A VETERAN of the Athens and London Olympics, 43-year-old Mark Kyle brings a wealth of experience and a cool head to the table.

The son of former international riders Gillian and Johnny Kyle and brother to top equestrian commentator John, Mark is married to British rider Tanya. The couple have a nine-year-old daughter Tabitha who, following the family tradition, is already making her mark in show jumping circles.

The duo run a well-established competition yard in Wymeswold, Leicestershire, where they produce event horses to compete and sell. In the closed season, the family share a passion for hunting, with Mark filling the role of field master to the Quorn foxhounds.

This time around, Mark teams up with Richard and Shelagh Morley’s Jemilla, the only mare in the squad and one of two 10-year-old horses. Another very consistent performer, Jemilla represented Ireland at the young event horse championships in Le Lion d’Angers as a seven-year-old and was placed fourth in the CIC*** at Tattersalls in June.

Jemilla, SHBGB – 2006 bay mare by Mill Law out of Jessica XIX by Louella Moschallah. Owner: Shelagh Moorley