Britain’s medal sweep continued on the last day of the equestrian competition at the 2008 Paralympics in Hong Kong with two gold and three silver individual freestyle medals. The total equestrian medal haul for these games now stands at four individual gold, five individual silver and team gold, making it Britain’s most successful games ever.

 

Lee Pearson remained unbeatable at his third consecutive Paralympics. He won his ninth gold medal, the grade Ib individual freestyle, in impressive style with 77.056%.

 

“I am over the moon with my one hundred per cent success rate. I was more nervous for these three competitions than I have ever been for any competition in my life. I rode my heart out and don’t think Gentleman will ever know how much he has changed my life,” said Pearson, whose feat is even more remarkable given that he has only partnered the inexperienced seven-year-old 17.2hh Hanoverian gelding since January.

 

Paralympic debante Ricky Balshaw was second to Pearson with another impressive score of 70.444% to take his first medal.

 

Grade Ia rider Sophie Christiansen (pictured) had to be content with second place in the individual and team tests to compatriot Anne Dunham. This time, Christiansen edged ahead on 76.166% while Dunham won silver with 73.333%.

 

Grade III rider and another Paralympic debutante Simon Laurens joined the medal party by adding a silver with a Latin-inspired performance to a Ricky Martin soundtrack.

 

Laurens, who was second in the team test and then an uncharacteristic eighth in the individual test, regained form to score 73.499% in the freestyle.

 

“That’s much more like Ocean Diamond. I chose the soundtrack because I don’t like boring music. It’s lively for me and the horse likes it as well. He’s a little Latin mover. I’ve had ups and downs but to finish like that is great,” said Laurens.

 

Debbie Criddle just missed out on bronze by a fraction, finishing fourth on 73.11%, in a high-scoring grade III freestyle competition.

 

For the full results, click here.