Para-Equestrian Lauren French enjoys Boneo adventure
Clare Para-Equestrian rider Lauren French and her mount ‘EdenEyre Mitchell’ have recently returned from Boneo Classic 2019 held at Boneo Park on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria.
The pair, accompanied by their support crew, competed on January 25 to January 27 in a range of National Para-Dressage classes - these included a team test, individual and freestyle to music.
Prior to competition kicking off, Lauren said she was privileged to have a lesson with coach Mary Longden and took the opportunity to enter the competition arena for arena familiarisation.
Lauren said Friday was their first day of competition - the team test - which unfortunately saw a few minor hiccups for the pair, but nonetheless they got through the test with 56 per cent and sixth place.
"With the para-olympics being held next year in Tokyo, there were Olympic selectors present at the event. After presentations, they both came and introduced themselves to me. It was daunting but very exciting to have that experience," Lauren said.
Saturday's test was the individual, where the pair placed sixth again with a score of 54 per cent.
"Day three, our most favourite test, the freestyle to music. This is where riders create their own test using compulsory movements and then add in music," she said.
The test saw relaxed movements and their best score of the competition with 58.7 per cent.
"This competition was our first time on an international level and having international judges. It was a big learning curve particularly given that things didn’t always go quite to plan," she said.
"It was an awesome experience to be a part of something like that."
Lauren is grateful for the experience and thanks her support crew of Penny Rowley, Jenny Maynard and Ellise Pringle. She also thanked the support of her mum and dad for this trip.
"To my coaches, Pat Mann and Mary Longden. Thank you for your endless patience, guidance, knowledge and belief."
Several fundraising efforts were held to help Lauren achieve this dream which raised about $1500.
"Thank you to all those that donated to the raffle – my friends for the cash donation, Earlier Times – Minlaton, Chelsea Ashmeade, Amy Rundle, Patricia Mann, Clare Hunt Club, Captured on Canvas, Kate Maynard, Clare Valley Flowers and Annie McGregor. It was a big raffle with a huge variety of prizes," Lauren said.
Thank you to my sponsors: Margaret Lawson, Anne Jones, Martin Edelmaier, Stuart Officen, Alison Ward, Kevin Lintern, Kath and Bob Longbottom, Mait Plumbing, Patricia Mann, Alison and Paul Smith, Robyn and Eric Cain, Chrissy Taylor and Karen Sobey
"Thank you to my amazing friends who helped and are always there to support and encourage my riding adventures." Lauren is now working toward Boneo 2020.
"Boneo Classic 2019 was a great adventure that I was lucky to be able to attend. I am currently planning the next 12 months and hope to be able to compete in Boneo in 2020," Lauren said.