Sandringham’s para dressage rider Debbie Ridout awarded Disabled Sports Person of the year at West Norfolk Sports awards

Vanessa Britton Thursday, February 16, 2012
11:06 AM

Sandringham Estate-based para dressage rider Debbie Ridout has been awarded the Disabled Sports Person of the year at the West Norfolk Sports awards.

The awards ceremony was held last Thursday at the King’s Lynn Corn Exchange Theatre.

Having been nominated by her son before Christmas, Debbie went on to win a joint first with wheelchair bound table tennis player, Daniel Bullen.

“I am absolutely thrilled to bits,” says Debbie.

“I didn’t expect a low profile sport such as dressage to win and I still can’t believe it.

“My son is a trainee farrier so couldn’t be with us last night, but being able to call him and tell him that I won was fantastic.”

Debbie was inundated with messages of support which made up a Facebook campaign.

“I am so grateful to everyone who posted supportive comments – it was so lovely reading them all,” she said.

As part of her nomination, a film crew was sent to Debbie’s yard where she was interviewed while her trusty steed, Whatly was lunged in the background before she climbed on.”