Paralympics - A dream come true

As the Paralympic excitement continues, we look back to our catch-up with para dressage travelling groom Beth Revill.

Beth has been riding since a child when she was a member of the Grove Hunt Pony Club and later became a dressage rider.  

Eight years ago, Beth started working for para dressage rider Sophie Wells.

We spoke with Beth ahead of her travelling to Paris for the Games.

How did you become involved with the Paralympic Team?

“I became involved with the team just by being Sophie’s travel groom, I feel incredibly lucky and honoured to be a part of Team Wells.”

How do you share the workload with Liz at the Paralympics? Do you have two horses each or is it just everyone helps each other?

“We have been designated two horses each, but Liz and I get on so well, we help each other out if timings are tight etc.”

How do you feel about going to your first Paralympics?

“I feel so many emotions, I am so excited, happy and proud. The venue looks magical, and I can’t wait to be there along Sophie & Diana.”

Did you ever think as a young child you would one day be going to groom at a Paralympics?

“No, absolutely not, it is a total dream come true. Baby Beth would be so happy looking at me now!”

Will Daphne the Giraffe be going to Paris?

“Oh, Daphne definitely will be attached to me during Paris. She is Sophie’s little mascot, so you will see me ringside always holding on to her, Daphne is special to Soph.”

Do you help to pack the lorry for other riders? How does it work?

“Everyone will be completing their packing during our pre-training little camp, and then all of the team help load the lorry when our transporter arrives - it needs to be a team effort to get it all loaded.”

What is LJT Egebjerggards Samoa like? Does she have any quirks?

“Oh honestly, she is just an all-round angel. The sweetest soul to look after, makes every trip enjoyable and special, I get along with her well. 

Her stable name is Diana, but you will often hear me calling her Prinny, as she just acts like a princess all the time.”

How do you get to know the other paralympic horses and their characters?

“I know of the horses from them being at all the same competitions throughout the whole season.

As a freelance groom I always find out as much information on the horses as possible before an event. I want to know everything about the horses, what they like and dislike. 

I always look after the horses with love, respect and the best of care, as if they’re my own. So, it’s incredibly important I know everything about them. 

What is your secret to success? 

“I think having a passion for what you do and having pride in your work is the main thing. On a daily basis I feel extremely fortunate to do what I do.”

What is the best advice someone has given you?

“My mum is one of my closest friends and she once said to ‘give it your all’ which has stuck with me forever.

I want to give 100% for everything I do. Even when things are challenging, so long as I’ve tried my best, I know I’ve succeeded.”

Well done Beth and good luck in Paris!