Nick Skelton: Discipline and determination keep him at the top

Nick Skelton is the second oldest British athlete to win Olympic gold, and while he has Big Star to thank for success in his twilight years, it’s also down to discipline and determination… And a very tidy yard.

A fighter

Groom Mark Beever, who has worked with Nick for more than 30 years, spoke exclusively to H&C about how his boss has stayed at the top of his sport, despite numerous injuries and his imminent pension.

“Even when Nick broke his neck back in 2000, he always knew he would ride again,” said Mark. “Nick’s a fighter and there’s not much that would stop him riding.

“Once he’s set his mind on something he will work hard to get it – he’s not one to sit around waiting for things to happen. Like when he missed gold with Arko in 2004, he made the decision he was going to get it with Big Star. He knew Rio was his last chance and is so determined, he did it.”

Work ethic

The 58-year-old rider now has his sights set on the €1M Rolex Grand Slam, which involves winning the world’s three toughest Grands Prix – Geneva, Aachen and Spruce Meadows – in succession. His campaign kicks off next weekend (11 December) at the prestigious CHI Geneva, where he will compete against showjumping’s elite, including last year’s Grand Slam winner Scott Brash.

 Mark attributes Nick’s work ethic to time spent on the Edgar’s yard as a teenager, where he learnt his -trade.

“He had to do it all properly – it wasn’t just about riding,” says Mark. “He worked on the management side of things, too, doing everything from washing the lorries to sweeping the yard. And that mentality has stayed with him.”

According to Mark, Nick is very hands on and arrives at the yard at 7.30am every morning to check on the horses, after going to the gym for an hour.

Tidy yard, tidy mind

“Nick is very involved with everything – sometimes too much!” said Mark. “If he didn’t have a groom he would still go to a show by himself.

“He’s also very tidy – and expects everyone else to be, too. We have lots of American girls training there and he’s always telling them to wash their cups up. He’s dreadful if the yard isn’t clean and tidy! But that’s his upbringing and I think a lot of young riders could learn from him.”

You can watch Nick and Scott go head-to-head in the Rolex Grand Prix at CHI Geneva on 11 December on Sky 253 or online, by subscribing to H&C Play.