Bio - Adria Di Maria

Allow me to introduce myself, Adria Di Maria, and the exciting world of Para-equestrian dressage, a sport which has been developing over the past 25 years. Athletes are classified according to their level of disability and compete on a national and international level. I contracted Polio in 1955, and as a result have significant weakness in both of my legs.

My goal is simple: I plan on being the best challenged rider I can be. This means being not only a member of our proud US Para-equestrian Team, but also a respected and contributing member of the community. As a Para-equestrian competitor, I hope to become an ambassador for the disabled athlete and to the world community in the specialty of Para Dressage at the Paralympics in 2012/ England.

Video

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Well, Pan Pan and I had a nice relaxed ride today. One of the gals at the stable gave him a "fancy do "( an Indian tail braid...two braids and a loose strand...which is meant for a feature!) He loved the attention. Seriously considering attending the World Games/ Kentucky in October 6,7.8 of 2010 . It is the first time Para-equestrians have been included in this very prestigious event. It would be fun to watch the world's best para equestrians in action..... even if I'm not a contender. Maybe a group of us could all go. Give it some thought......
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Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Did you know that Paralympic Games are the second largest sporting event in the world after the Olympics.
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Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Today, decided to give our boy , Pan Pan a break and so I had my lesson on Rocky.
He was a bit nervous beginning our session but after some gentle encouragement, Rocky and I were communicating and all went well. He has a nice trot , much smaller than Pan Pan's big warm blood style. I felt so honored when my trainer suggested his ease into the lesson was because of my horsemanship skills. Wow, that felt good to hear! ..what a wonderful compliment.
Carrots for everyone after the lesson.
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Monday, July 6, 2009

Shared photo book from adria

Click here to view this photo book larger

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Sunday, July 5, 2009

Lis Hartel









Lis Hartel, an equestrian who won two Olympic silver medals for Denmark in the 1950s despite being paralyzed below the knees because of polio, has recently died, according to the Danish Equestrian Federation. She was 87.

Lis Hartel’s equestrian career was one of true heroism.

Click here to read more.


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WELCOME!



This is the first posting to ...A Para-equestrian's Passion. I'm looking forward to sharing many wonderful adventures with you. Thanks for coming on the journey. I hope to post regular updates.

My current competitive partner is a wonderful 16 2 h Dutch Warm Blood, named Pan Pan aka Little Cesar. He is a big boy with a big heart. Pan Pan is enjoying life as a country gentleman after years of competitive jumping. We are working on USEF first level Dressage Test and having fun preparing a " pas de deux " ( a dance for two) with my wonderful trainer, Sarah, as part of the Reins' Hoedown. Our music .. John Cash....Ghost Riders in the Sky!!
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