1 Aug 2007 - Kathryn is 9th in the World

Our Irish para dressage rider Kathryn Wheelock has returned from the Para Dressage World Championships having achieved 9th place in the Grade III Individual Championship test. Although Kathryn has competed internationally for five years, this was her first appearance at a major championship and she was thrilled with her Top 10 placing, from a large class of over 30 international riders.

The Championships which were held at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire from 18 - 22 July were blighted by bad weather and flooding. Heavy rain fell for over 16 hours on the Friday, leading to many supporters and riders' families being stranded en route to the competition, some spending the night in their cars in order to reach the venue. The newly constructed indoor arena at Hartpury proved to be invaluable as all tests were moved inside for Saturday's competitions, due to the outdoor arenas being under water.

Riding her horse Indi, Kathryn performed consistently over the three days of competition and was delighted to be placed above many of her main rivals from around the world. These included former Paralympians Bert Vermeir from Belgium, Marita Hird from Australia and Barbara Grassmyer from the USA.

Kathryn was also a member of the four-strong Irish team which came 12th of the 22 teams. Unfortunately this means that Ireland have not qualified a team for the Paralympics in 2008 so Kathryn will have to wait and see if she has secured an individual place for Beijing. However, Kathryn and her team mates, who all have a chance to achieve individual slots at the Paralympics, are still looking forward to the Paralympic Council of Ireland's Acclimatisation Camp which takes place in Beijing in August of this year.

On a more local note, Kathryn has qualified for the KBIS Disabled Dressage Rider Championship which will take place in September at the British Dressage National Championships at Stoneleigh. This will be her 9th successive appearance at the BD Championships.

Kathryn would like to thank all her sponsors including Cravenbale Haylage, WCF Country Stores, John Whitaker International, Bardsey Mills, Broughton Hall Business Park and Stuart Shopfitting for their continued support.

Congratulations to the G.B. Team who came first!