THE Paralympic motto is “Spirit in Motion”, and for para dressage rider Sophie Wells this motto could not be a truer representation of her grit and determination throughout what has been an incredibly tricky year for her.
Sophie has just returned from the Tokyo Games with a team gold and individual silver medal. She was red-hot favourite to add to her tally of gold medals aboard C Fatal Attraction, or “Jorge” as the 14-year-old is known at home, the horse with whom she won two golds and a silver at the Tryon World Games. But a hind suspensory injury, compounded by an abscess, put paid to that dream, and the timing couldn’t have been more frustrating for Sophie.
“I was hoping that Tokyo would be Jorge’s last para championship and then we could go and compete at grand prix level,” she explains. “It happens to so many people who work hard with horses and get to an ultimate goal and then it’s taken away just before you do it.”
The decision to swap Tokyo horses came virtually at the last minute, when both horses were in quarantine.
“It’s not the most relaxing point just before going into a Games without knowing for sure which horse you are going to take,” Sophie says matter-of-factly. “Ultimately Jorge made the decision for us – he felt amazing test riding in front of the selectors in quarantine, and then he got an abscess, which tracked up his leg as an infection.”
Bu hikaye Horse & Hound dergisinin October 07, 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Horse & Hound dergisinin October 07, 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
