The power of the horse: Canadian Para dressage riders share special bond

Photos: Jon Stroud for Equestrian Canada Équestre

PARIS – Roberta Sheffield, competing at her third Paralympic Games, knew how important it was that Fairuza, the 16-year-old mare she has been training and competing with over the last nine years, be thrilled with the venue at the Chateau de Versailles.

The dressage competition got underway earlier this week at one of the Games’ most spectacular venues where the riders and their horses plunge into the origins of the equestrian arts, practiced in this royal setting since the late 17th century.

“Oh, I have such a special relationship with that horse,” said Sheffield, 44, a Canadian now based in the UK. “When we go on the sand there is a feeling almost like a gladiatorial feeling that we fight together against the world, we are in this bubble together.

‘’We are taking on the challenge of doing that dressage test, nothing else matters, it is this wonderful feeling of partnership.”

Their connection also creates a bond like no other for Sheffield.

“Wonky (Fairuza’s nickname), is incredibly good at filling in the gaps that are created by my condition. She’s naturally so sensitive.’’

Sheffield has had rheumatoid arthritis since she was 15. She bought Fairuza on the exact day she competed on Tuesday nine years ago.

‘’I found her on a field of among 100 horses, all unhandled, untouched,’’ she recalled. ‘’She had no name. I literally had to stand in the field and select precisely which one I wanted as the horses rushed past us.’’

All three Canadian equestrians were in action Tuesday in the individual event. Sheffield posted the best Games result of her career with a sixth. With the top eight finish, she also qualified for the individual freestyle on Saturday.

Sheffield’s teammate Jody Schloss of Toronto, also at her third Games, is also pleased with her horse’s response to the course on the majestic venue.

 “I was really happy with the way he listened,’’ Schloss said about riding her new mount 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood (KWPN) gelding El Colorado whom she purchased in early 2023.

‘’He has his moments. When we’re in the barn, he really loves food, if you have some he will try to eat it out of your hand. He loves bananas and he’ll definitely get some banana today!”

The beautiful and rare Knabstrupper spotted gelding, Canada’s Para Horse of the Year in 2023, has been turning heads all week.

Canada’s third equestrian is Austen Burns, competing at his first Paralympics. He was incredibly composed and prepared as he walked in the ring with his partner, a 17-year-old Hanoverian gelding named Happy Feet 3 on Tuesday.

 “I think the atmosphere in Paris has been incredible, the people, the support has been something else,’’ said Burns, 24, born in Vancouver and now residing in Belfast. ‘’It’s definitely a competition that has exceeded my expectations and more.

 “It’s always been a dream to get to the Paralympics and this whole experience has been incredible.”