Golden future
Horse & Hound|August 01, 2024
Against a backdrop of controversy in the wider dressage world, Britain's next generation bring optimism back to the sport with historic wins
ANDREA OAKES
Golden future

GREAT BRITAIN claimed double gold in a thrilling showdown. Pony rider Abigail Gray improved on an individual silver medal to score an emphatic freestyle victory, while Ella-Grace Dovey exceeded expectations to make Britain’s first children-on-horses medal a winning one.

After a close-fought competition which saw both pony and junior teams miss the podium by the narrowest of margins, riders pressed ahead in the individual classes – smashing the top 10 in all three divisions, thanks to Myles Graham’s junior placings.

“I’m so proud of them all,” said chef d’equipe Nina Boex of the youth riders thrust into the spotlight as controversy erupted among Britain’s Olympic dressage community. “Under maybe not the easiest of circumstances, they conducted themselves in an exemplary manner. It was important they came not only for the experience but also for the opportunity, and they proved they’re the next generation.

“Abigail was ready to set down what she could this time, after a taste of things at the Europeans last year, and Myles was strong among hot competition,” added Nina. “Ella’s children-on-horses medal hopefully inspires other riders in that age category.”

GOING FOR GOLD

RIDING seasoned team pony George Clooney BS, Abigail kicked off her campaign by heading the 53-strong field in the team test.

Esta historia es de la edición August 01, 2024 de Horse & Hound.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición August 01, 2024 de Horse & Hound.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE HORSE & HOUNDVer todo
Better judges' cover a must to protect the sport's future
Horse & Hound

Better judges' cover a must to protect the sport's future

A group insurance option has been found to protect the officials showing needs but only if enough sign up

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 28, 2024
IVF with frozen sperm is a 'milestone' in equine breeding
Horse & Hound

IVF with frozen sperm is a 'milestone' in equine breeding

The first successful use of frozen semen in the technique has been recorded in an American study

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 28, 2024
Challenging ourselves to be and do better for our horses
Horse & Hound

Challenging ourselves to be and do better for our horses

The 2024 FEI general assembly heard how we should all challenge ourselves to give horses the best lives possible

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 28, 2024
Scottish jockeys to benefit from fund's top services
Horse & Hound

Scottish jockeys to benefit from fund's top services

A new centre in Galashiels has been built thanks to a legacy donation

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2024
How horse simulators could help encourage people into riding
Horse & Hound

How horse simulators could help encourage people into riding

It is hoped the new model will help break down barriers to the sector for a wide range of people

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 28, 2024
Many horses' needs aren't met: study finds chance to improve
Horse & Hound

Many horses' needs aren't met: study finds chance to improve

Researchers say all must ensure horses have space, friends, forage and good experiences

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 28, 2024
Humble pie
Horse & Hound

Humble pie

How many ladies does it take to cook a shepherd's pie? It’s a complicated one, says Tessa Waugh, on a quest to find appropriate ovens for the impending hunt auction dinner

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 28, 2024
I love an underdog
Horse & Hound

I love an underdog

The arrival of the winter mud brings with it a Venetia Williams hat-trick, but the day belongs to a warrior gelding, who never stops trying”

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 28, 2024
Jumping Jack cracks it
Horse & Hound

Jumping Jack cracks it

A scopey grey is learning to be quick” anda broodmare makes up for lost time

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 28, 2024
A star is born
Horse & Hound

A star is born

A nine-year-old mare helps put Luxembourg on the map and we celebrate a remarkable grey’s comeback

time-read
3 minutos  |
November 28, 2024