ECB Coaches Association links Inside Edge 6 May 2018 | Page 42

LONGEVITY IN SPORT

I don’t think of the decision to return to riding after breaking my neck
as especially courageous. It was my job and I just wanted to do it. Us horse
people are a funny breed. Three day eventers, jockeys, showjumpers, are all
the same. It is about the thrill you get from what you are doing that makes
you want to do it. I imagine it must be the same for opening batsmen facing
the fastest bowler. When you stop and think about the danger you are putting
yourself in you will be beaten. It is about enjoying the challenge and backing
your own ability, rather than worrying about any risk.

My crowning glory was at the Olympics in Rio in 2016. I hardly had the
exuberance of youth on my side. If you know you are sitting on the best horse
you ought to feel confident. I was thinking it is only me that can mess this up.
With experience, the pressure did not really get to me. I was very focused,
and being the first out for the final round helped me concentrate. It was my
moment, and when the bell went I just thought I needed to get the job done.

I was cold and clinical, and there really weren’t any emotions running
through me. I cut the pressure out. In Rio I was concentrating all year on this
one job. I knew it was time to do the best I could. I kept drilling it into my
head I was going to win a gold medal. Having complete faith in the horse is
crucial. Horses get anxious. I get the feeling they know it is important. They
are very intuitive and will pick up on any emotions you are experiencing, so
cold, clinical and emotionless is the best way to be in these big moments.

Fortunately I managed to hold my nerve and retain inner belief throughout
that final round. To become the oldest GB Olympic gold medal winner was an
amazing moment, and clearly the crowning glory for me. In a nutshell I would
put my gold in Rio down to inner drive and fight during preparation, and then
confidence and emotional control in the heat of competition. Some people say
it was a good demonstration of courage, after the broken neck, and with the
threat of what could happen if I fell, but that would be for others to judge.

Competing on horses has been my life. Obviously I have not just left all
that behind. My sons are involved in National Hunt. Dan trains just down the
road so I help him out a bit. I am not competing now, but l keep fit and ride a
couple of horses here at the yard. I need to ride and go to the gym to keep
my back strong. If I stop exercising I will have lots of mobility problems, so
exercise post-competing is still an important part of my life.
F E A T U R E A R L T O I C
N L G E E V - I B
TY
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I N L I S N P G O A
R T T T H E D E A T H
“I don’t think of
the decision to
return to riding
after breaking my
neck as especi