IT has been a few weeks since this comment tipped Ben Maher and Explosion W for an individual Olympic gold medal. But mine was the easy bit, because nobody realises how difficult it is to produce a horse at his peak on the hour and day that you’re aiming for – then ride him to the best of your ability for everything to come good at once. All this, Ben did magnificently.
His first round, over a massive course that tested scope and carefulness to the absolute maximum, was poetry to watch. And then to see him ride the jump-off at full throttle and blast the opposition away was just mind-blowing.
A truly great horse ridden by a great rider. Is Explosion the best of all time? Well, I haven’t seen a better one.
“JOYOUS AND UPLIFTING”
This story is from the August 12, 2021 edition of Horse & Hound.
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This story is from the August 12, 2021 edition of Horse & Hound.
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