
LAPPING the Badminton arena waving to the cheering crowd is a fantasy most horsey people have allowed themselves. For some, it’s just a fantastical dream, for others it’s a genuine ambition and for the very few it becomes a reality.
But what does it take to become one of this elite group?
World number two Jonelle Price calls them a “rare breed” and they are an eclectic bunch – different shapes and sizes and ages, with backgrounds as varied as their riding styles.
But the one thing that unites them all, in former British performance manager Yogi Breisner’s words, “is that they have a hunger – a hunger for learning and a hunger for developing themselves and a hunger for doing things the right way”.
This hunger is less glamorously known as an extreme work ethic. It is what will get you to the top and keep you there – according to experts.
British eventing team coach Chris Bartle says that while the will to win is important, “it’s the work ethic supporting the will to win that is crucial”. He cites Bounce, a book written by Matthew Syed, which says that someone can only be an expert at something after putting in 10,000 hours of practice.
Once we’ve put our heads down, what is it we should be working on improving? Of course, fitness and riding ability is important but, according to Jonelle, it isn’t physical prowess uniting the top riders, it’s character.
Denne historien er fra March 09, 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
Denne historien er fra March 09, 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

Super Sonic steps up
Oakley Nash lands a 128cm double with \"wild\" project pony and a determined 138cm rider is in flying form

Townend takes two
A familiar face and a potential future star triumph for Oliver Townend, as the eventing season gets under way

Last-minute dash ends in triumph
A change of plan leads to victory and a home-bred star proves that talent runs in the family

William's the Lad
It's back-to-back victories in the hunt race he sponsors for a delighted – and generous – William Fox Grant

Saving Britain's in-hand show tradition
Kim Wilson investigates how Sport Horse Breeding of Great Britain is tackling the decline of in-hand classes and working to secure the future of youngstock

'This unspoilt hunting heaven
A visit by the RS Surtees Society to Northumberland provides a showcase for the Percy hounds and their hunting country

Local hero is all heart
A Borders team lifts Scotland's richest hurdle for the second year with a gutsy six-year-old and a £1,000 purchase richly rewards a patient owner

Access all areas Gavin Cromwell
The former farrier is sending his strongest team of Cheltenham Festival runners yet. Jennifer Donald meets the team behind a remarkable success story

Saffron Cresswell
The young event rider, who suffered a serious spinal injury in a fall last year, talks to Pippa Roome about her journey so far and what the future holds

Daphne
This contrary mare may spin like a top and be uncatchable in the summer, but she's \"terrifyingly brave\" and absolutely brilliant in the hunting field