Riding high

Para-equestrian dressage rider Susan Seipel has to jump many fences in her life, the most important of which is not allowing her disability to get in the way of her education and sporting ambitions.

Susan, who is studying for a Diploma in Applied Science (Equine Studies), is national Para-equestrian champion. She won a bronze medal at the 2006 Pacific Rim International and was a runner-up in the Rebel Sport Rookies program for talented young Australian athletes.

Susan was born with Arthrogryposis Multiplex, a rare condition characterised by fusion of joints and absent muscle formation in the legs.

She said that through her studies she was able to combine both her sporting and academic interests and set herself up for a career in the equine field.

“I chose this course because it was the only one in Queensland that offered the Equine Studies stream. It was a very easy decision for me as I have always had a passion and interest for horses,” she said.

“I have really enjoyed the course so far. I like the diversity in the course as it not only covers all aspects of the horse industry but other livestock and agricultural management, which has been challenging but interesting as it opens up further work and study opportunities.”

Susan trains every day on her horse Menora Wildfire.

“The object of Dressage is the development of the horse into a happy athlete through harmonious education. As a result it makes the horse supple, loose, flexible and also confident, attentive and keen, thus achieving perfect understanding with the rider,” she said.

Susan said it was a challenge combining both her academic and sporting passions but she said the University had offered her excellent assistance and support.

“I have found UQ to have great disability support,” she said.

“Through Student Support Services, I have been able to organise help ranging from having a person drive me around the paddocks, to having a seat in the dairy.”

Susan’s long-term goal is to represent Australia at the Paralympic Games, the World Championships, and World Cup.

“I would love to make it to Beijing but it is going to be tight with just over a year to go. I am more focused on the 2010 World Cup in Kentucky, which will be the first World Cup to incorporate equestrian classes for people with disabilities with able-bodied classes,” she said.

Media: For more information visit http://people.aapt.net.au/~susanseipel/ or contact Chris Saxby at UQ Communications (c.saxby@uq.edu.au)