ON paper, there’s no reason why Britain can’t reclaim their glorious gold from 2012. The world-class trio of Carl Hester, Charlotte Dujardin, and Lottie Fry have three young horses who are more than capable of living up to the weighty expectations upon them. But rookie horses across the board, coupled with a fresh format, challenging climate and the disruption Covid has brought to preparations, means this game is set to be the most unpredictable yet.
There have already been surprises: Gio wasn’t the horse most expected to be selected for Charlotte Dujardin’s bid to retain her individual Olympic title. But “Pumpkin” is by no means second-rate. Popular with judges and fans alike, his exceptional talent combined with his adorable attitude – and the fact he has arguably the world’s best rider on his back – means that he could lead Britain into an extremely competitive position.
He is a little horse who rises to a big occasion and could challenge for an individual medal, though with just one international special and freestyle to his name so far, he will be in thoroughly uncharted territory.
Carl Hester’s En Vogue, though, could prove to be Britain’s talisman. This tall, elegant gelding, who has proved such a good match for Carl since owner Charlotte handed over the ride in 2020, is one of the most talented horses in the world. So far he has shown us tantalizing glimpses of the medal-winner he could be, and if anyone can nurture a horse to bring out his best at precisely the right moment, it’s Carl.
This story is from the July 15, 2021 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 15, 2021 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Super subs
Can a huntsman take on a different pack of hounds for a day and produce good sport? It can indeed happen,as Andrew Sallis explains
Welsh star is on the dot
A delightful Welsh section A leadrein contender is the best of a super-strong novice supreme on his winter championships debut
Edwards' remarkable home-soil hat-trick
The Welsh wonder Mark Edwards dazzles on home soil and a syndicate horse does his owners proud
The King retains his crown
Global superstar King Edward joins the ranks of such legends as Milton and Shutterfly as a back-to-back World Cup winner
Kittel takes thriller
Patrik Kittel becomes the second Swedish rider to win a World Cup Final, while the British favourite is eliminated
The start of something special
Royal Windsor is often a show horse's first experience of an electric atmosphere. Alex Robinson learns how the pros use the prestigious fixture to see if an animal has what it takes for the big league
Sore jaws
True pathology of the temporomandibular joint is an uncommon cause of a number of relatively common signs. Robyn Graham MRCVS explains how the problem is identified and treated
Safari guide
Natalie McComb owns Nile Horseback Safaris, leading expeditions through the Ugandan wilderness
Access all areas Tim and Jonelle Price
New Zealand's premier eventing couple are in their second season based at the impressive Chedington Estate. Pippa Roome finds out how they work together and their plans for this Olympic year
Running at a loss, even if you win
Jodie Hall McAteer weighs up the pros and cons of jumping abroad