20 Things Britain Gave The (Horse) World

20 things Britain gave the (horse) world

1 Eventing

It was actually started by the military in continental Europe, but the idea of eventing being an equestrian sport for everyone, with a well-organized calendar of events aimed at training riders for the Olympics, can be credited to the 10th Duke of Beaufort, who kicked it all off 71 years ago at Badminton.

This gave Britain a head start with technical skill. And although other countries, notably Germany, have now invented more sophisticated scoring systems, there is a reason why English predominates in the control box on cross-country day.

2 Lucinda Green

The six-time Badminton winner and sought-after trainer remains a heroine whose joyous, athletic, empathetic style of riding and sporting manner inspired young eventers from all corners of the globe.

Lucinda continues to beat the drum for cross-country influence; not everyone agrees with her all the time, but it’s a discussion that needs to be kept alive.

3 The Grand National

EVER since the aptly named Lottery won the Grand National 181 years ago (the course was built 10 years earlier, but 1839 is deemed the official first running), the race has been the stuff of dreams, fairytales and fiction, and is the only time of the year some people place a bet.

It is broadcast to around 140 countries, with an international audience estimated at 600million. And, thanks to our farming and hunting tradition, we have shown everyone how to jump steeplechase fences.

4 Native ponies

IT is remarkable how animals that originate in such precise regions can go global. Britain’s ancient native pony breeds are found in studs everywhere around the world, and have contributed to many renowned sports pony bloodlines from Europe to Australia.