H&H recently visited the Warwickshire stables of dual Olympic champion Nick Skelton and we encountered some super star horses, a devoted dog and a gleaming array of trophies. We hope you enjoy this exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Nick’s yard and don’t miss the full interview in tomorrow’s issue of the magazine (20 October).
1. Brilliant partnership
Nick Skelton and Big Star - Shelfield Green, Alcester, Warwickshire, United Kingdom - 01 September 2016
(Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)
Nick Skelton and Big Star in front of the stables. Nick has ridden and produced the Quick Star stallion since finding him as a five-year-old, saying he always knew he could win Olympic gold. (And we just love, love, love Big Star’s saddle pad!)
2. Winners galore
Nick Skelton - PHOTO mandatory by-line: Phil Mingo/Pinnacle, trophy wall, metal plaques, badges placings
(Image credit: Phil Mingo/Pinnacle)
The walls are covered in mementos of 58-year-old Nick’s global successes from a career spanning well over four decades.
3. A beautiful setting
Nick Skelton and Big Star - Shelfield Green, Alcester, Warwickshire, United Kingdom - 01 September 2016
(Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)
Nick and “Henry” in the beautiful Warwickshire foothills he calls home.
4. Tacking up
Nick Skelton and Big Star - Shelfield Green, Alcester, Warwickshire, United Kingdom - 01 September 2016
(Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)
Helped by groom of 31 years, Mark Beever, Nick puts the finishing touches to an immaculate Big Star.
5. Gold!
Nick Skelton and Big Star - medal and flag on building site at Dan Skelton's yard - Shelfield Green, Alcester, Warwickshire, United Kingdom - 01 September 2016
(Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)
The nearly-finished new accommodation block at the nearby racing stables of Nick’s trainer son Dan Skelton, is decorated with the Union flag and a brilliantly improvised makeshift gold medal.
6. Good vibrations
Big Star enjoys the stable with a vibrating floor - Shelfield Green, Alcester, Warwickshire, United Kingdom - 01 September 2016
(Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)
Big Star enjoys some down time every day on the Vitafloor — a stable with a vibrating floor — under the heat lamps.
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7. Gold star for Big Star
Nick Skelton and Big Star - Shelfield Green, Alcester, Warwickshire, United Kingdom - 01 September 2016
(Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)
Hanging on Big Star’s stable door is this gold star that was sent to the yard after the 13-year-old stallion helped Nick win individual gold in Rio in August.
8. Hacking out
Mark Beever rides hacking home with Big Star - Shelfield Green, Alcester, Warwickshire, United Kingdom - 01 September 2016
(Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)
Groom Mark Beever rides out Big Star — “He walks at a snail’s pace” at home says Nick of the laid-back stallion.
9. Worth his weight in gold
Nick Skelton and Big Star's Olympic medals - Shelfield Green, Alcester, Warwickshire, United Kingdom - 01 September 2016
(Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)
Nick proudly displays his team gold medal from the London Olympics in 2012 and the individual gold medal from Rio in 2016.
10. Beautiful Big Star
Big Star headshots - Shelfield Green, Alcester, Warwickshire, United Kingdom - 01 September 2016
(Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)
Owned by Gary and Beverley Widdowson, the handsome stallion now combines competing with stud duties.
11. That’s a lot of polishing!
Nick Skelton - PHOTO mandatory by-line: Phil Mingo/Pinnacle, trophy cabinet
(Image credit: Phil Mingo/Pinnacle)
Nick’s impressive collection of silverware fills the shelves.
12. Grub’s up
Nick Skelton and Big Star - Shelfield Green, Alcester, Warwickshire, United Kingdom - 01 September 2016
(Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)
Carrots and hay are on the lunch menu for one lucky horse on Nick’s yard, which he shares with partner Laura Kraut.
13. Training for success
Nick Skelton and Big Star - Shelfield Green, Alcester, Warwickshire, United Kingdom - 01 September 2016
(Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)
Riders and horses working in Nick’s outdoor school which has a backdrop to die for.
14. Keeping an eye on proceedings
Nick Skelton's Rhodesian Ridgeback dog Elsa - Shelfield Green, Alcester, Warwickshire, United Kingdom - 01 September 2016
(Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)
“If I strike a very regal pose, perhaps the photographer will stop taking pictures of Big Star and concentrate on me instead” —Nick’s dog Elsa enjoying the Autumn sunshine.
Nick Skelton and Big Star - Nick's stool mounting block - Shelfield Green, Alcester, Warwickshire, United Kingdom - 01 September 2016
(Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)
Nick’s mounting block, which travelled all the way to Rio and back, and took a starring role in the medal ceremony.
16. Spa treatments
Mark Beever and Big Star at the hydrotherapy spa - Shelfield Green, Alcester, Warwickshire, United Kingdom - 01 September 2016
(Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)
Big Star enjoys some hydrotherapy on the racing yard.
17. Just the three of us
Nick Skelton, Big Star and Elsa the dog - Shelfield Green, Alcester, Warwickshire, United Kingdom - 01 September 2016
(Image credit: Jon Stroud Media)
Nick with his Olympic medal-winning ride Big Star and his beautiful dog Elsa enjoying a well-earned break at home after the whirlwind of Rio.
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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.
