SOMETIMES my column is not entirely dressage-related, but I think it can be helpful to get an outside perspective. For many of us heading to, or going past, middle age, riding is a passion and many get better over the years.
In equestrian sport we’re so fortunate to have the likes of Andrew Hoy, campaigning to represent Australia at what would be an unbelievable ninth Olympic Games, and John Whitaker winning the six-bar and the Santa stakes at London International. They’re examples of really good horsemanship, and at 65 and 68, they’re not only good but better than ever!
It got me thinking about other sports and how lucky we equestrians are to have that longevity. Even if not riding at the top level, there are opportunities to train, coach and produce horses after a competitive career.
Over the years I’ve kept in touch with Alex Gregory MBE. Alex is a five-time world champion and was on the coxless four rowing team that won gold in London, then in Rio, where he came to watch the dressage. We’d sat next to each other at an Olympians dinner in 2012 and were friends from the off.
Denne historien er fra February 22, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra February 22, 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.
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
