Carl Hester

ANYONE lucky enough to have visited Carl Hester’s yard will know the thrill that comes with driving through the gates to his idyllic home, nestled in deepest Gloucestershire, whether it’s for training, a demonstration, Sunday lunch or one of his legendary summer garden parties.

I experienced the feeling again as I rolled up the long driveway, lush with spring greenery, braking to let one of Carl’s peacocks leisurely cross in front of my car. I’m greeted halfway by one of Carl’s many dogs, an eager boxer named Pru who escorts me the rest of the way until I’m met by the man himself, quick to offer me coffee, cake and fresh eggs from his chicken coop to take away with me.

As always, I feel privileged that he has carved out a morning in his busy schedule to spend with me, and it’s a reminder of what it is that makes Carl so special. Yes, he is a British team stalwart who has competed at no fewer than six Olympic Games and won 13 championship medals on five different horses, but it’s his unwavering dedication to the sport and his generosity towards everyone in it that sets him apart.

CARL ON