Oliver Townend an inspiration for eventers

May 15 2009 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

OLIVER TOWNEND’S victory at the Badminton Horse Trials will generate massive interest in eventing in this area.

That’s the verdict of Jann Crosland, chairperson of Holme Valley Riding Club, where Townend developed his equestrian skills as a junior.

Now 26, Townend reached the pinnacle of the sport last weekend when he took the £60,000 top prize at the Mitsubishi Motors-sponsored Badminton event on Flint Curtis.

And he’s hoping for more success this weekend at Chatsworth, where he has several rides in the discipline (dressage, cross country and showjumping).

“Badminton is the pinnacle of our sport, the one everyone aspires to win, so Oliver is at the very top and we are all really proud of him,” said Jann.

“He will be at the forefront now when it comes to picking all the international teams and the Olympics in 2012 are certain to be a top target for him.

“We have around 90 members at our club and everyone will be following his progress, from Chatsworth this weekend through to the HSBC Classic events which he’s going for.”

Townend grew up in Scapegoat Hill and his parents, Alan and Eve, were both leading riders in their day.

Their son – also a member of the Rockwood Harriers Pony Club – joined Holme Valley, based at Woodnook above Honley, at the age of 10.