Kiwi event rider Mark Todd has been knighted.
Sir Mark took part in his sixth Olympic Games last summer, and was on the bronze medal winning New Zealand team.
And last week the 56-year-old was named a Knights Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the New Year’s Honours.
The New Zealand Order of Merit is an order of chivalry established in 1996 by The Queen, as leader of the Commonwealth.
“I am honoured and humbled to get this award. I really am over the moon,” he said.
Sir Mark, who has won five Olympic medals in his career, was awarded MBE in 1984 and CBE in 1995. He was named event rider of the 20th century by the FEI.
He’s also won Badminton four times, Burghley five times and becomes the first Kiwi to be knighted for services to equestrianism.
“Mark leads by example and is an inspiration to many, and this is a thoroughly deserved recognition for one of the sport’s greats,” said British Eventing’s Mike Etherington-Smith.
“His achievements over the years are second to none and we are very fortunate to have Mark based and competing in the UK.”
