Horses in Focus: Big Star

Today is the second in our series featuring some of the star horses on the GCT circuit.

The equine athletes that make Global Champions Tour competitions so special. They are the exceptional show jumping horses that create thrilling, nail biting contests at each Grand Prix during the season. Many of these champion horses are famous around the world with fan clubs in different nations. So here is a fresh and often humorous insight from the perspective of the horses – with a little help from his rider Nick Skelton of course!

Nick Skelton happily admits, Big Star is “the perfect horse” and one of the best he has ever ridden. The phenomenal bay stallion has added an Olympic team gold medal to his career triumphs after huge success at the 2012 Games in London. In the same year he won the GCT Grand Prix of Hamburg. The Dutch bred superstar by Quick Star and Nimmerdor helped Nick to a healthy 9th place in the overall GCT 2012 ranking. Nick has already said he will be aiming for the next Olympic Games in Rio when Big Star, born in June 2003, will be 13 years old.

– What was the favourite GCT venue of 2012 and why?

Hamburg because I won there.
Do you like jumping in the day or evening best, hot or cold climate?
I prefer the day time and warm climate.

– Do you train a lot and how do you prepare for competition?

I don’t need to train a lot because I’m very good, but sometimes Nick likes to jump me over small jumps.

– What’s your favourite food?

I love my hay, nuts, grass when I can get near it and of course candy.

– Where’s your favourite place to exercise and run?

My paddock and around the roads in England

– What are your ambitions for 2013 with your rider Nick Skelton?

To win many GCT’s and also to be European champion because I made a mistake in London and I let Nick down and now that I’m 10 years of age I’m more experienced, so this shouldn’t happen again.

– What are your likes and dislikes?

I dislike walking through water, but I love going in the field and going to the shows when Nick rides me well of course.