Mari Durward-Akhurst PLY
Mari Durward-Akhurst PLY
Para Dressage Rider
Mari Durward-Akhurst PLY is a Para Dressage Rider who sat in the stands in London 2012 and said that one day she would become a Paralympian, 12 years later that dream came true when she competed at the Paris Paralympics in 2024 going onto win a Paralympic Bronze Medal.
She started riding with her local riding for the disabled group when she was three years old as it was suggested as a good form of therapy by her Physiotherapist. She got selected for her first senior championship in 2019 and became a European Silver Medalist (team).
Mari added two European Bronze Medals in 2025 with her current dancing partner Athene.
Mari is an inspirational speaker who encourages others to follow their dreams and take every opportunity that is given as you never know where this might lead. She enjoys giving back to the sport by mentoring the younger generation with riders moving up from the Riding for the Disabled to Para Dressage.
