We’re delighted to announce it is now OFFICIAL that Emma will be representing Australia at the 2016 Paralympic Games.

We are immensely proud of her achievements over the past three years and cannot thank you all enough for the part you have played in telling her story to the public which has helped raise the funds that will get Zidane and Emma overseas.

You are all considered part of Team Booth and please continue to follow her journey. Official announcement from APC below.

Team Booth will be hosting a final fundraiser and leaving party at Mornington Racecourse on 29 July – visit the event page for details.
APC Media Release

Para-equestrian rider Emma Booth has today been named on the 2016 Australian Paralympic Team after the Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) officially announced the Equestrian Team that will head to this year’s Paralympic Games.

It will be the first Paralympic Games for 25-year-old Booth, who will be competing with horse Zidane. Ranked first in the Grade II class in Australia, Booth says she is looking forward to competing in Rio.

“I definitely didn’t think this time three years ago it would be possible. It feels amazing and exciting to be heading to Rio to compete against the best in the world at what I do,” Booth said.

“My friends and family give me the confidence to push myself and boundaries, and have motivated me to reach my goal of making it to the Paralympics.”

With a passion for horses from a young age, Booth received her first pony and riding lessons at 11-years-old. Having never ridden prior to receiving her first pony, Booth quickly discovered her natural talents and just four months later began competing, with a dream of riding for Australia.

In 2013, a car accident saw Booth’s burgeoning career temporarily halt, when she became a paraplegic.

After refocusing her goal, Booth made her international Para-equestrian debut in 2014, and has continued to excel in the dressage discipline.

“Being a Paralympian is something which will be with me for life; no one can take that achievement away from me,” she said.

“I have been working with Zidane for just over six months; he is a 13-year-old Danish Warmblood imported just two years ago. He is a very sweet horse with a beautiful nature, and always tries his best.”

Australia has won nine medals in equestrian at the Paralympic Games – three gold, one silver and five bronze, since it was introduced in Atlanta 1996. Chef de Mission of the 2016 Australian Paralympic Team Kate McLoughlin hopes the tally can continue to grow in Rio.

“I would like to congratulate Emma on her selection to the Australian Paralympic Equestrian Team. It is an honor to represent Australia at the peak of Paralympic sport, and Emma should be proud of her achievement,” McLoughlin said.

“Ranked first in her class at a national level, I look forward to seeing Emma compete on the world stage in Rio.

“Australia won gold in Equestrian for the first time at an away Paralympic Games, and I hope to see our success continue in Rio.”

The Rio 2016 Paralympic Games will take place from 7 September through to 18 September, 2016.

Grade II Para Equestrian rider, Emma Booth, has had a successful two days at Sydney International Equestrian Centre for the final Rio Paralympic qualifier in Australia. Emma and her horse, Zidane, performed exceptionally well scoring 73.09% in her Team Test on Wednesday followed by another fantastic score in her Individual Test with 74.1% today [Thursday 7 April].

Today marks another significant milestone for the Booth family as it is three years to the date since Emma was injured in a head on road accident leaving her a paraplegic. Since returning to the saddle just six months after her accident she has competed at an international level for Australia twice.

Booth was delighted with her results in qualifying over the past two days and is beginning to get excited for Rio: “I’m really pleased with how Zidane performed today, he is an absolute star who tries his heart out. Riding him is my therapy,  it keeps me sane and when I’m on board it gives me freedom, he is my legs.

“I also can’t thank my family, friends, coach [Lone Joergensen] and general public enough for their support.

“We’re still waiting for the official team announcement in May but I’m starting to get excited that the Rio dream could come true.”

Qualifying is now finished in Australia but numerous Rio hopefuls are campaigning from Europe and still have three opportunities to qualify. Emma’s final scores all but cement her place in the Australian Paralympic Dressage Squad that will be announced in May.