The ice-cool showjumper talks to Martha Terry about staying positive through lockdown, his Olympic hopes and what drives him to success

If Scott Brash likes eggs, I’ll bet he’d cook them sunny-side up. Known for his ice-cool nerve in the ring, he’s cheerful and positive in conversation, especially when discussing his horses’ characters. Talk about lockdown, and he refers to “differences” rather than difficulties – putting his own frustrations into perspective. Mention the Olympic postponement and he focuses on the bright side of being able to build his top-flight string. Self-belief, allied with hard work and dedication, underpins his whole career.

“If you believe enough that something will happen, I think it can happen,” he says. “If you’re negative, it won’t. I’m a strong believer in that.”

As the curtain falls on a discombobulated year, all thoughts turn (again) to the Olympics. Scott already has one Olympic gold medal in his trophy cabinet, but he’s gunning for more, harking back to the halcyon days of London 2012, when the record-breaking career of his great Hello Sanctos really took off.

“Individual gold is a big goal, as well as another team gold,” says Scott. “Some of the best days of my life were jumping on the team with Nick Skelton, Peter Charles and Ben Maher that week in London. We had a great atmosphere thanks to Rob Hoekstra [chef d’equipe] and the team, and those days are moments that will live with me forever – I’d love to experience that feeling again one day.”

Critics may say Britain’s efforts in championships and qualification have been erratic, but with team gold and individual gold in the past two renewals, the Olympics have been fruitful – Scott believes that can continue.

“There are some really strong nations right now but I feel Britain can be one of those if things go the right way,” he says.

“I was glad it was postponed and not completely cancelled, as that would be devastating for all athletes and fans around the world. The Olympics is something we’ve all been working towards for years and is the pinnacle of any sportsperson’s career. I’ve got my fingers crossed it goes ahead next year and have firmly put that goal in my head, and tried to spend the time wisely to have my horses in as good a shape as possible for next year.”

Scott’s patient approach could reap dividends in Tokyo. He missed out on Rio due to Hello Sanctos and Hello M’Lady being ruled out through minor injuries, but helped secure Olympic qualification with the latter at the Rotterdam Europeans last year, having been off the championship circuit since the World Games in 2014. His meticulous preparation and desire to do the best for the sake of his beloved horses is paramount.

“I wouldn’t call it a break but it takes time to produce the horses to that level, and I will never ask the horses to compete in a championship if I don’t feel they are ready,” he says. “Also things can go wrong in the development towards a championship – horses are not machines, and like all athletes can get injured or not be ready physically or mentally for a championship. Sadly that can mean missing some years.

“I love representing Great Britain and there is no more rewarding feeling than putting in a great performance for your country,” he adds. “But having said that, I know what it takes to go well at a championship and only wish to represent our country when I feel we can put our best foot forward.”

One benefit of the delay has been the increased strength in depth of his string. While his established stars Hello M’Lady and Hello Forever could still be in the Olympic shake-up this summer at 15, the extra 12 months brings another younger horse into the fray – though Scott is naming no names.

“I feel in a very fortunate position to have a great string of horses; we have a few contenders for Tokyo,” Scott says. “The postponement has brought another one of my horses into consideration as I wouldn’t have felt he was ready last summer, but to have an extra year under our belts to develop the partnership has been a great help in his case.

“It takes a very special horse to have all the ingredients needed to be able to jump the Olympics. To be honest, you can have an idea but until they are actually in the ring, being competitive on the biggest stage, then you don’t know that they are. The special horses thrive under the atmosphere but also need to be developed in the right way to be given the best chance.”

Cue another positive take on a negative situation – lockdown. In a normal season, Scott would be jetting around the world every weekend, whizzing back for just a couple of days a week to work on the horses back home near Horsham in West Sussex, where he’s been based since moving from his family home in Peebles, Scotland, five years ago.

“[The lockdown] was difficult to start with because we had worked very hard for some time to have a number of horses all fit and at the top of their game ready for the season ahead,” he says. “We had many different goals in mind for each horse, so when those goals vanished, with horses ready to go and a situation that is out of your control, it was frustrating. However, when I felt like this

I gave myself a shake, as when you see the health and economic effects that everyone is facing it was a stark reminder of how lucky I’ve been.

“So yes, 2020 has been an extremely different year for us, as I’m sure it has been for everyone,” he adds. “I’ve been home more than I’ve ever been, but I hope some positives will have come from this time at home.

“It gave me more time to work on some younger horses and a project which I have thought about for a long while, but never had the time to do. I hope it will be something that everyone who owns a horse can take something from.”

Scott’s not spilling the beans on this one yet either, but watch this space in early 2021.

The emphasis on spending time with his horses is integral to Scott’s success, since a childhood rushing back from school to ride his first pony, Minstrel.

“Horses are my life,” he says. “I think they appreciate you spending more time with them and they give you more in the ring when it counts. I think the connection you have between you and your horse is so important to be successful.”

One of the aspects he highlights about his partnership with Hello Sanctos – “the horse that made all my dreams come true” – is this sense of connection.

“He’s clever, brave and always goes the extra mile – he’ll jump higher than he’s even capable of,” says Scott. “You don’t get that connection in too many horses, he could feel everything I’d ask of him; he just knew. He’s a special, special horse.”

Sanctos and Scott’s Global Champions Tour grand prix winner Ursula (rising 19 and 20 respectively), still live at Scott’s yard, turned out together.

“I could talk about them forever and I’m sure I will; they made my career and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them,” he says.

“They go out in the field every day together. We tried a couple of times to let Ursula have her own foal but she never took so we have a few embryos from her. We will give her one last shot at having her own foal as I think that’s what she’d want, but if she doesn’t take next year then we will not force it. What’s meant to be will be.

“They owed me nothing, but it was difficult to know when they wanted to retire,” Scott adds. “Certainly it’s taken them time to adapt. I think for a year after, in their minds they still wanted to be out there doing the sport, but now I feel they are very happy in their life.”

Scott’s prolonged success on the world stage has done nothing to dim the enormous sense of gratitude to his horses, for being able to “live the dream”, and to the owners of his “Hello” string, Lord and Lady Harris and Lord and Lady Kirkham, whom he describes as “like family”.

“I would be lost without them, and not just because of the horses, but our relationship – we speak every day about anything and everything,” he says. “I find the horses, but they know a good horse when they see one.”

Scott believes his owners bring out the best in him and he clearly thrives under the pressure to produce results.

“I can get nervous with other things that I don’t feel comfortable with, but luckily not in competing,” he says. “For people who do get nervous when competing, stay confident in what you know and forget about all the razzmatazz going on outside the ring. Your horse doesn’t know they are jumping for a gold medal or a grand prix. It’s just another course to them, so ride them how you know is easiest for them to jump clear.”

Whether it’s the final leg of the Rolex Grand Slam – which Scott remains the only rider to have won with his victory in 2015 aboard Sanctos – or training young horses at home, Scott is equally focused.

“What drives me are the horses and goals we set,” he says. “I love producing horses and trying to find and produce the next superstar to fulfil their potential.”

Which is why, last week, while many riders were relaxing round the Christmas tree, Scott was hard at work on the yard.

“Over Christmas I muck out and look after the horses,” he says. “I have an amazing team and they work hard all year round; I feel it’s the time of year they should be with their families and friends and having a break, more so from me than the horses!”

Ref: Horse & Hound; 31 December 2020

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In a tearjerker of a retirement ceremony in Geneva on Saturday (pictured), Scott Brash bid farewell to the now 17-year-old Hello Sanctos.

Scott’s enduring partnership with Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham’s gelding is what the sport of showjumping is all about. Together, they conquered the world and, says Scott, “He’s made all my dreams come true”.

The Scotsman first teamed up with a then nine-year-old Sanctos at the end of 2011. The gelding, by Quasimodo Van De Molendreef out of a Nabab De Reve, was bred in Belgium by Willy Taets and won his first grand prix as an eight-year-old under USA rider Peter Wylde.

Sanctos stepped up to five-star level with Ukraine’s Katharina Offel before Scott and David Broome went to try — and buy — him. Scott’s new owners Lord and Lady Harris and Lord and Lady Kirkham changed his name from Sanctos Van Het Gravenhof to the now familiar “Hello” prefix.

“I knew he was special the first time I sat on him,” said Scott.

The pair made their international debut at the start of 2012 and immediately embarked on a glittering journey to become one of the most successful combinations in the history of the sport.

Their first taste of victory at the top level came in the World Cup qualifier in Florida. That and similarly impressive performances caught the eye of team manager Rob Hoekstra and they received their first Nations Cup team call-up, jumping their trademark double clear, before that summer Scott and Hello Sanctos would be crowned Olympic champions as part of the gold medal-winning British team in London.

The following year, Scott reigned as the world number one and he and Sanctos were part of the Aga Khan-winning Nations Cup team in Dublin before claiming team gold and individual bronze at the European Championships in Denmark. The pair also completed the grand prix-World Cup double with victories on consecutive nights at the CSI5* in Oslo, Norway. They sealed another unforgettable year by heading the LGCT grand prix in Doha Qatar, which also won Scott the overall championship in the series — all on his 28th birthday.

Early grand prix success in 2014 came in Florida, then at the LGCTs of Cannes, Estoril and on home soil in London, before the start of the pair’s historic Rolex Grand Slam began with an epic triumph in the grand prix in Geneva, where the pair also topped the prestigious Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final. They completed the hat-trick the following year by winning in Aachen and writing history in Spruce Meadows with their third Major victory in succession, claiming the €1million bonus.

“I’m so lucky to be working with a horse like Sanctos — he felt as though he could do another round today,” Scott said at the time. “To win at Geneva, Aachen and then Calgary on three different horses would be an achievement, but to do it on the same horse is incredible.”

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Further LGCT grand prix titles came in Miami and Estoril that year.

Sanctos sat out much of 2016 through injury and had an equally quiet 2017 — not returning to the ring until the end of 2018. He had been jumping at a handful of one- and two-star shows this year before Scott made the decision to retire this phenomenal horse after his final appearance in the ring in St Tropez in October.

“I really can’t thank Sanctos enough for what he has done,” said Scott. “I also need to thank my owners for believing in me and believing in Sanctos. We had an incredible partnership and I hope he will be remembered as a superstar.”

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The London 2012 gold medallist, Rolex grand slam-winner and “one of the best horses there’s ever been”, Hello Sanctos, is to retire at the age of 17.

Scott Brash announced today (29 November) that after an “incredible journey together”, he and owners Lord and Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham have decided it is time to retire the “legendary horse”.

“We can’t thank him enough for changing our lives,” Scott said.

Scott and Sanctos were on the British team that took gold at the London Olympics, and at the European Championships the following year, where they won individual bronze.

The Belgian-bred gelding is also the only horse to have won the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping, taking the grand prix in Geneva in 2014 and going on to win the grands prix at Aachen and Spruce Meadows the following year.

“I dreamed of being a showjumper,” Scott said. “I wanted to be able to make a living out of what I loved doing. I dreamed of having a horse like Baloubet du Rouet or Milton, but did I think it was possible for me to have one of the best horses there’s ever been? No, I can’t say that. I’ve had an unbelievable life thanks to Sanctos.”

Scott spoke of the connection the partnership had in competition.

Continues below…

Scott Brash and Hello Sanctos make history *VIDEO*

The world number one showjumper becomes the first person to win the Rolex Grand Slam by winning the final leg

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“I understood every single step he was going to make,” he said. “There were things he could do in the ring; he knew what I wanted and just responded.

“I honestly think you’ll go a long way to ever see another horse like Sanctos.”

A retirement ceremony will be held at the CHI de Geneva on 14 December, a show that means a lot to Scott and the horse’s owners, as it is “where his Rolex grand slam journey started”.

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The Olympic gold medal-winning partnership of Scott Brash and Hello Sanctos returned to the ring for the first time in nearly a year at the weekend (27-29 January).

The 15-year-old Belgian-bred gelding missed most of 2016 after suffering a run of minor leg injuries, but returned to compete in two CSI1* classes in Kronenberg in the Netherlands.

“It’s great to have him back,” Scott told H&H. “He’s been jumping at home for a while now, but this is his first show back. We just did a couple of 1.30m classes then I’m taking him to Oliva Nova in Spain [for the MET Tour] for two weeks. We’ll see how he goes there then sit down and come up with a plan for him after that.

“He initially went off with a minor injury then picked up something else, so we’ve really just taken our time with him bringing him back,” added Scott, who missed the 2016 Olympics in Rio. “He was probably ready to come back in December, but we held off to get ready for the outdoor season instead.”

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Exciting home-bred ride

Scott was also in action at the weekend on an exciting eight-year-old by his former ride Sebastian III. Cademuir was bred in Scotland by Scott’s father Stanley.

“I’ve had a few home-breds coming up to this level, but he’s the best one,” assessed Scott. “Sebastian was a very nice horse and we think a lot of this one.”

New rider for Hello Guv’nor

Meanwhile, Scott described the recent sale of one of his top horses Hello Guv’nor as a “real shame”.

Lord and Lady Harris and Lord and Lady Kirkham’s 12-year-old has been sold to USA for 17-year-old Emma Heise, who trains with Laura Kraut and Nick Skelton, to ride. Scott most recently finished third in the grand prix at Olympia with the gelding he’s ridden since 2014.

“It’s a real shame to be losing a top horse, but we’ve still got a business to run,” said Scott. “It all came about when I was riding at Olympia and Laura Kraut said she thought Guv’nor would really suit her student, Emma. So they came and tried him and loved him.

“I think he’ll be a really good top horse for her and he should suit her very well.”

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Confusion has mounted over the selection of the Olympic showjumping team following a statement released confirming Scott Brash will not be at this summer’s Games in Rio — a week before the team selection announcement was due and when he apparently still has Hello Forever on the long-list.

The statement from the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) stated that two — not all three — of Scott’s top horses, Hello Sanctos and Hello M’Lady, have been taken out of potential team selection due to ongoing injury problems.

However, the owners of the Hello-prefixed horses, the quartet of Lord and Lady Harris and Lord and Lady Kirkham, said that they were “extremely disappointed that we are unable to help team GB in their quest to win another team gold medal at this year’s Olympics”.

This would appear to suggest that all three horses owned by the Harris/Kirkham partnership are out of the running for Rio selection. So why were only two of their horses which were long-listed for the Rio Olympics mentioned by the BEF in their statement?

The exclusion of Scott Brash from the selection race — which appears wide open after disappointing performances in the Nations Cup in Rotterdam, where the British team finished last — would deal a major blow to British hopes of a team medal in Brazil, where the team will defend the gold won in London 2012.

The BEF would not comment on the situation, saying that they were “not able to divulge specific information from the selection process” ahead of the public announcement next Tuesday.

Their statement said: “We greatly regret that showjumper Scott Brash is unable to be selected to compete at the Rio Olympics. Scott’s top two Olympic hopefuls Hello Sanctos and Hello M’Lady picked up minor injuries at the start of the season and are still not back into full competition work and therefore will be unable to reach full fitness in time for Rio.”

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Four team riders — plus a travelling reserve — will be announced on Tuesday, 5 July. However, the recent statements seem to indicate that Scott has not made the team for Rio.

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Hello Sanctos and Scott Brash will not be part of the British team at this summer’s Rio Olympics.

It has been confirmed by the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) that two of Scott’s top horses, Hello Sanctos and Hello M’Lady, will not be put up for selection due to injuries sustained earlier in the year. Scott and Sanctos made the long-list of 12 hopefuls, while M’Lady was listed as a potential reserve.

“We greatly regret that showjumper Scott Brash is unable to be selected to compete at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Scott’s top two Olympic hopefuls Hello Sanctos, owned by Lady Kirkham and Lord and Lady Harris, and Hello M’Lady, owned by Lady Kirkham and Lady Harris, picked up minor injuries at the start of the season. They are still not back in full competition work and therefore will be unable to reach full fitness in time for Rio,” said the statement from the BEF.

“We are extremely disappointed that we are unable to help team GB in their quest to win another team gold medal at this year’s Olympics. We would like to take this opportunity to wish all of team GB every success in Rio,” added the connections of both horses.

Scott is still on the long-list with Hello Forever, also owned by the Kirkham and Harris partnership. The final four team riders plus a travelling reserve are due to be announced on 5 July.

The Scottish rider recently told H&H of his concerns over Sanctos returning in time following an eight-week break — having pulled a ligament.

“He’s feeling really good and the vet’s have given him the all-clear. He’s still a bit away from being fit enough to go to a decent level show so I’m just struggling a little with time and getting a good show in before selection,” he said at the time.

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Hello Sanctos’ co-owner Lord Harris has confirmed the 14-year-old will be available for Scott Brash to ride in Rio — but it will be the gelding’s final Championship appearance.

The talented son of Quasimodo Van De Molendreef and H&H cover star is owned jointly by Lord and Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham. Last year, he helped the former world number one Scottish rider become the first to claim the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping. Scott pocketed a €1million (£776,600) bonus prize for winning the grands prix at Geneva, Aachen and Spruce Meadows.

“If he is going well, and with horses you never know, we will plan to get him to Rio in peak fitness. He’s now 14, so we have decided this year’s Olympics will be his last Championship show,” Lord Harris told H&H.

“For what he has already achieved, he doesn’t owe us anything and we are not going to jump him to death. If he doesn’t win another penny for us it won’t matter.”

Lord Harris is looking forward to Sanctos making an Olympic comeback — the gelding was part of the gold medal-winning team with Scott in London 2012.

“Scott wants to be at the Olympics to help the British team win gold. To also win an individual gold medal would be unbelievable for me as an owner,” added Lord Harris. The businessman’s Olympic debut as an owner came at the 1988 Seoul Games, when David Broome rode his horse Countryman.

“We won’t be retiring Sanctos after the Olympics, we’ll keep him jumping and may aim him at Spruce Meadows in September but he won’t be doing anymore big five-day shows.”

Sanctos — who was voted by H&H readers as the 2015 horse of the year — is currently jumping on the Sunshine Tour with Scott.

“They’ve been competing in 1.45m classes and Sanctos is apparently very fresh. He’s back from a two-month break — before Spain his last show was Geneva in December,” said Lord Harris. “He doesn’t actually jump that well at home, but at a show the bigger the jumps the better. He loves a big atmosphere.”

Lord and Lady Harris, along with Lady Kirkham, have plenty of exciting back-up horsepower for the West Sussex-based showjumper.

“Hello Forever is only 10, he can be a bit spooky but he has won a lot,” added Lord Harris. “With Hello M’Lady too, the pair will be aimed at grands prix this year. Our mare Ursula XII is also coming back to competition and the seven-year-old Hello Mr President is also a prospect.”

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After a year of top class sport across the disciplines, we invited readers to vote for our very own Equine Personality of the Year from our short list of nominees. Voting closed on Friday 8 January and below are the results.

Voting closes at 12pm on Friday 8 January 2016

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Scott Brash‘s Rolex Grand Slam-winning ride Hello Sanctos topped the charts when we asked you to vote for your horse of the year — beating dressage sensation Valegro and Badminton winner Chilli Morning to the top spot.

The 13-year-old gelding, owned by Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham, produced the solo clear round under Scott in the grand slam’s third leg at Spruce Meadows in September, having triumphed in the first two legs at Aachen and Geneva — clinching a €1million prize-fund.

Hello Sanctos’ career highlights in pictures

2015

Scott Brash and Hello Sanctos heading for victory in the Rolex Grand Prix, Aachen, this year.

2014

Scott Brash and Hello Sanctos take the top spot in the grand prix at the Longines Global Champions Tour of London on Horse Guards Parade in August 2014.

Continued below…

The pair at the Longines Global Champions Tour of London in August 2014.

Scott Brash: ‘I’m still hungry for success’

The world number one talks about his experiences since his Grand Slam triumph, his top horse Hello Sanctos and why

2013

Scott and Hello Sanctos in the individual final of the FEI European Championship in Herning, Denmark in August 2013 — where they finished with an individual bronze medal, and team gold.

Scott and Hello Sanctos during the final day of the Longines Global Champions Tour at Al-Shaqab Arena in the Qatari capital Doha, in November 2013.

2012

The combination head for glory at the London 2012 Olympic Games, picking up team gold.

Continued below…

Heading for gold at London 2012.

Don’t miss this week’s special reader issue of Horse & Hound magazine (17 December 2015) — where we reveal how you voted for the rising star of the year, rider or trainer of the year and the controversy of the year

PLUS we take a look at your stories of beating the odds and the personal firsts you have had in 2015 with your horses

This sponsored article is brought to you in association with Connolly’s RED MILLS, feed supplier to world number one showjumper, Scott Brash

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H&H readers have crowned top British showjumper Hello Sanctos the horse of the year.

As part of the H&H reader issue (out today, Thursday, 12 December) we asked you which equine star you felt deserved the accolade.

And with 30% of the vote Scott Brash’s loyal partner Hello Sanctos secured the top spot — and his place on the H&H cover.

The 13-year-old gelding helped Scott jump into the history books by claiming the showjumping Rolex Grand Slam and a €1million prize-fund this year.

Hello Sanctos, who is owned by Lord and Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham, produced the solo clear round under Scott in the grand slam’s third leg at Spruce Meadows, having triumphed in the first two legs at Aachen and Geneva.

In the runner up position for the horse of the year title was Valegro, who won 24% of votes.

This year the world and Olympic dressage champion retained both his World Cup crown in Las Vegas and the European Championship title in Aachen. He and Charlotte Dujardin have maintained their position at the top of the FEI rankings for the fourth consecutive year.

In third was Chilli Morning with 13%.

Christopher Stone’s chestnut became the first stallion to win Badminton when he won under William Fox-Pitt back in May. The 15-year-old was then given the rest of the year off competing, with the aim of having him on top form for the Rio Olympics in 2016.

Alongside these equine stars H&H readers shared their experiences.

“For this year’s reader issue, we asked you to send us your stories from 2015 — and were bombarded with the highs and lows of your equestrian year,” said features editor Madeleine Pitt.

“From the £1 Irish gelding that helped one reader get back in the saddle and competing following a major operation, to the tough Dales ponies who navigated a 100mile journey, we were wowed by your determination and ambition.

“This issue is dedicated to you — whether you had a personal first, beat the odds or caught a special moment on camera.”

Find out who was crowned rising star of the year, rider or trainer of the year and what you classed as the biggest controversy in the equestrian world this year in the new issue of H&H, out today (17 December).

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Swiss rider Steve Guerdat is one step closer winning the Rolex Grand Slam of showjumping, after taking the first leg of the treble at CHI Geneva.

Steve and his 2012 Olympic gold medal-winning partner Nino Des Buissonnets took the prestigious Geneva grand prix at the show on Sunday (13 December).

Earlier this year world number one Scott Brash made history by becoming the first rider to win the prize — which is made up of three grands prixs, Geneva, Aachen and Spruce Meadows.

At Spruce Meadows on 13 September Scott picked up a €1.3million (£950,000) total prize fund – which included the €1million grand slam bonus for winning the treble.

Scott was knocked out of contention when Hello Sanctos clipped a fence in the first round, but Steve will have the opportunity to follow in the Scotsman’s footsteps.

He was cheered on by a home crowd, as 9,500 spectators packed into the world-famous Geneva Palexpo Arena.

Sixteen riders made it through to the jump off, with Steve ninth to go. He made it round in 40.94 secs, ahead of Canadian rider Eric Lamaze who had been lying in first place. The remaining seven riders couldn’t catch him and Steve took the spoils.

The beginning of the jump-off was a little bit difficult for me and Nino, but he is a special horse – he is a genius,” said Steve.

“The rest of the jump-off went as we’d planned and I am really happy with the result. This show is really, really important for me. I always plan it as it is one of the main weekends in the year for me, it is not just another show so I try to plan in advance and come with fresh horses like it is a Championship. The crowd always helps me and luck must do the rest.”

Steve will now be aiming at the Aachen grand prix next July.

There is a €1million bonus for three victories, but two out of three wins also comes with a prize.

If two grands prixs in succession are won the rider will take home a €500,000 bonus. If two classes are taken non-consecutively there is €250,000 up for grabs.

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

The breeders of British gold medal-winning dressage star Valegro have been honoured at an international awards ceremony — for the third year running.

The World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH) celebrated the breeders of the top dressage, showjumping and event horses of the year on 12 December in Geneva.

Martje and Joop Hanse, who bred Valegro, won the WBFSH Rolex breeder rankings dressage prize for a third consecutive year.

The Dutch couple sent their mare, Maifleur (by Gershwin), to the stallion Negro in 2001 and the result was Valegro.

Negro’s owner, Gertjan van Olst, bought the now dressage superstar and prepared him for the KWPN stallion show where he was spotted by Carl Hester in 2004.

The dark bay gelding — owned by Carl, Roly Luard and Anne Barrott — went on to win team and individual gold with Charlotte Dujardin at the London 2012 Olympics.

Since then, he has won both grand prix and the grand prix special titles at the 2013 and 2015 European Dressage Championships and individual gold at the World Equestrian Games in 2014.

He beat his own world record in the grand prix special at Olympia in 2014 scoring 93.4% and also won his second World Cup in Las Vegas in April.

Valegro will not be at Olympia this week, but is being aimed for the Rio 2016 Olympics.

The prize for the breeders of the number one showjumping horse went to Belgium’s Willy Taets for Hello Sanctos.

Sanctos and his rider, Scott Brash, made showjumping history this year when they became the first combination to win the Rolex Grand Slam — winning the grands prix at Geneva, Aachen and Spruce Meadows consecutively.

By the international jumping stallion Quasimodo vd Molendreef, Hello Sanctos was bred out of Nasia van het Gravenhof (by Nabab de Rêve) in 2002.

His grand dam, Balin, was bought by Mr Taets in 1978 and he also evented her.

Hello Sanctos, who also won team gold at London 2012, is owned by Lord and Lady Harris and Lord and Lady Kirkham.

Taking the award for breeding this year’s top event horse was Dr Rolf Lück for Ingrid Klimke’s European team gold medal-winning ride Horseware Hale Bob.

The 11-year-old gelding, by Helokon xx, won Pau CCI4* in 2014 and this year has been runner-up at Badminton, Luhmühlen CIC3* and Aachen CICIO3*.

His dam, Goldige, is by Noble Champion xx.

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Can Scott Brash win the Rolex Grand Slam for a second time?

The Scottish rider will be giving it his best attempt as he heads to Switzerland this week for the first leg in the new series — the Geneva grand prix.

The world’s top showjumpers will be competing at CHI Geneva this week.

The competition kicks off today (Thursday 10 December) and culminates on Sunday (13 December) with the Rolex grand prix.

This summer the world number one made history becoming the first rider to win the Rolex Grand Slam — which is made up of wins in three major grands prix, Geneva, Aachen and Spruce Meadows.

At Spruce Meadows on 13 September Scott picked up a €1.3million (£950,000) total prize fund – which included the €1million grand slam bonus for winning the treble.

Now the 30-year-old rider is travelling to Geneva with his partner Hello Sanctos, owned by Lord and Lady Harris and Lord and Lady Kirkham, to see if he can do it again.

“Palexpo is a fantastic arena, which is great to ride in for both the riders and the horses and the atmosphere in the ring on “Rolex Grand Prix” day is a really special feeling,” said Scott.

“It really is one of my favourite shows of the year and I’m really looking forward to going again this year.

“I just try to focus on the job at hand, but I will most certainly be trying to win the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final and the Rolex Grand Prix, both of which will be extremely difficult classes to win again, but I’m still extremely hungry for more success in Geneva.”

There is a €1million bonus for three victories, but two out of three wins also comes with a prize.

If two grands prixs in succession are won the rider will take home a €500,000 bonus. If two classes are taken non-consecutively there is €250,000 up for grabs.

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

Ahead of CHI Geneva next week (10-13 December), the world number one talks about his experiences since his Grand Slam triumph in September, his top horse Hello Sanctos and why his employees always complain about him after Christmas

Your Rolex Grand Slam victory was three months ago. How have things been since then?

It’s been pretty busy really, it’s a very full calendar year now. It was such a high at the time; but I tried to very quickly get back into my work and focus on the remainder of the season. The team and I are now looking forward to 2016.

When you look back to 13 September — the day you won the Rolex Grand Slam — which moment springs to mind first?

The moment of realisation, when I knew I’d done it. It was a goal that I’d dreamt about and so to finally do it; after all the build-up, was a real mix of emotions. It’s obviously something that I’ll never forget.

At the press conference after the Spruce Meadows Masters, you said you would need time to take it all in and that you still couldn’t believe that you had won. When was the moment, when you really realised that you had claimed the Grand Slam title?

There are still times when I can’t believe what’s happened. I suppose it was just settling back in to everyday life and people asking me about it and congratulating me, that was when it was really sinking in. It’s just a great feeling in the back of your mind all the time, but in this game you have to keep looking ahead.

What is so special about next week’s CHI Geneva for you?

Palexpo is a fantastic arena, which is great to ride in for both the riders and the horses and the atmosphere in the ring on Rolex Grand Prix day is a really special feeling. It really is one of my favourite shows of the year and I’m really looking forward to going again this year.

Continued below…

Scott Brash bids to make history at Spruce Meadows *VIDEO*

The world number one showjumper hopes to scoop the Rolex Grand Slam at Spruce Meadows this weekend with Hello Sanctos

What is your goal this year? Will you be bringing your top horse, Hello Sanctos, to the CHI Geneva with you?

Yes, Sanctos will be making the trip over with me and I’m sure he’ll love the event as always. As for my goals, I just try to focus on the job at hand, but I will most certainly be trying to win the Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final and the Rolex Grand Prix, both of which will be extremely difficult classes to win again, but I’m still extremely hungry for more success in Geneva.

What about Sanctos? Is he in good form at the moment?

Sanctos had a well-earned rest after our Grand Slam victory, but in the meantime he’s been back on the competition circuit again. At his last competition before Geneva, in Doha in mid-November, he jumped well, but we both made a couple of silly mistakes. But I always feel very confident with him, he is an incredible horse and he loves winning as much as I do.

Who are, in your opinion, the favourites to win the Rolex Grand Prix in Geneva?

Rolf-Göran Bengtsson with Casall and Kent Farrington with Voyeur are both in great form at the moment. If these two pairs compete they will without doubt be among the favourites. But to be honest, there are so many good combinations around just now. I think anyone who qualifies for the Grand Prix can win it, that’s what makes our sport so unique.

What is on your sporting agenda after Geneva?

It’s all eyes on Olympia Horse Show in London in terms of my immediate focus, as it is taking place the week after. But 2016 looks like a full calendar year again, so each horse will have different goals to aim for.

Is there enough time in your busy diary for a short Christmas break?

There’s not much time for holidays in this game, but I really enjoy being at home for Christmas. I like to send all my staff home and I do the horses which I really enjoy. However the girls always complain that it takes them a bit longer to muck the horses out when they come back. It is very hard for me to keep up the standard they all set in my yard. It makes me appreciate them even more when they return!

Visit: www.rolexgrandslam.com

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The British squad for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup final in Barcelona at the end of this month (24-27 September) has been revealed.

The squad is made up of the four combinations who competed at the FEI European Showjumping Championships last month (18-23 August).

Joe Clee and 11-year-old stallion Utamaro D’Ecaussines, Ben Maher and 10-year-old mare Diva II, Jessica Mendoza and 14-year-old mare Spirit T and Michael Whitaker and 10-year-old stallion Cassionato all head to Spain.

The fifth rider is Laura Renwick with nine-year-old gelding Bintang II.

Fresh from his Rolex Grand Slam win at Spruce Meadows (Sunday, 13 September) World number one Scott Brash and his partner Hello Sanctos will not feature on the team.

However, the horse’s owner Lord Harris was quick to dispel any rumours telling H&H that the horse had been put up for selection.

“We made Hello Sanctos available, but he was not chosen,” he said.

Ahead of the FEI European Championships last month the rider came in for criticism from fellow showjumpers after he made Hello Sanctos unavailable for the competition, to save the horse for Spruce Meadows, which fell just a month later.

At the time he told H&H he hoped winning the grand slam and the publicity it would generate would be of benefit for showjumping, but riders frowned upon choosing the Canadian grand prix over jumping for his country.

However, Dan Hughes of the British Equestrian Federation told H&H that the team heading to Barcelona had been initially selected before Hello Sanctos was made available.

“Based on the assumption that given the very long flight and demanding competition programme in Calgary, it would not be in the horse’s best interests to travel and compete again so soon,” he added.

“Now that we have successfully qualified a showjumping team for Rio, performance manager Di Lampard also wished to use the final in Barcelona to test a range of horse and rider combinations at the highest level to ensure we have the broadest choice of horses and athletes available for selection in 2016”.

The final of the Nations Cup series takes place at the Real Club de Polo de Barcelona.

A total of 18 teams plus the home team if not already qualified will all be eligible to compete. Teams from within Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East, Asia/Australasia and Africa will all be competing.

The final consists of three competitions. The top eight teams from Thursday’s opening class will go forward to the third and final competition on Saturday while the remainder will compete in the Challenge Cup which will be held on the Friday.

Live footage will be shown on www.feitv.org

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World number one showjumper Scott Brash will be hoping to pick up a €1million (£720,000) bonus on Sunday (13 September) in the final leg of the Rolex Grand Slam at Spruce Meadows — something that has never been done before.

Riding his Olympic gold medal-winning partner Hello Sanctos, owned by Lord and Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham, the top showjumper triumphed in the world famous Aachen grand prix earlier this year.

This victory came on the back of his win at the CHI in Geneva in December which means he can claim a €500,000 (£360,000) bonus for winning two legs in succession simply by taking part in the third and final event in Calgary this weekend.

There was controversy earlier this summer when Scott made the horse unavailable for team selection at the European Championships in Aachen, due to the Rolex Grand Slam.

Scott told H&H it was “not in the horse’s interest” to put him forward for selection.

“Hello Sanctos has now competed in three championships and, unfortunately for everyone, is not getting any younger,” he said.

“Spruce Meadows comes just a short time after the Europeans and it would not be fair on the horse to compete in both competitions.

“The media coverage which this will generate will be in the best interest of British sport.”

Spruce Meadows’ Ian Allison said the venue is both “excited and honoured” to welcome the world’s best riders.

“This 40th anniversary edition of the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ has an extraordinary number of wonderful story lines, but none more so than that of Scott Brash,” he added.

“There is a reason why Scott is currently the number one ranked rider in the world and in play to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping. He is truly a complete horseman and dedicated athlete, who has put together an impressive résumé very quickly.

“The entire sport should be excited about this historic time. Scott and Hello Sanctos have the opportunity to achieve something that has never been done in our sport.

H&H’s showjumping editor Hannah Lemieux will be travelling to Canada to watch Scott Brash attempt to make history. For full report don’t miss 17 September issue of H&H magazine.

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Britain’s top riders have criticised Scott Brash’s decision to withdraw his two top horses from potential European selection.

The world number one rider was a notable absentee from the British team for the FEI European Showjumping Championships when the list was revealed on Monday (10 August).

It was then revealed that not only had Scott pulled Hello Sanctos from team selection, he had also made Hello M’Lady unavailable also.

“The decision was taken by Scott and his owners, Lady Kirkham and Lady Harris, as they felt the horse was still too inexperienced for the environment of the Aachen stadium,” said British Equestrian Federation performance director Dan Hughes, adding that it was “regrettable”.

Owner Lord Harris told H&H that the mare was “still young”.

“After jumping at Dublin we could see she was not ready for the Europeans yet, she needs 10 or 12 more grands prix,” he added. “She needs more time. It’s obviously disappointing for everyone, but there are other years.”

However, with Rio 2016 in mind riders are confused why the horses would be withdrawn.

“I think given that Scott’s in the enviable position that he is, it’s sad that he isn’t making one of his horses available to support the team,” said 2012 gold medallist Peter Charles.

“There’s a great array of young talent in the sport and funding depends on the Olympics. When you are a rider on a team you have the responsibility for the whole country.

“This is important for qualification and puts weight on inexperienced horse and rider combinations.

“I think Scott underestimates how much he’s needed. He’s one of the best we’ve ever had and he will be missed. He secured owners for the Olympics and the horses were bought for that. Not to be part of that is strange.”

The Europeans are the final chance to qualify for next year’s Olympics, after poor performances at last year’s World Equestrian Games.

To do so they must finish in the top three of non-qualified nations. The Netherlands, France, Germany and Sweden have already qualified but Team GBR face stiff competition in the form of Ireland, Belgium and Switzerland.

H&H columnist William Funnell added: “Lord Harris said he would buy horses to help Britain win medals, so it’s a surprise to see neither of Scott’s top two horses on the team.

“M’Lady might be inexperienced but having the world number one rider makes up for that. It’s bad for the sport if the reigning gold medallists don’t qualify for Rio.”

If the team do not qualify, there is still a chance to qualify as an individual via the world rankings.

Last month Scott told H&H it was not in Sanctos’ “best interests” to contest both the Europeans and the final leg of the Rolex Grand Slam in Calgary (9-13 September) — where the pair stand to win a €1million (£710,000) bonus. Just turning up secures them €500,000.

“I think it’s very disappointing. We’ve got such a talent in Scott and his horses, we’d like to have him fighting for the team,” said Tim Stockdale.

“My feeling is it’s a great honour riding for your country and, in truth, riding at a championship is everything we aspire to.

“I understand his predicament but certain competitions go beyond monetary value.

“I’m not so sure he is going to win in Calgary and the sport is a bigger priority. Aachen is in the DNA of the sport and we should be taking the money side out and competing for honour.”

John Whitaker said it was a “great pity”.

“Hello M’Lady has proved herself a few times this year,” he said. “We should be fielding our best team. But I think if things go well we’ll still be alright for Rio. We have to stay positive.”

However team member Michael Whitaker said he’s feeling confident heading to Aachen.

“All the horses have been on good form,” he said.

“We have five fighters going forward and there isn’t one that you wouldn’t want on your side.”

Ref: H&H 13 August 2015

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There was shock and disappointment in the showjumping world yesterday (Monday 10 August) when it was revealed that world number one Scott Brash would not be representing Great Britain at next week’s FEI European Showjumping Championships (19-23 August).

Joe Clee (Utamaro d’Ecaussines), Ben Maher (Diva II), Jessica Mendoza (Spirit T) and Michael Whitaker (Cassionato), with Guy Williams (Titus II) as travelling reserve, were named as the Brits heading to Aachen.

However, Scott, as the lynchpin of past championships, was a notable absentee.

But it has since emerged that Scott and his owners, Lord and Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham, decided to withdraw Scott’s potential ride Hello M’Lady from the selection process.

Team selector Di Lampard told H&H this news was “very disappointing”.

Scott had already made his top ride Hello Sanctos unavailable.

Last month Scott told H&H that it was not in Sanctos’s “best interests” to contest both the Europeans and the final leg of the Rolex Grand Slam in Calgary (9-13 September) — where the pair stand to win a €1million (£710,000) bonus.

He added: “Hello Sanctos has now competed in three championships and, unfortunately for everyone, is not getting any younger.”

The decision, he added, was to give the horse the “best chance of being able to compete at a second Olympics, if the opportunity arose”.

The Scottish rider said he was putting nine-year-old Hello M’Lady, who he rode in the Dublin Nations Cup, up for selection for the British Europeans team. But he has since said the horse is not ready.

“In addition to Hello Sanctos who is being aimed at the Rolex Grand Slam, regrettably Hello M’Lady, also ridden by Scott Brash, was not made available for selection for next week’s Europeans,” British Equestrian Federation performance director Dan Hughes told H&H.

“The decision was taken by Scott and his owners, Lady Kirkham and Lady Harris, as they felt the horse was still too inexperienced for the environment of the Aachen stadium.”

The Europeans are Britain’s final chance to qualify for Rio next summer.

To do so Team GBR must finish in the top three of non-qualified nations — but face tough competition. The Netherlands, France, Germany and Sweden have already qualified.

“Qualifying for Rio is at the forefront of our minds and we are absolutely committed to giving Great Britain the chance to defend the team gold medal which was won at London 2012. We move forward to Aachen as a strong united team,” said Di.

H&H spoke to several top riders who were not pleased with the decision to withdraw both Scott’s horses, thereby making the world’s number one showjumper ineligible for the team.

To hear what they have to say — plus reaction from owner Lord Harris — don’t miss Thursday’s issue of H&H, out 13 August.

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World number one Scott Brash claimed his third Longines Global Champions Tour (GCT) win this year when scooping the €300,000 (£213,000) grand prix in Estoril in Portugal riding Hello Sanctos (9-11 July).

The win means Scott edges closer to taking the championship lead. He is now 32 points behind current ranking leader, Portugal’s Luciana Diniz, who picked up four faults in the second round.

“Sanctos loves Estoril — he jumped phenomenal again today. I am delighted with him, but we still have to keep going to beat Luciana,” said Scott.

“Every time he’s jumped here, he’s been on the podium. He’s just a wonderful horse and it’s a privilege to be riding him. I need to enjoy him while I have him as he’s one in a lifetime,” he added.

It has been confirmed that the 13-year-old gelding will miss the European Championships in August and instead head to the Rolex Grand Slam in Spruce Meadows with Scott.

Frank Rothenberger’s challenging but fair course caused problems throughout the class. Fifteen clear rounds went through to the second round, with three more on four-faults. Just four combinations then made it through to the final jump-off.

Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Al Sharbatly and Ireland’s Greg Broderick took the next two podium spots behind Scott.

“My horse is just nine so he hasn’t a lot of experience at this level,” said Greg. “I knew Scott was able to go very fast so I just tried to be quick and luckily we were clear.

“It’s nice to be on the podium at my first GCT. There are not as many Irish horses at the top level so I’m glad that he’s has been jumping so well for the whole year — I’m very lucky to ride this fantastic horse.”

The GCT’s tenth round of the 2015 season takes place in Chantilly in France from 17-19 July.

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Scott Brash has revealed his top horse Hello Sanctos will not available for selection for next month’s European Championships (11-23 August).

The 13-year-old gelding, owned by Lord and Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham, has been a lynchpin of Britain’s championship teams for the past few years — being part of the gold medal-winning quartet at both London 2012 and at the 2013 Europeans.

However, Scott told H&H it has been decided it is “not in the horse’s interest” to put him forward for selection.

“Hello Sanctos has now competed in three championships and, unfortunately for everyone, is not getting any younger,” he said.

The decision, he added, was to give the horse the “best chance of being able to compete at a second Olympics, if the opportunity arose”.

“It is felt that the amount of jumping required over a short period of time in a championship would not be in the best interest of the horse this year,” he said.

Instead, Scott and Sanctos will head to Calgary to the final leg of the Rolex Grand Slam at Spruce Meadows (9-13 September).

Having won two of the three legs already this year (Geneva and Aachen) Scott merely has to show up to collect the €500,000 (£360,000) prize. Should he win he’ll pick up the €1million (£720,000) bonus.

Scott hasn’t been ruled out of the Europeans though, as he’s been putting in strong performances with nine-year-old mare Hello M’Lady. He also has Hello Forever, also nine, in the running.

For full reaction from Di Lampard, Scott and H&H columnist William Funnell don’t miss this week’s issue of H&H, out today (Thursday 9 July).

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Hello Sanctos has joined his rider this month by taking the top spot in the showjumping world rankings. After Scott Brash reclaimed the world number one rider position (7 May), it has been announced that the 13-year-old gelding has topped the FEI WBFSH World Ranking List again.

Here are five things you might not know about the showjumping sensation

1. Bred in Belgium, he was originally called Sanctos Van Het Gravenhof. He was renamed Hello Sanctos when Lord and Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham, whose horses all bear the “Hello” prefix, bought the gelding for Scott to ride in 2011.

2. He is one of the most relaxed horses you’ll come across — he absolutely loves his beauty sleep. “He’ll lie down to sleep, then he comes out and does his job, then goes back to bed,” says co-owner Lady Harris.

3. He has earned more airmiles than the Beckhams. OK, maybe not quite, but he’s proper jetset, racking up wins in the Middle East and Europe and has competing in the Global Champions Tour in Miami, Florida last month.

“You wouldn’t believe that a horse could have been to all the countries he’s been to and seen all the things he must have seen, but he takes it all in his stride,” says his groom Hana Colman.

4. In 2014, he landed a record-breaking three Global Champions Tour grands prix — in Cannes, London and Estoril. “He’s so consistent — looking back at the whole of last year, you could name the fences he had down and count them on one hand,” says Scott.

5. He’ll do anything for Polos. His co-owners Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham are his biggest supplier of his favourite sweet.

“In the main ring for the presentation for the Global Champions Tour in Doha, we were lucky enough to be allowed in too and his ears immediately pricked when he saw us — he thought ‘Here are the ladies with the Polos’!” says Lady Harris.

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World number one showjumper Scott Brash landed a big-money double at the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) in Miami Beach, Florida (2-4 April).

On Friday, he and new ride Hello Forever took top spot in the prestigious annual American Invitational. The Scotsman followed up on Saturday evening by taking the inaugural Miami Beach grand prix with top ride Hello Sanctos, producing one of only two triple clears in the competition.

“It’s just a joy to be here in Miami, but to win the American Invitational and the Global Champions Tour is fantastic,” said Scott, the title-holder of the past two LGCT championships. ““It’s a fantastic start to win the first leg but there’s a long way to go – it’s a tough tour to win.”

The Tour celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and this stunning Miami Beach location proved a popular venue for this season’s series to be launched. Saturday’s $600,000 grand prix attracted a huge throng of spectators.

“We never thought my horses could win both,” said Scott, who collected nearly $200,000 for his win in this 2015 season opener – he landed a record-breaking three LGCT grands prix in the 2014 series. “Sanctos is a legend, he’s magnificent, he’s the horse of a lifetime.”

Second place went to Qatar rider Bassem Hassan Mohammed riding a slightly slower clear on the big-jumping chestnut Palloubet D’Halong and the final spot on the podium went to Belgian rider Pieter Devos (Candy), who collected four faults in the four-rider jump-off. Frenchman Roger Yves Bost took fourth after Nippon D’Elle glanced off on a tight turn back to a vertical, finishing on five faults. Denis Lynch was the best placed Irishman in 12th on Ho Go Van De Padenborre.

Don’t miss the full report and all the action from the Longines Global Champions Tour of Miami Beach in next week’s issue of Horse & Hound, out Thursday 9 April.

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Scott Brash and Hello Sanctos won the Rolex grand prix in Geneva this afternoon (14 December) and will now bid for the 1,000,000euro bonus on offer for any rider who can claim all three grands prix in the Rolex Grand Slam of showjumping.

The world number one enjoyed a sensational weekend in Switzerland, taking victory in the Rolex IJRC Top 10 final on Friday night, also on Hello Sanctos, and followed up by collecting the £196,000 top prize in Sunday’s grand prix.

“I’m absolutely ecstatic, my horse has been unbelievable again,” said Scott of Lord and Lady Harris’ and Lady Kirkham’s 12-year-old gelding.

“I didn’t know if I’d done enough and Roger [Yves Bost, just 0.25sec behind riding Quod’ Coeur De La Loge] had me sweating, but I’m delighted. I’ve everything I want – a wonderful horse and wonderful owners and my team behind me are unbelievable. I’m on top of the world today.“

The next date in the Rolex Grand Slam calendar is the CHIO Aachen in Germany at the end of May, 2015.

“I’ll put Aachen on my list now – I’ll be trying!” added 29-year-old Scott, who has enjoyed one of the best years of his career and will be in action on homesoil at Olympia next week.

The third rider on the grand prix podium after a 13-rider jump-off was Sweden’s Rolf-Goran Bengtsson with Casall Ask.

Rolex Grand Prix result:

• Scott Brash & Hello Sanctos (GBR)
• Roger Yves Bost & Quod’ Coeur De La Loge (FRA)
• Rolf Goran Bengtsson & Casall Ask (SWE)
• Kevin Staut & Reveur De Hurtebise HDC (FRA)
• Penelope Leprevost & Vagabond De La Pomme (FRA)
• Alain Jufer & Wiveau B (SUI)

Don’t miss the full report from the CHI Geneva, at which there were also wins for Ireland’s Bertram Allen and Thomas Ryan, in next week’s issue of Horse & Hound (out Thursday, 18 December).

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

Where did it all go wrong? That was the question many riders and fans were left asking last week when Britain, the reigning Olympic and European champions, crashed out of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG).

Not only did they not claim a medal, the team failed to qualify for the 2016 Olympics — the only discipline Britain fell short in.

Britain dropped out of contention early on, finishing 18th of 31 teams — only 10 teams make the final.

World number one Scott Brash was the only Brit to finish within the top 50 — in 44th — and was to jump as an individual. However, he withdrew to save Lord and Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham’s Hello Sanctos for future competition.

Not smooth sailing

It had been a bumpy road in the run up to WEG.

Team manager Rob Hoekstra was criticised by riders for not fielding the best team at Hickstead and having to scrape through to the Nations Cup final at the last minute, as well as taking flack for not sending a team to Aachen.

Both decisions Rob said were made to “conserve horsepower” as the “priority” was to qualify for 2016 at WEG.

But Britain now must work hard to secure their Rio place — they must finish in the top three, of teams that are not already qualified, at next year’s Europeans.

“The reason we got it so wrong is we were so off the pace on day one,” said William Funnell, who was on the gold medal-winning Europeans team last year.

“The second round was a bad day. We needed clears and even Scott couldn’t produce one. It wouldn’t have helped him mentally knowing we were out before he even went in. The upshot is that getting Olympic qualification at the Euros is going to be extremely tough.”

The British Equestrian Federation’s Will Connell agreed it was a “bad day at the office”.

A lack of horsepower

Olympic medal winner Big Star was taken out of contention in July due to injury while Michael Whitaker’s Amai was withdrawn in August.

The team suffered a further blow two days before WEG when Ben Maher was ruled out when Cella picked up a “slight overreach injury”.

“It’s such a fine line between winning and losing — missing Big Star and Cella has made a massive difference,” said John Whitaker. “Having three good championship horses on the team it would have been a completely different story.”

Rob Hoekstra said it was “obviously disappointing”.

“It just hasn’t worked out for us. It’s not been easy, everyone knows we’ve lost a lot of horses over the past few months. We had two horses who were at a championship for the first time and it’s a huge step up and they performed well,” he said. Scott Brash agreed you have to “take the positives”.

“We know it will be tough to qualify next year but we’ll all do our best to get our horses prepared to give ourselves the best chance,” he said.

Irish in trouble too

It wasn’t just Britain that disappointed. Ireland are in a similar position and must also qualify for Rio at the Europeans.

“It’s unbelievable that we had three Irish riders in the top 12 but still haven’t qualified for Rio, it’s devastating. It’s about time we went to another Olympics,” said Denis Lynch.

This news story was first published in H&H magazine on 11 September 2014

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Scott Brash and Hello Sanctos won the Longines Global Champions Tour of Estoril, Portugal, with one of only two triple clears. It was a lucrative weekend for the world number one, who also took top spot in the 1.55m jump-off class the previous day.

British supporters had plenty to cheer about on Saturday night (12 July) as Nick Skelton and Big Star made a dazzling return to the podium, taking third behind Brazil’s Rodrigo Pessoa (Status FRH).

“There were fantastic riders and horses in the jump-off and it’s a big advantage coming near the end, so I was able to see Rodrigo and Nick,” said Scott, who collected a €100,000 top prize to add to the €50,000 he picked up on Friday.

“It was a well-built course, Frank Rothenberger did a great job as he always does. It was a long course and the calibre of jumping has been unbelievable again.”

Scott’s Olympic team-mate Nick Skelton has nursed Beverley Widdowson’s 11-year-old stallion back from an injury he picked up last year and the pair produced the quickest time in the jump-off, but the final oxer fell.

“I am very pleased with him, because he has been off for nine months,” said Nick. “It’s the first time he is back in the swing of things.”

Results of the Longines Global Champions Tour of Cascais, Estoril

• Scott Brash (Hello Sanctos) GBR, 0/0/0 45.43sec
• Rodrigo Pessoa (Status FRH) BRA, 0/0/0 46.24sec
• Nick Skelton (Big Star) GBR, 0/0/4 43.32sec
• Bassem Hassan Mohammed (Victoria) QAT, 0/0/4 51.55sec
• Christian Ahlmann (Aragon Z) GER, 0/0/8 45.27sec
• Nadja Peter Steiner (Capuera II) SUI 0/1

Don’t miss the full report in next week’s Horse & Hound, out Thursday 17 July.

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Scott Brash is in action this evening (11 October) with his new ride Hello Ursula, at the five-star Oslo Horse Show in Norway.

Hello Ursula is owned by Lord Harris and Lord Kirkham – who also own Scott’s Olympic gold medal winner, Hello Sanctos.

Ursula was previously competed by Tina Fletcher. Lord Harris says the ride was given to Scott in order to boost his string.

Tina has another Harris-Kirkham horse in her yard – Hello Annie, who came second in the Foxhunter at HOYS.

For more on this story, see the 11 October issue of H&H

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

Scott Brash, born on 5 December 1985, is a British showjumper, based in Peebles in the Scottish Borders where he breeds and trains his horses.

Scot started riding at the age of seven and went to his first show when he was nine.

At the age of 18 he went to train with Paul Barker for a year.

He is supported by his father Stanley – a former jockey – sister Lea and three full time grooms.

Scott was crowned Accenture Young Show Jumper of the Year on his first trip from Peebles to the London International Horse Show at Olympia in December 2006, partnering Stanley Brash’s Intertoy Z. Scott has worked with the gelding by Interadel Z since he was a five-year-old.

At the 2008 Horse of the Year Show Scot took the Horse & Hound Foxhunter title with Sauron ML the day after winning the seven-year-old final with Beaujolais.

Scott was hailed a hero – along with Roger McCrea-in June 2009 after saving a pony from a burning horsebox on the A1(M). The pair were en route from Edinburgh to the British Show Jumping Association Area 15 show at Allerton Park in North Yorkshire when they spotted the lorry billowing with smoke.

In December 2009 he was promoted within the British Equestrian Federation’s World Class Development Squad, joining the potential showjumping programme.

2010 was a particularly successful year for Scott. At the British Open Championships he took first place in the Jeep Challenge with Sebastian III and won the Grand Prix at the Chester Masters with Intertoy Z. He was also selected as a member of Team GBR for the World Equestrian Games in Kentuky with Intertoy Z.

And in 2011 he was a member of Aachen CSIO 5* Nations Cup Team when he came second again on Intertoy Z. November 2011 saw him head the $100,000 FEI World Cup grand prix in Toronto with his 10-year-old gelding Bon Ami II.

Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham bought Scott the nine-year-old gelding Sanctos Van Het Gravenhof – formerly ridden by Ukraine’s Katharina Offel – before the Olympic cut-off date of 31 December 2011, with London 2012 in mind. Following the owners’ tradition, the horse was renamed Hello Sanctos.

Scott kicked off 2012 promisingly, beating Olympic champion Eriz Lamaze to take the $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix title on Intertoy Z.

He was one of several British riders to decamp to Florida for the three-month FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival.

Scott was selected for the London 2012 Olympic team and helped Britain win team Olympic gold. He was in contention for an individual medal until the final round of the competition, when Hello Sanctos picked up four faults.

In 2013, Scott was part of the gold medal-winning British team at the European Championships in Herning, Denmark — where he also claimed an individual bronze medal.