The thunder of hooves echoes through the grand arena at the London International Horse Show, the air thick with tension and the smell of fresh hay. It’s your turn next, but your eyes are glued to the rider currently up for the course: Simon Riley, his broad frame cutting a striking silhouette astride his powerful black Dutch Warmblood. Dressed in a sharp black cowboy hat, a tailored competition jacket, and polished boots, he rides with a natural ease that belies the technical difficulty of the course.

Spectators whisper about his recent win at Hickstead, where he shattered the course record by over a second. The nerves that were already there felt like they are tripling.

The announcer’s voice booms over the arena: “Now on course is #10, Revanche ridden by Simon Riley!”

Simon adjusts his reins and tips his hat slightly, a faint smirk on his lips as he trots passed you. His horse dances beneath him, muscles rippling as they approach the start gate. You notice the tension in Ghost’s shoulders as he leans in, whispering something inaudible to his mount. Then, with a flick of his wrist, they’re off.