Emma Booth's interview before Hartpury CPEDI3*

Emma Booth is one of five Australians in Hartpury to compete in the CPEDI3* - an important qualifying event for Australia's Para-Equestrian team on the #RoadtoRio.

We had the chance to talk to Emma before she left for England.

Emma Booth

Emma is 24 years old, she will be competing in Grade 2 with the British borrowed Scottish Sport Horse stallion Wagner V.U. 12yo, owned by Heather Bennett.

Emma, you have been selected for Hartpury CPEDI3* in the UK from 8th - Friday 10th July. It will be your second year at Hartpury. How do you feel about it?

I’m so excited. I had the most amazing time last year and learnt so much so I’m really looking forward to competing again this year and riding in that impressive indoor arena again. I really hope I can learn just as much this year but perhaps take some of the knowledge I gained last year to improve on my performance the second time round. I met so many lovely people at Hartpury last year and got to see some incredible horses so I really can’t wait for this year.

Can you tell us about you latest good results that got you to be selected in the team?

To be honest my recent scores haven’t been to the standard that I would hope as I haven’t had my own horse to compete. In saying that I got a rather good score on a borrowed horse at Werribee a few months ago and I would think that my results from Hartpury last year would have been taken into consideration.

Tell us about the horse you will be competing with in Hartpury?

I will be riding a beautiful stallion called Wagner V.U this year. I was able to ride him when I was overseas earlier this year and he is just lovely so I’m really looking forward to getting in the competition ring with him.

How did you get prepared in the past weeks? And what will be the program of the next few days?

In the weeks leading up my time in the saddle was definitely not as much as I would have liked, again because of not currently having a horse. However I was able to ride my coach's horse a few times which was great, otherwise I would have been a bit rusty going overseas. In the days before such a long flight I have made an effort to do lots of stretching and keep my body really well hydrated as this tends to help recovery when I land in the UK.

What are your expectations in Hartpury?

If this trip is anything like my last one it will be extremely rewarding. The facilities at Hartpury are incredible and make everything very easy. I'm excited to spend the trip with my teammates and share the experience with them.

What is your long term goal as a rider?

I would love to get to Rio and many Paralympics to follow, but a long term goal is to also coach and bring on other riders who share the same passion as me.

Is there a rider you admire?

My coach Samantha Bartlett. She has really taken me under her wing since my accident and has been such a huge help in my recovery. She is a beautiful rider, is amazing with young horses and has such a passion for what she does. I really admire her work ethic and love her style of teaching.