Eilbergs Impress

Maria Eilberg enjoys three wins, brother Michael earns three top placings and Sonia Baines makes a successful international debut abroad with Sirius Black

- Margaret Benson

MARIA EILBERG celebrated two comfortable victories at middle tour, riding the eye-catching Royal Concert. The pair stood clear of the class and earned the unanimous approval of the judges.

This followed a season of wins and top placings with the Royal Diamond gelding, including standing reserve to Charlotte Dujardin in both the inter II and the inter I freestyle at the British Dressage national championships.

“The good thing is that I know there is still more to come with ‘Rico’,” said Maria. “He is super talented and capable of nines in the piaffe and passage tour. I will aim him at grand prix next year. He is enthusiastic to do the work, but just becomes a little anxious, especially if he thinks he has got something wrong. It’s important for me not to be greedy and ask too much of such a clever horse, because he already puts pressure on himself. My job now is to build his confidence.”