Healesville’s Bridget Murphy’s 2020 Tokyo Paralympics goal

Healesville’s Bridget Murphy is on a mission to make the Australian Paralympic team for next year’s Tokyo Games. But the idea only first crossed her mind about 18 months ago.

Healesville rider Bridget Murphy, with her pony, Dracmoore Flirtatious, seeks qualification for the Australian Paralympic team for next year’s Tokyo Games. Picture: Andy Rogers

BRIDGET Murphy has been riding horses for as long as she can remember, but the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics has only been on her radar for 18 months.

The 31-year-old rider from Healesville was classified for Para Dressage in October 2017, and within just 12 months was a national champion.

Bridget Murphy with her pony Dracmoore Flirtatious.

Over the next eight months, Ms Murphy will compete in five qualifying events in her bid to make Australia’s Paralympic team.

“I thought I may as well go all in,” Ms Murphy said.

“They call (dressage), dancing on horseback.

“You’re given a set series of movements and your job is to make it look as effortless and harmonious as possible.”

She says a win for her would be a win for the whole Healesville community.

“It will mean so much to me but also to a lot of people,” she said.

“There’s a big team behind me, so I’m doing it all for them as well as myself.”

In her spare time, Ms Murphy coaches and teaches private lessons to kids as young as four years old.

“I like giving back to the sport,” she said.

“The pony club was such a big part of my growing up … that shaped who I am. I like seeing the kids achieve goals they never thought possible whether little or big. You get the same sense of pride watching the kids grow doing something they love.

“It’s a lot of work, but the harder you work the luckier you get.”

For SHINE: Bridget Murphy is a para equestrian who is trying to make the Tokyo 2020 team. pictured with her pony, Dracmoore FlirtatiousPicture: ANDY ROGERS