By Dongyun Kwon
Yarra Valley-based para-equestrian has wanted to shout out to the local community for supporting her journey in Paris.
It’s already over a month since the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games came to an end.
Para-equestrian Bridget Murphy has returned to her normal life and to her workplace Light House, an NDIS provider.
Murphy said her first Paralympics experience was amazing where she and Her 13hh part-bred Welsh horse Penmain Promise, known as Macey, could learn a lot.
“I feel really lucky to have it,” she said.
The duo participated in three different events, Grade II Individual Test, Team Event and Individual Freestyle.
Although she didn’t hang any medals on her neck, Murphy said she was happy with the results.
“We came seventh for both Grade II Individual and Individual Freestyle, and Team Australia came 12th,” the para-equestrian said.
“Macey is very young, so she is at the start of her career, and I’m very happy with how she went.
“It was a massive environment for her and she really tried her best.”
Murphy would like to try to represent Australia at the Paralympics again if everything keeps going well.
“We’re looking forward to the future and assuming she can go again and deeper the next time,” she said.
Macey isn’t home yet as she is in quarantine.
“They have to do a two-week quarantine in Germany before they fly home, and in Australia, they have to do it for another two weeks,” Murphy said.
“We’re all really excited to get her home next week.”
The whole Yarra Valley community supported their journey in Paris via numerous comments and messages on social media as well as watching the live competitions on TV.
The Yarra Valley based para-equestrian was aware of the support from the local community and has tried to catch up with everyone who sent her well wishes since she got back home.
Murphy said she wanted to thank everyone for all the support, not just for her but also for her team and the whole Australian team.
“It was so awesome seeing all the messages, comments and all the support,” she said.
“It drove home what I needed to do, which was to represent Australia and the Valley.”
