Para-dressage rider Alison Moore aims for Rio Paralympics 2016 (From Hereford Times)

Orleton's para-dressage rider Alison Moore aims for Rio Paralympics 2016

9:00am Friday 19th October 2012 in Sport By Ian Morgan

PARA-dressage rider Alison Moore believes her horse has the ability to take on the world.

Injuries forced Alison, from Orleton, to give up on her dream to represent Great Britain at the London Paralympics.

But Alison watched television coverage of the prestigious event and is convinced Just Z has what it takes to reach the top.

“I still think Z has the ability to take on the world, so I need to be thorough in his training and leave no stone unturned,” said Alison, who is targeting Rio 2016.

“The coverage of the dressage was sparse which was a shame because GB took home five golds, five silvers and a bronze.

“It was nice to see we are still the best team and are very strong and it was a battle for silver and bronze.

“However, I did expect more golds from the squad in both the individual and freestyle, but this shows how the rest of the world have upped their game.

“The number of medals won overall was up on four years ago, and it is the first time that we have fielded a rider in all five grades.

“This shows the depth and strength of para dressage in this country, and how hard it will be to break into the team.”

Alison represented GB at an international event last year and took part in an Olympic Test Event.

She suffered neck and foot injuries which ended her London 2012 dream and is awaiting a foot operation at Hereford County Hospital.

“I am fine, coping OK and still managing to ride and keep Z ticking over before my foot surgery,” said Alison.

“It was interesting to hear about and see the Australian and Austrian rider in my grade who challenged Lee Pearson.

“These are now the riders to beat, although Lee seems determined to find another horse for Rio but that will be easier said than done.”

Alison said the Paralympics had been a great success and had opened the nation's eyes to disability sport.

“The Games were an inspiration to everyone and showed what the human body can do.

“Sport has the ability to bring everyone together and both the Olympics and Paralympics have achieved that.”

She added: “Once I am fit, Rio will be my target, and I hope lots more people with ambition from this area will be inspired to reach Rio whatever their chosen sport.”