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.

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Friday, August 14, 2009

The European Para Equestrian Championships will take place next week in Kristiansand in Norway from 19 – 23 August 2009.

Para Equestrian Dressage is the only discipline currently in the Paralympic Games.

There are currently 80 of the world’s top disabled riders from 22 different countries looking to compete at the European Para Equestrian Championship, which will be opened by Norway’s Princess Märtha Louise. The event will also serve as a qualifier for 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Kentucky in the United States. Not only will it be the first time WEG will take place in the United States, but it will also be the first time Para Equestrian dressage forms one of the disciplines.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Barrel Racing...warmblood? They don't seem to go together in the same sentence. But Bueller and I had great fun pretending to do the rodeo circuit yesterday! This new Belgium Warmblood, the horse with the lovely gait but a bit lazy absolutely loved it! Who would have guessed. I don't think Bueller realized he was "working" and moved out without a lot of crop. What a great exercise. We both had a hoot .....and accomplished much!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Gaits of change .com . Guess who's legs those are? Sandy Webster my friend and past trainer is starting a business and today the video crew was at Reins filming us. I did an interview about the "leading method" which Sandy developed 18 years ago and has allowed me independence with ground work. Once the horse understands the rules of the method, almost anyone can safely lead. Black and turquoise are Sandy's marketing colors ..so we all wore black jeans,turquoise shirts and black hats. So Pan Pan is now officially a film star!