Sir Lee Pearson

1. Tell us about yourself and how you became an Equestrian Paralympian?

My name is Sir Lee Pearson and I became a power Olympian after watching the Atlanta Paralympic Games where I realised that Equestrian events were held. At the time I was currently in a dead-end office job and being an outdoors person, this was not psychologically very good for my health.

2. Do you think more should be done to encourage disabled children to take part in Physical Education when they're at school and tell us about your experiences?

Yes physical education should be for all. When I was at school in the 80's, I just had to sit to one side and watch the other children participating in physical education. Even more sadly, there was a riding school next to the school, but for insurance purposes they wouldn’t let me attend.

3. How important is the relationship you have with the horse you're riding?

The relationship that I build up with my horses is extremely important. Interestingly, I don’t care for my horses because that would be too difficult for me, so I don’t have that element within my relationship. I firmly believe you have to be riding a horse for a year before you get to know the personalities, and for quite a few years before, you would dream of taking a horse into a Paralympic arena which can be an extremely nerve wracking arena for both horse and rider.

4. What was it like being the GB Paralympic flag bearer at the 2016 Paralympics in Rio for the opening ceremony?

Been nominated by my fellow athletes to be the flag bearer in Rio for the 2016 Paralympic Games was one of the highlights of my life. Over the years, and I’m very old, I’ve received numerous awards, but to be voted by my fellow athletes and lead 264 proud British Paralympians into the Paralympic arena was a surreal life changing moment.

5. How much of an impact does the media have on disability sport?

The media coverage that Paralympic sport receives is unbelievably important. It is the biggest way that we can change perception of disability around the world by showing what people with disabilities can do. It also inspires many sections of society and has the ability to reform outdated policies and laws around the world, as well as making people recognise people with disabilities in a positive way and realise that given there are opportunities, we can be accepted into society and fulfil any role that an able-bodied person can.

6. What are your plans for the next five years?

To be honest I don’t think five years ahead. My aims will be to compete at the Paralympic games in Tokyo next year, but I’m very realistic that the competition is extremely competitive and has a very high level, so I just want my horse to do his best throughout the selection process from autumn 2020 up to July 2021.

7. Have you ever faced discrimination because of your disability and if so how did you deal with it?

I don’t think I’ve ever faced discrimination to my face as such, but the world is a better place from when I was younger when it was perceived that a disabled person wasn’t worthy of employment or even the same education as an able-bodied person. The law and policies within government, education and employment means that blatant discrimination is illegal. I do think the London 2012 Paralympic games opened the worlds eyes to disability and acceptance.

8. You have won Gold at every Paralympics you've been at. Do you think you can continue this at the Tokyo 2021 Paralympics and who are your biggest rivals?

I never would take winning a gold medal for granted. The sport has developed so much, as have other countries with their investment in horse power and sourcing talented riders with a disability. Strange thing with my sport of dressage is I can be fully fit and ready to win a gold medal, but the horse might have other ideas, so you’re always working in a partnership which can be absolutely amazing or sometimes feeling like you want to divorce! I will be putting forward quite a young, inexperienced horse for selection for Tokyo, so just to be selected would be amazing, never mind competing and thinking about medal colour!

9. Did you face challenges when you came out as gay and what message would you like to give people who face the same issue.

The biggest challenge was accepting myself about being gay/bisexual/whatever I am. It was difficult coming out to family, but I just kept thinking that I can’t help who I am and I need to except that, and be proud of that, and hopefully people won’t care about my sexuality or my disability and realise that I’m just a nice person. I’ve never been one to scream about my disability or my sexuality and I feel that just being and not apologise for being can change peoples perceptions.

10. What advice would you give a disabled person who is interested in horse-riding?

It’s a lot cheaper to take up swimming! But if you’re still adamant to participate within equestrianism, riding for the disabled is a brilliant organisation to start, or your local riding school. Alternatively, British Dressage is the National Federation for all affiliated competitions within the UK.