YOU know that picture of the iceberg illustrating success? The visible tip of the iceberg - the rosette, the gold medal, the lap of honour - is underpinned by a huge invisible volume of work, training and tenacity.
For Dan Jocelyn, the visible tip is two top-25 finishes at Badminton this year.
The invisible graft to get to that point is exemplified by an image of the rider hobbling round a bark track on a chilly winter day, leading a horse who might or might not be sound.
The New Zealand rider has lived in Britain for nearly 30 years and is a longstanding fixture on the eventing scene - he was eighth at Badminton in 1999 and rode at two championships on his great partner Silence. But bar an appearance at the 2018 worlds as an individual, he hasn't ridden at a championship since the 2004 Olympics.
"It's definitely been a journey - from horses being taken away from me to the fact I've had some major injuries over the past nine or 10 years," he reflects.
"I stopped smoking after an accident at Gatcombe in 2013 when I broke both my arms and busted my foot. Not only could I not walk, I couldn't put my arms in crutches - I was literally immobile. I hate the pain and the whole thought of it. It's been a bit of a reflection, thinking about what your body can and can't cope with.
"I always thought of myself as the young person in the group. When I came over here, it was Mark Todd, Andrew Nicholson, Blyth Tait. I don't know when it happened, but I'm the old guy now. I know how hungry all the young people are because that's what I was." But at 52, Dan's hungry too. He's spurred on by the lure of another team appearance and most of all, a medal.
"It's my only motivation - my be all and end all," he admits.
"As a rider at the highest level, I just feel unsatisfied. I've always been driven by being part of the New Zealand team and representing my country.
Denne historien er fra July 20, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra July 20, 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.
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
