He has represented Great Britain at the European Eventing Championships, winning the team gold medals in 2007, 2009, and 2017.

[7] He won the junior newcomers showjumping at the Horse of the Year Show with Cool Mule at age 11,[8] rode in the pony European Eventing Championships at age 13,[1] and left school at 16 to pursue a career in riding and selling horses.

He broke his collarbone, shoulder bones, sternum, and four ribs, but credited his airbag vest with minimizing his injuries.

[11] He was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2022 New Year Honours for services to equestrianism.

[12][13] Townend has received several warnings for excessive whip use during competitions and for riding fatigued horses.