MANY equestrian fans will be familiar with the 1978 film International Velvet, where 18-year-old Sarah Brown produces her first horse through the grades to win eventing team gold at the Olympics.
While this storyline remains a dream for most budding event riders, the odd few do find a horse who takes them from youth teams up to five-star.
Laura Collett was 16 years old when she saw the then seven-year-old Rayef for sale in a magazine.
“I was flicking through and liked the look of his picture,” says Laura, who now, some 18 years later, has a Badminton title and Olympic team gold. “For sure, Rayef set up my career.”
When she went to try the gelding, he had done some 90cm showjumping and was being ridden by a 68-year-old man.
“He was quite full of himself and playful, which I really liked. He moved beautifully and had a nice jump,” says Laura. “He was
