PARA dressage rider, Izzy Palmer has caught the attention of the media recently with a television crew for ITV visiting the home of her trainer, mentor and good friend Sophie Wells to film a piece on their relationship and Paralympic dreams.
Izzy recently started to ride Sophie’s horse Pinocchio, the wonderful chestnut gelding, now 19-years-old and responsible for rocketing Sophie into the Para-dressage spotlight.
Together they won Paralympic World and European Para and silver medals in team and individual competitions before Sophie retired him from Para competitions in 2012 and then able-bodied classes at Grand Prix level in July last year.
Sophie and Izzy are both sponsored by Black Country Saddles and had a great time filming the news piece.
Fifteen-year-old Izzy was born with Cerebral Palsy and travels to Sophie’s base in Nottinghamshire from her home in Leeds to train with her mentor and is thoroughly enjoying the experience.
“I am very fortunate to have such amazing support from Sophie and to ride Pinnochio is just so special,” said Izzy.
“We make the trip at least twice a week usually before school so it is a very early start but I am really determined to succeed in the sport and follow Sophie’s fantastic success.”
Added Sophie: “I very much enjoy helping Izzy who has developed a great partnership with Pinnochio and it is wonderful to see their progress.
“Izzy is on the Podium Potential Squad as part of the World Class Programme and has her sights firmly set at the top of the sport so everyone is doing their best to help her get there.”
