Carl Hester has trained and ridden some of the greatest dressage horses in the world. But when asked about the horse of his lifetime — in a feature for this week’s Horse & Hound, guest edited by eventing star Laura Collett — he doesn’t hesitate: it’s his Olympic team gold medal-winning partner, Uthopia.
The “small, athletic, happy horse” was originally bought for one of Carl’s friends in Ireland, before finding his way into Carl’s yard. “I remember he bucked her off, jumped a big hedge and disappeared into the distance!” Carl laughs.
“It’s not his normal character, but when he gets excited — and it’s very rare — he turns into a Ferrari.”
Despite that dramatic first impression, Uthopia quickly proved himself not only talented but a horse with a bright, positive outlook.
Carl Hester on Uthopia: “He was born to do the job”
“He likes people, likes horses, he’s very friendly. It suits him to be where lots is going on,” Carl says.
Laura notes that she had wondered whether Carl might choose Valegro, even though he didn’t compete him at his peak. But for Carl, Uthopia is special because of what his achievements meant to him.
“He was born to do the job, he understood the work easily, and he was an extraordinary mover,” Carl says.
“Early on, I had to learn to sit with him — he had such power, such a big engine; he rode two hands higher. Getting him balanced was the key.”
Carl remembers his first 80% at Fritzens in Austria in 2011, when he won the grand prix special. “There are very few tests you look at and can be entirely satisfied,” he explains. “That’s what dressage is about, trying to achieve 10s in everything you do.”
Making It Happen – Carl Hester
Carl Hester shares his vibrant memoirs and tells the incredible story of his passion for horse riding that revolutionised his life and made him the champion he is today. Read his autobiography to find out more.
After winning the grand prix at the 2011 European Championships, Carl recalls the commentator saying, “He’s an extremely inexperienced horse and he’s made this look like a walk in the park.”
By the time London 2012 arrived, Uthopia’s steady temperament gave Carl confidence. He never had to worry about the atmosphere, cheering crowds or standing still — “all those tiny details that matter,” Carl adds.
“The team gold was historic, and a first for us all,” he explains. “The grand prix was always his best test; it had all those extended trots he’s famous for,” he adds, remembering the seven perfect 10s for it at the 2011 Europeans as “a joyous moment that showed the world what he was.”
Now 24, Uthopia still has that same positive outlook every day.
“His is the first stable I pass, next to Valegro,” Carl says. “They travelled the world and won medals together. It’s a fitting end.”
What this horse did for Carl was profound.
“In 2012 I’d already been competing for years, trying to build up a team, to win medals,” Carl explains. “And the fact he won me gold and two silvers at the Europeans and gold at the Olympics put my mind at ease: if no success happens ever again, it won’t matter. He gave me peace.”
To read the full feature, including insights from Ruby Walsh, Nick Skelton and Pippa Funnell, pick up this week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine, guest edited by Laura Collett, available in shops from 3 July.
- To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website
You may also be interested in:
‘She’s welcome back any time!’ Olympic gold medallist guest-edits Horse & Hound
Carl Hester: ‘Dressage prize money doesn’t match up to other equestrian sports’
‘My enthusiasm for riding hasn’t changed’: Olympian Carl Hester silences retirement rumours with a double win at Addington CDI
Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round
