An outstanding Summer of Sport!
Sophie Wells is an inspirational but also a modest young woman. In a relatively short period of time, and through a combination of sheer hard work, determination and talent, Sophie has risen to the very top, and all of her family, friends, sponsors and supporters are very proud of her.
Equestrian Life has followed Sophie’s career, dreams and aspirations for many years so it was with great pride that we saw her and the squad competing at the London 2012 Olympics.
Sophie was born on the 5th of May 1990 with Amniotic Band Syndrome. This is an unusual condition of foetal development in which fibrous bands of tissue that originate from the amniotic sac encircle and constrict certain foetal areas, which in Sophie’s case has affected her hands and ankles. She lost many fingers along with movement and feeling in her feet, and it also caused nerve damage in her lower legs. Sophie still has nerve problems which bother her on bad days, but she is lucky to get a lot of help when she needs it.
Sophie doesn’t come from a horsey family but grew up on a farm with parents and brother, Luke. She tried quite a lot of sports when she was young, and although allergic to horses then, really wanted to learn to ride. Sophie started riding at the local riding school when she was 7, and a few months later was the proud owner of her first pony, Crystal. They competed in all the usual Pony Club activities, but after a couple of bad falls whilst jumping, took up able-bodied dressage.
From the age of 10 they spent three years training with Vicki Thompson (now Thompson Winfield) and nearly three years with Tracey Woodhead. Both of them gave her a great start in dressage and taught her so much. Sophie says she couldn’t have had any greater inspiration at the start of her career and is so grateful to Vicki and Tracey, and also to her parents who made it all possible.
In 2003, David Hamer, who is the World Class Development discipline co-ordinator for Para Dressage, spotted Sophie at an Under 21 talent spotting competition for able-bodied dressage riders. David urged her to go for classification and to try for the ‘World Class Start’
Para Dressage selection trials, and she was selected onto the programme in 2004. So now she had two show careers – able- bodied and Para Dressage!
Para Dressage riders are classified depending on their degree of physical disability and range from Grade 1 to 4 (referred to as I to IV). Grade I riders have a greater degree of disability than Grade IV riders, and the tests reflect this in the movements that are required to be performed. Sophie is classified as Grade IV, which is roughly equivalent to Prix St Georges level.
Sophie really wants to mention the World Class Para Dressage programme, as she owes it so much and wants to thank everyone involved for her success. All the World Class programmes are Lottery funded through UK Sport and were set up to provide an established development pathway for young, talented riders. The programme provides top class training, support and expert advice ranging from sports psychology for the athletes to veterinary care for the horses. Sophie says she definitely wouldn’t be where she is today without it and in 2009 moved up onto the World Class Performance Programme.
As well as the support from World Class, she has also been incredibly lucky to have been coached by Angela Weiss since 2004. Angela is her role model, not just in riding, but in coping with all the other stresses around horses. She’s taught her how to deal with everything in the best
way as she has grown up and they really are a great team. There have been plenty of challenges, including the simplest things, like holding the reins, because of her missing fingers. She usually rides with special loop reins and a snaffle bridle, but in (able-bodied) Young Riders, she has to ride with a double bridle and the curb rein just lays over her hand. It can get a bit tricky but the horses have got used to it and so have the judges!
Sophie has had several horses that have had a big influence on her career, from her first dressage pony, Signets Crescendo (Solo), who got her onto the World Class Programme, to her Welsh Section D, Derwen Rendevous (Rodney) who took her to their first international competition. Then there was Touchdown II who really helped her to get noticed by the selectors and they were First Reserve for the Beijing Paralympics 2008. Unfortunately Touchy went lame with a tumour in his foot and had to retire, but this opened another door and led to Pinocchio (Noki) on whom she was given the ride by his owners Dr Jackie and Neil Walker.
Noki has given her the biggest leap onto the international and Championship stage. They became the first British Grade IV rider to win internationally on ‘own horses’ (Para Dressage used to take place on borrowed horses), and they then went on to win 3 European Gold Medals in Norway in 2009, and 2 Gold Medals at the World Equestrian Games in 2010 in Kentucky.
As well as their Para Dressage adventures, Noki also took Sophie to two (able-bodied) Young Rider European Championships in 2010 and 2011 and the Young Rider World Cup Final where they
came 6th. Sophie is so proud of her boy as he enabled her to be the first Para rider to compete on both the able-bodied and Para Championship teams.
This year has been all about the triumph of our British Athletes and the Olympics and Para Olympics have been truly outstanding. One of Sophie’s sponsors, Asmar Equestrian would like to specially congratulate sponsored rider Sophie, along with her Gold medal winning British team mates.
Sophie, gained individual silver on Pinocchio in both the freestyle and individual tests. Sophie also won her team test, which contributed to the Team Gold placing.
The squad competing at the 2012 London Paralympic Games were:
• Sophie Christiansen and Janeiro 6 – Grade Ia
• Lee Pearson and Gentleman – Grade Ib
• Natasha Baker and Cabral – Grade II
• Deb Criddle and Akilles – Grade III
• Sophie Wells and Pinocchio – Grade IV
Asmar Equestrian looks forward to continuing to support Sophie and wish her their warmest regards – and hope she now has the opportunity for a well-earned rest!
Asmar Equestrian designs a range of equestrian clothing inspired by riders and the equestrian lifestyle. The entire clothing range incorporates classic beauty with strong hints of fashion. All their pieces include equestrian tailoring and practical features and are the perfect example of functionality meeting high-end fashion.
Pinocchio during his lap of honour with Sophie Wells and Angela Weiss Photo by Jane Atack
www.equestrianlifemagazine.co.uk 51
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