Reflections on British riders’ success at Paris Olympics

The equestrian occasions on the Paris Olympics have come to an in depth – after large and deserved success for the British groups.

There was no particular person showjumping medal added to the British haul final Tuesday (6 August); all three combos had jumped clear within the first spherical to qualify for the ultimate however Harry Charles withdrew Romeo 88 that morning because the 15-year-old gelding had a small overreach. Scott Brash and Jefferson and Ben Maher and Dallas Vegas Batilly had an unfortunate rail every to complete sixth and ninth respectively.

However the workforce had already secured a wonderful workforce gold, making it 4 showjumping golds at 4 Olympics on the trot, added to eventing workforce gold and particular person bronze and double dressage bronze.

The Queen was amongst these to pay tribute to the horses’ and riders’ achievements.

“As patron of the British Equestrian Federation, I – together with our complete nation – couldn’t be prouder of each member of Staff GB in your great tally of medals on the Paris 2024 Video games,” she mentioned.

“I’m stuffed with admiration in your talent, ardour and willpower and I ship my warmest congratulations to you all.”

British Equestrian (BEF) efficiency director Helen Nicholls advised H&H it had been a really busy couple of weeks – and that the journey house is all the time higher when there are medals on board.

“For the athletes I really feel large satisfaction and reduction, and I’m so, so happy they bought what they deserved,” she mentioned. “While you go to the Video games with human and equine athletes of the calibre Nice Britain has, all you hope is that issues will go effectively for them, they usually get the chance to ship what they’re able to. And after they do, that’s job executed.”

Helen mentioned her job is just like that of a conductor in an orchestra; with all of the groundwork and preparation on all fronts earlier than the Video games, if all goes effectively, it’s about overseeing the outcomes of that, and figuring out when to step in and when to not is vital.

However that massive quantity of preparation that goes into any championship is usually unseen.

“Everybody sees the medals however not the work that goes on to get there,” she mentioned. “I feel that’s actually vital; you see Scott Brash using that final spherical and he’s a genius and superb, however he wasn’t born into it or simply given a superb horse; to see the journey he has been on to get there’s unbelievable.”

One key to success, Helen added, is the collaboration; the disciplines working collectively to share positives and learnings.

“We work collectively as a workforce and the athletes couldn’t be prouder of one another, and wished to ensure every was as profitable as the opposite,” she mentioned. “In our lodging, you wouldn’t know any distinction between disciplines and when one gained a medal, the others had been there to welcome them house.”

The workforce needed to go to Paris straight after the emergence of the video for which Charlotte Dujardin was suspended, however Helen mentioned the response was a united one.

“While you go to any championship you count on one thing to go flawed,” she mentioned. “This was on the excessive finish however you simply hold to your system and defend the efficiency. Our athletes don’t should have their preparation derailed so we defend them in any respect prices and I feel we did that extremely effectively. It’s testomony to the game and sport media and folks concerned that allowed us to do this. Different sports activities might need turned on themselves however we felt it was a good and affordable response from all people, and all people pulled their arms collectively tighter.”

Preparations for the Paralympics (3-4 and 6-7 September) at the moment are of their last phases, as consideration turns again to Versailles.

“We’re on the point of go on the market, and the Olympics could have given them the arrogance to kick on to take their alternative to ship what they’re able to too,” Helen mentioned.

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H&H information editor

Eleanor is an skilled journalist who spent over eight years working for native and nationwide newspapers earlier than becoming a member of H&H as information editor in March 2016. Enthusiastic about equine welfare and exposing the reality, Eleanor has reported on all points of the business, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage guidelines to mules. Her sport of alternative is showjumping, wherein she competes her personal horses, and he or she additionally enjoys reporting at native leaping reveals via to worldwide championships.