RIDER COMMANDANT GEOFF CURRAN
"PEOPLE always say to me 'You must be very brave, but there are far braver people I'm just very well mounted. Bishops Quarter has all the scope and he'll never say no. He can be strong in the early rounds of a puissance, but when the wall gets bigger, he focuses, and it never feels like you're jumping that high - although adrenaline certainly helps!
"We bought him as an event horse, but he was tense in the dressage. We got him up to the old three-star [now four-star] but after a tendon injury, we rerouted him and he was used at the army Equitation School for a couple of years before he went jumping.
"He didn't have the temperament to do grands prix because he's a bit aggressive, so his first puissance was Dublin 2019 - I shouldn't have done it because I'd broken a few ribs three weeks before, so we'll forget that one! But that December in Liverpool he just had the wall down in the last round, but it was big, 2.21m. Then we knew we had a very good horse for the job.
This story is from the November 09, 2023 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 09, 2023 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
'He's a terrier - a very classy terrier'
Jonbon emulates some legendary chasers as a dual Tingle Creek victor, and trainer Dan Skelton scores a seasonal century
Rupert
This beautiful master's horse hates quad bikes and is \"scared of his rug\" but is dearly loved by both Nigel Peel and his son Jamie
London's landmark moments
What makes London so special for dressage fans? Oscar Williams delves into its unique history, speaking to experts about their most treasured memories and the show's remarkable evolution in the sport
Golden oldies take centre stage
The finals at London International are among the most regarded championships on the senior showing circuit. Alex Robinson investigates the finals and what's contributed to their popularity
Winter wrapped up
With the long-range weather forecast suggesting a chilly winter ahead, how can equestrians prepare for the challenges of frost, ice and snow? Stephanie Bateman finds out
Party time
From Whitaker vs Whitaker football matches to a hunting choir roaring carols, top riders know how to let their hair down at Christmastime. Netia Walker unearths the best festive parties
Rocking their world
Rocking horses were once a common fixture in children's playrooms - or a charming trinket on a Christmas tree. Now, some are getting a new lease of life for grown-up enthusiasts, finds Liz Falkingham
Winter watering
Maintaining a horse's water intake is crucial, but can be tricky in the colder months. Karen Coumbe MRCVS explains why, and how to help
Shetland Pony Grand National organiser
Sebastian Garner on whittling down applicants, playing headmaster and the joy of watching Shetlands at full lick
Peder Fredricson
The Swedish flagbearer and four-time Olympic medallist tells Jennifer Donald about 2024's ups and downs, the key to social licence and silver linings
