SOPHIE'S GOLD CLUB

Sophie wearing a gold club polo shirt standing with her back to us against a fence in an outdoor arena

Sophie, like many equestrian athletes, has been fortunate to have the sponsorship and support of many organisations and individuals throughout her career. There is no doubt that equestrian sport comes with a price tag and para dressage is particularly resource intensive. In part, the Gold Club was formed to help contribute to Sophie’s running expenses. However, she's often wondered how the next generation is going to carry on Great Britain’s phenomenal record at the Paralympics in dressage. Every year, more riders compete at the Riding for the Disabled (RDA) Championships – but how many do we support and convert up to elite level competition? She believes that the more individuals can experience the sport she loves, the greater chance we will have of creating a positive impact on those competitors coming through to the top level by enabling new ways fans, sponsors and funders can contribute.

The Club goes beyond the current engagement and funding models, learning from what has been successful in other disciplines through their approach to clubs, syndicates and shared ownership. When you feel part of sport you are more invested in its development and continued success. When you are closer to the action or have a personal connection, you start to understand the intricacies and personalities involved and you want them and the country to succeed. The Club's ethos is to create an entry point for everyone to experience Paralympic sport by creating an environment where you can learn and be inspired. By championing Sophie’s endeavours and achievements we’ll continue to help change the perception of what it means to be disabled.

Sophie being helped to mount onto a bay horse

Sophie's Gold Club was established in October 2018. Over the years, the group amassed a total of 366 members from around the world. The Gold Club is designed for equine and sporting enthusiasts to experience at close quarters the "ups and downs" of Sophie's Paralympic journey. The Club also provided Sophie a chance to develop an ambassadors initiative to provide support and guidance to the young riders as they progress on their journey and adventure in Para Equestrian.

Since Sophie's retirement from elite sport, she has been in discussions with British Dressage in regards to using Sophie's Gold Club as a way to help the growth of para dressage in Great Britain. Watch this space!