Paras recognised at BEWA lunch
last updated on November 26, 2008 21:09
Two of para-equestrian dressage’s brightest stars, Lee Pearson and Sophie Christiansen, were recognised for their outstanding achievements at the annual British Equestrian Writers' Association (BEWA) awards lunch, held at the Queen's Club in London on 20 November.
Lee Pearson MBE OBE was awarded the BEWA trophy for the equestrian personality of the year while Sophie Christiansen was presented with the Vivien Batchelor Trophy for the most outstanding rider under 25.
Lee, who received this title for the second time, asked para equestrian dressage team manager David Hunter to collect the award on his behalf as he was in Buenos Aires attending the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) general assembly in his capacity as chairman of the FEI athletes committee. Hunter spoke of the enormous honour Pearson felt by receiving this recognition and passed on Pearson’s apologies and heartfelt thanks. Hunter also paid tribute to Pearson’s incredible success and to the achievements of the whole Paralympic squad in Hong Kong.
The 34-year-old from Staffordshire has won a remarkable 21 gold medals since starting para-equestrian dressage competitions and has an unbeaten Paralympic record, achieving treble gold at every games since 2000.
Christiansen, 21, is the youngest ever para equestrian dressage rider to win gold at a Paralympic Games. Christiansen joins the likes of Ellen Whitaker, Laura Bechtolsheimer and Ben Maher, all previous recipients of the under-25 BEWA award.
She is also this year’s winner of the Raymond Brooks-Ward Memorial trophy, presented to the most promising dressage, show jumping or event rider under 25 years old at Olympia. It’s the first time this award will go to a para rider.
“It’s been an amazing last few months, I feel totally honoured to win two such prestigious awards. It makes it all worthwhile when other people recognise your achievements,” said Christiansen.
Pictured are all the BEWA award winners: Douglas Bunn (Liz Dudden trophy for contributions to equestrian sport), Sophie Christiansen, Alan Smith (retiring BEWA chairman), David Hunter (representing Pearson) and George Whitaker (Cynthia Muir trophy for the most outstanding rider under 18). Photo courtesy of Kit Houghton.
