THE exquisite display of horsemanship known as dressage is close to the heart of Calvert rider, Bella Barrett, who won a gold and two silver medals at the National Special Olympics.

Bella, 22, has been riding horses since she was six-years-old.

The National Special Olympics took place over three days from September 9 to 12 at the Cartmill Centre in Burpengary.

Forty-one riders from all over Australia competed in the Equestrian section. Bella competed in dressage and equitation.

Bella and her horse Salisbury Puzzle worked through movements and figures in an arena, where lettered markers were placed symmetrically indicating where movements are to start and finish and where changes of pace or lead are to occur.

Describing the experience as “amazing”, Bella said she enjoyed meeting new people, and working with her horse throughout the event.

“I won one gold medal and two silver medals and once the results have been finalised at an executive level, I will find out whether I will qualify to compete in the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin next year,” she said.

In preparation for the Nationals and other competitions, Bella trains five days a week at home and in Brisbane.

“My coach, National Training Manager Gary Lung is amazing and we have a really great relationship,” she said.

“Coach Gary is really great and I enjoy learning from him.

“He is a big support to me along with my parents Emma and Stuart and my friends, and for that I am really grateful.”

Bella has also achieved success in other competitions.

In March 2021, she competed in the Queensland State Championships at the Cartmill Centre on Salisbury Puzzle and won three gold medals.

“If I am selected to compete in the Olympics World Games in Berlin, I will be so proud to be representing my country while doing what I love the most,” she said.

“I have travelled overseas before with my family, but I have never competed overseas before so it will be a new experience and something that will be very exciting.”

Bella is also currently working on turning her passion “for all things horses” into a business called Bella Cavallo, meaning ‘Beautiful Horse’.

“I will be selling horse treats, washing horse rugs, and offering horse adjustment.

“This is a really exciting time all round and I look forward to seeing what the future brings.”