Georgia Wilson

Started: She began riding at age two at Clwyd Special Riding Club in Wales. (everythinghorsecheshire.com, 31 Jul 2019; equestrianteamgbr.co.uk, 08 Mar 2019) Reason: Her mother was encouraged to take her riding by physiotherapists, who believed the sport would help Georgia's balance. "My parents are really into horses. I started at the Pony Club and the RDA [Riding for the Disabled Association] when I was very young. And then I did jumping and found it very scary. I started Para dressage then. I was doing that since I was 12 years old." (The Para Dressage Podcast, 22 Dec 2021; equestrianteamgbr.co.uk, 08 Mar 2019) Awards: She received the British Equestrian Federation Award at the 2020 British Horse Foundation Awards in London. (britishhorsefoundation.org.uk, 13 Jan 2020) Additional Info: RESERVE TO MEDALLIST In August 2021 she replaced Sophie Christiansen in the British squad for the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, after Christiansen was unable to compete due to a veterinary issue with her horse. Wilson went on to win two bronze medals at the Games. "I was reserve so I always had to prepare as if I was going, so if the call-up came I was ready. I was very sad for Sophie Christiansen, but I was really pleased to have the call-up and to come to my first Paralympics. Suki [her horse Sakura], who I have had less than a year [speaking in 2021], and I didn't know what to expect. I was just definitely going to do my best." (The Para Dressage Podcast, 22 Dec 2021; britishdressage.co.uk, 13 Oct 2021; British Equestrian Facebook page, 30 Aug 2021; horseandhound.co.uk, 26 Aug 2021; walesonline.co.uk, 26 Aug 2021) STABLES She is based at Peniarth Bach Farm in Abergele, Wales. (Facebook profile, 17 Mar 2022; Peniarth Bach Farm Facebook page, 17 Aug 2021; dailypost.co.uk, 20 Mar 2009)

Sporting Relatives: Her sister Sophie Wilson has competed in eventing at an elite level. (Freedom Saddlery Facebook page, 11 Nov 2021; fei.org, 13 Sep 2019)