My earliest Badminton memory is when I was a member of the South Notts branch of the Pony Club and we visited the event. It was in April then and very wet. One of the girls was at Westonbirt School, so she took us there on the way home so we could wash the mud off our feet.
The qualifications for Badminton were much lighter when I was riding. I finished 10th in 1970 on my big young horse Mooncoin when I was in my late teens. It was a great thrill – I have a picture being presented with a rosette by The Queen and receiving a little silver horse for being in the top 12.
In 1971, I was seventh on Mooncoin and Mike was sixth on Farmer Giles. We were married on 1 January 1972. Mike and I had different strengths and got irritated if we tried to help each other.
I came from a showing background – my friend Judy Bradwell and her dad helped me find ponies. That helped me in the dressage because I was used to trying to make a horse look its best.
Mike excelled across country having come to eventing from hunting.
Denne historien er fra April 27, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra April 27, 2023-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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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
