Harry Charles sets his sights on Tokyo 2020

Hampshire based Harry Charles wants to be part of the GB Team that competes at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

Harry, the son of 2012 team gold medallist Peter, won individual silver and team bronze at the European Junior Championships which took place in Austria during the summer.

Above: PHOENIX VI ridden by  Harry Charles for John Renwick & Peter Charles, during Class 2, Blue Chip Pony Newcomers Championship during Horse Of The Year Show at the NEC Birmingham, West Midlands, UK between 07-11th October 2015

Now just 16 years of age, Harry, who is determined to follow in his father’s footsteps, is competing this week at the Horse of the Year Show and came 4th in Blue Chip Pony Newcomers on the youngest pony in the jump off, the 6 year old chestnut mare Phoenix.

‘She has loads of potential – 6 year old now she came 4th today and came 4th in the same class last year as a 5 year old. Now we’re stepping it up a gear and jumping her in the Pony Foxhunter on Saturday. I don’t think it will be a big problem to her I think she’ll cruise round and I think she will be a very good pony for the future,’ said Harry.

‘Horse of the Year Show has always been a big show for young riders and one they want to qualify for and they do a lot of preparation throughout the year to build up to it,’ said Harry.

Speaking about his individual silver medal win at the Junior European Championships in Austria a delighted Harry said, ‘That was the best win of my career so far, a huge achievement and one that I’ve always wanted’.

‘Competing against the best (riders) from Europe and being able to beat them puts you in a good position and it fills you with confidence and I’ve still got two years remaining in that category.’