Carl Hester to publish autobiography
The life of one of Britain’s greatest ever dressage riders and trainers is going to be made into book.
Carl Hester’s autobiography Making it Happen is going to be published in hardback by Orion Publishing Group next April.
The book will follow the life of the British Olympic gold medallist who first learned to ride on a donkey in the tiny Channel Island of Sark — where he was born and lived until he was 16.
“It took me 19 years from first being on an international team to winning a medal,” Carl said.
“I never dreamed my life would be worth an autobiography, but looking back through all the ups and downs, the stories, the people and the horses makes me realise how much has happened along the way.
“I’m thrilled to be able to do this book and I hope everyone gets as much enjoyment reading it as I’ve had working on it.”
Since his Olympic success last year, Carl has been inducted into Guernsey’s Sporting Hall of Fame and last month became National Dressage Champion for the 8th time.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
He was awarded an MBE for his services to equestrianism in the 2013 New Year Honours List.
Carl is also a highly regarded trainer — he trained Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro to win dual Olympic gold at London 2012.
Susan Lamb from Orion books said: “With public interest in dressage greater than ever before, and British success at an all-time high, a book by Carl is an absolute must.”
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
Sophia Heath joined Horse & Hound in July 2013 having previously worked for the Daily Telegraph's Olympics website, CNN International and Omnisport. A Durham graduate with a Masters in journalism from City University, Sophia has evented, showjumped and hunted. Sophia left Horse & Hound in early 2015 to join an international boating website.