John Gunvar Knutsen was first introduced to riding at the age of 13 John´s older brother bought a horse, the care of it was passed to the younger brother. Rather indignantly John took up the task of caring for and often exercising the horse. But gradually he enjoyed riding more and more until, at the age of 16 he was gripped by the sport and determined to pursue it as far as possible. His natural talent was evident and as a young rider he won the Norwegian Championships twice. He has been 209 on the world-ranking list and won several International Gran Prixs including 3* International Grand Prix, Vienna: 2009. John´s main joy and motivation within the sport is to find young, imperfect horses and train them up in the hope that they may become something great. “You search and search until you see potential, a glimmer of excellence, a glint of gold.“ John competes with nine horses, so training them is a full time job. John´s deep respect for his horses is particularly evident. “You have to be humble and respect your horses. They are not machines but sensitive beings and a vital half of a partnership.” John has high ambitions, but intermediate goals of bringing his horses up to their potential more fully occupy your mind. “The (Olympic) dream is always there but that depends on the fitness and ability of your horses.” John believes “Never give up.” This, he says is because you don´t have a choice. “If you want to compete in this sport you can never stop going. You have to be patient and try and try again.

Looking for young horses to train up is fantastic. You search and search until you see potential, a glimmer of excellence, a glint of gold.