Mari Durward-Akhurst

Mari started riding at her local Riding for the Disabled Association group as a form of therapy in 2005. Her disability had made it difficult for her to make friends because she couldn’t keep up with other children, but she found that riding not only helped her on a physical level, but also improved her mental wellbeing because it was something she could excel at. Once she started competing, she was hooked.

Mari made her British team debut in 2007 at Junior International level. Since then, she has achieved a number of national and international titles.

In 2019, Mari was selected for the FEI Para Dressage European Championship in Rotterdam, the Netherlands with Sky O’Hara, where they helped the British team take silver.

Mari formed a partnership with Athene Lindebjerg at the start of 2023 – the experienced mare previously took triple European and Paralympic gold with Sophie Christiansen in 2015 and 2016, then another three gold medals with Julie Payne at the FEI Para Dressage European Championships in 2017. In all their competitive outings, Mari and Athene have never finished off the podium, helping them in their selection campaign for Paris 2024 – a Paralympic debut for Mari.

Out of the saddle, Mari can often be found in the gym. She enjoys Para rowing and has won two gold medals representing Wales at home international level. She’s also a keen public speaker and enjoys mentoring up-and-coming Para dressage riders.