Horse named Rio tipped for Olympic glory after top score
A HORSE named Rio could be destined for Olympic glory after wowing judges at an assessment event.
Rio Grande, who is stabled in Adlington, scored highly at an event which aims to identify British-bred potential sport horses and ponies destined for careers in dressage, eventing, showjumping or endurance.
It may even find the stars of the future who will go on to compete at World Championships or become Olympic champions.
The horse is owned by Becky Grossmith, 30, who watched Rio score 8.79 out of 10 at the BEF Futurity Evaluation series.
Becky, who grew up in Poynton, bred Rio from her mare, Connie, which rode in competitions until she was injured.
She said: “I have owned Connie for the last nine years – since she was just four-years- old. We have competed in eventing and dressage, she qualified for the British Dressage regional finals. Sadly she tore a ligament in her back and so I decided to breed from her with another eventing stallion, Grafenstolz.”
Becky said the futurity assessment involves a top vet looking at the horse’s joints and proportions, before being judged for his atheltic ability.
The primary school teacher now plans to event Rio when he is old enough.
She said: “Rio was only 30 days old when we took his for assessment. My sister Lauren helped me at the event and we were thrilled with the result. He is now back with his mum and when he’s old enough will be trained to be ridden.
While Rio was named after the recent Olympics, Becky is cautious about overtstaing his chances of a gold medal.
She said: “Eventing is a competitive and expenseive business. I would love to compete Rio and move up the levels, but unless I can secure a lot of money or sponsorship then getting him to the Olympics is unlikely. However, Team GB dressage gold medalist Charlotte Dujardin is welcome to make a big money offer for Rio if she wants.”
Becky, who recently moved to Macclesifield, began getting into horses when she was 11 by helping out at local stables. She learned to ride and had a few loan horses until she got Connie for her 21st birthday. Her love of horses has now rubbed up on sister Lauren, 22, of Malard Crescent, who has helped Becky with Connie and Rio.