Last Updated on 07/09/2024 by Crip Life
World number one Para-dressage athlete Mari Durward-Akhurst will make her Paralympic Games debut in Paris. Previously a team silver medallist at the FEI Para-Dressage European Championship in 2019, she now partners experienced horse Athene Lindebjerg, who contested Rio 2016 with Sophie Christiansen to win triple gold.
As part of our ParalympicsGB debutants interview series, our editor, Emma Purcell, speaks to Mari Durward-Akhurst about living with a rare neurological condition, becoming a Para-dressage athlete, her sporting success so far and what she is most looking forward to at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Mari Durward-Akhurst started riding at her local Riding for the Disabled Association group as a form of therapy in 2005. Her disability had made it difficult for her to make friends because she couldn’t keep up with other children, but she found that riding not only helped her on a physical level but also improved her mental wellbeing because it was something she could excel at. Once she started competing, she was hooked.
Mari made her British team debut in 2007 at the Junior International level. Since then, she has achieved several national and international titles.
In 2019, Mari was selected for the FEI Para-Dressage European Championship in Rotterdam, the Netherlands with Sky O’Hara, where they helped the British team take silver.
Mari formed a partnership with Athene Lindebjerg at the start of 2023 – the experienced mare previously took triple European and Paralympic gold with Sophie Christiansen in 2015 and 2016, then another three gold medals with Julie Payne at the FEI Para-Dressage European Championships in 2017. In all their competitive outings, Mari and Athene have never finished off the podium, helping them in their selection campaign for Paris 2024 – a Paralympic debut for Mari.
Mari will be part of an all-female equestrian squad, which includes three returning Paralympians Natasha Baker, Georgia Wilson and Sophie Wells.
Out of the saddle, Mari can often be found in the gym. She enjoys Para rowing and has won two gold medals representing Wales at home international level. She’s also a keen public speaker and enjoys mentoring up-and-coming Para-dressage riders.
Read on to find out more about Mari Durward-Akhurst in her own words and scroll down to see her Paris 2024 results.
Mari Durward-Akhurst on living with a rare neurological condition
What is your rare neurological condition and how does it affect you?
It was always thought when I was born that I had cerebral palsy (CP), but generally CP doesn’t progress and mine did so they did genetic testing. My neurological condition is so rare it doesn’t have a name.
The easiest way to describe it is to say I have ataxia, which means that I have impaired balance and coordination. Unfortunately, it is degenerative and I have gone from being able to walk with a limp, to a walking stick to being a full-time wheelchair user.
I am unable to move my legs at all and my condition affects all four limbs and my trunk.
My parents are my full-time carers. I graduated from university with a degree in Sports Therapy but unfortunately, I cannot practise anymore. I can drive thanks to an adapted van.
You’ve opened up about the isolation and bullying you faced as a child. What would you say to other people facing this and also if you could, what would you say to the bullies who did not believe in you?
I would say stay strong and never feel alone. There are always people who are willing to listen. So, speak out – that’s the only way that bullying can be found out.
To the bullies, I’d say, I knew I would prove you wrong and it just shows that your bullying did not stop me from succeeding. If anything, it made me even more determined.
Mari Durward-Akhurst on becoming a Para-dressage rider
What drew you to horse riding as a form of therapy and once starting, did you immediately know you wanted to do this professionally or did you need convincing?
My physio suggested I take up riding as a form of therapy and my mum and dad were heavily involved with the local Riding for the Disabled group. So, I was born into horses and had my first riding lesson when I was three years old. I started with two side helpers and a leader as I found it hard to sit up to start off with.
I didn’t need any convincing once I was able to start competing, I loved it, and the rest is history. Horses are my legs and together we excel. They have never judged me even though I was different, that didn’t matter to them.
What has been the highlight of your Para-dressage career so far?
It’s hard to choose just one. It has to be being selected for the Para-Dressage Europeans in 2019 with the horse I had on loan then, Sky O’Hara, who is owned by Glesni Owen. Sky has retired and lives in Yorkshire with his owner. He is 25 years old now. I had the most amazing week and memories were made that will last a lifetime. To win a team medal (silver medal) was indescribable, a dream come true and being on that podium was awesome. It’s made me even more determined to get back on the podium.
Most recently becoming World Number One in the FEI World Rankings was incredible and of course, finding out that I had been selected for the Paralympics and going to kitting out day, that was such a phenomenal day.
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You’ve also competed in Para-rowing. Do you still compete and would you ever consider trying to make it into a future ParalympicGB rowing squad?
Para-rowing is very much a hobby at the minute and my true love Para-dressage has won! I have won two gold medals representing Welsh Rowing at the Home International in Ireland (2023).
I still row in the boat and on the rowing machine, as it’s very helpful to my riding, they go very well together. Both work my core, which is very important in the saddle. My upper strength has massively improved since taking up rowing too.
I’m a PR1 in rowing, like a Grade 1 on the horse. I am strapped into the boat on a fixed seat with a back on it. I row with my arms and shoulders mainly. Who knows what the future holds but for now I am concentrating on Para-dressage.
Away from sports, you also do public speaking and mentoring. What kind of events have you been involved in/what kind of organisations or individuals have you spoken to?
I mentor four up-and-coming riders several of which started with the Riding for the Disabled and one boccia player. I run monthly sessions on Zoom and attend events that they are competing at when I can, such as the RDA Nationals.
I’ve done many public speaking engagements including talking to school children, guides, businesses and practitioners. I’ve also been lucky to speak on behalf of The Genie’s Wish at the Russell-Cooke Sillicon Cup Regatta. The Genie’s Wish helped fund my manual wheelchair, Genie.
Can you tell us about your roles as ambassadors for The Douglas Bader Foundation and The Arctic One Foundation?
I have been inspired by the ‘I can do it and will do it’ attitude shown by Douglas Bader. I enjoy working with The Douglas Bader Foundation to inspire others to achieve their dreams.
I have been an ambassador for The Arctic One Foundation for several years. I have given several talks to local rotary clubs for the charity and attended events run by them, such as the junior triathlon, and I proudly gave out medals.
Mari Durward-Akhurst on preparing for Paris 2024
How does it feel to be selected for your first Paralympic Games?
It’s incredible, a dream come true. It’s a huge honour to be riding Di Redfern’s Athene on the world’s biggest stage. I am so excited to be going to the Paralympics and cannot wait to get out there and start competing.
How have your preparations been going for Paris 2024 and can you tell us about the horse you will be riding?
I will be riding Di Redfern’s Athene who has nine gold medals to her name. Athene has an incredible walk and we have formed a fantastic partnership together. We call her the Dutchess as she’s a real lady. We joke that the carrots are her wages, she always has them after she’s finished training/competing. She’s a pleasure to ride and once on the white boards knows her job.
Our preparations have been going well. We are currently polishing up our test movements. I have been working hard on my accuracy as due to my lack of spatial awareness this is a big struggle for me, but we are making progress.
What are you looking forward to the most at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, as well as aiming to secure a medal?
Being at a Paralympics, riding in the incredible arena in Versailles; becoming a Paralympian. Of course, everyone wants to win a gold medal but any medal would be fantastic.
You can find out more about Mari Durward-Akhurst by following her on Instagram.
Paris 2024 Paralympics: Equestrian results
Mari Durward-Akhurst started her Paralympic debut competing in the Women’s Grade I individual dressage event, where she finished in sixth place.
Speaking after this event, Mari said: “That was amazing. Everything went to plan so I was really pleased with it. It was a lot of pressure but once I was in the saddle it was all fine. This morning was a nightmare but once I got on her and she went into the arena I knew she’d look after me. I was getting myself into a bit of a state and looking for things to do to keep me occupied. We couldn’t have done anymore today. We know each other really well. She really looks after me and she trusts me. I try and do as much as I can with her in my wheelchair.
“We’ve got new music for the freestyle that we’ve never ridden in competition before so it will be really special to ride that. Riding in Versailles was amazing. I was trying to hold back the tears when I went into the arena, it was incredible. It’s the most beautiful arena I’ve ridden in. I’ve never done a Paralympics before so the atmosphere and having the castle in the background was really emotional.”
On Saturday morning, Mari competed in the Grade I Freestyle. She won a bronze medal with a score of 77.747%.
On the test, Mari said: “I was really happy with it. It was really hard work but I think I got what the judges wanted. All the movements came off and the music all fitted. It was good.
“I didn’t really realise it was raining. I was just in our zone listening to the music, thinking about the next movement as it came up.”
Commentating on the music, Mari added: “It is special music for Paris so I am pleased we managed to play it. The main ones were Pirates of the Caribbean and Pearl Harbour. It was just something special for Athene. A lady in Germany got tasked with making it, she knew all about Athene and it is dramatic and emotional which I think is what we need. The judges obviously liked it.
“It is our first time riding to that music in competition so I was slightly concerned that it might not fit or something might happen. Everything came off, especially our shoulder in which I find really hard but she did really well.”
Reflecting on her Paralympic experience, Mari said: “It has been incredible to finally be able to say I am a Paralympian. It has been a life dream and to actually say it now, it is starting to sink in.”
The other ParalympicsGB equestrian results are:
- Natasha Baker – Women’s Grade III individual dressage event – Bronze
- Natasha Baker – Individual Freestyle Grade III – Bronze
- Georgia Wilson – Women’s Grade II individual dressage event – Bronze
- Georgia Wilson – Individual Freestyle Grade II – Bronze
- Sophie Wells – Women’s Grade V individual dressage event – Bronze
- Sophie Wells – Individual Freestyle Grade V – Bronze
- Great Britain – Team Test – 6th
Be sure to catch up on Mari Durward-Akhurst’s events and the rest of the ParalympicsGB equestrian squad at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games on Channel 4.
What is Para equestrian?
Para-dressage, known at the Paralympic Games as Para-equestrian, sees athletes classified into five grades, depending on their levels of mobility, strength and coordination. Grade 1 tests are ridden in walk, grade 2 and 3 include walk and trot, and grade 4 and 5 are comprised of walk, trot and canter.
To assist them during their tests, riders may use additional aids such as looped reins or callers, and nations can enlist ‘friend’ horses to stand just outside the arena to help the competing horse stay relaxed. There are five judges marking each test, spread at different points around the arena.
In Paris, the para equestrian competition will run through the second week of the Games period. A total of 78 athlete/horse combinations will take part, with 60 combinations from 15 nations contesting the team competition. There are 33 medals awarded for the team, individual and freestyle competitions across five grades.
There will be four athletes representing ParalympicsGB in Paris – all four will ride the individual test (which is a medal event) and aim to qualify for the freestyle by finishing in the top eight in their grade for the individual test.
In the Paralympic format, three of the athletes will also contest the team competition – the individual won’t ride the team test. The team result is based solely on the combined three scores by those athletes riding the team test.
Check out another interview with Para-dressage athlete Sophie Christiansen.