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Mark Todd: 7 Facts about the Eventing Legend

Eventing legend Sir Mark Todd has announced his retirement (for the second time) after winning the FEI Nationals Cup with fellow team mates Tim and Jonelle Price. Mark Todd originally retired in 2000 after winning a bronze medal at the Sydney Olympics.

The Horse Exchange team look back at some of the outstanding facts, figures and moments that have shaped his phenomenal career.

  • Toddy has represented his country, New Zealand, in seven Olympic games, 1984, 1988, 1992, 2000, 2008, 2012 and 2016. Winning two Olympic Gold Medals in the Los Angeles games and Seoul games.
  • In 1992 he competing as part of the New Zealand show jumping Olympic team in Barcelona.
  • Mark won Badminton Horse Trials at his debut attempt in 1980 riding Southern Comfort. He went on to win the competition another 3 times, most recently in 2011 riding NZB Land Vision.
  • In 1994 Toddy took over the ride of Horton Point after owner / rider Lynne Bevan (who had owned Horton Point since he was a foal and described him as the ‘family pet’) broke her collar bone the week before Badminton. Mark and Horton Point were drawn first to go in the dressage and were second after this phase. They went on to jump double clear and win the title. Horton Point still holds the record for being the oldest horse to win Badminton aged 16.
  • In 1995 whilst riding Bertie Blunt on the cross-country phase at Badminton Horse trials Todd’s stirrup leather broke. He finished the rest of the course (around one of the world’s biggest cross-country tracks) with only one stirrup.
  • Mark has won Burghley Horse Trials five times in 1987, 1990, 1991, 1997 and 1999.
  • In 1985 Mark Todd was appointed a member of the British Empire which was then elevated in 1995 to commander of the Order of the British Empire. In 2013, he was appointed a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to equestrian sport.

Sir Mark Todd we salute you – thank you for being such an hero and inspiring so many riders to the sport. Good luck with your new ventures, and enjoy retirement.