Paralympian Sharon Jarvis puts Rio behind her and aims for Tokyo

It was the para-equestrian rider’s second Games, this time competing in Rio de Janeiro with horse Ceasy, finishing in ninth place.

Now back in Donnybrook, Jarvis is looking forward to the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo, Japan.

Jarvis, who turns 38 at the end of this month, is enjoying an extended break.

She is hopeful that Ceasy – who is currently in England under the care of her coach's sister – will return to Australia before Christmas.

"It's nice to be home. The Games were an amazing experience,” Jarvis said.

"It was something very special to be involved in the Paralympic movement."

For Jarvis, being in Brazil was an interesting experience in itself.

"The people of Brazil were very friendly."

Having lunch on the Copacabana beach and viewing the Christ the Redeemer statue were her highlights outside of the Games.

"I loved being able to cheer on the other Aussies in the athletics, swimming, and table tennis."

Nearby military gunfire perturbed Ceasy prior to the start of their first grade three event.

While the events did not go according to plan for her, she said they did the best job they could.

"Five minutes before going into the competition area, there was some gunfire from a military training exercise.

"Unfortunately, Ceasy did get upset and had adrenaline running through her.

“Her first test was quite tense in a sport where the horse has to show calmness and composure."

Two judges marked them fifth and sixth respectively, but the other judges had them down in 15th place – which disappointed Jarvis.

In the next individual championship test, two judges marked them fourth and fifth respectively. Ultimately, they placed ninth overall out of the 16 competitors.

Jarvis said she had no complaints and was happy to come ninth in the world.

"It was a great place to start for international competition. I hope the horse and I can build on this experience we've had together and get to go again."

Jarvis is appreciative of the local support that got her to the Games.

"Everybody who helped has helped an ordinary country girl live her dream."

Jarvis wishes to pay particular thanks to the Donnybrook IGA and Anne Thompson of Boyup Brook IGA.

"Every cent counted, it has just been an enormous help."

To get to Tokyo in 2020, Jarvis needs to secure the ride for Ceasy.

If anybody is interested purchasing a share in a syndicate to own Ceasy, they can contact Jarvis on 0438995700