Carl Hester: "Grateful to These Horses and the Pride they Give Me"

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British Olympian Carl Hester took to Instagram on Sunday 12 May 2024 following his weekend performances at the CDI Hickstead aboard Fame and En Vogue. He reflected on his partnership with horses, especially in the current climate in which sport with horses is being questioned.

He wrote the following:

I think what the horses reminded me of this weekend was just how special these moments continue to be and why so many of us are committed to this sport with these horses that are first and foremost part of our family.

When they do test after test and try and make just one small thing better, giving their best with the questions we ask of them and forgiving us if we don’t ask it perfectly on the day; it’s this feeling of trust and partnership that makes training horses and presenting them in arenas the greatest privilege.

There is a lot of conversation taking place in our community at the moment and still so much to be discussed for the future. This remains important but whatever happens in the next few months, I can truly say that I am so grateful to these horses for all that they have given me as a rider so far and the pride they give me on weekends like these. And this is all that I could ask for.