Blyth Tait

Born 10 May 1961 in Whangarei.
Educated at Whangarei Boys' High School.
Interested in horses from an early age (father breeds racehorses). Took up show jumping at first, then 3-day eventing.
Went to Australia in 1988 with a New Zealand team to compete in the Bicentennial Three-Day Event, winning the teams event, and coming second in the individual event.
In 1990 came 2nd at Badminton Horse Trials, and won team and individual gold at the world equestrian games in Stockholm.
In 1992 at the Barcelona Olympics won bronze in the individual (to Mark Todd's gold) and silver in the teams on his horse Messiah.
Awarded MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 1993 for services to equestrian sport.
In 1996 at the Atlanta Olympics won gold on a new horse Ready Teddy, and team bronze on Chesterfield.
In 1998 won the world championship gold in Rome.
In 2000 came 2nd at Badminton.
In 2001 won the Burghley three-day event in England, riding Ready Teddy, and was awarded the Lonsdale Cup by the New Zealand Olympic Committee for his win.