Two exciting and nerve-wracking days at the European Championships for our paradressage riders, ably led by experienced competitor Sophie Wells with Jorge (C Fatal Attraction), have resulted in Team Gold and four individual medals as well, plus the Freestyle is still to come!
Check back soon for full details and photos and see Sophie's Facebook page in the meantime.
Jorge at the Euros 2017
Sophe and C Fatal Attraction (Jorge) have been selected for Team GBR at the European Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden from 21 August 2017. The Paradressage championships are being held alongside the European Showjumping and Dressage Championships which will bring great exposure for the para riders.
Jorge at Hartpury
However there has been disappointment along the way as Sophie's student Natasha Adkinson on Sweet Caledonia was also selected but had to withdraw as 'Cally' suffered a slight injury. The team is Erin Orford (Dior), Suzanna Hext (Abira), Julie Payne (Athene Lindebjerg) and Sophie Wells (C Fatal Attraction).
All except Sophie are debutants at this level but everyone is thrilled to be selected and determined to keep Team GBR's unbeaten championship record going!
Find out what Sophie has to say about the championships to ParalympicsGB news.
Coaching Izzy Palmer on Noki
Sophie talks about her coaching philosophy: "I have been refreshing myself on one of my favourite books "Legacy" for a talk later in the year. Emphasising integrity and humility and philosophy. A coaching philosophy is an essential ingredient of leadership. Strengthening leadership credibility starts with a coaching philosophy that makes clear the fundamental reason for coaching and the coach's core values.
Coaching is all about helping athletes achieve their dreams. It should be done positively and smartly and with passion. The positive coach and role model, following a well defined coaching philosophy, will be a key ingredient in the success of his or her athletes.
Performance = capability + behaviour
Through my UKCC 3, we looked into our individual coaching philosophy and started to develop it further. This then developed further when I worked with Jennie Killilea on my personal core values, that of an athlete/rider, and a coach. Your philosophy is something that I have found, develops over time and through experience and experiences. Sometimes you can be pulled slightly off track, and away from your principles. Individuals and situations may cause you to do this, but you should remain secure in your values, and if they value you, your input and your values, they will come to you. Those who don't value you, your experience, and advice, don't deserve your time. Time, that is after all, the greatest gift, as that gift can never be taken back."
