Stroller the Olympic silver medalist

A pony called Stroller won a silver medal in showjumping at the Olympics in 1968. Marion Mould (nee Coakes) and Stroller were only four faults behind the winner when they won the Individual Silver Medal.

Marion and Stroller clearing the puissance fence at the 1968 Olympics. Photo by Gonzalo Garcia Ceron, courtesy of Frank Waters

Stroller was a bay Irish Sport Horse and only 14.2hh. In 1967 Stroller became the only pony ever to win the Hickstead Derby, and won the 1970 Hamburg Derby at the grand old age of 20 with the only clear round. He was the only pony to compete at International level among horses and win consistently in Europe and is a BHS (British Horse Society) Hall of Fame Laureate.

Marion Coakes, Bill Steinkraus, and David Broome at the 1968 Olympics medal ceremony. Courtesy of Show Jumping Nostalgia

Stroller died of a heart-attck at the ripe-old-age of 36 in 1986, after 15 years of well enjoyed (and deserved) retirement. He is buried at Barton-on-Sea Golf Club, New Milton, Hampshire, England.