Nick Skelton: celebrating 60 years in 60 seconds

Happy Birthday Nick Skelton! The reigning Olympic champion turns 60 today (30 December). To celebrate this outstanding horseman’s 60 years in the saddle, we’ve managed to pack in just some of his crowning moments, the fun times and some previously unseen classic photos from the archives.

It’s fair to say Nick has achieved a lot more than the average man entering his seventh decade. Here are just a few of his special moments:

• Rode at his first international show in Dublin in 1973; competed for the final time in Toronto in November 2016: 43 years later
• Was crowned with 2 Olympic gold medals
• Won the King George V Gold Cup at RIHS four times
• Jumped on 44 winning Nations Cup teams
• Earned 20 championship medals
• Represented Great Britain at seven Olympics
• Won three junior European championship medals
• Claimed nine senior European championship medals and four world championship medals
• Won the Hickstead Derby three times
• Jumped 11 consecutive double clears in Nations Cups on Big Star
• Won the World Cup in 1995
• Holds the British high jump record, set in 1978
• Won the grands prix of Calgary and Aachen four times
• Has lifted the trophy of nearly every major grand prix around the world

“Nick’s planning and his belief was the hallmark of his career, from winning the World Cup final to the Olympics,” said his friend and team-mate William Funnell.

Continued below…

Watch 10 examples of Nick Skelton at his brilliant best

We take a trip down memory lane to watch some of the double Olympic gold medallist’s greatest moments from a

‘Proudest day of my life’: Nick Skelton honours sons’ achievements

The Olympic champion on how dressage and schooling over poles can help towards racing success

British leading rider Scott Brash added: “Nick has not only been an inspiration to me growing up, he’s been an idol, fantastic teammate, a great mentor, amazing motivator and a great friend. His achievements in the sport are truly inspiring.”

While John Whitaker acknowledged: “He’s been a massive influence on a lot of people, myself included.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale 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.