Road to Rio - Derriere Equestrian Sponsored Rider Erin Orford
The road to Rio
Derriere Equestrian sponsored rider Erin Orford is one of Britain’s
most determined and inspirational dressage riders, and is waiting with baited
breath to see whether the Para Games selectors will choose her for Rio later
this year. There are just five GB places at the Para Games on the dressage
team, and Erin has been working exceptionally hard for the past few years to
earn a coveted place on the squad. She has been shortlisted, and with team
selection imminent for Rio, and final selections for the Paralympic team of
five focusing on results from this month’s Wellington KBIS Championships and
July’s Hartpury International event, we asked Erin how she deals with the
pressures of selection. “The Para Games selectors are watching our performances
throughout the rest of the year too, so it's kind of ongoing,” she says
pragmatically.
“I've also done a lot of work over the years with our team psychologist
and the rest of my support team to have a pre-competition routine, which I try
to stick to as closely as possible whether it's a qualifier or an
international, so that it becomes natural,” adds the Grade Two rider, who is
missing the radius bone in both arms, meaning she has shortened lower arms and
only four fingers on each hand. “I'm also a bi-lateral through knee amputee, so
I have no lower legs, making my seat extra important - my Derriere undies are
invaluable!” Erin adds.
“A privilege”
The race for selection is in fact no race, but a long term, strategic
plan to succeed in her discipline and be the best rider and horse producer that
Erin can be. The dressage star was shortlisted for the London 2012 Paralympic
Games with her horse Nirvana Morroko (Roko), and has also competed in able
bodied contests up to Advanced Medium level. Roko is a 13 yr old KWPN gelding
by Orame (part owned by Diana Barley), and is described by his owner as being
quite cheeky. “He’s always in your face - he loves being fussed and would
happily stand all day being pampered,” smiles Erin, who has represented England
on an able-bodied team for a Home International event. “He also loves the big
occasion; probably because it means he's centre of attention, and he is ruled
by his stomach - a trait that he's also encouraging with my top ride, Pimms!”
Pimms (competition name Dior, owned by Annabel Whittet), is a 13 yr old
Hanoverian chestnut mare by Keystone DiMaggio. “She is incredibly kind natured
and is sensitive to ride, which works in my favour,” Erin adds. “She's not
really that fussed about other horses, because she thinks she's far too
important, but she loves a big show, especially with an audience. She has an
enormous walk, and an elegant trot, which is great for my tests; but at 17hh, I
think we could do with a bigger arena at times!”
Working with animals of such size and strength that ultimately choose
to let you ride them and influence their way of going is a privilege for Erin.
“It is incredible. They put their trust in us, and when you see some of the
best horse and rider combinations, it really is a true partnership,” Erin says.
“What I love about our sport is that you can be a 5ft2, slight women and you
can be competitive and win against 6ft tall men, because the sport isn't just
about the strength of a rider - there are so many other factors that influence
your way of riding, and how the horse goes. Felling the power underneath you,
and when a specific movement clicks with the horse when they've been struggling,
is so satisfying,” she continues.
Part of something great
Here at Derriere, we are wishing Erin all the best for her impending
events at Wellington and Hartpury, and asked her what Rio selection would mean.
“The Olympics and Paralympics are the pinnacle of every athlete's career, and
for me it's no different. It's been a long journey with a lot of ups and downs,
not just for me but also my family and support team and sponsors, who ride the
rollercoaster with me. But getting to Rio and even standing on the podium would
be my thanks to them, to show them that it was all worth it, and that they
could be proud of being part of something great,” she concludes generously.
We are are all ready to assist Erin's #RoadToRio packing with some extra special Derrieres.
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