Marita Hird (born 25 February 1971)[1] is a Paralympic equestrian competitor from Australia. She won a bronze medal at the 2000 Sydney Games in the Mixed Dressage – Freestyle grade III event.[2]
Action shot of Hird, shown on her horse O.P. Fleur, at the 2000 Summer Paralympics
Personal
Hird was born in Kew, Victoria.[1] She was a jockey until 1993 when she fell from her horse during a race.[3] Hird broke her neck in three places[4] and was advised that she was an incomplete quadriplegic.[3] However, after nine months Hird learned to walk again and began riding horses as a form of therapy.[3]
Sporting career
After being encouraged to compete in dressage, Hird won bronze at the World Championships in AarhusDenmark.[5] She went on to win bronze in the Mixed Dressage - Freestyle grade III event at the 2000 Paralympics in Sydney.[1] Hird also represented Australia at the 2004 Paralympics where she just missed out on a medal.[3] At the 2006 Pacific Rim Championships, held in Vancouver, Hird won three silver medals.[3][5] She credits some of her success to Manolo Mendez, who gave her guidance.[5]
References
^ abcAustralian Media Guide : 2000 Paralympic Games. Sydney: Australian Paralympic Committee. 2000.
^ abcde"Marita Hird". The Australian Equestrian Federation - South Australian Branch. Archived from the original on 11 December 2015. Retrieved 11 October 2015.
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