When it comes to Australian Jumping legends, few names carry the weight and respect of George Sanna. From a reluctant 12-year-old beginner to a two-time Olympian, World Equestrian Games competitor, coach of champions, and a guiding force behind the country’s top riders, George’s career has left an indelible mark on the sport.

Growing up in a family steeped in equestrian tradition, it’s no surprise that horses became such a central part of George’s life. “My father was an army officer in the Hungarian cavalry which led him to competing in the 3DE at the Berlin Olympics in 1936, as well as a couple of stints at the Spanish Riding School,” George explains. “Dressage was his great passion.”

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After migrating to Australia post-WWII, the Sanna family eventually settled in Victoria where George’s father established a riding school. It was here that a young George, initially hesitant, began his riding journey.

“I started riding at age 12 when we moved to Melbourne. I was a somewhat reluctant starter, but once I got into it I’ve never wanted to do anything else.” And indeed, he didn’t. After university, Jumping became not just a passion, but a livelihood—and one that would take him to the very top of the sport.

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Like many riders, George’s Olympic dream began early, but it was only in the years leading up to the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics that it started to feel like a genuine possibility.

“For me that point came a couple of years out from the Los Angeles Games,” he recalls. “I had two very good horses and both were on a very solid trajectory. I figured that this was going to be my time and I started to put together a plan to give myself the best chance of ending up in Los Angeles.”

That plan paid off. George not only made the 1984 Olympic team, but four years later, returned to the world’s biggest sporting stage in Seoul—this time with EBA Schnapps, a horse who had become a key partner in his career.

“No doubt representing your country at the Olympics is one of the most special and memorable experiences of your life,” George says. “At the Seoul Olympics in 1988, one of my closest lifelong friends, Rod Brown, was alongside me in the team. Not only were we great friends, but we were business partners and there we were, side by side at the Games. It was sort of surreal and very special.”

Above: Seoul Olympics Jumping Team Left to Right: George Sanna (Schnappes), Jeff McVean (Whisper Grey), Stan Fear (Chef d’Equipe), Rod Brown (Slinky), Vicki Roycroft (Mickey Mouse), and Greg McDermott (Mr. Shrimpton).

With decades in the sport under his belt, George has seen first hand how Jumping has evolved—both internationally and at home.

“The biggest change is the courses we jumped and also the horses we rode,” he explains. “Today’s courses are probably not quite as huge as in days gone by, but they are far more technical. The gear is lighter and the construction of the jumps demands more care and athleticism from the horses.”

He notes that while warmbloods dominate today’s competition, the horses of the past had a different look and feel. “In the 60s, 70s, and into the 80s, the European horses—especially the German ones—tended to be very big and fairly cold. There were also quite a lot of thoroughbreds, ridden mainly by Americans, Australians, New Zealanders, etc. Today’s warmbloods are generally lighter, and thoroughbreds have all but disappeared at the top level.”

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As for the Australian scene, George is optimistic, “We’ve come a long way. We’ve gone from mostly substandard agricultural shows to having outstanding venues with good footing, great courses, and decent prize money.”

He also sees a shift in the sport’s demographics. “It has moved from a predominantly rural base to a more urban and perhaps more affluent one. This has allowed professionals to set up successful training facilities in and around major cities, which in turn has produced a new generation of well-trained riders.”

George’s legacy doesn’t end in the arena. As a coach, he’s helped shape some of the best riders in the country—including Edwina Tops-Alexander and Julia Hargreaves (Lynch), both of whom represented Australia at the London 2012 Olympics. His expertise was recognised in 2010 when he was named Australian Coach of the Year. More recently, one of George’s long time students and colleagues Amber Fuller was at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games as Reserve Athlete.

Above: In recent times, George worked with Amber Fuller to produce Nopal van Tallaert to Olympic Standard.

When asked What does he think makes a perfect Jumping horse? George says, “Perfection in a horse depends on the context. Some of my favourite horses have not necessarily been the most glamorous or talented, but incredibly good and generous at what they’re intended to do. For me, perfection is about talent—the right mix of type, stride, carefulness, bravery, scope, and a good mind. If they’re nice guys and beautiful as well, I guess you’re approaching perfection.”

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When asked what advice he would give to young showjumpers with Olympic aspirations, George is thoughtful but grounded, “My advice would be no different from what I would say to any talented and ambitious rider I was coaching. Focus on being the best rider and horse person you can be. Listen and watch and seek good advice. Ride as many horses as you can, jump as many courses as you can. Success will follow. If talent meets opportunity you just might end up at the Olympics!”

Above: George Sanna and EBA Schnapps at Seoul 1988

George Sanna’s story is not just one of personal achievement—it’s a blueprint for what passion, perseverance, and a deep respect for the horse can lead to. From Olympic arenas to training arenas, his influence continues to shape Australian Jumping at every level. As a rider, coach, mentor and horseman, George has not only left a mark on the sport—he has helped define it for generations to come.

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