Competitor Interviews – Michael Murphy

1^st 2* Grade 1a / 1^st Grade 1a

Michael Murphy has just turned 14 and at the Bishop Burton competition became the youngest ever rider to win a 2* Para competition. At the time of writing officials were checking whether Michael is the youngest rider in the world to win a senior Para competition.

Michael suffers from a degenerative disease which means he has a general lack of sensation, muscle weakness and no reflexes. He competes at Grade 1a level.

Riding six times a week at Penniwells RDA, Michael is coached by Sarah Healing.

“I started riding when I was five for therapy,” said Michael. “Sarah spotted me when I was riding for the RDA and it went from there.”

Michael has extensive experience of National and International competition and was in no doubt that his appearance at the Bishop Burton event would be in the 2* competition.

“He researched all of the rules himself,” said mum Sue. “He knew without doubt he was old enough to compete at this level and that was what he was going to do.”

Unfortunately, just prior to the competition it was decided Michael’s horse Pebbly Tarragon was not fit  to compete and Michael was given the ride on Sophie Christiansen’s  Paralympic horse Lambrusco III by the Para Dressage Training Trust; a ride he shared with Grade II rider Alex Sutton who also took first in the YR competition.

“I only got the ride on Lambrusco a week ago,”said Michael. “He’s a brilliant horse and it’s a privilege to ride him.

“I’m really happy with how the tests have gone – it’s a great place to ride and it’s great to go into the arena and know you can do it.”

Michael’s dream is to ride at the World Championships and the Paralympic Games