Ivar Gooden

Despite having a “cheeky side”, this eventer has an impressive record at five-star level with rider Imogen Murray. Hannah Lemieux speaks to his connections

- Hannah Lemieux

RIDER IMOGEN MURRAY

“‘CHARLES’ has a cheeky side and a lot of character. He wasn’t the easiest to ride as a young horse; he was naughty and had a tendency to run out. It took us a while to get onto the same page as each other.

“Now I know his quirks, I wouldn’t change him for the world. My job as his rider is not to dictate or change him, but to work with him. He loves his cross-country and although he dislikes dressage, he’s getting better every year, he just finds it physically hard.

“He will always be a special horse to me and without him I wouldn’t be riding as a career – he helped put my name on the map. He’s been so consistent and loves Burghley and Badminton, the bigger the better for him. We have grown and learnt together; he is the reason I have gained experience as an event rider.”

Owner Aivar Ward