Horse Power
Surrey Life|December 2019
Godalming-based Paralympic gold-winning equestrian Sophie Christiansen talks to Sandra Smith about how a horse riding charity set her on the right course
Sandra Smith
Horse Power

Feisty. Are there any other words that more aptly describe Sophie Christiansen? Actually, yes. Try spirited, energetic and determined. Not to mention successful. And before you’re tempted to dismiss such accolades as a little over the top, we’re talking about a Paralympic multi-gold medallist and BBC Sports Personality of the Year contender whose sporting prowess as a world-class competitor has made her a role model for young riders and inspiration to sportspeople of all abilities. She’s also a fierce disability campaigner – her most recent petition is to improve rail network accessibility for wheelchair users after she was left stranded on a train at Godalming Station this summer.

Her heady achievements were first nurtured over two decades ago by a charity, which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary.

“My primary school had a special unit attached, which gave me the best of both worlds – support to access equipment and physiotherapists while making able-bodied friends as well.” At home in Godalming where she lives with her boyfriend, Peter, Sophie recalls her early contact with the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) and its immediate impact. “At the age of six, I was taken to my local RDA every other week. Riding didn’t seem like physio; I loved the freedom the horses gave me.”

Quadriplegic cerebral palsy affects Sophie’s whole body. Fine motor skills and coordination have always been a challenge, but not to the point of inhibiting her. Naturally competitive, at school she enjoyed football and hockey until riding became her main focus.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 2019-Ausgabe von Surrey Life.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 2019-Ausgabe von Surrey Life.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS SURREY LIFEAlle anzeigen
The House That Rocks
Surrey Life

The House That Rocks

Transforming an impressive, seven-bedroom Victorian property in Dorking wasn’t without its challenges, but the result is a stunning family home that has had the interiors world raving

time-read
6 Minuten  |
November 2020
REMEDY FOR SUCCESS
Surrey Life

REMEDY FOR SUCCESS

Surrey’s Tracy Borman discusses the return of her heroine healer in the final book of her best-selling fictional trilogy

time-read
5 Minuten  |
November 2020
Love Celia
Surrey Life

Love Celia

Actress Celia Imrie has travelled the world for work and leisure but wherever she goes there is a part of her which is forever Surrey

time-read
5 Minuten  |
November 2020
EXHIBITION OF THE MONTH
Surrey Life

EXHIBITION OF THE MONTH

Art & Action: Making Change in Victorian Britain at Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village in Compton focuses on the Victorian roots of art activism

time-read
4 Minuten  |
November 2020
Electric dreams
Surrey Life

Electric dreams

The Range Rover plug-in hybrid brings silent electric motoring to this iconic luxury car

time-read
3 Minuten  |
November 2020
THE OPEN ROAD
Surrey Life

THE OPEN ROAD

Chris Pickering rounds up some of the best drives in Surrey

time-read
5 Minuten  |
November 2020
TOWN AND COUNTRY: Oxted & Limpsfield
Surrey Life

TOWN AND COUNTRY: Oxted & Limpsfield

With the North Downs looming nearby and glorious countryside surrounding it, Oxted is a town with real “escape from London” appeal and character, while nearby Limpsfield has a superb village vibe with its own community-run pub

time-read
7 Minuten  |
November 2020
Artist to the stars
Surrey Life

Artist to the stars

Known as ‘The Face of Modern British Impressionism’, Mickleham-based Sherree Valentine Daines is celebrating four decades at the forefront of her field

time-read
8 Minuten  |
November 2020
A RIGHT ROYAL WELCOME
Surrey Life

A RIGHT ROYAL WELCOME

The Signet Collection’s inaugural hotel project is a reimagining of a former royal guest house, situated directly opposite Hampton Court Palace

time-read
4 Minuten  |
November 2020
TOWN AND COUNTRY: Godalming & Hascombe
Surrey Life

TOWN AND COUNTRY: Godalming & Hascombe

On the banks of the River Wey, Godalming is a watercolour pretty town surrounded by pristine countryside and in-demand rural villages, such as Hascombe

time-read
4 Minuten  |
October 2020