Bridget Murphy chasing World Championship success

From a chance conversation to representing Australia on the world stage, Victorian Para Dressage rider Bridget Murphy’s journey has been anything but conventional.

Born with multiple pterygium syndrome, Murphy has been riding horses since she was 10 years old. While horses had always been a huge part of her life, it wasn’t until 2018 that she discovered Para Dressage, a decision that has since taken her to the Paralympic Games and earned her selection for the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen.

Murphy credits an unexpected meeting with Olympic eventer Sonya Johnson and Paralympian Sharon Jarvis as the turning point in her career.

“I grew up riding since I was a child, but it wasn't until my 'almost 30s' that I started being involved with Para Dressage,” she said.

“It was actually a chance encounter with Olympic eventer Sonya Johnston that kick started it all. Sonya initiated the meeting between Sharon Jarvis and myself, and they were both quite insistent that I become involved in the sport. It all just snowballed from there!”

Away from the arena, Murphy completed a degree in Animal and Veterinary Biosciences at La Trobe University, balancing the demands of study with caring for and training horses.

“I have always been an animal lover but wasn't sure what career direction I was wanting to head in, this course presented a wide range of options to diverge or specialise depending on where you found interest or opportunity,” she said.

“I was lucky to have good support at home to step in with managing horses when I needed to be on campus, and there was a lot of commuting back and forth, early mornings and late nights.”

Her first year in Para Dressage proved to be a memorable one, claiming the 2018 Australian Grade II Para Dressage Championship.

“2018 was my first year competing in Para Dressage, so to win the title was a complete shock and very exciting,” she said.

“I was very lucky to have the ride on a very special pony, Sunrise, who has sadly now passed, so it's wonderful to have that memory to look back on now.”

Since then, Murphy has continued to establish herself among the world's best, highlighted by her Paralympic debut in Paris in 2024 where she finished seventh in both the Individual Championship Test and Team Test.

“Paris 2024 was my first Games experience and it was absolutely amazing,” she said.

“Nothing can really prepare you for it. Paralympics Australia really went above and beyond to make sure it was a super special event for all athletes, and to make each individual sport feel like part of the bigger Team Australia.

“It was an unforgettable experience, I hope to feel it again one day.”

Another defining moment came in 2023 when Murphy travelled to England to compete at Hartpury CPEDI and train alongside British Para Dressage star Sophie Wells, gaining valuable international experience riding borrowing horses for the first time.

“That was my first experience riding overseas, on two borrowed ponies lent to me by wonderful people I had never met,” she said.

“It was a complete whirlwind, but it really opened my eyes up to what's possible and what's needed to be at the top of the sport long term.

“To have that exposure without the pressure of the big game was so valuable. I would encourage any rider to give it a go if they can.”

Murphy will now return to the international stage after being selected to represent Australia at the FEI World Championships in Aachen from August 11-23, as part of a strong Australian Para Dressage team.

“It's such an honour to be selected to represent Australia,” she said.

“It's great to share this experience with such incredible teammates too. It's a very strong team and exciting to be a part of.

“On a more personal level, to once again be able to share such an amazing experience with Macey, and with 'her' team coming along too, is everything.”

With the World Championships fast approaching, Murphy is focused on delivering her best performance while embracing the atmosphere of one of equestrian sport's most iconic venues.

“We're there to do a job and do our best for Australia. I'm looking forward to delivering our best in the arena,” she said.

“Outside of the arena, everyone has been telling me Aachen is the most incredible place, so I'm just looking forward to taking as much as I can in. And the food!”

Currently ranked fourth in the world in Grade II, Murphy remains motivated by the opportunity to keep improving rather than chasing rankings.

“My goal is to deliver the best performance we can, to be brave, and not leave anything in reserve,” she said.

“Hopefully it's enough to get on the podium, but the goal is to come away knowing I gave it everything.

“It's pretty cool, and to be number one would be super exciting, but the rankings change all the time, so I try not get too caught up in it.

“My horse, my team and representing Australia are my biggest motivation.”