Debbie (Deb) Criddle, born in May 1966 in Somerset, is a grade III paradressage rider.
She grew up enjoying riding, especially trekking holidays and aimed to pursue BHS instructor training, before being persuaded to study business studies instead, keeping riding as her main hobby.
In 1985 Deb was involved in a motorcycle accident, which caused substantial damage. Doctors managed to save her leg but her arm had to be later amputated in 2003.
This is where Deb’s paradressage career began, and she was short listed for the Sunday Times Sports Woman of the Year in 2004.
Deb won paradressage team gold and individual bronze at the European Championships in 2005 and individual bronze and silver at the World Para European Dressage Championships in 2007.
Deb’s success resulted in selection for Beijing in 2008, in which she came fourth and fifth, just missing out on the medals.
After having to take some time out due to the lack of a top horse, Deb was partnered with LJT Akilles with whom she represented Great Britain at the European Championships in 2011 winning team gold, as well as an individual gold and silver.
The pairing went on to have a successful Paralympic Games winning two individual silver medals and team gold at0 London 2012.
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