“I generally keep myself to myself,” says Philip, 50, who could easily pass for a decade younger. “I just keep my head down and I’m quite laid-back. I don’t like getting involved in the politics of the horse world and, on the whole, things don’t annoy me.”
Despite maintaining a low personal profile, Philip’s results have forced him to sit in the spotlight as one of the top in-hand producers of the moment, although he’d never admit that. His sympathetic and patient methods alongside his natural flair in the ring mean he’s a popular choice for many breeders looking to send their budding youngsters off to kickstart their careers.
PHILIP hails from non-horsey stock but picked up riding at the age of three, when he joined his sister for lessons at the local riding school in North Yorkshire.
“We moved back down south as a family and I started playing hockey,” says Philip. “My sister got her first horse and I would help her out at the stables. The yard owners, the Thrift family, were into showing and I went to my very first show – the 1983 Bucks County Show – with them and their hack mare, Blenheim Little Madam.”
After completing agricultural college, an 18-year-old Philip got his first job at a friend’s riding school. Here, the budding young horseman developed his feel in the saddle by training stunt horses.
Denne historien er fra March 18, 2021-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra March 18, 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
Rider Denies Doping After Team Loses Olympic Placing - Tine Magnus and the Belgian team said they do not know the source of the drug that caused the positive test
Olympic eventer Tine Magnus has denied ever doping after her Paris ride Dia Van Het Lichterveld Z gave a positive test at the Games. This means the Belgian team, which came fourth, has been disqualified. On 4 September, the FEI said the 10-year-old mare, owned by Kris van Vaerenbergh, tested positive for trazodone, which is listed as an antidepressant on the FEI's prohibited substances list.
Michael Eilberg
The top dressage rider talks to Polly Bryan about the special horse with the potential to carry him back onto the British team, how to be a better coach and using his talent for teaching to help the sport
Schooling success
Combining school and riding can be tricky, but horses can benefit a child's education. Lottie Morgan uncovers some options for horse-loving pupils
How to get a job in hunting
The British Hound Sports Association's apprentice scheme is providing young people with excellent all-round training in the skills required - and many others besides, as Tessa Waugh discovers
Burke's Affair to remember
A fast round delights one rider who comes away with a coveted grand prix trophy and a rankings class concludes with an unusual tie
Derby winner returns for further Hickstead glory
After watching wife Pippa compete at Burghley, William Funnell returns to the scene of his Derby triumph to win the All England grand prix
Derby winner returns for further Hickstead glory
After watching wife Pippa compete at Burghley, William Funnell returns to the scene of his Derby triumph to win the All England grand prix
'I'm grateful to have such a wonderful partner'
The brilliant duo of Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei seal back-to-back grands prix after a dramatic turn of events
Hamlett takes centre stage
Two horses round off their competitive careers with victories, a championship specialist earns her fourth title and a pair with a combined age of 105 prove invincible
'This is the ultimate five-star test'
Mark Phillips on Burghley's highs, lows, challenges and champions
