Pearson had yesterday won only silver, missing out on gold for the first time during the four Paralympic Games he has competed in, during the grade lb individual dressage.

Britain were in a strong position for gold in the team event nonetheless, and Sophie Christiansen (pictured above), Deborah Criddle and Sophie Wells all medalled to deliver the gold.

Christiansen, who suffers with cerebral palsy, picked up gold in the individual dressage 1a grade on Janeiro6 with a score of 82.75 per cent, finishing ahead of Ireland's Helen Kearny and Laurentia Tan of Singapore.

"As long as I stayed relaxed and focused on what I had done in training, I knew I could pull out an 80 per cent plus test," said Christiansen, who also claimed two gold medals in Beijing four years' ago.

"It was always going to be tough going first in the competition, but I did my best.

"I've worked so hard this year."


Wells (pictured), who in 2008 became the first para-equestrian dressage rider to win an able-bodied competition at the Hickstead under-21 international, took silver in the Grade IV on Pinocchio, scoring 76.323 per cent, finishing just behind Belgium's Michele George.

The 22-year-old was born with amniotic band syndrome which affects her joints, will be disappointed with her individual performance as she won three gold medals at the European Championships in 2011 and two titles at the World Championships the year before.

A mistake half way through ultimately cost her, and Wells said afterwards: "If I had not had the mistake it might have been a different story.

"I knew I would have to do the best test I had ever done, but the Paralympics is when everyone is at their best.

"You can't afford a mistake, but unfortunately I had one and I take complete responsibility for that.

"Maybe the fact he [Pinocchio] is so big and powerful counted against me today.

"I am disappointed, I knew I had blown it but I know why I lost it, rather than not knowing why I lost it - these things happen."

Criddle (pictured below left) also won silver on Akilles in the Grade III individual test with 71.267 per cent.


The 46-year-old lost out right at the end by Germany's Hannelore Brenner, but the trio's combined performances were enough to earn Britain to take gold with a Paralympic record of 468.817, to finish ahead of Germany and Ireland.

Britain have never lost the team event at the Paralympic Games, and are showing good form ahead of the start of individual freestyle events tomorrow.

"I think this has been our strongest team, but it has been the toughest gold to gain," said Pearson.

Britain have three gold medals in the equestrian after Natasha Baker won gold on her Paralympic debut in the Grade II individual event yesterday - and sit comfortably at the top of the medal table for the sport.

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