Free Rein

This text follows Gill Rolton's journey up and down and up the equestrian ladder and shines a light on the way a woman is treated in this elite sport by coaches and selectors.

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With gold from the Barcelona and Atlanta Olympic Games, Gill Rolton is one of Australia's most accomplished riders in Olympic history. Gill's riding career has spanned over 30 years, encompassing Olympic Games, World Championships and internationals. Gill started her eventing and showjumping career at the relatively late age of 21. Her first horse, Saville Row, was purchased for the princely sum of $200.00. Not long after, the duo charged up the eventing grades and were soon on the list for selection to the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984. Injury and bad luck meant Gill missed out on LA and again in 1988 on Seoul. 1992 was a golden year with Gill fulfilling her Olympic dream and winning gold in Barcelona. In 1996, Gill returned to the Olympic arena with Peppermint Grove.