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

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Well, it was 103 degrees today and it is the end of September...go figure. Sarah and I did practiced our routine early this morning for the upcoming Hoedown and it went well. We switched horses..I rode Rocky and she rode Bueller. They are visually very closely matched chestnuts but different temperaments. Rocky ( no salt) is forward ,coming from lead horse in the "hunt" world and Bueller is the totally layed back type! Sarah got him moving well with the use of spurs and a strong leg.... aids unfortunately I can't give him.

My boy Pan, was a bit antsy..wanting to go for a ride, too. So despite the heat..we donned the saddle and made the rounds so he could whinny are all his buds. He so enjoys our rides, I told myself I didn't even feel the blazing sun! Afterwards, he was much more content to just settle into his stall. I left him happily munching hay next to his special girl, Fiona. Let's hope tomorrow is cooler.