in the free para-dressage event in Versailles, Chiara Zenati finished at the foot of the podium – Libération

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Oh, bad luck, we said to ourselves. This Saturday morning, the rain started right at the arrival of the shuttle which connects the Versailles Chantiers station and the site of the equestrian competitions of the Paralympic Games erected, like the Olympics, in the castle park. But what were the riders and horses going to do if the track got soggy and heavy? Was the event, the ultimate in para-dressage, the only equestrian discipline included in the Games, going to be canceled?

These questions speak for themselves: we know nothing or almost nothing about horse riding, para or not. Enjoying watching international competitions on television is obviously not enough to be able to evaluate performances. Walk, trot, gallop, diagonals, circle, that’s about all we recognize. With this certainty: this sport is one of the most aesthetic there is, the magnificent animal-rider couple dressed down to their gloved hands is unsinkably chic.

Makeshift tarpaulin

Emily, a young British woman and public rider, quickly reassures us: “Rain in itself is not a problem, horse riding is an outdoor sport. Unless the track becomes too wet and dangerous, especially for horses who could injure their legs, and everyone knows how fragile they are. Sometimes, we have to close certain areas of the competition area. But that only happens in the event of heavy rain, which is not the case here.” Who would question English expertise in precipitation? In any case, the drizzle forces our neighbor in the press gallery, a photographer, to make a makeshift tarpaulin out of his raincoat, to shelter his enormous telephoto lens and the computer from which he sends his images. We exchange a look which tells us that he seems at the end of his tether. At the same time, our notebook falls into a puddle.

The speaker tries to brighten it all up: “Cover yourself, the umbrella is your best ally today!” The public was clearly informed and equipped. Boots and raincoats are also out. He has one instruction to follow: do not shout or applaud but wave your hands, to avoid disturbing the riders and horses who are used to moving in calm. It will be more or less respected, thanks to frequent reminders to silence.

Rider and DJ

This Saturday is dedicated to the free event, which consists of “reprises” (passages) to music. We attend those which start at noon. The classic dominates and confirms the aristocratic side of the discipline. So, mention to the young Italian Carola Semperboni who is the same age as her horse Paul, 19 years old, and who treats us to a medley of irresistible Italian pop (Maybe it’s because I love you by Ricchi e Poveri, Gloria by Umberto Tozzi). The public is struggling to get into the mood. Carola and Paul compete in grade I, a category reserved for riders with the most severe disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, and who only work at walking pace. It was the Latvian Richard Snikus, 36, who won, his third Olympic title – he is also world champion. A decision that suits us completely. To a Latin tune, he and King of Dance actually seem to be dancing, both in their steps and in their respective bodies. It must be said that Snikus is also a professional DJ.

At 1 p.m., the sun breaks through the gray. Place in grade II, part of the competition where the tests are done at a walk and a trot. We have a crush on the Japanese Sho Inaba, 29 years old, who rides Huzette: we find the couple as straight out of a film, light as a feather, incredibly elegant even if they evolve on My Heart Will Go On (the saw of Titanic). The jury decides otherwise: he does not climb on the box – gold goes to the American Fiona Howard.

“Perfect connection”

But we mainly came for grade III, where the Frenchwoman Chiara Zenati, 21 years old, competed. This category brings together riders with a significant motor handicap in terms of trunk balance, or a major unilateral handicap. Their tests are done at a walk and a trot, and free galloping is tolerated. For Chiara Zenati, it is a right hemiplegia that she has had since birth: she holds the reins with only her left hand but Swing Royal, 18 years old, seems to obey the brown twig with her finger and her eye. . They evolve on Valentino Suite, their recovery is completely in rhythm, fluid and precise. At this point, the audience can’t help but applaud and shout. Alas, the pair will finish fourth.

In the meantime, a very excited Chiara Zenati presents herself to the journalists. Firstly because she senses that the podium will not be possible while she dreamed of a medal in Paris, but also because this restart was the last appearance in competition for Swing Royal, who is going to retire. “We had a perfect connection on that one, it was fantastic”while it sometimes seems more cotton “He can be a little stubborn, me too, that doesn’t help much…” she said, adding that he is always happy to hit the track. There, Chiara Zenati plans a vacation, emphasizes that horses also need it, “They have just spent three weeks of intense work, they too are athletes”. It was once again an American, Rebecca Hart, who won gold in grade III.