Lisa Martin still chasing new heights after reaching world number 1

For Australian para-dressage rider Lisa Martin, horses have never simply been a sport, they've been a way of life.

Growing up on a family farm surrounded by horses, Martin was immersed in the equestrian world from an early age, learning from successful horse people across multiple disciplines while helping with the family's daily work.

"My family always had horses when I was growing up and I was fortunate to be influenced and guided by successful horse people from many different sports," Martin said.

"We lived on a farm where Dad had cattle, so working cattle on horseback was a common day's work, no matter what type of horse we had at the time."

Like many young riders, Martin tried her hand at a range of equestrian sports, including polocrosse, eventing, showjumping, sporting events and dressage. It wasn't until she was around 13 years old that she decided to focus her attention on dressage after years of lessons with renowned coach Rozzie Ryan.

"I'd been having dressage lessons with Rozzie Ryan since I was seven years old, and when Mum asked me what sport I wanted to concentrate on, that was the moment I decided to focus on dressage," she said.

"My family were all involved with horses. Dad ran a polocrosse business and Mum rehabilitated injured Thoroughbreds, so helping them was just part of everyday life."

That lifelong dedication has seen Martin become one of Australia's most accomplished para-dressage athletes, representing Australia at multiple Paralympic Games and proudly wearing the green and gold on the world's biggest stages.

"Representing Australia never grows old," she said.

"It's one of the most honourable experiences I have been fortunate enough to experience in my career with horses."

Among her many achievements, Martin made history by becoming the first Australian para-equestrian athlete to reach world No.1 in Grade V, a milestone that reflects decades of hard work and commitment.

"To be ranked number one in the world has taken a lot of work, but to have this honour is amazing," she said.

"You never take it for granted. I have to keep focusing on improving because there are always riders working just as hard as you to achieve that position."

Across a career spanning decades, Martin says her proudest moments have come in many different forms, from producing young horses she has bred through to Grand Prix level, to representing Australia with horses she developed herself.

"There have been so many career highlights," she said.

"It can be the satisfaction of training a young horse you've bred through to Grand Prix, winning at CDI level or representing Australia on horses you've bred yourself like Juicy Wiggle, Conquistador, IN Time and Rythmic."

Now, Martin is preparing for another major milestone after earning selection to represent Australia at the FEI World Championships in Aachen.

Despite her wealth of international experience, the excitement of receiving the call-up has never faded.

"The call to say you're on the team still gives you goosebumps every time," she said.

"Riding into that stadium for the first time is a feeling that's impossible to describe.

"You have so many emotions running through your body. You're trying to focus, trying to enjoy the moment and ride the test of your life.

"But when you're there, training before the competition, you say to yourself, 'we've done it,' and then I just enjoy every moment of the journey."

While strong performances are always the aim, Martin's goals for Aachen remain grounded in perspective.

"I want to enjoy the campaign and try to achieve the scores I'm getting here in Australia, or even better," she said.

"But if that doesn't happen, that's okay. Life goes on, and I'll keep training, enjoying my horses and continuing to improve.”