![Don't Forget The ‘Middle Children'](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/5174/557749/5fcf33cbf0a87/Horses.jpg)
It is difficult to “make it” in the horse industry. Frankly, outstanding talent is an entry-level requirement, and only three or four people a year ride on a senior championship team.
The standard is rising, with more and more horses scoring above 69% at grand prix in the UK. Those at the top-end and the grassroots are generally well served. But I wonder whether those in between, like the proverbial middle child, are overlooked. Are we missing out on identifying further medallists?
International grand prix competitor Sonnar MurrayBrown and his partner Rob Barker run a successful training business. As a member of the World Class Podium Potential Programme, Sonnar is grateful for the practical support it gives and he’s attended training weekends covering business aspects alongside the performance-related topics.
Sonnar’s youth career was cut short due to a horrific car accident. While some were honing their careers riding on teams, he was in hospital.
This story is from the November 19, 2020 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 19, 2020 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![Waterproofs, wellies and windscreen wipers](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5174/1814848/sm6soX_cq1725011193388/WATERPROOFS-WELLIES-AND-WINDSCREEN-WIPERS.jpg)
Waterproofs, wellies and windscreen wipers
Tessa Waugh braves a downpour for a trip to the Rydal hound show and is rewarded with a party atmosphere, the joy of rural traditions and even - eventually - a spot of sunshine
![It's nearly time...](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5174/1814848/WlZfGxqsY1725011113909/ITS-NEARLY-TIME.jpg)
It's nearly time...
H&H's hunting editor Catherine Austen - and her horse are keen for the new trail-hunting season to start
![Satin slips into top spot again](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5174/1814848/6ZZtUhxAE1725010737162/SATIN-SLIPS-INTO-TOP-SPOT-AGAIN.jpg)
Satin slips into top spot again
A Blencathra bitch takes the championship for the second successive year at this feast of fellhounds and Lakeland life
![New heights for Festive Fare](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5174/1814848/cO9ropSjd1725010397686/NEW-HEIGHTS-FOR-FESTIVE-FARE.jpg)
New heights for Festive Fare
Two former racehorses shine in their new guises, while home-producers reign in multiple sections
![Cornet returns to the top](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5174/1814848/zVSFwqbMl1725010171970/CORNET-RETURNS-TO-THE-TOP.jpg)
Cornet returns to the top
An exciting youngster steps up after a patch of four fault-itis and an \"amazing\" horse makes a remarkable recovery from multiple fractures
![Young talent comes Goode](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5174/1814848/J6apKpDR-1725009973836/YOUNG-TALENT-COMES-GOODE.jpg)
Young talent comes Goode
Tom Goode snatches grand prix victory by a whisker, while a mare who's had six months out of competition makes a winning comeback
![Quirky Concorde flies high](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5174/1814848/6JGtiauHv1725009634273/QUIRKY-CONCORDE-FLIES-HIGH.jpg)
Quirky Concorde flies high
A promising but tricky eight-yearold takes the top class, while there are also wins for a former carriagedriving horse and one who used to dump his rider
![Oakden Keeps It in Scotland](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5174/1814848/mH3WUl_nk1725008818563/OAKDEN-KEEPS-IT-IN-SCOTLAND.jpg)
Oakden Keeps It in Scotland
Blair signs off with a final farewell, at which Wills Oakden pilots Keep It Cooley to a third successive victory here
![Can Brits upset Dutch dominance again?](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5174/1814848/nmt_vlleg1725008653213/CAN-BRITS-UPSET-DUTCH-DOMINANCE-AGAIN.jpg)
Can Brits upset Dutch dominance again?
The Brits will head to Paris as underdogs, but it will be an enticing battle at the top
![Safe, with spark, and something special](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5174/1814848/QRNjU2Z7u1725008383185/SAFE-WITH-SPARK-AND-SOMETHING-SPECIAL.jpg)
Safe, with spark, and something special
What do para dressage riders look for in their ideal equine partner? Victoria Malcolm consults coaches, riders and judges to find out how to source and train a Paralympic horse