Ros Canter, a top equestrian star from Britain, almost gave up on eventing due to a mental battle with her fear of cross-country. Despite her success in the sport with four European and two world gold medals, Canter found herself struggling with the dangerous element of cross-country riding. She admitted that she felt unsafe galloping to fixed obstacles at high speeds, which made her contemplate giving up on pursuing a career as a top-level event rider.
Canter’s turning point came when she met GB’s eventing high-performance coach, Chris Bartle. With Bartle’s help, Canter was able to overcome her fears and develop a system for approaching cross-country fences with confidence. She likened her approach to riding cross-country fences to the way she prepares for dressage movements, emphasizing the importance of mental preparation and feeling safe at high speeds.
In 2023, Canter enjoyed a record-breaking season, becoming only the fifth rider in elite eventing history to win three major events in a single season, including the prestigious Badminton Horse Trials. Despite missing out on competing at Tokyo 2020 as a travelling reserve, Canter is now gearing up for her Olympic debut in Paris, where she aims to help defend Britain’s eventing team gold medal.
Reflecting on her upcoming Olympic appearance, Canter expressed a mix of excitement and nervousness. She dreams of winning a gold medal, especially for the team, highlighting the importance of teamwork in such competitions. Canter’s journey from struggling with her fear of cross-country to becoming a top-ranked event rider showcases her determination and resilience in the face of challenges.
As Canter prepares for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, fans can follow her journey on discovery+, the streaming platform for the Olympic Games. With her newfound confidence and Bartle’s guidance, Canter is poised to make a strong impression at the upcoming Games and further solidify her reputation as one of Britain’s top equestrian stars.
In conclusion, Ros Canter’s story is a testament to the mental fortitude required to compete at the highest levels of equestrian sport. Her struggles with fear and self-doubt serve as a reminder that even the most successful athletes face challenges along the way. By seeking help and developing strategies to overcome her fears, Canter has transformed into a formidable competitor and a source of inspiration for aspiring riders. As she gears up for her Olympic debut in Paris, Canter’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and mental preparation in achieving success in the world of eventing.
