Former rider Sylvia Pope celebrated her 90th birthday with a surprise carriage driving lesson – an experience she hopes to repeat when she turns 100. Sylvia was shown the ropes by Kevin Madgwick of Madgwick Carriage Masters and drove a pair of Friesian stallions called Ant and Dec. “My grandma last rode when she was about 70 and although she’s still very active she probably wouldn’t be able to get on a horse, so we thought the carriage driving would still give her that feel for holding the reins, and she absolutely loved it,” said Claire Woodward.
As we catch our breath after the excitement of the Longines FEI European Showjumping Championships, a second British Europeans team has been confirmed. The four riders heading out to the para dressage Europeans in Ermelo, the Netherlands (3 to 7 September) will be a combination of future potential and medal winners. British Equestrian para dressage performance manager Georgina Sharples said that the squad is “an exciting group of athletes with a real blend of experience”.
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Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.
