Carl Hester, renowned dressage trainer and rider, names his Olympic team gold medal-winning horse Uthopia as the horse of his lifetime. Originally bought for a friend, Uthopia quickly proved to be a talented, athletic, and positive horse with a friendly temperament. Carl recalls the challenges of balancing Uthopia’s powerful movement early on but highlights their successes, including a historic team gold at the London 2012 Olympics and multiple medals at European Championships. Uthopia’s steady nature and exceptional performances brought Carl peace and fulfillment in his career.

Now 24, Uthopia remains a beloved figure in Carl’s stable, symbolizing a profound partnership that shaped his journey in dressage. Carl reflects that the achievements with Uthopia gave him confidence and satisfaction, making future successes less critical to his sense of accomplishment. The full feature, guest edited by eventing star Laura Collett, includes insights from other equestrian greats and is available in the latest Horse & Hound magazine.