New para dressage performance manager appointed
Sarah Armstrong has been appointed as interim para equestrian dressage performance manager.
Sarah, who is currently the head of logistics and administration of the National Lottery-funded world class programme, will continue her current role in addition to overseeing the para dressage squad’s preparations for next year’s Paralympic Games. She will also act as the team’s chef d’equipe during the Games.
Sarah takes over from David Hunter who resigned from his role as para equestrian dressage performance manager and chef d’equipe last month (7 October) after 13 years in the position.
“I feel very privileged that I will be working alongside such a talented team of athletes and staff at such a crucial time in the preparation for Rio 2016,” said Sarah.
“I’m sure that there will be some challenging and exciting times ahead and I’m very much looking forward to getting started.”
From a hunting and eventing background, Sarah now competes in dressage.
Since joining the World Class Programme in 2007, she has worked on major projects including the pre-export quarantine camps prior to the 2008 Olympic Games, as well as managing all logistics planning for Team GBR at major championships.
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“Sarah has extensive experience of the unique environment generated by a games as well as a sound understanding of the support our para dressage athletes require to enable them to perform at their best,” added Dan Hughes, performance director for the World Class Programme.
“Sarah is extremely well placed to lead the well-established and successful team that are now beginning their preparations to defend their London 2012 Paralympic title”.
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Rachael joined Horse & Hound in 2014, initially as a digital sub editor then became part of the news team as a writer in 2015. The philosophy graduate studied journalism at the Press Association before working as a local reporter at the Brentwood Gazette. Rachael is now a mum of two and still loves all things equestrian, including hacking, dressage and jumping with her cob Bert. Rachael left the H&H staff to go freelance in June 2019, but still contributes to our magazine and website, as well as our sister magazine Country Life, among others.