FROM Explosion W’s window at the back of his stable, he can watch the aeroplanes taking offat Stansted Airport. It’s a neat coincidence that the horse who jumps like a jet plane and spends so much of his time flying round the world scooping prizes should overlook the busy transport hub.
“It wasn’t intentional, but it is convenient being so close to Stansted,” says Ben of Elsenham Stud, his home for the past 15 years. “I’m away so much – at least two flights a week – but I enjoy what I do.”
When H&H visits, Ben has just touched down from Prague, where Explosion finished third in the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) Super Grand Prix. It’s something of the measure of the new Olympic champion that third in the €1.25m (£1.05m) class is tinged with disappointment.
“I’m happy with the result, but the others were better than me on the day,” says Ben, who was bidding to defend his title. The following day, he will fly to Stockholm for the Sweden International Horse Show.
Every week it’s the same – he flies home from a show on Sunday night and leaves a couple of days later for the next show.
“I used to drive the lorry, but it makes sense for me to fly as I’m hardly at home as it is,” he says. “A good team is so important and it’s why I have people to take care of the things I can’t do – it takes a lot of weight offmy mind.”
Denne historien er fra December 09, 2021-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra December 09, 2021-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'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
