Horse change in the Paralympic dressage squad

The British Paralympic Association, in conjunction with the British Dressage Para Selectors and Performance Manager Georgina Sharples, can announce that Grade V rider Sophie Wells will now partner Roland Kinch’s Don Cara M at Tokyo 2020, due to a fitness issue ruling out C Fatal Attraction, owned by Charlotte Hogg.

Set to make a third consecutive Games appearance for ParalympicsGB, Sophie originally had Don Cara M named as a direct reserve for her selected ride C Fatal Attraction, and has been preparing both horses for Tokyo in tandem.

British Equestrian Para Performance Manager Georgina Sharples commented; “Sophie, her home team and the World Class Programme equine sport science staff have done everything possible to have C Fatal Attraction fit and ready for Tokyo, but we have to put his welfare first. We are grateful for the support of his owner Charlotte Hogg, and hope that she and ‘Jorge’ will have further chances to represent Great Britain with Sophie at championship level. In Don Cara M, Sophie has an equally able partner. She has worked hard this year to build his strength and consistency to match his talent and presence and we are looking forward to his Paralympic debut. Thank you to owner Roland Kinch for allowing him to make the trip to Tokyo.”

The para dressage horses are currently in quarantine ahead of flying to Tokyo on 18 August.

Full revised combination details:

Grade 5: Sophie Wells (31) from Harby, Lincolnshire with Roland Kinch’s Don Cara M (dark bay, gelding, 16.3hh, 12yrs, s. Don Jovi, Breeder: H M Melis NED)