Born and raised near Darwin, NT, Luke Purtill’s journey in the world of equestrian sports is a testament to resilience, passion, and unwavering determination.

Luke came into the world facing a unique challenge – a genetic condition (22q11.21 microdeletion syndrome) that led to frequent hospitalisations and surgeries. However, from the very beginning his spirit was high, fuelled by a love for horses, with his connection dating back to his earliest memories. Luke was lucky enough to be born into a horse family marking the beginning of his equestrian journey and his mum recalls his fascination with them before he could even sit up on his own. 

Despite facing ongoing obstacles due to his syndrome, Luke’s mindset has been guided by the belief in ability. He firmly holds the conviction that #DisIsJustAPrefix, emphasizing that his capabilities far outweigh any limitations. His ultimate dream is simple yet profound – to inspire everyone to be the best they can be whatever they choose.

Luke’s determination knows no bounds, and this was evident when he competed in mainstream equestrian events in Darwin, holding his own among his peers. Despite the absence of disability equestrian sports in the Northern Territory, Luke found unwavering support from the entire NT equestrian community, fostering an environment where he could thrive and excel.

His journey expanded beyond the borders of his hometown as he traveled across Australia. From the RDA National Championships in Werribee to the Special Olympic state and national events in Queensland and Equine Pathways Australia clinics in South Australia.

In November 2023, Luke embarked on a new chapter, relocating to WA in pursuit of expanded pathways, particularly in the equestrian space. Under the guidance of coaches Alfred Fitzi and Sharon Jarvis, Luke’s skills have flourished.

Luke’s journey has reached a new height as he recently received the news that he was selected for the Australian Team heading to the 2024 Virtus Equestrian Open European Championships being held in England this July.

Virtus is dedicated to athletes with intellectual impairment, providing Luke yet another platform for him to showcase his talents. Classified as II1, denoting intellectual impairment, Luke's story is one of indomitable spirit and unwavering determination. As he also awaits the outcome of para classification, Luke's narrative transcends mere sport; it embodies courage, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams.