‘A stunning profession’: main figures pay tribute after prime rider hangs up her boots

Main figures throughout the dressage world have paid tribute to the “inspirational” Sophie Christiansen after she known as time on her sporting profession.

H&H reported on Tuesday that the para dressage star, who has gained 30 championship medals for Britain, had introduced her retirement.

Sophie nonetheless plans to be concerned within the sport, to assist others obtain their desires.

British Equestrian para dressage efficiency supervisor Georgina Sharples stated: “What a blinding profession it’s been. To have shaped gold medal-winning partnerships with such a wide range of horses exhibits true expertise and it’s been a pleasure to look at her compete on the world stage.

“Considered one of Sophie’s defining traits has at all times been her whole dedication to something she places her thoughts to, whether or not that’s her using, {qualifications} and profession or tirelessly campaigning for incapacity rights. She’s extremely pushed and proficient, along with her eye firmly on the larger image. Regardless of calling time on aggressive using, I do know that she’ll nonetheless be serving to to develop and develop our sport from the sidelines.

“I need to thank Sophie for every part she’s executed for British para dressage – she’s one among our biggest ambassadors and has taken us on an incredible journey stuffed with reminiscences. No matter comes subsequent, I’m certain that she’ll achieve success in all that she does – from planning her wedding ceremony to supporting a brand new technology of riders.”

British Dressage CEO Jason Brautigam stated Sophie’s achievements elevated dressage to a brand new degree.

“And her energy, braveness and resilience impressed numerous others, underlined by the truth that she stays the one para dressage rider to have been nominated for BBC Sports activities Persona of the Yr,” he stated. “On behalf of the entire para group, I wish to categorical our gratitude for all that Sophie has executed for British Dressage, as we have a good time her legacy on her retirement and want her all the most effective within the subsequent chapter of her life.”

Using for the Disabled Affiliation CEO Michael Bishop added that Sophie has impressed numerous riders.

“Her private achievements will resonate for generations of aspiring Paralympians, whereas her campaigning has been important in rising assist for para dressage, nurturing rising expertise, and reshaping perceptions of para-sport and incapacity,” he stated.

“We’re proud to name her one among our personal and want her each success as she transitions from aggressive sport. We eagerly anticipate her future achievements.”

Michel Assouline, coach of the UK para dressage staff between 2005 and 2017, stated it should have been a tricky determination for Sophie.

“You really had an unbelievable profession, notably at least being twice a Paralympic triple gold medallist, London 2012 and Rio 2016, which I had the honour to witness as a part of the GB staff, and a number of other world and European Championships gold medals too!” he stated.

“Our whole group is actually in admiration of your extraordinary accomplishments. The reminiscence of your presence on the world stage as a top-class athlete and superb wellbeing goes to ship a long-lasting influence and legacy on para dressage. Wishing you each success in your endeavours and new chapter.”

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H&H information editor

Eleanor is an skilled journalist who spent over eight years working for native and nationwide newspapers earlier than becoming a member of H&H as information editor in March 2016. Keen about equine welfare and exposing the reality, Eleanor has reported on all points of the trade, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage guidelines to mules. Her sport of alternative is showjumping, through which she competes her personal horses, and he or she additionally enjoys reporting at native leaping exhibits by way of to worldwide championships.