Austen Burns is a Canadian Para Dressage rider based in Ireland, proudly representing Canada on the international stage. Born with cerebral palsy, Austen began riding at the age of three as a form of physiotherapy—what started as rehabilitation quickly became a lifelong passion. His journey through the world of equestrian sport has been shaped by resilience, dedication, and an unshakable belief in the power of partnership between horse and rider. In 2024, he made his Paralympic debut in Paris, achieving a personal milestone that reflects years of hard work, community support, and competitive determination.

Now based in Belfast, Austen trains under the guidance of Canadian coach Clive Milkins and Dale Roberts. He continues to balance his sporting ambitions with a dynamic professional life. He holds a BSc in Computing and IT from Queen’s University Belfast and an MSc in Marketing from Ulster University. Outside of the arena, he works in IT.