Horse Scout are supported by the Yorkshire born and bred Oliver Townend, now based in Shropshire, and is involved with both his own event horse production at Gadlas Farm, but also Harthill Stud. Oliver inherited his love of horses from his parents. His mother Eve showed side-saddle at county level and his father Alan competed successfully in three day eventing. His early success was gained on a 14.2hh pony Cool Mule, with whom he won a class at the Horse of the Year Show and also represented Great Britain on the Pony Eventing Team at European Championship level.

In 2005 the Hon William Russell’s Topping provided Oliver with his first opportunity to ride at Badminton where he finished in 12th place; earning them selection to the FEI European Championships,Blenheim, that year. Edward and Robert Nicholson’s Flint Curtis took over as Oliver’s top horse in 2006 after achieving third at Badminton with Oliver, the horse’s first CCI4* event. Oliver remained on the British Squad, riding Flint as an individual at the Aachen WEG that year, before earning his first team place – and a European Championship gold medal – at Pratoni in 2007.