Sophie Christiansen with Athene on whom she won The Worshipful Company of Saddlers 2014 prize of a Jeremy Rudge made to measure saddle.
Rio Gold Medal winner Sophie Christiansen has chosen to work with Jeremy Rudge Saddlery in her bid to continue her successful para dressage career and ultimately to compete in the Tokyo Paralympics.
Jeremy Rudge Saddlery has agreed to sponsor Sophie with a new saddle.
The new Jeremy Rudge Flight Contour Dressage saddle on Sophie’s new Danish Warmblood ride – named Harry.
A triple Gold Medallist riding Di Redfern’s Athene Lindebjerg, Sophie won in Rio on a Jeremy Rudge made to measure saddle. It was presented to her as the winner of The Worshipful Company of Saddlers 2014 prize for the highest overall placed para rider from the British Dressage National Championships. Jeremy Rudge Saddlery made the 17.5″ wide fit Fusion Dressage saddle, which was fitted by JRS qualified saddle fitter Amy Downing.
After Rio, Sophie made the difficult decision to take a year out of competition, giving up the ride on Athene. This summer an eight years old and another Danish Warmblood, Amazing Romance, – named Harry after Prince Harry, was found in Denmark.
Says Sophie, “Harry is a joy to ride. Despite being 17hh he is very balanced. The first time I rode him, it felt as though I had been riding him for years.”
“Para dressage is so expensive though, that I immediately turned to Jeremy and Amy to see if they were willing to help. I am thrilled that they agreed to sponsor me and supply a new saddle.”
The new made to measure saddle is a Flight Contour Dressage with ivory patent forepiece and welts and a snake skin back cantle.
“Having worked with Sophie before and been part of her team for Rio,” says Jeremy Rudge,” we are delighted to be her saddle sponsor. There is a long way to go before the Tokyo Paralympics but we are more than happy to provide our saddle making and fitting skills.”
On behalf of:
Jeremy Rudge Saddlery Ltd.
Unit 2, College Farm,
Bosty Lane
Aldridge,
Walsall WS9 0LF Tel: 01922 455233
Email: sales@jeremyrudgesaddlery.co.uk
Web: http://www.jeremyrudgesaddlery.co.uk
