I WENT to my first Olympic Games in Mexico in 1968 as reserve rider just after my 20th birthday.
Thereafter every Games was a milestone in my life and I planned meticulously for the next, firstly as a rider and then as a coach, through to London, 12 Olympics later. They are unique, bringing life-changing experiences of extreme highs and lows.
As an avid Olympian, I was glued to my television last weekend. What a setting, what a beautifully crafted course, and there was no shortage of drama.
Kitty King and Vendredi Biats didn’t make the British top four, but like a true team player she travelled to France in case of any last-minute upsets. The Americans were not so lucky.
They substituted Will Coleman’s Off The Record for his second horse Diabolo at the last minute, only for Diabolo to have a foot abscess on arrival. Under US selection protocols they were not allowed to put Off The Record back in, giving Liz Halliday the chance at a first Olympics. Then when HSH Blake with Caroline Pamukcu put a hindleg in the ditch at fence 16, their chances of a team medal were gone.
Esta historia es de la edición August 01, 2024 de Horse & Hound.
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Esta historia es de la edición August 01, 2024 de Horse & Hound.
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'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
