The world of Equestrian sports is one filled with passionate individuals. Like the story of Chrissy Aitken, a quadriplegic rider who wishes to be a successful para carriage driver. Or, the story of Felicity Weal, a paraplegic equestrian who recently participated in the Sydney CPEDI (International) event. Similar to these inspirational women, Kim Scott plans to make waves in the world of the thrilling sport.
Kim Scott is a Canadian Para-Equestrian rider who currently competes in the sport of Para Dressage. Even though Scott was born with a condition that directly affects her motor skills, a function essential to compete in horse riding, Scott has managed to overcome her adversities. Now, she wishes to compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Para-Equestrian and aspirant for Paris: Kim Scott
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When she was 11 months old, Scott’s family received a piece of devastating news. The rider was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, a disease that has a direct effect on balance, coordination, fine motor skills, and muscle tone. When doctors diagnosed Baby Kim with the motor skill disability, they warned her family that she might never walk, talk, or be independent. The 29-year-old, however, has proven them completely wrong.
In 2014, Kim Scott first started competing at the national level. One season was all it took for her to become a ranked rider with Equestrian Canada, and in doing so, she became one of the youngest-ranked para-riders in the country. When the year 2017 came, it brought good things for Scott. She won three titles in a row, and became the regional freestyle champion, reserve Para Dressage champion, and reserve BC champion. It took a while for Kim Scott to find her equine soulmate, but in February 2020, she finally found Domino, a 17.1-hand warmblood gelding, who she currently competes with.
In 2022, Scott participated in competitive dressage for the first time and proved she was an accomplished dresser in just one go. In their first event of their show career, Kim and Dom became the overall Para Dressage Champions. Their first year as official partners turned out to be successful, and the FEI Judge Stephen Clarke hinted that she should be learning French so as to prepare for the 2024 Olympics in Paris. This gave fire to her passion, and now Kim Scott’s preparation to go to Paris is in full swing. But how did she get into equestrian sports in the first place?
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A childhood filled with tests and adversities
As a child, Kim was as determined as one can be. Because of being differently-abled, she was subjected to various therapy sessions and regular visits to the hospital, all of which she endured like a warrior. And a fighter she was, because everything that her peers did, she wanted to do too, so she strived for it. When she and her family went on vacation at her aunt’s ranch, Scott fell in love with horses. When her sibling started riding at home, Kim Scott refused to stay behind. So, her family found the local therapeutic riding center. This was when a passionate rider was born.
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From taking support on both sides, to riding the horse, Kim went to cantering independently. That’s when she was invited to compete in the 2007 British Columbia disability games. When Scott won a bronze medal in the event, she knew what she wanted to do. The 2009 British Columbia again saw her winning accolades, and her future as a competitive horse rider was cemented. In 2009, she was classified nationally for the first time. In 2012, she brought 3 bronze medals home in Para Dressage. Now, the rider who trains in Metchosin, British Columbia, is all set to arrive at the Paris Olympics.
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