'How lucky we are to have longevity'

Carl Hester on taking a more holistic approach to equestrian sport

- Oscar Williams

SOMETIMES my column is not entirely dressage-related, but I think it can be helpful to get an outside perspective. For many of us heading to, or going past, middle age, riding is a passion and many get better over the years.

In equestrian sport we’re so fortunate to have the likes of Andrew Hoy, campaigning to represent Australia at what would be an unbelievable ninth Olympic Games, and John Whitaker winning the six-bar and the Santa stakes at London International. They’re examples of really good horsemanship, and at 65 and 68, they’re not only good but better than ever!

It got me thinking about other sports and how lucky we equestrians are to have that longevity. Even if not riding at the top level, there are opportunities to train, coach and produce horses after a competitive career.

Over the years I’ve kept in touch with Alex Gregory MBE. Alex is a five-time world champion and was on the coxless four rowing team that won gold in London, then in Rio, where he came to watch the dressage. We’d sat next to each other at an Olympians dinner in 2012 and were friends from the off.