Oliver Townend takes over Nicholson's eventing horse Armada

British eventing rider Oliver Townend will ride four-star event horse Armada this season. Andrew Nicholson from New Zealand who competed at six Olympics so far, has produced the 13-year-old throughout his career, recommended to owner Paul Ridgeon that the ride should pass to Oliver because he could not guarantee the horse a Badminton run because of his other top horses like Nereo, Avebury, Mr Cruise Control, as well as Calico Joe and Shady Grey. Townend won Badminton in 2009.

With Andrew, Armada’s best four-star results include eighth at Burghley 2008 and 10th at Luhmühlen 2010 and 2011. The chestnut is undoubtedly one of the most talented horses in eventing, with an exuberant and athletic cross-country technique, but some erratic dressage performances have prevented him from recording absolutely top-class results.