Gary and his mares Mandelas Crystal Gem and Mandelas Ruby Gem pictured with their competition ribbons at the Horowhenua Dressage Group summer tournament
Gary with his horse competing at the Wellington Summer Series
Vision impaired Para equestrian rider Gary Wiley was a recent recipient of Blind Sport New Zealand Development Funding, with the funding being used to support his participation and performance in recent equestrian events.
Riding since he was eight years old, Gary regularly competes in both Para and able-bodied equestrian dressage events. Throughout the summer, Gary and his mares Mandelas Crystal Gem and Mandelas Ruby Gem have seen some fantastic success at a number of competitions. At the Horowhenua Dressage Group summer tournament in early February, Gary took home a fifth place and two sixth place ribbons. Later in February, at the Wellington Summer Series he earned both second and third places, and was named Reserve champion in this able-bodied competition.
Gary’s proudest achievement so far has been winning the Para Equestrian Spring Series in Masterton in 2019. He has big plans for his future in equestrian, with several more competitions coming up over the next few months, and hopes to achieve a Grade V Para Championship win in the coming seasons. Eventually, he would like to compete in Para Equestrian competitions in Australia.
Gary with his horse at the Horowhenua Dressage Group summer tournament
Gary says that the Development Funding has been tremendously helpful in enabling him to attend competitions and access coaching, which can be costly.
Development Funding is available for affiliate sporting groups and athletes to apply for in quarterly funding rounds.