Thank you all very much indeed. I am, for almost the first time in my life, speechless   – or I would be, if I hadn’t made these notes on what I wanted to say!
I don’t need any notes to tell you that I really appreciate the magnificent bronze sculpture of a disabled rider on a horse and also all the cards, presents, photos and scrapbooks; thank you all so very much.

   

I had intended to give the sculpture as a perpetual prize for the Team competitions at major events, but it is so lovely that I really want to have it at home. The good news is that Hanneke (Gerritsen) tells me that you have all contributed enough for another trophy, and it will be competed for the first time at the 2009 Open European Championships in Norway, and then hopefully at WEG 2010. In fact, it can become the Team Champions' Trophy, (the Jonquil Trophy) and, dare I say it, perhaps one day another team than the one that has won all the Official Team Competitions since 1996 may take it home……..
(Note: I referred to the Brits).

I really am as thrilled as thrilled can be with today. You are so kind and thoughtful. How wonderful to see so many friends here. I am very sorry not to be staying in the Village with you – I have always found that the competitors, along with their vital helpers and all the officials at the Games, are the best part, coupled with the horses, of course.  The Village and the stables are somehow magical. However, it is a treat to stay in what is said to be the best hotel in Asia – there are some super friends there also.

I am so fortunate to have been involved with riders with disabilities since 1965 –the year our second son, Quentin, was born, and he is 43 now.   In 1980, 1 was asked to start sport for people with disabilities in Great Britain, and as you have heard my life since then has been the history of Paralympic Equestrian.
I have been very fortunate to have been part of IPC and now of FEI, and to get to know so many truly wonderful people, and horses, in so many parts of the world.
                               
I am told that my story is a success story. I have been asked — what is the secret? There is no real secret. I suppose that devotion, diligence, delight and delegation have helped, but most of all it is all of YOU, each one of you, who are the secret weapon. The growth of this sport has not been achieved by me, but by US; by colleagues, and by volunteers, athletes and other people all over the world who have put their enthusiasm behind our cause and made things happen.

 

There are too many people to thank personally by name, but I would like to repeat my thanks to a few people from the early days: - to Birck Jacobsen of Denmark, the first Chairman of IPEC, and to Hans Lindström of Sweden who contributed so much; and particularly to Inger Bryant and to Chris Meaden who joined me in building up the sport from its small beginnings; Chris and Inger spent over three years solidly travelling all over the world with me, training people and assisting them with their particular challenges, and they have continued doing so, and were later joined by others, many of whom you know and appreciate. Many are here, and I thank you.

I would particularly like to thank IPC for all the support I have received from them. We very much appreciate that IPC (the International Paralympic Committee) allowed us free rein to support the many and various expert volunteers world-wide who have brought about the growth of the sport, including the training of the officials who have made the path clear so that the riders could concentrate on their job of training, improving, competing and, where possible, winning.     IPC gave us full scope for what we could do and allowed us to get on with it. They supported the volunteers who have made the sport grow; it would have cost very many times as much to get professionals to do it.

 

The riders have also done such a good job wanting to compete, and convincing their helpers that that they could and would do so, continually raising standards. You top riders have (mostly!) also acted as good role models for other riders. It is the national volunteers and the riders, who have made the growth of the sport possible; along with the international voluntary officials and with the support of the professional IPC and FEI staff, as well as some National Paralympic Committees (NPCs), and some of the National Equestrian Federations (NFs). The Federation for Riding for the Disabled International, (FRDI) and the Christopher Reeve Foundation (CRF), Eurovestech and other donors have also contributed to our growth; long may this continue.

 

It was not quite ten years ago that Michael Stone of FEI put out a feeler and asked Jane Goldsmith to ask if we would be interested in joining FEI. The British Princess Royal, Princess Anne, a past President of the FEI, told me that the FEI was our natural home. It has taken time to get there, but I was very proud of our becoming FEI Para Equestrian in 2006.

 

As you know, we do not only compete with dressage – Carriage Driving has been going since the 1980s and now we have some very keen people who want Jumping  introduced as an FEI Para Sport as it is such a success in those nations which have competitions. In spite of the fear and disapproval of the old women of both sexes, we hope to introduce it soon. (Let us know if your nation is interested). Maybe one day we will have Para sections in all the FEI disciplines!

Para has been so fortunate with the two superb FEI Princess Presidents, HRH The Infanta Dona Pilar de Borbon and HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, in harness with Sir Philip Craven, President of IPC, and their associates, who have encouraged us and smoothed our way. FEI gave a great welcome to an established but growing sport. Ian Williams cannot have found us an easy (or obedient) group to assimilate, but he has been unfailingly kind and supportive, as has his staff. He and I have had a lot more work than I, at least, expected to get Para Equestrian into the mould of FEI.

As a result, the growth of the sport has slowed down in some aspects, such as competitions numbers, during this period. But being in FEI offers the promise of more competitions alongside the able bodied, as well as our own competitions, and I feel confident that the new arrangements at the FEI will enable the Paras to meet all future challenges with your new Chairman, Ulf Wilken. I hope that you will give him the same support and affection that you have so generously given to me.

 

Para Equestrian has overcome many obstacles in the pursuit of sporting excellence. However, you have excelled, inspired and excited the world. It has been an enormous team effort, and you are all in the team. I congratulate you on the wonderful atmosphere that you have created, and which is shown at our competitions and meetings. I am delighted that Para Equestrian has retained its sporting spirit. The rivalry of our riders is very real, but you are also very helpful to and friendly with your fellow competitors.

 

Last week I had a letter from Alex Atock, the vet who loaded many of the Olympic and Para horses on to the planes, and he said that you were by far the most pleasant bunch of people, always smiling, joking, undemanding and appreciative of everything done for you. He is right.

 

I am now going home to practice what I have always preached —family comes first. I really could not have done this job without my husband – spouses are another wonderful thing. On the agenda for the future Bobby and I will welcome a new grandchild, get a new puppy, and I will get a new knee.

After my retirement as Chairman in November, I hope not to lose your friendship and I also hope that OCs will continue to invite me to officiate at competitions. Para Equestrian will always be part of me, and I will follow it as it continues to go forward. I wish you all of you who are involved in Para Equestrian, the very best of everything; everything you ever wanted.

Thank you for the superb bronze by Maurice Den Boer of the horse with the disabled rider, for the lovely presents, scrapbook, photos and other mementoes, and most of all for not only improving the quality of my life but also for letting me be involved in your lives. I would like to finish with a toast to Para Equestrian, so please raise your glasses and drink to:  The Paras.

 

Mrs Jonquil Solt OBE Chairman IPEC/FEI Para Equestrian 1995-2008