Canadan and South African riders net gold medals in the Beijing Para-equestrian Grade II and IV Freestyle Tests respectively in Hong Kong Wednesday.

Representing Canada, Grade II rider Lauren Barwick snatched gold at the Freestyle Test with 72.776 points, who also got silver at the Individual Championship Test. Britain's Felicity Coulthard, who earned 71.056, and Germany's Britta Naepel, 70.277, came second and third respectively. This is the second medal that Coulthard gained in the Games. Coulthard was a gold winner in the Individual Championship Test.

Canadian rider Lauren Barwick wins the gold in the Individual Freestyle Test (Grade II). [Xinhua]

"It is far more than I could have asked for. It's phenomenal," said Barwick after finishing the competition, adding that it was a total team effort.

The 30-year-old rider said she chose an Asian tune for the Test as a way of thank-you to China for the Paralympic Games.

As for the Grade IV Freestyle Test, Philippa Johnson from South Africa successfully climbed to the top of the prize-giving podium by scoring high marks of 77.272. While Norwegian rider Ann Cathrin Lubbe, scored 75.046, and Georgia Bruce, 74.319, won silver and bronze. This was a repeat of the ranking results of the Grade II Individual Championship Test held on Sept. 8.

Philippa Johnson(L) of South Africa wins the gold in the Individual Freestyle Test (Grade IV). [Xinhua]

"I wish to thank everyone at home. It's made history for South Africa and South Africans can now hold their own in the Equestrian Paralympians," said Johnson with excitement.

"I just love this horse. He dug deep and pulled out all the stops for me. It's fantastic," said the gold medalist who highly praised her horse's performance during the course.

Chinese riders representing Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong also participated in the Grade II Freestyle Test on Wednesday. Both were satisfied with their own performances despite failing to get any medal.

"I enjoyed the moment and will keep the happiest moment in my memory," said Hong Kong athlete Nelson Yip Siu-hong, adding that he was happy to compete on home soil.

Peng Yulian from Chinese Mainland said that he was happy to take part in such a large-scale international competition and he just wanted to be relaxed in his first Paralympics.

In the Paralympic Equestrian Events, riders' functional abilities are classified into one of four grades. Grade I riders have a higher degree of disability than Grade IV riders. Riders graded I or II are required to ride walk only or walk and trot movements, whilst Grade III and IV riders perform tests that also include canter and some lateral work.

The Games' Equestrian Events which was launched on Sept. 7 in Hong Kong will run until Sept. 11.

(Xinhua News Agency September 11, 2008)