Sarah Jenkins: A win-win for all?
Congratulations to former international showjumper Di Lampard, who has been appointed as British showjumping’s new performance manager.
Word in the equestrian world is that she is a well-liked choice for the job. As popular, that is, as anyone new to a role can be.
Despite having leading rider Scott Brash on our side, the sport has appeared in a muddle of late, with outgoing manager Rob Hoekstra being backed by the British Equestrian Federation for the remainder of his contract — shortly before vacating it prematurely.
We cannot forget Rob led the team to glory in London 2012, but it is nerve-racking that we are yet to qualify for Rio 2016.
Di’s credentials as a sportswoman leave many feeling confident that if anyone can turn the team’s fortunes back to the glory days it is perhaps she. Being respected at all levels, I hope Di’s leadership will also help enthuse the public once more.
With an overview of H&H magazine and website, I see Scott Brash’s wins do not elicit the same enthusiasm as Charlotte Dujardin’s — which is puzzling given that both are top of their sports.
I wonder if the increasing sums of sponsorship being poured into prize money for showjumping — no doubt a great thing for those making their living from the circuit — is alienating it from the equestrian masses, though Formula One doesn’t seem to suffer the same way.
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Whatever the cause, I would hope Di’s willingness to work with the media and her ability to talk to all equestrians would see renewed support to match further success — a win, win for all.
Ref: Horse & Hound; 5 February 2015
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Sarah has worked at an equestrian journalist and editor since 2004 and has held the position of Horse & Hound Editor-in-Chief since 2014. She has reported for Horse & Hound from major championships including Europeans and World Equestrian Games. She has co-written books on horses and horse sport including The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Horses & Ponies. She has owned and ridden horses since 1993, and worked for and trained with Olympic gold medallist event rider Leslie Law prior to going to university. While studying for a BSc at London School of Economics Sarah also worked for top British dressage rider Louise Spate.