The 2021 Tokyo Olympics marks the first ever Games that Thailand has fielded an eventing team, and earlier today (31 July), the anchor member, Korntawat Samran, or “Nut” as he is known to his friends, put in a sterling effort in the Olympic eventing dressage to sit in 27th place, and best of his team, after the first phase.
“I’m so happy and my horse was happy,” Nut said after his test with Bonero K, which earned a mark of 32.5 from the judges. “My horse was quite impressed by the atmosphere, but I worked him a bit around the arena and then his focus was back on me until the final halt – it’s really exciting.”
Nut said that he hoped to score around the 70% (30 penalty) mark in the first phase.
“Our score wasn’t that far off what I wanted, so I think I’m quite happy with that for our first time at the Olympics – I think it’s like the good test that we needed.”
Find out more about Korntawat Samran
Nut commented about the Thai team getting to these Games and what has gone on behind the scenes in order to make it to Tokyo.
“We did a lot of work to get here and thank you to all of our supporters, our federation, the owner – it’s very important to us to have them and them also to help us. We have worked together to achieve this goal and finally we are here – we will try to do the best for Thailand.”
Nut has been based in France since 2014 and trains with top French rider Maxime Livio.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“Maxime is a very good rider and he has the good technique for us to learn from riding at home and in competition,” explained Nut. “He really understands us and we know each other by heart – he’s very talented in riding and teaching.”
Twenty-three-year-old Nut’s Olympic ride, Bonero K, who is 15 and was produced by Britain’s Roo Fox, is owned by Nara Ketusingha and Vithai Laithomya.
“Bonero is Dutch-bred and very good in the dressage,” explained Nut. “He wasn’t sure about us to start with, but as soon as he realised we loved him, he trusted us. He is really cute and he just wants to do the job for me.”
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoythe magazine deliveredto your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access ouronline servicethat brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Former web features editor, point-to-point editor and digital racing editor
Gemma is an experienced journalist, who was a member of H&H staff from 2014 to September 2025. She is passionate about all equestrian sports, including racing and point-to-pointing. She has enjoyed riding out for top trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took part in a charity Flat race at Epsom in August 2018. Gemma’s has reported from numerous five-star events around Britain and Europe, as well as European championships.
