January 4, 2017 
Everything’s coming up equestrian!
British show jumping veteran Nick Skelton and dressage phenom Charlotte Dujardin closed 2016 with Olympic individual gold medals. Now they’re kicking off 2017 with a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
Awarded for their service to equestrianism, the CBE is the second most prestigious honor awarded by the Queen—one step below a knighthood.
Joining Skelton and Dujardin on the 2017 New Year’s Honours list are eight-time Paralympic gold medalist Sophie Christiansen, who has also received a CBE, and Paralympic, World and European multi-medal-winner Anne Dunham, who was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE).
Rio Olympic Gold Medalist Lee Pearson (GBR) ©Liz Gregg/FEI
The most prestigious award of the night, however, will go to para-equestrian Lee Pearson, who’s up for a knighthood. Pearson is the winner of a phenomenal 11 Paralympic gold medals from five Paralympic Games, 14 World Championship titles, and five European Championship titles. He’s the most decorated Paralympian in history. And a knight, to boot.
