Bourne-based Bert is delighted to be heading to the Rio Olympics in August with her horse Double Agent as a member of the Canadian Paralympic Dressage team. A Grade-III para-equestrian, Bert suffers from Juvenile Idiopathic Rheumatoid Arthritis, which affects all of her joints, her spine, her hips, and her hands and feet, causing fatigue and decreased mobility. Despite this, she has an impressive number of accolades to her name, including 4th place in the Freestyle at the 2014 World Equestrian Games, a win at the 2014 Para-Dressage National Championships, 2nd place at the Doha, Al Shaqab Invitational CPEDI3*, and wins and placings at CPEDI3* competitions around Europe, both as an individual and as a member of Team Canada. Bert also competes in able-bodied dressage.
Bert will ride her top horse Double Agent – known as Darcy – at the Rio Olympics. Bert bought the chestnut mare, by Donnersohn, as an unbacked youngster, and brought her on with the help of Helen Brown and Ashley Gowanlock. Since then, the pair has gone from strength to strength, with consistent results at the CPEDI3* level. Bert says:
“It’s an honour to be selected. I’ve been working really hard, and this has been my aim with this horse for the last eight years – we’ve been training with this in mind. I’ll be trying to capitalise on my success at the World Equestrian Games. If we can pull out our best performance, I would hope that that will put us in the running.”
Canadian Performance Manager David Hunter is confident in his selection. He explained whilst supporting Bert at her final competition before Rio:
“I’m delighted with the four riders selected to go to Rio. Bert is very experienced and well deserves to be there with Darcy; they have performed well and worked extremely hard. I am proud to be associated with them, and with Team Canada.”
SEIB Insurance Brokers offer a comprehensive range of insurance services and are proud to be able to offer their support to this talented rider. Bert said:
“SEIB’s support has been invaluable in making this journey affordable. To be supported by such a well-respected insurance company is incredible, and their coverage has given me complete peace of mind, allowing me to focus on riding, training, and competing.”
SEIB Marketing Manager, Nicolina MacKenzie says:
“We are delighted to be able to support Bert. With her attitude and determination, she is such a great ambassador for the sport and a very good person to work with.”
