Golden oldies: today’s equestrian legends pictured past and present

We've trawled through the H&H archives to bring you some of the current legends of the equestrian world — now and how they looked as fresh-faced young hopefuls back in the day

1. Mary King

Now 56, eventer Mary is still riding with the same grit and determination as she did on board the wonderful, helicopter-tailed King Boris back in 1987.

2. Michael Whitaker

Showjumper Michael, 57, won the first of his four Hickstead Derby titles in 1980 at the age of 20, complete with a full mop of hair, riding Owen Gregory.

3. Richard Davison

Dressage rider Richard, now 61, and Hiscox Artemis competed at the 2012 London Olympics in the same classic style seen 22 years earlier on Vidello.

4. David Tatlow

The king of the show ring then and now strikes quite a pose at the National Hunter Show at Shrewsbury 58 years ago, having taken the Horse & Hound Challenge Cup with Altimira.

5. Mark Todd

With five Olympic medals under his belt, Mark, now 61, did enjoy a seven-year retirement before returning to the sport in 2008 to continue his winning ways. He and The Irishman II are seen in action at Badminton in 1989 — nine years after he won his first title there with Southern Comfort III. Aside from his 1980 win, he also took the title in 1994, 1996 and 2011.

6. Ian Millar

In 2014 at the age of 67, the Canadian showjumper beat 20-year-old Reed Kessler in a two-way jump-off to take the sport’s richest prize, the CP International at Spruce Meadows, Canada. Back in the early 1970s when this picture was taken, “Captain Canada” had already made his debut at the first of his record-breaking 10 Olympic Games appearances.

7. Geoff Billington

He may now be 62, but there’s no sign of the popular showjumper hanging up his boots just yet. In 1986 the showman enjoyed one of many moments in the spotlight, winning the Foxhunter championship with Edisford Bridge.

8. Robert Oliver

The stylish showman will forever be remembered for his great partnership with the six-time cob of the year Superted, seen here at Leicestershire County Show in 1988.

9. John Whitaker

Still winning at the age of 61, John first rose to fame with the great Ryan’s Son, already stars of the showjumping ring in 1977. “I didn’t know too much about the job back then, but he suited my style and we hit it off,” says John. And long may his winning ways continue.

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday

Jennifer Donald

H&H showjumping editor

Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.