Olympic bronze medallist Sharon Hunt is ranked among the top 50 event riders in the world. She competes on horses at all levels and travels throughout the UK and beyond to compete. Each week she updates H&C on her progress in her exclusive blog.

What would you do if you didn’t work with horses? I think I would definitely be working abroad, somewhere nice and hot, sometimes the weather and working outside in the UK can be hard.
 
Why did you decide to go into eventing? It just sort of happened really. I enjoyed doing a bit of everything when I was younger.  I did my first event on Parkmore Bal and really enjoyed it and the rest as they say is history.

What is your funniest horse moment? There have been many but one particular fall at the water at Chatsworth was very funny. Good Sport wasn’t being such a good sport at the water that day, he stopped and I fell in. I was completely submerged but came up still holding my whip so I took a bow at the crowd and they gave me a clap.
 
How often do you have lessons yourself? I try to have lessons as often as possible; usually it’s every other week. It’s really important to keep on track and get as much support as possible.

Who has the best yard you’ve visited? Without a doubt the best yard I‘ve visited is Laura Bechtolsheimer, its absolutely fantastic., I liked everything about it and the facilities were faultless.

What was the last thing you bought a ticket for? I am very excited because I’ve just bought my plane ticket to Ibiza. My best friend is getting married so we are going out to celebrate as part of her hen do.

When was the last time you went on holiday? I was really lucky I managed to get away before the eventing season started in February. We went skiing in France, I really enjoyed the break.

Who is the person who inspires you the most and why? William Fox Pitt is just amazing; he is an incredible horseman with such skill and talent. I really admired him; he has to be one of the best riders in the world.

Whose horse would you like to own? That is a really difficult question; there are lots I really like. Can I come back to you on that?

What do you think of the Eventing in 2012 being held at Greenwich Park? I think it’s really good and is going to make for a really exciting competition. The venue is really going to bring everyone together and is going to be great for spectators; I think people will be able to see much more of the course. There are going to be lots of steep hills on the course so it will be a challenge for the horses and riders as well.
 
When did you last kick yourself? All the time! A couple of weeks ago on a novice course, my horse jumped to the left and I wasn’t quick even to correct him so ended up having a run out and it was my entire fault.

How do you relax? I love walking the dogs, they usually go everywhere with me but it’s nice to go off for a long walk when I’m not busy with horses. I also really enjoy socialising with friends.

Who is the one to watch this year? Me! I have some very nice horses this year that are doing very well; they are all at various levels and putting in some solid performances.

What is your greatest achievement to date?  My bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics was an amazing experience and also my win with Jasper at Luhmuhlen last year was very special.

What is your top tip for H&C website visitors? Hard work and preparation. By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.

For further information on Sharon or for details on experience days please visit www.sharonhunteventing.com or Tel 0780 372 8646.

Your Suggestions

Who would you like us to spend Ten Minutes in the Tack Room with? Email webeditor@horseandcountry.tv