Mark Todd

New Zealander Sir Mark Todd is one of the most successful event riders of all time. He has been an Horse & Hound columnist since 2014.

Mark won Olympic individual gold medals in 1984 and 1988 riding Charisma. He is one of only three event riders ever to achieve back to back individual Olympic titles. In all he has competed at seven Olympics and his other medals are team bronze in 1988, team silver in 1992, individual bronze in 2000 and team bronze in 2012.

In addition, the Kiwi rider has won Badminton four times (on Southern Comfort in 1980, Horton Point in 1994, Bertie Blunt in 1996 and NZB Land Vision in 2011) and Burghley (on Wilton Fair in 1987, Face The Music in 1990, Welton Greylag in 1991, Broadcast News in 1997 and Diamond Hall Red in 1999).

Mark retired from eventing after the Sydney Olympics in 2000, but made a comeback in 2008 to compete at the Olympics that year. After the Games, he decided to base himself in Britain again and make a full return to eventing. He proved he could be as competitive as ever when he won Badminton in 2011 and continued to record consistent results at the top level of the sport.

Mark carried the New Zealand flag at the opening ceremony of the Barcelona Olympics and was named the FEI’s rider of the 20th century. He received a knighthood in 2013.

You can read Mark’s columns in the magazine or H&H VIP members can view them online below. Find out how to join H&H VIP