last updated on July 24, 2009 16:16

Para dressage rider Sophie Wells, along with three event riders, Nicola Wilson, Lucy Wiegersma and Ruth Edge have recently been promoted to the World Class Performance Programme by the Equestrian World Class Programme.

Nineteen year old Sophie, now the youngest rider on the World Class Performance Programme has been selected to represent GB at the European Para Equestrian Dressage Championships 2009 to take place in Kristiansand, Norway 20 – 24 August. In 2007 she finished sixth in the World Para-Equestrian Dressage Championships as well as taking third place at the Hickstead Under-21 International in the able-bodied junior advanced medium class.

Wells had more success at the Hickstead Under-21 International in 2008, this time winning the junior rider International class, thereby becoming the first para rider to win an able-bodied International competition. This year she dominated the grade IV section at Hartpury CPEDI. She rode Pinocchio to victory in the individual, team and freestyle tests posting an impressive score of 77.26% in the freestyle as well as claiming second place in each class with her own Valerius.

“The promotion of these riders shows the depth of talent we have in this country,” commented World Class Performance Director, Will Connell. “This is essential if Great Britain is to win more medals on the International stage at European, World, Olympic and Paralympic level and demonstrates the value of the tiered development approach. The standard of riding on the Performance Programme continues to improve year on year.”

The World Class Performance Programme is Lottery funded via UK Sport and exists to provide Britain's elite riders with the best preparation to represent Equestrian Team GBR at International level. It incorporates the three Olympic sports of dressage, eventing, show jumping and the Paralympic sport of para-equestrian dressage. Together with the Equine Pathway it comprises the Equestrian World Class Programme.

Selection to the World Class Performance Programme is based on results combined with potential to contribute to team success at major championships. Performance is continuously assessed and riders are regularly reviewed.

The Development Programme is selected via bi-annual selection trials where riders must first meet set minimum criteria. They are then invited to viewing trials for an initial ridden assessment by British and International trainers. Successful riders are then invited back to selection trials where they are assessed on their ridden skills and interviewed to assess their suitability for the Programme. The Development Programme is divided into Start and Potential squads across each discipline.