Crowdpleasers

THERE are some horses that fans fall in love with, whether or not they are greater than their peers. A quirk to their personality, movement, jump or looks seems to help endear a horse to the public as much as their competition prowess. And so it was with Björsells Briar, the focus of this week’s “Legends of the sport” (p56).

A linchpin of the Swedish team during and in between three Olympics with Jan Brink, this white-faced, seemingly laid-back stallion was always hugely entertaining to watch. His rider was super-cool and took the advice of trainer Kyra Kyrklund to let the medal come to him, rather than going after the medal.

Jan’s approach to training Briar won him fans, too, making the picture and process look so relaxed and easy. He reveals that he rarely schooled the horse once he’d reached grand prix level, preferring instead to ensure the stallion was happy in his mind, thanks to long hacks in the forest and freedom to move up the gallops. He retired him in good health, too, and Briar is still enjoying his retirement, back in the stables and fields he grew up in, which is always heartwarming to hear.

We read about another crowdpleaser in this week’s issue – Tokyo Olympic double bronze medallist

Gio, who is getting to know his new owner and rider Annabella Pidgley (interview, p16). Annabella has mapped out a sensible approach to taking on this champion without rushing, prioritising building a partnership with the gelding, and we look forward to seeing them out in competition in the future.