Para Riders
The Lady Joseph Trust was formed to acquire horses for our top para riders to ensure Great Britain continues to win medals at European, World Championships and the Paralympics.
The criteria below demonstrates the structure from which the teams are chosen to represent Great Britain.
Selection for the World Class Performance programme is based on recent competition results combined with a potential to contribute towards team success at major championships. Elite riders will be expected to consistently achieve 70% plus in competition. Potential riders for the squad will be invited to attend the annual selection trails at Hickstead to compete in front of the selectors.
The Performance programme is governed through UK Sport and is managed by the performance director. It works with a “no compromise” philosophy which targets investment at those elite athletes most likely to deliver medals at Paralympic Level. The programme offers a range of services and support from world class coaching to performance lifestyle support. Athletes are reviewed on a six monthly basis where targets, support provided and funding will be agreed. Funding is provided on a means tested basis.
The current Performance squad riders for Para Dressage are (please click on the links for current biographies, provided kindly by British Dressage);
- Natasha Baker
- Ricky Balshaw
- Sophie Christiansen MBE
- Debbie Criddle
- Anne Dunham MBE
- Lee Pearson CBE
- Jo Pitt
- Sophie Wells
Other layers of the programme include Potential, Start and Pre-start.