
I'VE been to four Olympics and ridden four different horses. Some have gone well, but there have also been disappointments you can only do the best with the hand you are dealt.
The one that stands out is Atlanta 1996 because Ready Teddy won gold. But my first Olympics, Barcelona 1992 on Messiah, were probably more memorable.
We'd already won double gold at the World Equestrian Games in Stockholm, but nothing compares to the atmosphere of the Olympics. Barcelona was particularly dramatic, in flashy Spanish style. Walking into the stadium for the opening ceremony with the whole New Zealand team, you were hit by a wall of noise. It made me realise that the Olympics are so much bigger than anything I'd ever experienced, because the whole world in every walk of life gets immersed in it.
With Messiah being world champion and runner-up at Badminton, I went in with high expectations. But he stood on a stone after the trot-up and bruised his foot. He was tender on his sole, so I couldn't get the work into him that I normally would. When it came to the dressage, I did the test without a proper warm-up.
He was so fresh that he blew upo go disastrous. I felt "woe is me", but my team-mate Andrew Nicholson said, "Get your act together. You're in a team. There are two more phases." Messiah had to do another trot-up to prove he was sound, and he gave me his usual brilliant ride across country. He was so tough, scopey and brave as could be.
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
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

Turnbull has the last word
A speedy mare provides a \"surprise\" and Nicole Pavitt celebrates success with a home-bred who has made a miraculous comeback from a horrific field injury

'While other industries struggle, showjumping is growing'
Jodie Hall McAteer on making a living out of horses and the vetting debate

How do horses learn?
Horses know how they learn - we can help them best if we also understand it. Gemma Pearson FRCVS explains the first two levels of learning theory

Victorious debut for O'Connor
An Irish student scores on her first outing, while an older pointer makes a winning return following injury and a promising maiden makes his first run a winning one

A magical mystery tour
One of the many thrills of hunting is discovering new and beautiful places off the beaten track, and Tessa Waugh enjoys just such a day with the Percy only a stone’s throw from home

Taylor's future stars deliver
Young horses, an Olympic gold medallist and a comeback grey score in the sunshine

Horse meat and disease risks if ID is not updated
The Government has been told in no uncertain terms why a digital equine ID system is crucial

Event horse owner
Alex Wakeley, chairman of the Event Horse Owners Association, on his lucky first horse, giving back to the sport and his passion for seeing \"horses and riders\" smiling

Flying the flag for the life-changing power of horses
A 10-year-old shared his story to help others realise just how important a contribution horses make to society

Holly and Rosie Smith
Olympic showjumper Holly Smith and her daughter Rosie, who clinched gold at last year's children's Euros, tell Jennifer Donald about their journey of gritty success, a remarkable stallion and hopes for 2025