect. mesmerising beat to showcase his equine partner. He halted at the end and the silent butterfly applause erupted – as did Rihard’s trademark smile. It was a masterful performance and the aptly Kind of the Dance looked set to keep his place on the throne. A huge 82.487% was flashed up on the imposing scoreboards and the lead was theirs.
The final medal challenge came from Sara Morganti for Italy and she’s no stranger to pressure as a veteran of four Games. Riding Mariebelle, she delivered a impressive performance, as you’d expect, with an number of highlights that looked enough to even challenge for gold. The stadium fell silent as she exited the arena in anticipation of the mark, which was soon revealed as 81.407%! Silver it was, to add to her individual bronze. The Paralympic Grade 1 Freestyle gold was Rihards’, while Mari held on for her first ever Paralympic medal – a moment she’ll treasure forever.
The panel of judges to preside over the Grade 2 was Kristi Wyscoki (USA) as the President at C, Anne Prain (FRA), Ineke Jansen (NED), John Robinson (GBR) and Freddy Leyman (BEL). The Freestyle is certainly the showpiece for Welsh rider Geogia Wilson and is always what she looks forward to most at any show with her British-bred partner, Sakura, who she owns with her parents, Geoff and Julie. However, today was extra special because the duo would dance for the chance of a Paralympic medal.
Georgia puts a great deal of consideration into her music choices, and she’d opted for The Piano Guys’ take on ‘Someone Like You’ and ‘Love Me Like You Do’, which has a real ‘Bridgertonesque’ feel. The duo started brightly, with a real ‘look at us’ feel to the first few movements. The tempo was super – forward, but not pushing ‘Suki’ out of her natural rhythm. There was great elasticity to the trot work and the two of them just looked as one – happily training in the arena at home, not under the world’s top judges on the Paralympic stage.
The lengthened strides across the diagonal were well ridden and showed good cadence. There was a momentary stumble, which marred an otherwise super trot figure-of-eight, but they were quickly back in their stride. Their final centerline was full of energy to bring an end to a test packed full of so much to like. The wait was on while the final marks were being tallied, but they were soon revealed as 79.374%, which was a new personal best for the Welsh duo! And of course, they went into the lead.
“When I went in there, I was nervous because of the long wait this morning, but I know we've done it before lots of times,” said Georgia. “Last year, I got a 79% and if I just tried my best to get everything out and get the marks that I could get, it would be a good percentage. She just tried her heart out.
“When I did my individual test, that was a dream come true and I was going home with a medal, but to go home with two is amazing. I think it’s just incredible, all the training that goes into it and just to pull it off when it's most important… it doesn't happen often, so it’s incredible,” Georgia said.
However, there were three world-class combination to come so, once again, the British camp would have an agonising period where all they could do was watch what was to unfold. Danish duo Katrine Kristensen and Goeklintgaards Quater were the first challengers, and they gave it a good go to score 75.687% and go second behind Georgia. Next was the biggest threat, Fiona Howard and Diamond Dunes for the USA, who were riding the crest of a wave having clocked up two Paralympic gold medals so far this week and they looked in the mood to claim a third.
Their Lion King floorplan was fantastic and well-delivered with a few blips, but the quality far outweighed any slight negative and a majestic 81.994% and gold medal position was their reward. It was going to be down to the final rider to decide what colour medal Georgia would take back with her to Wales.
That final rider was none other than Heidemarie Dresing for Germany riding Dooloop and, as reigning European Freestyle champions, the threat was very real. Sporting her trademark red lipstick, Heidemarie gave an assured and correct performance, but it didn’t quite have the pizzazz of Georgia, who excelled on the artistic side. The final mark was announced as 76.127%, which gave Georgia her first ever silver Paralympic medal, and a first for Britain in Paris. It was enough to give Heidemarie a podium place, too.
After having her silver medal confirmed, Georgia commented; “It's amazing. I didn't expect to come here and medal – the first day was amazing and then this one's just a dream come true. I can't describe it. To break out of the bronzes and to get a silver back home in Wales is just incredible.
“I can't thank that horse enough. Mum and dad sold their motorhome, their pension and retirement present, for Suki, but I think she's worth her weight in gold, so I don't think they'll miss the motorhome too much!” she quipped.
But of course, it’s not just the horse; “No, it's everyone around. Nicky [Lickley], my trainer, sisters, dad, the World Class squad, National Lottery Funding, the people that play the lottery, too. It's everyone and to just pull it off in the arena where everyone's watching and it's the most important time, it's just fun,” she said gratefully.
The super-competitive Grade 3 would be the final act of the Versailles performance and what a competition to end on. The judging panel of Kristi Wyscoki (USA), President, Ineke Jansen (NED), Katherine Lucheschi (ITA), Ineke Jansen (NED) and Freddy Leyman (BEL) would certainly have plenty of talent and artistry to keep their attention.
Big occasions require big tunes and Natasha Baker is never shy of making the big choices to match. Opting for pop divas Cher and Shania Twain certainly laid her stall out. Weeks of practicing to get the choreography right and memorise exactly where she needed to be with the music all came down to this with Dawn Chorus, owned by Joanna Jensen, Christian Landolt and Natasha’s parents, Phil and Lorraine Baker.
The disco started with Cher’s ‘Strong Enough’ to get them off to a rip-roaring start, with great tempo to lift the crowd. Often, strong music can be overpowering and push a horse out of the natural rhythm but, as the tunes faded in and out with the increase and decrease of pace, it was the perfect backdrop for the duo. Making full use of the arena, the floorplan was intricate but flowed with well-placed and well-executed movements that were complemented by the music. The medium trot floated across the arena and the three-loop serpentine with walk transitions over the center line showed great prowess and accuracy.
As they came down the centreline, Natasha couldn’t hold back her joy and a beaming smile erupted as she came into the final halt. Their job was done – the Middlesex rider and her heart horse could do no more. They exited the arena and, as she acknowledged the crowd, she urged them to cheer louder to show ‘Lottie’ just what a star she’d been.
Now, to the all-important score. The marker had been laid by French duo Chiara Zenati and Swing Royal with 75.914% in what was their final performance together. Natasha and Lottie’s personal best was 81.83% and today’s test, in that company, didn’t look like it was going to quite hit those dizzy heights, but it was certainly good. Indeed, it was 77.140% good – enough to take a strong lead, but with three of the world’s best to come.
“Oh, I loved every second of that,” beamed Natasha afterwards. “I think I sang every word. It was just so much fun. I loved being out there – I loved dancing to the music. It's been the thing that I've been most looking forward to all week. I'm just super-happy with her again. She was super-chilled and she's just amazing. I'm so, so grateful to her for all the opportunities she's given me over the years and that was just epic.
She continued, “I think her way of going was probably a bit better yesterday, actually. She felt a little bit tired today and I wasn't quite sure how she was going to go into the arena because there was more crowd and everything, but she just soaked it all up and loved it. I think I probably could have done with a little bit more, but it’s such a fine line isn't it, with horses. You want that pizzazz, you want that wow, but you don't want too much that they're going to bubble over. She was just awesome. I'm so, so grateful to her because she's just a superstar.”
And what’s next for Natasha, having had her first Games experience as a mum? “My whole life was about my sport and riding and that was all I ever focused on. I think I had a fairly good work-life balance, but I just wanted to go and win medals, and now, after having him [one-year-old son Joshua], it just puts everything into perspective. He is the most important thing in my life and he's my proudest achievement. This is amazing and I've done it to make him proud and my whole team proud. I just wanted to come here, enjoy it and do it for my family.
“I want another baby and then to see what happens. I always had Paris in the forefront of my mind. I always wanted to come here, and it was going to be a bit of a mission, probably a naive mission, to get here. But I've managed it and picked up two medals along the way.
“I think this might be Lottie's last Paralympics. She's 13, so she could do Los Angeles, so I think I’ll just see how it goes with her. I really, honestly, don't know. The World Championships is in a couple of years’ time as well, so that'll all depend on baby number two – Joshua was perfectly planned. If that happens again, then I’ll be really blessed, but I’m really lucky that I also get to commentate as well, so that's a another really, really cool thing that I get to enjoy,” she said.
Italian Francesca Salvade riding Escari was the first challenger, and they put up a spirited performance to score 75.820% – it meant Natasha was guaranteed a medal.
Next up was a name who’s dominated the Grade 2 ranks for some time and has been a rival and comrade with Natasha for all that time, Rixt van der Horst from The Netherlands. Her latest star, Royal Fonq, has really impressed this week, and they were looking to top the two silver medals they’d claimed already with a Freestyle gold. Their performance was stunning – pure quality and with real polish and, when a whopping 83.007% was revealed, the Dutch rider’s hopes must have raised.
The final rider down the centreline at Versailles was, befittingly, a rider from the new Paralympic champion nation, the United States. Rebecca Hart has really captivated the crowds this week. She has a special partnership with Floratina, which is clear to see, but could they hold out for just one final effort and take a hattrick of Paralympic gold medals?
Of course they could. It was moving and captivating as they danced together, with the crowd barely able to take their eyes off the performance in front of them. The score was 83.534% and a third Paris 2024 gold belonged to the Florida resident. Rixt had to settle for silver, despite giving her everything, and it was a second bronze for Natasha Baker to take home to Uxbridge.
So, the summer of Paris 2024 action across two Games comes to an end. Britain can claim the honour of all our Olympic and Paralympic athletes heading home from Paris with at last one medal and, in today’s Freestyle action, ParalympicsGB was the only nation to have all four riders on the podium. Overall, some amazing and inspirational performances have been shown across the Olympic and Paralympic Games and there’s much to celebrate in the coming months – alongside planning for Los Angeles 2028 in four years’ time. The countdown is on!
You can catch up on the tests on Channel 4 Sport YouTube channel or watch for highlights in the evening as part of the mainstream Channel 4 programming. Full results are available via the Paris 2024 website.