‘I saw you on TV!’: Harry Charles discusses the merits of having showjumping back on the BBC

London Horse Show showjumping: Harry Charles wins the World Cup qualifier — Harry Charles shows his delight after his jump-off round in the World Cup qualifier at the London International Horse Show 2021

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Young British showjumping talent Harry Charles made all the headlines in December after claiming victory in both the World Cup qualifier and the grand prix at the London International Horse Show at London ExCeL.

But one of the unexpected benefits of having his successes broadcast on prime-time terrestrial television is being recognised in some unexpected places, as he reveals when talking to H&H showjumping editor Jennifer Donald on this week’s episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast.

“A lot of them watched on TV with their parents and I went to the barber’s to get a haircut just before new year’s eve and the barber said ‘I saw you on TV last week’ – they’re the last people I’d think would be watching the jumping. But they said it was really cool and they really enjoyed it. A lot of people seemed to have tuned in to watch the show, so it was great exposure for the sport.”

Reflecting on a tremendous 12 months in which Harry also made his debut at the Tokyo Olympics with the great Romeo 88, he says: “Without Ann Thompson [Romeo’s owner] I wouldn’t be sitting here talking to you about all this success. She really did kickstart my career when I think about it, giving me the opportunity to ride Romeo and she secured another amazing horse for me as well. Ann’s been a huge part of our team, and a huge part of my career.”

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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.

‘I saw you on TV!’: Harry Charles discusses the merits of having showjumping back on the BBC

“It was fantastic for the sport,” says Harry. “A lot of other sports had been cancelled that weekend if that helped anything. But a lot of my friends from school came up to watch, which was even more special because they’d never really seen me ride in real life.

Harry also discusses the importance of taking some time out from the sport and his working day.

“It’s a mentally demanding sport, maybe that’s something that’s overlooked a bit – we’re not machines either, we can’t keep going every single day, so it’s good to take a break and refresh your mind and come to the yard with some fresh ideas now and then,” he says.

“You can get so caught up in it all.”

“I’d be bobbing about a bit and falling off the back!” he says.

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