ON paper, there’s no reason why Britain can’t reclaim their glorious gold from 2012. The world-class trio of Carl Hester, Charlotte Dujardin, and Lottie Fry have three young horses who are more than capable of living up to the weighty expectations upon them. But rookie horses across the board, coupled with a fresh format, challenging climate and the disruption Covid has brought to preparations, means this game is set to be the most unpredictable yet.
There have already been surprises: Gio wasn’t the horse most expected to be selected for Charlotte Dujardin’s bid to retain her individual Olympic title. But “Pumpkin” is by no means second-rate. Popular with judges and fans alike, his exceptional talent combined with his adorable attitude – and the fact he has arguably the world’s best rider on his back – means that he could lead Britain into an extremely competitive position.
He is a little horse who rises to a big occasion and could challenge for an individual medal, though with just one international special and freestyle to his name so far, he will be in thoroughly uncharted territory.
Carl Hester’s En Vogue, though, could prove to be Britain’s talisman. This tall, elegant gelding, who has proved such a good match for Carl since owner Charlotte handed over the ride in 2020, is one of the most talented horses in the world. So far he has shown us tantalizing glimpses of the medal-winner he could be, and if anyone can nurture a horse to bring out his best at precisely the right moment, it’s Carl.
Denne historien er fra July 15, 2021-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra July 15, 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.
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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
