Carl Hester, the famed British dressage rider, trainer and owner who is set to make history this summer when he competes in Paris 2024, is getting the biopic treatment.
Veteran U.K. producers Drew Curtis (“Ironclad,” “The Ecstasy of Wilko Johnson”) and Richard Conway (“The Ecstasy of Wilko Johnson,” “Sexy Beast”) have teamed up with Hester to produce “Stride,” a feature set to tell the story of his remarkable rise from humble beginnings on the tiny channel island of Sark to triumph at the London 2012 Olympics.
In front of a record-breaking London crowd, Hester, competing on his horse Uthopia, alongside his legendary horse Valegro, ridden by Charlotte Dujardin (both trained by Hester at his yard in Gloucestershire) won team gold in dressage for the first time ever.
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As per the film’s description, “Stride” will follow Hester’s career, “from growing up in a single parent family on Sark, a tiny channel island with no cars, through his formative years of hard work and dedication with the guidance of great mentors to becoming arguably the greatest dressage rider, trainer and owner of all time.”
“Carl has proven time and time again that he is both an exceptional athlete and, by partnering his legendary horse, Valegro, with Charlotte Dujardin for their Olympic Games debut in 2012, an incredible manager,” said Curtis. “Carl Hester’s journey has done for dressage what ‘Billy Elliot’ did for ballet.”
Added Conway: “It’s ‘King Richard and ‘International Velvet’ rolled into one. ‘Stride’ is not just a film for equestrians. Carl’s moving and humble story of passion, hard work and self-belief will undoubtedly prove an inspiration to all.”
Having begun his Olympic career as the youngest ever British rider at Barcelona in 1992, Hester is now set to compete as the oldest British rider in Paris, a record seventh appearance at the Games. “Stride” was officially announced on June 27, the day after Hester —who has three Olympic medals under his belt —was confirmed as being part of the latest British dressage team.
“I am excited to be working with Drew and Richard in bringing my story to the big screen and showing that with dedication and hard work even humble beginnings can take someone to the top,” said Hester. “Looking back on 2012, it was an incredible journey and a fairytale result. Undoubtedly the greatest moment in my career to date.”
