Olympics 2024: Event rider Ros Canter aiming for glory in Paris

Ros Canter on her way to record victory at Badminton Horse Trials 2023

Former world champion Ros Canter wants to follow a successful year by riding at the Paris Olympics in 2024 - having watched on in Tokyo last time out.

In 2023, Canter became only the fifth rider in elite eventing history to win three majors in a single season, including the Badminton Horse Trials.

And she is planning to return to Badminton to retain her title in 2024 with the aim of making it to Paris.

"We're trying not to think about it too much," said the 37-year-old.

"We're ticking along this winter not getting too stressed about it as there's plenty of time. It's all about finding the right pathway to get selected and then perform well when we get there," she added.

Could it be Olympic glory this time around?

Canter previously became world champion in 2018 on Allstar B, and the partnership was selected as travelling reserves for Tokyo 2020, where they watched Britain win their first eventing team gold medal in 49 years.

"I'm going to do my best not to be in that position again, I've got a real box to tick and it would be a dream come true," said Canter of going to Paris.

"You could pick 12, 15 combinations that are all good enough to be selected for the Olympics and that's the challenge we have as riders. There are only three places and a reserve spot," she added.

Britain's eventing squad is particularly strong, with four out of seven top level five-star competitions in the world being won by Britons in 2023, including wins from Olympic gold medallists Laura Collett and Oliver Townend.

"That's where the challenge is for us, it's great for our sport, particularly in this country that we can field such a number of strong riders," said Canter.

A record-breaking 2023

In May, Canter recorded the biggest winning margin in elite eventing history, winning the Badminton Horse Trials aboard Lordships Graffalo by 15 points over second-placed Oliver Townend.

Then in September, she became world number one for the first time since 2019 thanks to team and individual gold medals for Great Britain at the European Championships in Haras du Pin, France. The wet conditions during this event proved significant as Canter and Lordships Graffalo were the only combination to reach the optimum time on cross-country day.

The Lincolnshire rider carried her form into the autumn with international wins at the notable Blair Castle and Blenheim Horse Trials - capping a phenomenal season by taking victory in Pau on five-star first timer Izilot DHI.

"It's been an amazing year. I'm very proud, of not just the horses, but the team I have around me," said Canter.

"I've achieved great results on a number of horses this year, whereas before I may have had only the one good horse. It just goes to show that if you keep working hard, you can get a great team. Now it feels like I've got something to show for all those years of hard work."