Sophie Wells MBE

Equestrian

Region

Lincoln
Date of Birth

04/05/1990
Classification

Grade 5

Bio

Sophie started riding at the age of eight at her local riding school and took up dressage aged 12. In 2008, she became the first Para dressage rider to win a non-disabled international competition, after she finished first in the Junior international class at the Hickstead Under-21 international. She was the first Para dressage rider to compete on both a non-disabled Junior team and the Para dressage team in the same year (2010), competing on the dressage Young Rider European team, as well as being selected as part of the World Equestrian Games Para dressage squad.

Sophie was selected for her first Paralympic Games in London 2012, where she won team gold along with silvers in the individual and freestyle competitions. She was also selected for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, where she took individual gold and freestyle silver, and helped the team defend their gold. She has been on the British team at every senior championship since 2011, picking up an impressive 35 major medals along the way.

Sophie was selected for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games with World and European medallist C Fatal Attraction, but a late fitness concern for ‘Jorge’ saw inexperienced Don Cara M step up to take his place. The pair pulled out all the stops to help the team retain their Paralympic title, and also took individual silver.

In 2023, Sophie brought forward new ride LJT Egeberggards Samoa for the FEI Para Dressage European Championship in Riesenbeck, where they took team and freestyle bronze.

Sophie Wells was presented with an OBE at Windsor Castle by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal for services to equestrianism.

Sophie also has a busy coaching schedule, training a number of athletes to podium placings at the highest level. Away from the yard, Sophie is dedicated to her personal fitness and enjoys spending time with her two Chihuahuas, Bailey and Ginny.

Major Results

Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games

Individual Test - Grade V: Silver
Team Test to Music: Gold

Rio 2016 Paralympic Games

Team: Gold
Individual (IV): Gold
Freestyle (IV): Gold

London 2012 Paralympic Games

Team: Gold
Individual (V): Gold
Freestyle (V): Gold

2018 World Equestrian Games,Tryon, USA

Team: Silver
Individual (IV): Silver
Freestyle (IV): Silver

2015 Senior European Championships, Deauville, France

Team: Gold
Individual (IV): Silver
Freestyle (IV): Silver

2014 World Equestrian Games, Normandy, France

Team: Gold
Individual (IV): Silver
Freestyle (IV): Silver

2013 European Championships, Herning, Denmark

Team: Gold
Individual (IV): Gold
Freestyle (IV): Gold

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