Sophie Wells wins ‘amazing’ gold in para-dressage at WEG

Sophie Wells has won Britain’s first para-dressage medal at the World Equestrian Games, taking gold in the Grade V individual.

‘So proud’

Sophie was drawn first to go in the final class of the day, riding Charlotte Hogg’s C Fatal Attraction. The pair produced a stunning test in the afternoon sun, to be rewarded with a score of 75.429% that could not be beaten.

“I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet to be honest,” said Sophie. “Sitting there and watching [the final riders] was awful, but it’s amazing I’m so chuffed.

“You have different challenges through every part of your career and every horse means something slightly different. I missed out in Normandy [WEG 2014] and you feel like you wait a long time to get the chance to do it again.

“I’m just so proud of him, it’s been a long journey, like it has been for everyone else, and it means a lot.”

Great week

The team competition is on Thursday, when Great Britain will defend their 2014 title. Sophie will be joined by Lee Pearson (Styletta), Natasha Baker (Mount St John Diva Dannebrog) and Erin Orford (Dior). This will be followed by the Freestyle on Saturday.

“We’re going to build from today,” said Sophie. “We’ve had a really great first week of WEG, and I’m excited to get back in there for my team test and Freestyle on Saturday.”

The medal is Sophie’s fourth gold medal at a World Championships after winning Team Gold in Normandy in 2014 and two individual titles in Kentucky in 2010.

You can watch all the action from WEG on Horse & Country in our daily review show. We also have coverage of all the Olympic and non-Olympic disciplines.

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