Kleenex at the ready: 11 emotional moments caught on camera in 2016

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Natasha Baker GBR Gold Medalist Grade II Photo Liz Gregg
(Image credit: Tony Parkes)

With Valegro retiring, Nick Skelton winning gold and William Fox-Pitt getting back in the saddle after his fall, 2016 has certainly been emotionally-charged...

Nick Skelton and Big Star share a moment after winning individual gold in Rio
Nick Skelton GBR riding Big Star in the Individual Final of the Show Jumping Competition at the Olympic Equestrian Centre in Deodoro near Rio, Brazil on 19th August 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Nick Skelton and Big Star share a moment after winning individual gold in Rio

Nick Skelton GBR riding Big Star in the Individual Final of the Show Jumping Competition at the Olympic Equestrian Centre in Deodoro near Rio, Brazil on 19th August 2016

Emotions ran high after a triumphant performance in Rio
Natasha Baker GBR Gold Medalist Grade II Photo Liz Gregg
(Image credit: Tony Parkes)

Emotions ran high after a triumphant performance in Rio

‘He’s done his best and I’m very emotional’: Charlotte Dujardin gives Valegro a well-deserved hug after taking individual gold in Rio
Charlotte Dujardin GBR winner of the gold medal during the Grand Prix Freestyle for the individual Dressage competition at the Olympic Equestrian Centre in Deodoro near Rio, Brazil on 15th August 2016 kisses kiss valegro
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

‘He’s done his best and I’m very emotional’: Charlotte Dujardin gives Valegro a well-deserved hug after taking individual gold in Rio

Andrew Nicholson proves that he’s back at his best by winning the third leg of the Event Rider Masters at Barbury, following his serious fall in 2015
Andrew Nicholson (NZL) riding NEREO winner of the Event Riders Masters CIC *** during Barbury International on the Barbury Castle Estate in Rockley near Marlborough in Wiltshire UK on 10th July 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Andrew Nicholson proves that he’s back at his best by winning the third leg of the Event Rider Masters at Barbury, following his serious fall in 2015

Less than a year after being diagnosed with cancer, Ben Hobday crowns his popular comeback with a double clear at Badminton
Ben Hobday and Mulrys Error
(Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

Less than a year after being diagnosed with cancer, Ben Hobday crowns his popular comeback with a double clear at Badminton

Willberry rode around Badminton 2016 on the shoulder of Ben Hobday

Jayne Ross shares a moment with Time 2 Reflect after they successfully defend their supreme title at the Royal International
JAYNE ROSS riding TIME 2 REFLECT, winner of The Supreme Hunter Championship during the Royal International Horse Show at The All England Jumping Course, Hickstead, West Sussex, UK on 28 July 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Jayne Ross shares a moment with Time 2 Reflect after they successfully defend their supreme title at the Royal International

All eyes are on Rule The World after he lands the Grand National, his first win over fences
rule the world win the grand national 2016
(Image credit: Bill Selwyn and Stephen Sparkes)

All eyes are on Rule The World after he lands the Grand National, his first win over fences

William Fox-Pitt is back in action in Rio, just nine months after suffering a serious head injury
William Fox Pitt GBR riding Chilli Morning, during the Cross Country phase of the Eventing Competition at the Olympic Equestrian Centre in Deodoro near Rio, Brazil on 8th August 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

William Fox-Pitt is back in action in Rio, just nine months after suffering a serious head injury

Sprinter Sacre regains his Queen Mother Champion Chase crown at Cheltenham, after suffering from an irregular heartbeat which threatened to end his career
Sprinter Sacre and Nico De Boinville after winning the Champioin chase 16-3-16
(Image credit: Bill Selwyn)

Sprinter Sacre regains his Queen Mother Champion Chase crown at Cheltenham, after suffering from an irregular heartbeat which threatened to end his career

Piaf De B’Neville’s groom congratulates her charge on winning individual silver and team gold under Frenchman Aster Nicolas in Rio
Astier Nicolas FRA 's Groom with Piaf de B'Neville, winner of the individual Silver medal of the Eventing Competition at the Olympic Equestrian Centre in Deodoro near Rio, Brazil on 9th August 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Piaf De B’Neville’s groom congratulates her charge on winning individual silver and team gold under Frenchman Aster Nicolas in Rio

Crowds wave goodbye to Valegro at Olympia, as he officially retires from competition
Valegro retires
(Image credit: Kit Houghton)

Crowds wave goodbye to Valegro at Olympia, as he officially retires from competition

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