Equestrian: Donnybrook rider on top

Donnybrook paraequestrienne Sharon Jarvis was named Equestrian Australia Domestic Athlete of the Year in Sydney last month ahead of several other Olympic riders.

‘‘I can’t believe it, to come out on top was very special,’’ Jarvis said.

‘‘It was the first time a pararider has beaten all the other riders.’’

The 2008 Beijing paralympian has also continued her good form winning champion novice on her new horse Showndown at the Southern Districts Dressage Club in Albany last month.

The win came after the pair had spent only three weeks together and Jarvis said it was a great start to Showdown’s competitive career.

The nine-year-old stallion was recently imported from Germany by Dr Michael Proctor of Oakford Equine Hospital.

Jarvis feels lucky to be riding Showdown after a mutual friend,Olympic medallist Sonja Johnson, linked her to Dr Proctor.

‘‘We get along fantastic and he really tries his hardest,’’ Jarvis said.

‘‘He has the qualities to be an Olympic medallist.’’

With two horses on the go, Showdown and Applewood Orlando, Jarvis said she had more competition opportunities and would be training with both horses in the lead up to the 2012 London Paralympics.