GREAT BRITAIN claimed double gold in a thrilling showdown. Pony rider Abigail Gray improved on an individual silver medal to score an emphatic freestyle victory, while Ella-Grace Dovey exceeded expectations to make Britain’s first children-on-horses medal a winning one.
After a close-fought competition which saw both pony and junior teams miss the podium by the narrowest of margins, riders pressed ahead in the individual classes – smashing the top 10 in all three divisions, thanks to Myles Graham’s junior placings.
“I’m so proud of them all,” said chef d’equipe Nina Boex of the youth riders thrust into the spotlight as controversy erupted among Britain’s Olympic dressage community. “Under maybe not the easiest of circumstances, they conducted themselves in an exemplary manner. It was important they came not only for the experience but also for the opportunity, and they proved they’re the next generation.
“Abigail was ready to set down what she could this time, after a taste of things at the Europeans last year, and Myles was strong among hot competition,” added Nina. “Ella’s children-on-horses medal hopefully inspires other riders in that age category.”
GOING FOR GOLD
RIDING seasoned team pony George Clooney BS, Abigail kicked off her campaign by heading the 53-strong field in the team test.
Denne historien er fra August 01, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra August 01, 2024-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
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Access all areas Cavalier Centre
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'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
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