ALCESTER’S record-breaking show-jumper Nick Skelton is at the Rio Olympic Games with his trusty steed, Big Star, by his side.
This year’s games will be Nick’s seventh and the Mayor of Alcester, Professor Chris Brannigan, and Alcester Town Council have been in touch to offer their best wishes and support for his record-breaking efforts. Nick’s horse, Big Star – who helped propel the team to gold in London 2012 – completed the 5,700-mile journey to Brazil aboard a chartered cargo flight.
The 13-year-old Dutch-bred stallion was treated to hay, water and apple juice during the journey to keep him busy and hydrated for the long trip. The pair won a gold medal at the London 2012 games and Alcester has a gold, double postbox celebrating their success with one box for Nick and the other for Big Star.
Fifty-eight-year-old Nick and Big Star will be competing in the equestrian showjumping events in Rio on Sunday.