Growing Old Disgracefully
Horse & Hound|October 08, 2020
Some say old age is a licence to misbehave. These former stars certainly think so, finds Andrea Oakes, who tracks down some who still get up to crazy antics
Andrea Oakes
Growing Old Disgracefully

He may have hung up his horseshoes, but former international eventer Twinkle Bee is not yet ready for the carpet slippers. Instead, the grandfather of Anna Warnecke’s yard seems intent on growing old disgracefully – like so many high-profile horses who still rule the roost in retirement.

Known as “Trusty”, the 25-year-old gelding has a number of tricks to keep Anna and her groom Laurie Robinson on their toes.

“When he’s led out to the field, he will suddenly jump metres into the air,” explains Anna, whose tactic with the still-powerful OAP is to “hang on and hope for the best”.

“He does the same coming in; he flies in, as he knows he gets his dinner first.”

Trusty completed 10 seasons with Anna at top level, running at Badminton or Burghley – often both – for eight consecutive years and winning a European team bronze for Germany in 2005. From his viewpoint, he’s still a champion and Anna is keen to let him maintain this belief.

“He’s not ridden now but has all the same treatment,” she says. “He’s groomed and clipped, and made to feel happy. It was the way he was looked after in the competition years; everything revolved around him, and he is adamant that things should still be done in the same way.”

While his behaviour may not be deemed age-appropriate, Anna admits that it is nothing new.

“He always had very clear ideas about what was acceptable and he hated being told off,” she says. “He thrived on the atmosphere and he just loved the sport. He’s still pretty naughty.”

Bu hikaye Horse & Hound dergisinin October 08, 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Horse & Hound dergisinin October 08, 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

HORSE & HOUND DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
New competition and classification to mean dressage will be for all
Horse & Hound

New competition and classification to mean dressage will be for all

The new partnerships with British Dressage will provide opportunities for riders with intellectual disabilities

time-read
2 dak  |
May 02, 2024
Pressure grows on the FEI to tackle concerns in dressage
Horse & Hound

Pressure grows on the FEI to tackle concerns in dressage

A leading judge has made some recommendations he believes will help support the sport's future

time-read
2 dak  |
May 02, 2024
Aidan Coleman
Horse & Hound

Aidan Coleman

Just a week after he announced his enforced retirement with a career-ending injury, Aidan Coleman talks through his raw emotions with Kate Johnson as he ponders life outside the weighing room

time-read
6 dak  |
May 02, 2024
Badminton groundsman
Horse & Hound

Badminton groundsman

Phil Cole on flawless going for cross-country, perfecting his craft on polo pitches and being at the mercy of the weather

time-read
3 dak  |
May 02, 2024
Pulling power
Horse & Hound

Pulling power

Carriage-driving horses have a very specific job, and with that can come specific injury risks. Rosie Mould MRCVS explains

time-read
6 dak  |
May 02, 2024
'Plenty to get your teeth into'
Horse & Hound

'Plenty to get your teeth into'

This year's Badminton track is testing, but fair, says Nicola Wilson, the 2021 European champion who finished in the top 10 at this five-star four times

time-read
8 dak  |
May 02, 2024
Townend leads British domination
Horse & Hound

Townend leads British domination

The world number one spearheads a British clean sweep of the podium as he contests his 100th five-star

time-read
7 dak  |
May 02, 2024
Birch is back in the big time
Horse & Hound

Birch is back in the big time

A former Olympic reserve rider scores her first international win in four years, while Kelsall specialists make their mark again

time-read
2 dak  |
May 02, 2024
Comeback queens reign
Horse & Hound

Comeback queens reign

Rehab work pays off for Anna Ross as she makes a winning return, while a pair of young riders' birthday wishes come true

time-read
4 dak  |
May 02, 2024
Pender keeps it in the family
Horse & Hound

Pender keeps it in the family

Ireland's Mikey Pender begins a remarkable grand prix winning double and it all comes together in the ring for a \"special character\"

time-read
4 dak  |
May 02, 2024