At just over 13 hands tall, Macey may be small, but she and her rider Bridget Murphy are set to make a big impact on the Paralympic stage in Paris.
Standing at just 13 hands, Macey, the diminutive mare, might seem like she’s more suited to a garden than a grand arena. Yet, when she and Bridget Murphy step into the spotlight at the Paralympic Games in Paris, their size will be overshadowed by their sheer determination and spirit.
Murphy and Macey, officially known by her performance name Penmain Promise, are among four Australian pairs heading to the Paris Paralympics to represent the country in para-equestrian dressage. Their journey is anything but conventional. Murphy, who switched to para-equestrian competitions only three years ago, and Macey, likely the shortest competitor in the arena, are making waves despite their unconventional entry.
“People are immediately drawn to her,” Murphy shared with ABC Victorian Statewide Mornings. “Despite her size, which is quite noticeable next to larger horses, she’s perfect for me. I’m small myself, so she’s just right.”
Macey, at six years old, is notably young for such a high-level competition. Originally named Maskia, meaning “a girl born in the rain,” Macey’s early life didn’t suggest a future in the competitive arena. Her breeder, Alexandra Parratt, quickly recognized that the filly was too small for her own riding needs.
“Horses are measured in hands, with one hand equating to about 10 centimeters. At 13 hands high, Macey is significantly shorter than her competitors, who usually stand between 16 and 17 hands,” Parratt explained.
A serendipitous shift in circumstances allowed Macey to come into Murphy’s life at the perfect time. It took only one ride for the connection between them to become apparent.
“She took to me and my riding style as if she had been doing it her whole life,” Murphy said. “You can really feel the bond we share, and that’s what captivates people.”
Murphy competes in the Grade 2 category, which is the second highest level of physical impairment in para-equestrian dressage. Her routines include walking, trotting, and some lateral movements. This will be Murphy’s first Paralympic Games, and she’s taking it all in stride.
“The farthest Macey has traveled before was Sydney, so this is quite an adventure for us,” Murphy said. “While gold might be a stretch, we’re definitely going to give it our all.”
Back in regional Victoria, Parratt will be cheering from her living room. “Tickets for the para-equestrian events sold out so quickly I didn’t get a chance to buy any,” she lamented. “Even though Macey might be the smallest pony at the Games, their hard work and dedication to qualify for the Paris Paralympics are truly deserving. They make an exceptional team and embody the dream every horse owner has—seeing their horse achieve such a perfect place. They really warm my heart.”
