With the success of the Alltech Equine Hero campaign, we asked top riders who they would nominate as their own special equine hero ahead of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy.
Top Riders Salute their Equine Hero’s
Alltech’s global Equine Hero campaign has seen members of the equestrian community from all over the world nominating unsung heroes who go above and beyond to help other’s achieve their equestrian dreams.
With the start of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games we asked some top riders who they would nominate as their equine hero.
Ben Maher – Show Jumper
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One of the unsung heroes of the sport of showjumping is the world renowned course builder, Bob Ellis.
Ben had this to say of his nominee:
“Bob Ellis has an amazing way of truly rising to the occasion; building courses that riders admire and respect at the same time. To win over one of Bob’s courses is never easy and a win is always hard fought. His courses are fresh, full of questions and well-designed and that makes for great jumping and fierce competition.
“Course builders the world over can make or break a class. Bob has a natural talent, always testing the horse and rider, but being fair to both. He pleases the crowd and sponsors, never over facing the competitors and all of the time taking into account the arena, the obstacles available, the ground conditions and the range of abilities. These elements are always varied and never predictable, but Bob is always able to bring the elements together to make a crowd pleasing, spectacular competition.”
Georgina Hunt – Carriage Driver
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Top carriage driver Georgina Hunt’s nomination would go to her blacksmith Roger Jones.
Roger started shoeing Georgina’s team of horses 10-years-ago and at the time she lived in the New Forest.
Having moved to Surrey, Roger still regularly makes the trip to Georgina’s yard to shoe the horses.
“Roger is my equine hero, not only for his willingness to travel to my yard but also his dedication to ensuring my horses are well. He really studies their feet and is more than happy to work with my vet to prevent lameness which is vital when competing,” added Georgina.
Georgina and her team will be representing Team GB at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
Mary King – Eventer
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Mary’s nomination without hesitation would go to her mother Jill, who Mary would be the first to admit is not at all horsey but is an integral part of her team.
“At 77-years-old she is still chief lorry driver, never getting tired despite the early starts and long hours driving to and from events. Mum’s support has also allowed me to continue my competitive career after the birth of my two children Emily and Freddie, always being on hand to step in when needed.”
“A side from her role for Team King, Jill has also found the time to provide a loving home to 36 foster children and is still a verger at the village church,” said Mary
Beccy Broughton – Endurance rider
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Endurance rider Beccy Broughton would also nominate her mum Sue, who has been a huge support over the past 30 years of training and competitions.
Beccy said: “It was mum who planted the seed of Endurance in my mind and I simply couldn’t have achieved my success without her. She plays a big part in planning and is part of my crew team at competitions and she pays my farrier bill!”
As well as helping Beccy, Sue is ‘Chair of International’ for Endurance GB.
The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy takes place from 23 August – 7 September.
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