Marita Hird

Marita Hird (born 25 February 1971)[1] is a Paralympic equestrian competitor from Australia. She won a bronze medal at the 2000 Sydney Games in the Mixed Dressage – Freestyle grade III event.[2]

Action shot of Hird, shown on her horse O.P. Fleur, at the 2000 Summer Paralympics

Marita Hird
2000 Australian Paralympic Team portrait of Hird
Personal information
Nationality Australia
Born25 February 1971 (1971-02-25) (age 49)
Kew, Victoria, Australia
Medal record
Para equestrian
Representing  Australia
Paralympic Games
2000 SydneyMixed Dressage
Freestyle grade III

Personal

Hird was born in Kew, Victoria.[1] She was a jockey until 1993 when she fell from her horse during a race.[3] Hird broke her neck in three places [4] and was advised that she was an incomplete quadriplegic.[3] However, after nine months Hird learned to walk again and began riding horses as a form of therapy.[3]

Sporting career

After being encouraged to compete in dressage, Hird won bronze at the World Championships in Aarhus Denmark.[5] She went on to win bronze in the Mixed Dressage - Freestyle grade III event at the 2000 Paralympics in Sydney.[1] Hird also represented Australia at the 2004 Paralympics where she just missed out on a medal.[3] At the 2006 Pacific Rim Championships, held in Vancouver, Hird won three silver medals.[3][5] She credits some of her success to Manolo Mendez, who gave her guidance.[5]

References
  1. Australian Media Guide : 2000 Paralympic Games. Sydney: Australian Paralympic Committee. 2000.
  2. "Athlete Search Results". International Paralympic Committee. Retrieved 2 October 2011.
  3. "Marita Hird". The Australian Equestrian Federation - South Australian Branch. Archived from the original on 11 December 2015. Retrieved 11 October 2015.
  4. "The Current Equestrian Paralympic Preparation Squad". Riding For the Disabled Association Australia. Archived from the original on 9 April 2013. Retrieved 11 October 2015.
  5. "Marita Hird". Dubbo Eventing & Showjumping Association. Archived from the original on 11 December 2015. Retrieved 11 October 2015.


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