British showjumper Harry Charles is one of the shining lights of the sport and in 2024 he added an Olympic gold medal to his staggering list of accolades and achievements. This weekend the media spotlight is set to fall on him for a very different reason as he marries Eve Jobs, daughter of the late Apple founder Steve Jobs.
But away from all the glitz and glamour of their Cotswolds wedding, did you know this 26-year-old loves flying in his spare time? Or that he made his five-star showjumping debut as a teenager?
Read on learn more about super-talented showjumper Harry Charles.
How old is British showjumper Harry Charles?
Harry Charles was born on 15 July 1999. He was seven years old when one of his former top horses, the 19-year-old stallion Balou Du Reventon, was born.
Harry says it is his passion for the sport and his love for the horses that drives him.
He has eight showjumping medals to his name – two for senior championships (Olympic gold in 2024 and team world championship bronze in 2022) and six youth medals.
When did Harry Charles start showjumping?
Harry Charles enjoyed plenty of success in the showjumping ring on ponies, but his big break into the top tier of the sport came as a teenager in 2018 when he first stepped up to five-star level at the global mecca of showjumping, CHIO Aachen.
Harry was one of the youngest riders in the field when he made his Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games. Three years later he won team gold in Paris.
His reign as the world’s leading under-25 rider lasted for over five years – he even broke into the top 10 of the leading showjumpers in the world for the first time in the second half of 2024. He modestly credited those around him for the achievement: “It’s really nice for my horses and my whole team – it’s a reflection on everyone.”
Harry Charles and Casquo Blue fly over the open water in the Hickstead Nations Cup.
(Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)
What brands does Harry represent?
Rolex signed leading young showjumper Harry Charles as its youngest testimonee in 2019, entrusting him to represent the luxury brand on the global stage.
Harry’s equestrian hero is fellow British showjumper Scott Brash, with whom he won team gold at the Paris Olympics.
Music is a key part of Harry’s life and he will regularly immerse himself in his headphones between classes. You can find out what he’s currently listening to on his Spotify.
What makes Harry Charles so good?
Harry says being patient, mentally strong and having a good work ethic are the secrets to success for a professional showjumper.
If he hadn’t followed his dream of becoming a top showjumper, Harry says he would love to be a pilot – flying and golf are two of his hobbies.
At the age of 16, Harry beat his father Peter Charles to win the Welsh Masters, becoming the youngest rider to take the title.
Who is Harry Charles’ fiancée?
Harry Charles’ fiancée is heiress, model and showjumper Eve Jobs, daughter of the late Apple founder Steve Jobs.
They are set to marry this weekend at private members’ club Estelle Manor, which is between Witney and Woodstock on the eastern edge of the Cotswolds.
His current string of top horses include Sherlock, Casquo Blue and Kannandillo looked after by super groom Georgia Ellwood.
The Charles family base is Heathcroft Farm in Hampshire.
What are Harry’s greatest showjumping achievements?
Harry Charles was born into showjumping to parents Peter and Tara Charles and his sisters Scarlett and Sienna both compete, too. Peter was part of Great Britain’s gold medal-winning showjumping team at the London Olympics in 2012 and two of Peter’s team-mates, Scott Brash and Ben Maher, jumped alongside Harry to win gold in Paris.
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Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.
