Ben Maher, the gleaming name of Great Britain’s equestrian community, has had a trail of success since 2004. From the European Championships to the Olympic glory, Maher has remained a reckoning force in the show jumping field. Through his journey to the pinnacle, the icon has faced quite the challenges and lessons to incur. Today, as he added yet another title to his name, Maher stepped up to share his insights.

On the 17th of December, Ben Maher bested the finest of Western European show-jumping to clinch the 8th leg victory. Helping him through the 13 fence course at Excel Arena was his 9-year-old gelding, Enjeu De Grisien. The equestrian’s “very special,” win got him to cherish the moments and challenges it entailed.

The equestrian shares insights

On Sunday, following the success at the London horse show, Horse and Hound caught up with Maher for a quick chat. Upon being asked what it was like to have a victory run through the glistening home ground crowd, Maher revealed that, to the contrary, it can be difficult. “It’s always tough these moments. Because you are in the zone, focused, stick to plan. If you start to watch what’s happening in the behind-the-scenes, you get too involved, and then emotions take over.” He further added that it is important for an athlete to stick mentally to what’s happening in the ring.

Maher, mindful of the wavering graphs despite victory, shared the learnings that entail. “I’ve learnt you really have to enjoy it when it’s working like this. We lose a lot more than we win; when you’re on a roll, it gives me a lot of confidence.” 

On the 19th, Ben Maher and Enjeu De Grisien put up a quite literal show-stopping performance. Going up last in line, the duo sealed the victory with 37.18 onboard catapulting Maher to the top of the Western European standings table. Interestingly, this isn’t the first time the two have triumphed over an event. 

Maher and Enjeu: A glistening bond

Enjeu De Grisien joined Maher when he was 7-year-old and, getting on track, the two knew to put forth excellence. In September, the duo headed to Canada for the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ CSIO 5*. Despite taking the first round among 8 nations, Maher and Enjeu crossed the finish line at 54.70 seconds to win the $150,000 winning round. 

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A week later, they took on the Credit Suisse Challenge placing 12th. And in 2022, in one of the earliest matches, the Autumn Mediterranean Tour saw the duo clinch a second. “When he comes out for his job, he is a very big engine in a very small package.” With his many horses by his side, Ben Maher has trodden a path well. 

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