Orford out to seize opportunity at World Equestrian Games

If Erin Orford can win two medals at a European Championships after a last-minute call-up, imagine what she can achieve with a full build-up.

The 29-year-old, a travelling reserve at Rio 2016, was on the top step of the podium in the team event at last year’s European Para Dressage Championships and picked up individual bronze.

Such an impressive senior debut and further good form with her horse Dior has earned her 2018 World Equestrian Games selection – a competition which starts on September 11.

Orford is part of an experienced team alongside Sir Lee Pearson, Natasha Baker MBE and Sophie Wells MBE, and is confident she’s an even better rider than 12 months ago.

“I had a last-minute call up (to the Europeans) but came away with team gold and individual bronze. I was very pleased to get my first individual medal – hopefully we can build on that,” she said.

“It’s nice to prepare and take it all in this time. We have had an extra year as a combination, too.

“We have more experience going in, which is nice, and had time to prepare and process everything – hopefully that will help.

“We can only concentrate on our own performances. If we achieve that, that’s all we can do. Hopefully it’ll be enough.

“I don’t want to think about medals in advance but it would great, very special.

“There’s a long way to go though and a lot to do. We have a very competitive class, so we’ll go and see what we can do.”

Orford’s Paralympic journey started back in Athens in 2004 when she went to spectate and after missing out at Rio 2016, she is extra determined to be in Tokyo in two years’ time.

And Orford knows the World Equestrian Games will offer her a fantastic chance to prove her worth in the squad ahead of the Tokyo 2020 qualification process.