Ian Stark on his subsequent chapter after closing yr as Bramham course-designer

Ian Stark is seeking to the long run after wrapping on a profitable closing yr as cross-country course-designer at Defender Bramham Horse Trials.

Ian, 70, who revealed in September that 2024 can be his closing yr as a course-designer, will proceed teaching – and is wanting ahead to receiving his free ski carry move.

“I’m relieved initially,” mentioned Ian, on the conclusion of his time at Bramham. “I used to be dreading this week. Now that it’s over, I’m form of resigned to it. It’s positively occurring and I’m pleased about that.

“On the finish of final yr, by the point I acquired to Maryland [CCI5*], and I believed, ‘this has been a very good yr’ – I rang [my wife] Jenny, who was nonetheless in Scotland, and mentioned, ‘there’s an enormous a part of me that wishes to carry my retirement ahead a yr, as a result of it’s been such a superb yr it could actually solely go downhill!’

“So it’s only a reduction that it has gone effectively, that there have been good outcomes and that folks loved the course.”

Maryland this autumn might be Ian’s closing occasion as a course-designer. As his sights look to what is going to come subsequent, the a number of Olympic medallist, who’s contracted to teach the US eventing squad till the tip of 2024, provides that he’s nonetheless having fun with teaching and studying new issues.

“It doesn’t matter how outdated you get, you by no means cease studying about horses – and other people, for that matter,” he mentioned.

“At dwelling I’m serving to with our younger horses, I’m serving to a grand prix rider and I’m using that horse and a few of the others. Though I’m serving to the rider, using her horses has taught me much more so it’s nice – I’m nonetheless studying.

“I’m going to maintain teaching. I don’t know whether or not I’ll join one other 4 years with America, we’ll see how Paris goes, after which we’ll give it some thought!

“While you’re 75 you get a free snowboarding carry move – that’s what’s protecting me going!”

You may additionally be enthusiastic about:

Horse & Hound journal, out each Thursday, is full of all the most recent information and experiences, in addition to interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and coaching recommendation. Discover how one can take pleasure in the journal delivered to your door each week, plus choices to improve your subscription to entry our on-line service that brings you breaking information and experiences in addition to different advantages.

H&H senior information author

Lucy is an skilled information journalist, reporter and presenter. Since becoming a member of the Horse & Hound group in 2015, Lucy has reported from main international sporting occasions together with the Tokyo Paralympic Video games and a number of European Championships, in addition to Badminton, Burghley and London, to call a couple of. She has coated present affairs and sports activities information throughout the total spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, in addition to human and equine welfare, trade information and court docket instances.