London 2012: Boy who revived Much Wenlock Olympic horse event

Danny Budd re-established the equestrian event in 2010

The rain is driving in, but that does not deter Danny Budd from leading his horse Theo out on to an all-weather track in Shropshire.

"It's made of sand and ground up rubber tyres, not like the grass which can get really slick and slippy. This has got lots of give in it for the horse too," the teenager said.

It is here at Valley View in Broseley on Sunday that dozens of riders will compete in the Wenlock Olympian Games - the event that provided the inspiration for the modern Olympics.

And it is an event that would not have happened had it not been for 16-year-old Danny's intervention.

He said: "I joined the Wenlock Olympian society when I was 13, and I learnt that there was an older equestrian event called tilting that was phased out in the early 1900s."

"With my interest in horses I just thought I would really love to set up an equestrian event for the games, so I revived it in 2010 and decided to do dressage and showjumping."

Danny first needed to find qualified organisers to help set it up, so worked with his mum Maria and Valley View Stables to put on the event.

'Steep learning curve'

The Shropshire market town of Much Wenlock has been acknowledged worldwide as the home of the modern Olympics, and one of the 2012 official mascots has been named after it.

Doctor William Penny Brookes founded the Olympian Games in the town in 1850, and a visit by Baron Pierre De Coubertin convinced the Frenchman to establish the modern Olympics in 1896.

"I do feel really proud helping to organise the equestrian event and because you've created it, and been the person behind it, it's brilliant," said Danny.

"And with the Olympics as well this year it's taken on more importance and there's an extra excitement."

Danny Budd's interest in horse riding started at the age of four when he started lessons and rode ponies that belonged to his friends.

His mother said that her son's love of horses had come as a surprise to her because it "didn't run in the family".

"On holidays we had to end up doing treks on moors and beaches and I just had to go along with him," she said.

"It's been a steep learning curve for me and it's not the cheapest of hobbies for him to have, but I am proud of what he's achieved."

Former Olympian Jonathan Edwards will hand out prizes at the event

The showjumping event has two rings, one for ponies and the other for horses.

The jumps begin at 60cm (2ft) and go up to 110cm (3ft 6in) for more experienced riders.

"That's what lovely about the event, you see the riders who are just starting off having a bit of fun, and then the older riders that are really competitive for the medals, so we do get a range of riders."

The prizes at the event will be presented by former Olympic triple-jump gold medallist Jonathan Edwards, who is also the president of the Wenlock Olympian Society.