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In this section you can read about a host of leading riders and equestrian professionals across all disciplines, as well as those featured in Horse Hero filming. They tell us about their goals, heroes and heroines, favourite horses and they offer some top advice. There are some great photos of them with their families, friends and animals (many click to enlarge). Scroll down to see who is profiled on Horse Hero and click through to the different pages at the bottom. Or search by name in the box at the top right of the page. If you would like to have your biog on Horse Hero, click here to put yourself forward. If you wish to contact any of the people listed, please use the Contact form.
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Louise
Bell
- Louise is one of the most successful producers of working hunters. She has already had fifty wins this season including Working Hunter Championships at both The Royal Show and Royal Windsor.
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Sharon
Hunt
- Having ridden Tankers Town since he was four, Sharon has built up an unbelievable partnership with her top horse. They were fifth at Badminton this year, helping to secure their place on the Olympic team for Hong Kong.
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Alex
Franklin
- Alex is the 2008 British Mounted Games Champion. She has recently qualified as a vet, but her main focus at the moment is the World Mounted Games Team Championships in Sydney, where she is heading later this year.
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Vittoria
Panizzon
- Vittoria is an Italian event rider who has represented her country at Pony, Junior, Young Rider and Senior levels. She has been a member of the National Senior Squad since 2005 and is now based in the UK.
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Olivia
Haddow
- Olivia is best known for her acheivements with her charismatic, tiny coloured event horse, Patris Filius. She has progressed with him from early beginnings at the Pony Club to completing her first Badminton this year.
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Natalie
Allen
- Although only 21, Natalie is already a successful dressage rider and trainer. She has competed on Pony, Junior and Young Rider teams and, following an international win, she is now aiming to move up to Grand Prix.
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Jon
Pitts
- Jon is a fitness coach and a key member of Equestrian Team GBR. He works with the team members on a regular basis using his 'Fit to Ride' programme but also trains jockeys, footballers, pilots and even businessmen.
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Matt
Ryan
- Triple Olympic gold medallist, Matt needs no introduction! For twenty years, he has competed at the top of the eventing tree and has been on the Australian national team at almost every major championships.
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Karen
Morris
- Karen started out as a professional show-jumper but has since reverted to the fast and furious sport of scurry driving. She won the Scurry Driving Points Championship in 2007 with her top ponies Suited & Booted.
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Olivia
Kuropatwa
- At just twelve years old, Olivia won the Pony Club Dressage Championships. She went to the Pony Europeans last year and picked up the bronze medal. Now 15 she is preparing to move up to Juniors.
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Laura
Bechtolsheimer
- Not only is Laura one of our Horse Hero presenters but, first and foremost, she's a regular Team GBR dressage member who is aiming for the Olympics this year with her top horse Mistral Hojris (aka Alf).
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Gemma
Green
- Gemma is a dressage rider who first represented her country in 1999. She competed in Juniors and Young Riders and is now riding at Senior level. She has won at the National Champs four times.