Hometown: Granada Hills, Calif. Birthday: 3/24/1983 Sport/Disciplines: Para-Equestrian

Alanna Flax-Clark’s introduction to riding was through hippotherapy. As a teenager, she was diagnosed with a chronic neurological disease, which was later complicated by an infection, leading to symptoms of quadriplegia. As an educator who worked with children with severe disabilities, Flax-Clark was familiar with equine-assisted therapy, and decided to try it for herself. Initially Flax-Clark’s equestrian activities were designed to help improve her strength, balance, and coordination. Her success with hippotherapy led her to pursue para-dressage, and in 2017, she made her international-level competitive debut with Real Erbeo, her 2005 Lusitano gelding, placing first in the individual, team, and freestyle Grade II tests at the Sacramento CPEDI3*. Throughout 2018, Flax-Clark had success with Captain Moonlight Tg in the Grade II before partnering with El Paso for the 2019 season. Together the pair took home first-place finishes from CPEDI3* competitions in Wellington, Fla., and Caledon, Ontario, Canada. Flax-Clark was part of the Adequan® U.S. Para Dressage Team that took silver at the Caledon Spring Jubilee CPEDI3* in 2019. She took first place in the Grade II team and individual tests there with her 2004 NRPS gelding, El Paso. Flax-Clark trains with Sara Schmitt Dressage.