
BRITAIN’S superb performances at the Tokyo Olympics have presented the horse world with “an amazing gift” that it “must grab with both hands”.
British riders took five medals at the Games, equalling, in numbers, the London 2012 tally.
“We knew the names way before us who had been successful at the Olympics. So for our names to be added to that list is a huge honor and achievement. But we are all normal people,” Tokyo eventing team gold medallist Oliver Townend said.
“We are not all posh horse people, we are all from normal backgrounds. I hope it allows kids also from normal backgrounds who have a dream to [realize] it is possible. If you have that dream and you’re willing to dedicate your life to it, it can happen. It has happened to us three.”
The industry saw a boost after British equestrian success at the 2012 Games, and there are hopes these results can build on that.
As well as an increase in sporting bodies’ membership figures, the impact hit across the industry. H&H reported record ticket sales and crowds at Olympia and Badminton respectively. Some colleges said the Games inspired more students into the industry, with a surge in applications (news, February 2013).
British Eventing (BE) CEO Helen West said Olympic inspiration is key to encouraging new talent into the sport.
Denne historien er fra August 26, 2021-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra August 26, 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

Gemirande provides 24-carat magic
Venetia Williams sparkles again in the December Gold Cup and jockey brothers dead-heat

‘Happy hunting, everyone'
“The season for talks, dinners and parties has finally arrived for Tessa Waugh, whose distress about the snags of middle age fades away with some rousing festive spirits

'Monaco deserved this victory
Seemingly destined always to play the bridesmaid’s role, Harrie Smolders’ great partner Monaco finally tops an incidentpacked Rolex grand prix

'It had to end sometime'
The closure of beloved Hampshire saddlery Calcutt Sons is a loss to the hunting and wider equestrian worlds, as Octavia Pollock reports

'You couldn't want for more
The Ludlow's peaceful country makes for a day in \"hunting paradise\"

The greatest gift of all
Christmas is fast approaching and while we all like a bit of tinsel, the festive season is also a perfect time for giving to a horse charity. Niki Hinman finds out some of the options

Winter him well
A horse's winter routine can differ dramatically from his summer structure but what’s the knock-on effect? Ellie Hughes asks vets how to optimise routine management for the season

Neat feet
Excellent hoof care is a year-round concern but the winter months present their own problems. Richard Stephenson MRCVS explains the seasonal challenges afoot and how to stay one step ahead

In bygone days
Modern vets have much scientific knowledge behind them, but what about their forebears? Kieran O’Brien MRCVS opens up the world of Victorian vets in London

'When I joined the Pony Club it was just two boys and 48 girls'
Pepsi Kohler on being delightfully outnumbered by girls in the Pony Club, a leg-up from a royal and the H&H advert that changed his life