Irish Para Dressage combinations nominated for Paralympics

Horse Sport Ireland is delighted to nominate the athlete/horse combinations for consideration by Paralympics Ireland to represent Team Ireland in para dressage at the Paralympic Games, Paris.

Para Dressage High Performance Director Debora Pijpers has chosen to nominate Michael Murphy and Cleverboy (Grade I), Kate Kerr Horan and Serafina (Grade III), Jessica McKenna and Davidoff 188 (Grade III) and Sarah Slattery with Savona (Grade V) for the Games, which will take place in September.

Non-travelling reserves also selected for nomination are Kate Kerr Horan and Lykkebo’s Don Akino (Grade III), as well as Angela Lyons and Woodcroft Santa Cruz (Grade IV).

Deborah Pijpers said: “I am very proud of the fact that the Irish para dressage riders have managed to qualify a team for Paris, this was a true team effort and I’m excited to present the four riders that we nominate for Paris.

“Michael Murphy and Cleverboy form a beautiful harmonious pair and have seasoned experience from competing at the Tokyo Paralympic Games to medalling at the World Championships in Herning and at the European Championships last year in Riesenbeck.

“Kate Kerr-Horan and Serafina stand out with their excellent walk and with a powerful trot, and have the experience of the Tokyo Paralympic Games and the World Championships in Herning under their belt.

“Jessica McKenna and Davidoff 188 show friendly ridden and active tests and finished sixth at the European Championships last year.

“Sarah Slattery and Savona form an eye-catching and elegant combination, and Sarah shows mature riding skills in the difficult Grade 5 tests.

“We are all aware of our strengths and the points we would still like to improve and our focus for Paris will be to present the best version of each of these combinations.

“I am grateful for the support of Horse Sport Ireland, Paralympics Ireland and Para Equestrian Ireland: we are all in this together and we will continue to work on this programme to provide a solid basis for performances.

The combinations nominated for consideration for selection by the OFI are:

• Michael Murphy and Cleverboy (Grade I)
• Kate Kerr Horan and Serafina (Grade III)
• Jessica McKenna and Davidoff 188 (Grade III)
• Sarah Slattery with Savona (Grade V)

The following combinations have been selected as non-travelling reserves:

• Kate Kerr Horan and Lykkebo’s Don Akino (Grade III)
• Angela Lyons and Woodcroft Santa Cruz (Grade IV)