Mary King
Mary King MBE is one of British eventing’s all-time greats — a six-time Olympian whose career spans five decades at the top of international competition and whose Devon yard has produced a steady stream of four- and five-star horses.
Six Olympic Games
King first represented Team GBR at the Barcelona 1992 Olympics and competed at every subsequent Games through London 2012, a 20-year run that makes her one of the most-capped Olympic eventers in history. Across those six Games she collected three team silver medals — at Sydney 2000 (King Cong), Beijing 2008 (Call Again Cavalier) and London 2012 (Imperial Cavalier). She remains one of the most consistent big-occasion riders Britain has produced.
Badminton, Burghley and the home four-stars
King has won every major British four-star at some point in her career, including Badminton (1992, King William) and Burghley. Her defining horses — King William, King Solomon III, Call Again Cavalier and Imperial Cavalier — were produced from novice level at her Devon farm, a pipeline that speaks to a rare combination of horsemanship and patience.
Championship Record
- Olympic Games: Six appearances (1992–2012); Team silver (2000, 2008, 2012)
- World Equestrian Games: Multiple team and individual medals
- European Championships: Multi-time medallist, including individual medals
- Five-Star Events: Badminton winner, Burghley winner
Beyond the sport
King was appointed MBE in 1996 for services to equestrian sport. Her autobiographies and widely-watched RTÉ/BBC coverage have made her one of the most recognisable faces in British eventing, and her daughter Emily King followed her into the top echelon of British eventing. Mary continues to compete internationally and remains one of the most respected coaches on the British circuit.
Horses associated with Mary King
- King William — Badminton winner, Barcelona 1992 Olympics
- King Solomon III — senior championship campaigner
- Call Again Cavalier — Beijing 2008 team silver
- Imperial Cavalier — London 2012 team silver