NICKY THOMPSON
~ Para-dressage Rider~

Profile updated July 2011

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Nicky is a blind para-dressage rider from Elstead, Surrey.  In 1988, Nicky was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, an inherited disease of the retina that leads to a gradual progressive reduction in vision.  Para-dressage follows the same format as that for able bodied competitors, with Nicky receiving directional instructions from an able-bodied caller (Gary Greenhill).

Nicky Thompson with Deb Criddle

Nicky has been riding horses all her life and in 2009 turned her attention to para-dressage with “Welt Santa Cruz” (Ollie), a horse she trained herself.  In her first year of competition, Nicky achieved strong results in the Restricted Category allowing her to quickly move up to the Open section.  Nicky was awarded a place on the British Equestrian Federation’s Regional Foundation Squad in late 2009, giving her access to a two year development programme towards the 2012 Olympics. Nicky is trained by Richard Barrett and is a member of the British Equestrian Federation Foundation Squad.

Nicky returned from competing April 2011 for Great Britain in her first international abroad in Deauville, France, having taken 2nd place Grade III individually and 2nd in the Nations Cup team event. She hopes her performance helps her chances for selection to London 2012 and her results have now meant she moves on to the BEF World Class Potential Squad. Para dressage competitions run in the same format as able bodied competitions, with riders competing in grades with similarly inhibiting impairments.

She says of her horse, Welt Santa Cruz "He was an absolute star. He was a bit nervous at first, but got better and better each day".

Nicky and the GB Team in France 2011

Nicky has recently (2011) received a grant from Sport Godalming, supporting local athletes who are hoping to compete in the Olympics and Paralympics next year.

Nicky in July 2010 celebrated taking 3rd place Grade IV Overall Champion at Hartpury International. The Festival of Dressage took place between 14th and 18th July and includes a Premier League, a CDI3* International and a Para 3* International. Disabled riders from 11 different nationalities took part in the 3 day FEI CPEDI*** competition in which the Brits dominated the prize giving. Nicky is registered blind and receives directional instructions from an able bodied caller.

Nicky said "This is the first time I have competed at an international event, so I was a bit nervous on the first day representing Great Britain. My horse Ollie was super and I was thrilled to get 70% for my freestyle on day 3".

In February 2010, Nicky won her first regional Open event putting her on course for the 2010 Para Winter National Championships in March.

More information on Retinitis Pigmentosa can be found via the following link: www.brps.org.uk/

Nicky competing in Deuville, France 2011