WITH another Olympic year upon us, the equestrian community is abuzz with anticipation –the disciplines we love will soon be raised up on the international sporting stage and very firmly in the spotlight.
While the fruits of a rider’s labour are perhaps the most obvious in watching the sport, it would be remiss to ignore the fact that an Olympic campaign can’t happen without a full team. There’s the physio, farrier and vet to think of – coaches and owners too – but there’s one team insider who knows both halves of a competing partnership inside and out.
We’re talking, of course, about the grooms – those all-knowing, hardworking powerhouses that take on astronomical organisational, logistical and physical tasks not only in the run-up to a championship, but every day of their working lives. So for this three-part series, we’re delving into what it takes to be part of an Olympic Games from the perspective of some world-class grooms.
SELECTION
YOU might think Olympic hopefuls are like coiled springs waiting for the squad longlist, ready to launch into preparations if their name appears. But according to Tilly Hughes, groom to Laura Collett and London 52 at the Tokyo Games, athletes and their teams gear up far sooner.
“Preparations begin months and months before the longlist,” she tells H&H. “Winning Pau the winter before was probably the moment Laura thought, ‘Maybe we could make Tokyo our aim?’
Bu hikaye Horse & Hound dergisinin May 23, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye Horse & Hound dergisinin May 23, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change