Alastair Stewart becomes British Showjumping ambassador

ITV news presenter Alastair Stewart has become a new ambassador for British Showjumping.

Alastair, who presents programmes including the ITV lunchtime and evening news as well asspecial programmes such as the Royal Wedding, is a long-time supporter of the sport.

Three of his four children are actively involved in showjumping and he says he is keen to raise the profile of the sport in the run up to London 2012.

“My love of horses began when I was at boarding school in Kent. I’d ride a magnificent huge black hunter at weekends on the Isle of Thanet. And I courted my wife,Sally, on horseback when we both worked for Southern TV,” he said.

“We’d rent a couple of horses and go riding in the New Forest.

“What I love about the sport is the unique unleashing of skill and force. It’s hugely competitive and yet underlying it all is a tremendous camaraderie. It’s artistic and colourful, a great combination of elegance and physical power.

“Age is irrelevant. You can be over 50 and still win an Olympic medal, or you can be five and have the time of your life. It’s one of the very few arenas in life where men and women compete on a level footing. This sport, at any level, is a joy.”

For more information visit: www.britishshowjumping.co.uk

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