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.