Paralympic gold inspires at Riding for the Disabled

By Kayla Jones and Rechelle Zammit

Aug 8, 2024

Paralympian Jo Formosa with Olivia Owen, 11, who is riding Misty the Clydesdale-cross. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

As Olympic spirit and cheer spreads to all corners of the world, the participants at Riding for the Disabled, Shepparton got a special up-close experience.

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Paralympian gold-medallist Jo Formosa brought smiles and inspiration as she visited the program, which offers weekly horse riding lessons for people with disabilities, on Tuesday, August 6.

Ms Formosa has always been a skilled equestrian, competing at a high level.

After suffering an injury while riding her horse that caused spinal cord and nerve damage, she defied the odds to continue riding.

She then went even further, pushing the limits to compete in the 2014 London Paralympics’ mixed dressage — championship Grade 1B event — and win gold.

For her achievements, she has been awarded an OAM, as well as the Federation Equestre Internationale ‘Against All Odds’ award.

At the Olympic-themed day, Ms Formosa taught from the ground, helping and inspiring the participants as they took to the saddle.

News photographer Rechelle Zammit was there to take photos.