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Pammy Hutton: ‘Dreams are not enough to go pro’ *H&H Plus*

Opinion

  • Pammy Hutton asks if professional training should be akin to a degree

    What does it really take to become the next Charlotte Dujardin or Carl Hester? Dreams are certainly not enough; one cannot just pitch up at a yard and miracles happen. It takes blood, sweat, tears – and a lot of luck – to get there. Weight must be watched; days off don’t exist. Ask any Olympian.

    I’m not sure how many riders have that “something” to get there. Although maybe, in some cases, the perception of what’s required misses the mark.

    In Germany, one is encouraged to train for three years for a professional role in horse sport. Whereas in Britain, a three-month, fee-paying course is often considered sufficient.

    This exclusive column is also available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 10 June 2021

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