last updated on January 05, 2009 09:16

Three para equestrian dresssage riders were recognised in the Queen’s 2009 New Years Honours list for their services to disabled sport. Lee Pearson (pictured) becomes a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for services to equestrianism and disabled sport while Anne Dunham and Sophie Christiansen each receive MBE’s (Members of the Order of the British Empire) for services to disabled sport. All three riders were on the gold medal winning Paralympic Dressage Team from the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games held in Hong Kong as well as each scooping individual and freestyle medals.

Lee Pearson, no stranger to accolade, finds himself on the honours list for the third time, upgraded from an MBE, OBE to CBE at subsequent Paralympic Games. He commented: “I’m very proud but really more pleased for Sophie and Anne than myself; your first honour is definitely the most special.”

“It’s great to be recognised for your achievements and competing for your country but also great for equestrianism and for disabled sport. These honours help people outside dressage to appreciate what we do and it brings equestrianism to a wider audience.”

Vice President and former Chairman of British Dressage Desi Dillingham is given an MBE for her voluntary services to equestrian sport.