DreamWorks Spirit Riding Free – Bex chats horses with British Equestrian Olympian Mary King MBE!!!
Set in a small Western town, Spirit: Riding Free focuses on a young girl from the city and forms a tight bond with wild horse Spirit, while also having lots of exciting adventures with her friends. To celebrate the launch of ‘Spirit: Riding Free’ Bex chatted to British Equestrian Olympian Mary King MBE.
Why did you want to ride horses – is it because they’re so cute and cuddly? (Bex age 6)
Mary King – From as far back as I can remember I adored ponies and horses. I loved to stroke them, I loved the feel and smell of their coats, and I always desperately wanted to ride them. My parents weren’t horsey but the vicar of the village I lived in owned a black and white pony called Magpie, and I used to spend as much time as I could with him. When I was little I persuaded my mum to lead me around the country lanes, and that is how my riding career began!
Who is your favourite horse and why? (Bex age 6)
Mary King – I don’t have a favourite horse. I have been lucky to have had some wonderful horses through my life. King Boris holds a very special place in my heart – he was one of the first horses I rode at the top level. He was a bit chunky so found the fast times and the long cross-country courses harder than the more thoroughbred horses, but he always tried so hard. He was so kind and willing and always did his best, and that’s why we had so much success together. King William was a very handsome elegant horse and gave me an amazing feel when we galloped around the big courses, I first won the famous Badminton Horse Trials with dear William, and also rode him at my first Olympic Games. More recently I rode a horse called Imperial Cavalier, Archie was his stable name. He was very handsome, and loved being ridden and adored competing. I won a Gold Medal with Archie in America at the World Equestrian Games, and a Silver medal at the London Olympics.
Do horses ever argue with other horses? (Bex age 6)
Mary King – Oh yes! Horses are a bit like humans, they are all slightly different ….some are bossy, some are quiet, and some are very shy. They would mostly argue if there is food around and they are hungry, but also they may argue to protect their friends, if a new horse comes into their field.
What is your favourite award you’ve ever won and why? (Bex age 6)
Mary King – My favourite award is the Mitsubishi Trophy which I won at Badminton Horse Trials. I have been lucky enough to win it twice. It is a beautiful big silver statue of 3 horses..one dressage horse, one cross-country horse, and one show jumping horse. Badminton is the biggest horse trial in the world, and the one event, as a young girl growing up, that I wanted to try and ride at and then win.
Why should everyone love Horses? (Bex age 6)
Mary King – Everyone should love horses because they are the most kind generous animal who, once they know and trust you, will do anything for you. If you are kind to them, and look after them well you form such a great friendship together.
DreamWorks Spirit Riding Free Weekdays on POP at 8.00am and weekends at 14.00pm!!! (Pop can be found on Sky 616 / Virgin Media 736 / Freeview 206 / Freesat 603 / YouView 206)
DreamWorks Spirit Riding Free © 2017 DreamWorks Animation LLC. All Rights Reserved.
