I'VE been to four Olympics and ridden four different horses. Some have gone well, but there have also been disappointments you can only do the best with the hand you are dealt.
The one that stands out is Atlanta 1996 because Ready Teddy won gold. But my first Olympics, Barcelona 1992 on Messiah, were probably more memorable.
We'd already won double gold at the World Equestrian Games in Stockholm, but nothing compares to the atmosphere of the Olympics. Barcelona was particularly dramatic, in flashy Spanish style. Walking into the stadium for the opening ceremony with the whole New Zealand team, you were hit by a wall of noise. It made me realise that the Olympics are so much bigger than anything I'd ever experienced, because the whole world in every walk of life gets immersed in it.
With Messiah being world champion and runner-up at Badminton, I went in with high expectations. But he stood on a stone after the trot-up and bruised his foot. He was tender on his sole, so I couldn't get the work into him that I normally would. When it came to the dressage, I did the test without a proper warm-up.
He was so fresh that he blew upo go disastrous. I felt "woe is me", but my team-mate Andrew Nicholson said, "Get your act together. You're in a team. There are two more phases." Messiah had to do another trot-up to prove he was sound, and he gave me his usual brilliant ride across country. He was so tough, scopey and brave as could be.
Denne historien er fra May 23, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra May 23, 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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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
