Dressage For All 25: Meet Harriet Williamson

Para Academy rider Harriet Williamson is making progress in leaps and bounds with her horse King D; after the first weekend hosted at Sophie Wells Dressage, meet the inspiring rider and her about her experience to date.

Q: Tell us about your dressage journey?
A: I was first put on a pony during a family holiday when I was three years old (very much against my non-horsey parents wishes!) and I was instantly hooked. From that moment, there was no looking back.  

Years later, while I was working and training with Gareth Hughes, I began experiencing increasing difficulty with my ankles. Gareth suggested I look into para dressage, something I didn’t know much about at the time. We explored the option and just six weeks later I was classified. I’ll always be grateful to him for opening that door for me. 

Discovering para dressage has been incredibly inspiring. Riding alongside such talented athletes who shape the sport to work for them and ride with so much determination means the world to me. It’s incredibly empowering and being part of this community has given me a sense of purpose and direction with my riding. 

Q: What motivated you to apply for the British Dressage Para Academy? 
A: The British Dressage Para Academy is such an incredible opportunity for anyone wanting progress within the para sport. It’s a bit of a minefield going it alone so to have the support and training from so many experts in their fields condensed into a weekend while being surrounded by such supportive athletes is invaluable.  

Q: How would you describe your experience training within the Para Academy so far? 
A: The Para Academy has been super informative to help us get on the right tracks to hopefully compete at our first international next year. We had several seriously penny dropping moments while training with Sophie which we’ve been trying to crack for a while.  

Q: Have you noticed any specific improvements in your riding or confidence since joining? 
A: Since returning home we’ve implemented all of the training that we had across all fields and feel significantly more confident and ready to take on our next competition.  

Q: Is there something you’ve achieved during the programme or in 2025 that you’re particularly proud of? 
A: Completing our first FEI test in 2025 was something we’ve worked towards for a long time and we’re very proud to have done so.  

The moment we are most proud of is when we had our penny dropping moment and felt everything we had been trying to train for at home click into place with the help of Sophie. 

Q: Tell us about the horse you ride — what is your partnership like? 
A: The partnership and trust that I have with King is like no bond I’ve had with a horse before. We are so in tune with each other and I trust him implicitly. He is such a character and looks after me while absolutely knowing his job. 

Q: What does being part of the para dressage community mean to you?
A: I’m incredibly grateful to be part of such a supportive and welcoming community full of people who genuinely want to see you thrive.  

Q: Is there someone in the Academy or the wider para sport world who inspires you? 
A: It would be impossible to choose just one athlete from the Academy. I’m in absolute awe of the other riders and the journeys that have brought them to para sport. Whether someone was born with their disability, like I was, or has had to relearn to ride after an accident or adapt to a newly developed condition, every story is incredibly inspiring. Watching the grit, determination and passion of the Para Academy athletes is truly motivating and a privilege to be part of. 

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to another rider thinking about getting started in para sport, what would it be? 
A: Para sport opens doors to opportunities you might never have realised were possible. If you’re thinking about getting started, my advice is simple, get involved in whatever way feels right for you. Enjoy it and don’t be afraid to take that first step. You might surprise yourself with what you can achieve. 

About the BD Para Academy 

The BD Para Academy is designed to nurture and elevate the training and education of para dressage riders as they progress through the British Dressage pathway. The aim is to develop well-rounded, knowledgeable athletes by strengthening the key foundations of performance: technical skill, horse welfare, rider fitness and personal development. By supporting riders through clear, structured pathways, the Academy helps those new to para dressage build the tools and confidence needed to advance toward the BEF Podium Potential Pathway programmes. 

The programme consists of two intensive two-day camps held in October and April, offering a mix of practical coaching and educational workshops. Riders will benefit from test-riding sessions, one-to-one ridden coaching, rider profiling and goal-setting support. Additional sessions include rider physiotherapy, equine nutrition guidance, saddlery support, evening demonstrations and the completion of rider development portfolios. Together, these elements provide a comprehensive and inspiring environment for para riders to grow, learn and achieve their ambitions within the sport.