Spring Lecture Paralympian rider finds her ‘unicorn’ as she looks ahead to Paris 2024

Our Spring Lecture with Sophie Christiansen CBE

From the chance opportunity to ride a horse at the age of six, as part of physiotherapy for congenital quadriplegic cerebral palsy, Sophie Christiansen has gone on to be one of GB’s most successful Paralympians. Over four games with four different horses she has won eight Paralympic gold medals and another five world championships.

Having fought first to live, then to win, Sophie also fights as a disability advocate. Speaking publicly about lived experiences, with a natural wit, she campaigns for those who don’t have a voice and is a very personal and memorable speaker.

Sophie is now focusing on the next Paralympic Games and after a long search, Sophie has finally found a new horse to compete on. Well known in the world of para dressage, 12 year old stallion Gladstone (William), is Sophie’s “once in a lifetime horse”.

He is a 17.1hh stallion from Oakleigh Farm Stud, who Sophie describes as having a humungous walk which is so important in her grade of para dressage, the temperament of a saint and experience. So now the hard work can start to win that gold at the Paralympic Games 2024.

Spring Lecture 2023 with Sophie Christiansen CBE on Thursday June 1st, 7pm welcome reception with 8pm start. Tickets £20 include wine and canapes. Tickets can be purchased at the Centre, or by clicking through below.

https://cardiac-rehab.co.uk/shop/event-tickets/spring-lecture-2023-sophie-christiansen-cbe/