Five-star event rider Simon Grieve has spoken about rediscovering his passion for top-level competition following a career dip. The 44-year-old Leicestershire rider achieved his best result yet, finishing 18th at Burghley in 2025 on Autograf. He now aims for a top-10 finish at Badminton while emphasizing enjoyment over victory.
Simon Grieve, who has competed 19 times at five-star level, thought his elite eventing days were over after his last such outing in 2021. He shifted focus to showjumping, coaching, media, and presenting amid growing nerves and self-imposed pressure. 'I thought I’d lost my mojo,' Grieve said, noting how the demands of professional eventing had overshadowed family and friends at times. A renewed mindset, influenced by the loss of close friends, has brought him back stronger, prioritizing life's joys alongside the sport he loves since age 16. Grieve credits early inspirations like eventing vet Tim Randle on Legs Eleven and Helen Bell on Troubleshooter for shaping his approach—consistent performers rather than superstars. His 18th at Burghley marked a high point, fueling ambitions for Badminton. 'I’d love to be top 15, if not top 10 at Badminton—that would be insane,' he said. 'But as long as the horse has gone as well as I hope he can, then we’ve had a great time.' Grieve recalled advice from an owner during his first job with Debbie and Patrick Edmundson: owners seek enjoyable days at events with well-ridden horses, prizes as bonuses. This philosophy resonates more now amid personal losses.
