Paralympic Medallist & Horsezone Ambassador Joann Formosa Helps Magic Browbands Go for Business Gold

The sweet smells of hay and sporting success were in the air at the West Australian Equestrian Centre at Brigadoon last night when award-winning small business Magic Browbands hosted a visit from Paralympian gold medallist Joann Formosa.

Magic Browbands owner Melody Semmler was the WA winner of the Telstra Business “Go For Business Gold” competition, a nation-wide search to find outstanding motivators among  two-million of the country’s small to medium-sized businesses.

Entrants had to show how they excelled at motivating staff, themselves or their customers with.finalists from across the nation gathering for a business master class in Sydney.

As a result of her success at the finals Melody, whose business makes accessories and attire for show horses and their riders, won a visit from Joann, a gold medal winner in dressage at the London Paralympics. The reception was held at the Equestrian Centre on Friday night.

“Joann is such an inspiration and I invited 120 people from the WA equestrian community to come and hear her speak about her experiences,” Melody said.

Based in Broadford, Victoria, Joann grew up dreaming about representing Australia on the world stage.

Twenty-five years ago, Joann’s body was pulled in opposite directions when she attempted to open a gate while riding a horse at her home in Victoria.

She was crushed against the gate, severely damaging her central nervous system that led to incomplete paraplegia. Consequently, her limbs become tired quickly and she has had to learn not to push through the pain barrier.

Debuting for Australia at the 2006 World Equestrian Games in England, Joann left the country for her first ever overseas trip. Upon her return from England, however, she suffered another serious riding accident when she was forced to jump off her horse after it had bolted.
Not to be deterred, Joann has won selection for the London Paralympics and scored gold in the demanding Individual Championship Dressage Test at the Games in September.

“The Paralympics were an unforgettable experience,” Joann said. “Inspiring people by sharing that at an event like the one that Magic Browbandsarranged was a pleasure.”

Melody Semmler said: “Telstra Business Go For Business Gold was a fantastic way for small businesses like mine to get into the Olympic spirit but also allowed me to learn so much along the way.”

Group Managing Director of Telstra Business, Will Irving, said: “Go For Business Gold is one of many ways Telstra celebrates the successes of small business.

“Every one of our finalists showed the passion, creativity and motivation that typifies the best in Australian business.”

You too can meet Horsezone Ambassador, Joann Formosa, at the Horsezone stand - located at site #216 in the Grand Hall - every day at EQUITANA! Stay tuned to this week's Horsezone newsletter for exact times.