London – October 22nd, 2021 – Horse & Country has launched an all new one-hour documentary on its streaming service H&C+, featuring Paralympic medallists Sophie Wells and Georgia Wilson. The programme was produced in association with Champion, manufacturers of riding helmets and body protectors, and is presented by H&C’s Jenny Rudall.
Paralympic Superstars with Champion focuses on the close relationship between the two riders, a relationship complicated by the fact that, as well as being teammates, Sophie is also Georgia’s trainer. We hear about the hurdles they had to overcome on the road to Tokyo, both losing their first-choice horse shortly before the event. Notwithstanding these setbacks, Sophie and Georgia share insights into their Paralympic journeys and just how much it means to bring home a medal.
Whilst Georgia may be the pupil, Sophie’s admiration for her protégé’s qualities, in particular her calm disposition, is obvious. To illustrate, Sophie tells how, when Georgia was waiting to perform her Tokyo test, Lee Pearson was in the arena in the middle of a lightning storm. Rather than worry about the impact of the lighting on her horse Sakura, Georgia was hoping it would continue so her pictures would be as dramatic as Lee’s.
After we see Sophie taking a training session with Georgia, she invites Jenny to find out what it’s like to be a para rider. Sophie has one finger on each hand that she can hold the reins with, and Jenny has to do the same. As Jenny says, “This is a different kettle of fish”, realising that she has to work much harder with her legs and core, and that not being able to play with the reins in the same way makes for a very different, and more challenging, experience.
Commenting for H&C, Director of Content, Jonathan Rippon said, “The relationship between Sophie and Georgia, and the story of their successes in Tokyo makes for fascinating viewing. It’s the kind of programme that offers the behind-the-scenes insight and access that we know our audience love to see.”
For Champion, Head of Marketing Mel Newman added, “We’re proud of our partnership with these two great athletes and delighted to be able to bring their story to the widest possible audience.”
Paralympic Superstars with Champion is completely free to view on H&C+. To watch now, go to horseandcountry.tv and you’ll find it on the homepage. ENDS
Media Contacts:
Richard Burdett, [email protected], 07768 511702
Tim Smith, [email protected] 01724 784600
About Horse & Country
Horse & Country is the leading international sports network for the passionate and active equestrian community. Headquartered in London, it is available globally via connected TVs, mobile and web and on leading digital and pay-TV platforms in the US, UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Australia. Horse & Country’s programming line-up includes live coverage from leading sporting competitions in all equestrian disciplines, as well as training and learning shows, documentaries and entertainment.