So we have arrived in Caen for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Unfortunately the weather has taken a turn for the worse, so here’s hoping the forecast improves!
The venue is lovely here on the racecourse, and the facilities are OK. The surfaces are quite hard to ride on, but overall things are going well.
As the venues are fairly spread out for the para-dressage, the reining and the dressage, it’s difficult to get around to see the other British riders, especially if the times are tight. I have a feeling we will be relying on the TV to watch the other sports.
This is a shame as in Kentucky in 2010 it was really easy to scoot to each arena to support everyone. That’s the bonus of having one massive park where the Games can take place.
Feeling at home in the rain
I have a training day today, which is going to be outside in the rain, as we have no under cover space. It’s a good thing we are use to riding in the rain at home! I’m on at 8.48am tomorrow (French time, which is one hour ahead of the UK) so it will be nice to get in and done early in the day.
I also had the great honour of being the flag bearer for Team GBR at the opening ceremony. This was such a special moment which I will cherish. It was made even better with no disasters (such as tripping or dropping the flag) which did cross my mind!
If you’re not making the trip to Tryon for the World Equestrian Games and are worried about missing out on
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Sophie Wells is a talented young dressage rider who has represented her country in both able-bodied and paralympic championships, winning team gold and two individual Grade IV silver medals at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
