Sophie Christiansen

Rider Name: Sophie Christiansen
Discipline: Para - Dressage

Career highlights:
2014: 2 Golds and 1 Silver at the World Equestrian Games, Normandy, France
2013: 3 Golds at European Para-Dressage Championships, Denmark
2012: 3 Gold medals at London 2012 Paralympic Games in individual, team and freestyle events
2010: 2 Golds and 1 Silver at the World Equestrian Games, Kentucky, USA
2009: 2 Golds and 1 Silver at the European Championships, Norway
2008: 2 Golds and 1 Silver at the Beijing Paralympic Games
2007: 1 Gold and 1 Bronze at the Para World Championships, Gloucestershire, UK
2005: 3 Golds at the Para European Championships, Hungary
2004: 1 Bronze at the Athens Paralympic Games as the youngest rider aged 16
 

1) Which horse has been your Favourite to have ridden? Rio – Not only is he a very talented horse for Paralympic dressage but he has a cheeky character as well!
2) If you could ride any horse in the world, past and present, who would it be? Totillas – His movement is just abnormal!
3) When was the last time you fell off and what happened? September 2013 just before the Nationals – Rio never normally spooks but a gust of wind caught the felt roofing on the judges box by the side of the outdoor school just as I was riding by. Rio went sidways at speed, I did not. I broke my collar bone.
4) What would you look for when buying a horse? My horses need to have an amazing walk for what I do, but also need an amazing temprement as my poor balance would mean I would fall off at any spook.
5) Who has been the biggest influence in your career so far? Tanni Grey-Thompson – Not only an amazing athlete but also an amazing advocate for changing perceptions of disability sport. I remember hearing about her at the Sydney Paralympic Games and deciding that I would win a Gold medal too
6) What do you like to do when you're not riding? Working at an investment bank in London and talking about disability rights. Oh and spending time with my boyfriend!
7) What is your favourite Take-Away? Pizza!
8) Where is your favourite show to compete at? The Paralympic Games! It brings dressage to the world stage.
9) What was your highlight of 2014? Winning two Golds at the Worlds. It was my last competition with my coach of 13 years Clive Milkins and was very emotional!
10) What are your aims for 2015? Bring on my second horse ready for Rio 2016. She is a lot younger than the horses that I usually ride as I needed a new challenge.
11) What is your favourite WeatherBeeta rug and why? Rio’s WeatherBeeta Supa-Fly Detach-A-Neck with Insect Shield, as he quite sensitive to fly bites so needs protecting.