I WENT to my first Olympic Games in Mexico in 1968 as reserve rider just after my 20th birthday.
Thereafter every Games was a milestone in my life and I planned meticulously for the next, firstly as a rider and then as a coach, through to London, 12 Olympics later. They are unique, bringing life-changing experiences of extreme highs and lows.
As an avid Olympian, I was glued to my television last weekend. What a setting, what a beautifully crafted course, and there was no shortage of drama.
Kitty King and Vendredi Biats didn’t make the British top four, but like a true team player she travelled to France in case of any last-minute upsets. The Americans were not so lucky.
They substituted Will Coleman’s Off The Record for his second horse Diabolo at the last minute, only for Diabolo to have a foot abscess on arrival. Under US selection protocols they were not allowed to put Off The Record back in, giving Liz Halliday the chance at a first Olympics. Then when HSH Blake with Caroline Pamukcu put a hindleg in the ditch at fence 16, their chances of a team medal were gone.
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.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Gemirande provides 24-carat magic
Venetia Williams sparkles again in the December Gold Cup and jockey brothers dead-heat
‘Happy hunting, everyone'
“The season for talks, dinners and parties has finally arrived for Tessa Waugh, whose distress about the snags of middle age fades away with some rousing festive spirits
'Monaco deserved this victory
Seemingly destined always to play the bridesmaid’s role, Harrie Smolders’ great partner Monaco finally tops an incidentpacked Rolex grand prix
'It had to end sometime'
The closure of beloved Hampshire saddlery Calcutt Sons is a loss to the hunting and wider equestrian worlds, as Octavia Pollock reports
'You couldn't want for more
The Ludlow's peaceful country makes for a day in \"hunting paradise\"
The greatest gift of all
Christmas is fast approaching and while we all like a bit of tinsel, the festive season is also a perfect time for giving to a horse charity. Niki Hinman finds out some of the options
Winter him well
A horse's winter routine can differ dramatically from his summer structure but what’s the knock-on effect? Ellie Hughes asks vets how to optimise routine management for the season
Neat feet
Excellent hoof care is a year-round concern but the winter months present their own problems. Richard Stephenson MRCVS explains the seasonal challenges afoot and how to stay one step ahead
In bygone days
Modern vets have much scientific knowledge behind them, but what about their forebears? Kieran O’Brien MRCVS opens up the world of Victorian vets in London
'When I joined the Pony Club it was just two boys and 48 girls'
Pepsi Kohler on being delightfully outnumbered by girls in the Pony Club, a leg-up from a royal and the H&H advert that changed his life
