Sophie Wells

Started: Growing up on a farm, she began riding Shetland ponies at age two but they were sold after she developed an allergy to them. At age six she joined a local riding club because she missed horses so much. (equestrianteamgbr.co.uk, 12 Aug 2010) Reason: She was identified at an U21 talent spotting competition for non-disabled dressage riders in 2003. She was urged to go for a classification, and try for the world class development Para dressage selection trials. (equestrianteamgbr.co.uk, 12 Aug 2010) Ambition: To win gold at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (lincolnshirelive.co.uk, 30 Aug 2021) Awards: In 2022 she was named Person of the Year by The Lincolnite newspaper in England. (thelincolnite.co.uk, 01 Jan 2022) She was named Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire [MBE] in the 2013 New Year's Honours list. She became Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire [OBE] in the 2022 New Year's Honours list. (thelincolnite.co.uk, 01 Jan 2022; equestrianteamgbr.co.uk, 18 Nov 2013) She won the 2018 Devoucoux Dressage Award at the Animal Health Trust Awards in England. (sophiewells.com, 10 Dec 2018) She was named the 2005 Junior Sportswoman with an Impairment of the Year by BBC East Midlands in England. (equestrianteamgbr.co.uk, 19 Sep 2010) Additional Info: COACHING She has coached British Para dressage riders Gabriella Blake and Georgia Wilson. (Gabriella Blake Instagram profile, 05 Jul 2024, 04 Jun 2024; paralympics.org.uk, 30 Aug 2021) FURTHER EDUCATION She studied for a postgraduate diploma in sports coaching at the University of Gloucestershire in England between 2020 and 2022. (LinkedIn profile, 15 Dec 2023)