WILTSHIRE Paralympic equestrian legend Anne Dunham has brought her glittering career to an end.

The 68-year-old, who has won 10 Paralympic Games medals and helped Great Britain defend their team title at in Rio last summer, as well as claiming two individual silvers to help the country’s equestrian team to their most successful Games to date, announced her retirement this morning.

Across a career spanning more than 23 years, Dunham, who was originally misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis before discovering that she suffered from a neurological condition known as dystonia in 2011, has amassed a whopping 32 championship medals for Great Britain.

Dunham, who lives in Worton, says that she decided that competing in yet another Paralympics – Tokyo 2020 is next on the horizon – would be a bridge too far.

“This has been a hard decision but I know it is right because I don’t want to start with a new horse and then have to part with him,” said Dunham, who first represented Great Britain at the 1994 World Championships.

“Tokyo is four years away and I’ll be in my 70s then, and it’s time to give others a chance.

“I’ve loved it all, it’s been exciting, I’ve met some wonderful people, and have travelled the world. I’ve done things I would never imagined I would have done. Horses and dressage has given me a varied and happy life.

“I must thank Pammy Hutton from Talland (School of Equitation), who has been with me on this rollercoaster of a ride, supported me, helped me with owners and horses, trained me and become a great friend.

“My daughter Amber, who has groomed for me since 2000, travelled the world with me and has given up her time to support me – I wouldn’t have had the success I have achieved if we hadn’t been on this journey together, and for the last few years, my sister Gill, who has travelled with us and has helped generally keep me in order.

“The World Class (Programme) and the Lottery have made it all possible for me, as they have for so many other athletes, and have helped to take us to the heights we are at now.”

British Dressage’s chief executive Jason Brautigam paid tribute to Dunham’s mark on the sport in this country.

He said: “Anne’s immense contribution to para-equestrian dressage over the past two decades cannot be underestimated.

“She has been the flag-bearer for our sport ever since dressage was first introduced at the Paralympics in 1996.

“From Atlanta to Rio, Anne has played an enormous part in ensuring that Great Britain has remained undefeated in the team competition, as well as her fantastic individual medal success.

“She will be sorely missed by everyone involved in Team GB and, along with her legions of fans and supporters, we wish her the very best for a long and happy retirement.”