‘I’ll be disappointed not to compete, but I wouldn’t be a sportsperson if not’: Gareth Hughes on being a Tokyo Olympics reserve

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Tokyo olympics reserve Gareth hughes
Britain’s Gareth Hughes and Sintano Van Hof Olympics at the Tokyo Olympics dressage trot-up.
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

As the British dressage team reserve, or alternate, at the Tokyo Olympics, Gareth Hughes has a unique and emotionally challenging role. He, groom Steph Sharples and the 11-year-old Sintano Van Hof Olympia, whom he owns along with Judy Firmston-Williams, have travelled out to Japan with the British team of three as a travelling reserve pair. Unlike previous Olympics, here in Tokyo the reserve can be swapped into the team up to two hours before the start of the grand prix special on Tuesday, 27 July, for veterinary or medical reasons.

It is a somewhat thankless job, as Gareth must train and prepare in exactly the same way as Carl Hester, Charlotte Dujardin and Lottie Fry, who make up the team of three, but unless one of them are forced to withdraw, he will not compete, nor take home a medal.

Polly Bryan
Polly Bryan
Former dressage, sport horse and products editor