Don't Forget The ‘Middle Children'

Anna Ross explores the difficult leap from young riders to seniors

- Polly Bryan

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.