Rider Biographies

Oliver Townend

Country: Great Britain

Age: 28

The 2009 Badminton and Burghley winner, Oliver has established himself as the most prolific BE points earner in the country. Oliver began riding when he was seven years old, inheriting his love of horses from his parents. His father, Alan, competed in three-day eventing, while mother, Eve, showed side saddle at county level. His first success came in show jumping at HOYS when he was 11, with his pony Cool Mule, and at 13 he went on to represent Britain on the pony eventing team at the European Championships. Oliver quickly moved through the ranks and for three years was stable jockey to British team trainer, Kenneth Clawson in Leicestershire.

With Flint Curtis, Oliver came third at Badminton in 2006 and rode as an individual at the Aachen WEG in the same year. In 2007 he won a team gold medal in Pratoni del Vivaro.

Oliver has recently set up Harthill Stud, a new breeding venture, with business partner Nina Barbour.

Notable achievements

• 2011 – Chatsworth CIC*** 1st Neo Du Breuil
• 2011 – Bramham CCI*** 3rd Neo Du Breuil
• 2011 – Tattersalls CCI*** and CIC*** 1st and 2nd Imperial Master and Jeepers Creepers
• 2011 – Luhmuhlen CCI**** 7th ODT Master Rose
• 2010 – Tattersalls CIC***W 1st Ashdale Cruise Master
• 2010 – Burnham Market CIC*** 1st Ashdale Cruise Master
• 2009 – Blenheim CIC*** 8/9yo 3rd ODT Master Rose
• 2009 – Burghley CCI**** 1st Flint Curtis
• 2009 – Badminton CCI**** 1st Flint Curtis
• 2009 – Burnham Market CIC*** 1st Flint Curtis
• 2008 – Thirlestane CIC*** 1st Carousel Quest
• 2008 – Chatsworth CIC***W 1st Flint Curtis, CIC*** 1st Golden Hue
• 2008 – Badminton CCI**** 12th Coup De Coeur
• 2008 – Burnham Market CIC*** 1st Coup De Coeur
• 2007 – Pratoni European Championships 12th team gold Flint Curtis
• 2007 – Thirlestane CIC*** 1st Flint Curtis
• 2007 – Chatsworth CIC*** 1st Eldmire Foxy Lady
• 2007 – Burnham Market CIC***W 1st Flint Curtis
• 2006 – Badminton CCI**** 3rd Flint Curtis, 31st Topping
• 2005 – Blenheim European Championship 43rd Topping
• 2005 – Badminton CCI**** 12th Topping