Mary King, a six-time Olympian and multiple championship medalist in eventing, has retired at 64 after 46 seasons in the sport. The decision came after she placed second at Moreton this month and opted to let her daughter Emily ride their horse at Thoresby. King reflected that she has thoroughly enjoyed her career.
Mary King announced her retirement from competitive eventing, capping a career filled with accolades. She began her 46th season this year but chose to step away following a strong performance at Moreton, where she finished second. Speaking to Horse & Hound on March 31, she said, “It’s funny; I hadn’t really thought about it, then after riding at Moreton this month, I came second, I just thought ‘It would be better if Emily rides the horse at Thoresby’. And then I thought ‘Actually, I think I’ll stop’.” King added, “I’m very happy about it; it’s definitely time and I’m glad I’ve taken the plunge.” She has won Badminton Horse Trials twice—in 1992 on King William and 2000 on Star Appeal—as well as Burghley in 1996 on Star Appeal and five British national titles at Gatcombe. In 2011, she achieved a historic one-two at the Kentucky Three-Day Event with home-bred Kings Temptress and Fernhill Urco. Her Olympic record includes six appearances, with team silver in 2004 and 2012, and team bronze in 2008. She also secured world team gold in 1994 and 2010, and four European team golds. Despite breaking her neck in a 2001 riding accident, King returned to the top, winning the HSBC Classics series and becoming the world’s leading eventer in 2011. She cited her first Badminton victory as a standout moment, noting, “I felt like we’d just beaten the world, and made it – absolutely wonderful.” Looking ahead, King plans to breed and back young horses before passing them to daughter Emily, enjoy more free time, and complete a sailing journey around the world. “I have loved my eventing life, and feel so lucky to have had so many amazing horses, and have wonderful memories which will stay close to my heart for ever,” she said.
