Riding for Gold

Paralympic Gold Medal
Athens 2004
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Ms Lauren Barwick - Canada's Elite Para-Equestrian

Lauren Barwick

Lauren Barwick is a 26-year old paraplegic who is recognized as one of Canada's elite Para Equestrians in International Dressage.

She started riding at the age of seven years old and attended Pony club for many years, competing in three-day eventing, she progressed from the Pony club to show jumping. In her professional career Lauren was training to become a stunt person specializing in horsemanship. An accident in June of 2000 left her a paraplegic and unable to continue to compete in equestrian show jumping or her chosen profession.

An intense rehabilitation program has, once again provided her opportunity to ride and compete in Para-equestrian competitions where she has represented Canada at numerous events including the 2003 World Championships in Belgium.

Lauren's success in Para-equestrian international dressage to date includes:

  • 3 gold medals at the North American Inner Vision Dressage (New York)
  • 6th placing at European Dressage Championships (Portugal)
  • 6th, 8th & 9th Placing at the World Championships (Belgium)
  • Ranked 13th in the World Grade 2.

    • In addition to her riding skills, Lauren is an accomplished sailor and is a volunteer sailing instructor with the Disabled Sailing Association (D.S.A) located at Jericho Sailing Center, Vancouver B.C. Lauren is also a motivational spokesperson for the Rick Hansen, "wheels is motion foundation" and a full time employee with the Royal bank in Aldergrove.