Sophie Wells MBE - Para-equestrian team - Grade IV

Horse: Valerius - Lives: NottinghamshireChampionships: Paralympic Games (2012, 2008); Worlds (2010); Europeans (2011, 2009)As well as para-dressage, Sophie also competes in able bodied competitions, and was the first para-equestrian dressage rider to win an able-bodied international class at Hickstead U-21 (2008). 2010 saw Sophie become the first British para rider to compete on both an able-bodied young rider team and a para-equestrian dressage team in the same year. Disability: Sophie was born with Amniotic Band Syndrome, which is an unusual condition of foetal development in which fibrous bands of tissue that originate from the amniotic sac encircles and constrict certain foetal areas, in Sophie’s case it has affected her feet, ankles and hands, resulting in the loss of a number of her fingers. All five riders are on the World Class Programme, which is generously supported by Lottery and Exchequer funding via UK Sport. All selected riders will contest the individual and freestyle medal events in their respective grades. In addition the four riders to compete in the team will be named on event. The best three scores from the team and individual tests combined will count towards the team total.The British para-equestrian dressage team are the current holders of the European, World and Paralympic team title.