RISING star Nina de Haas landed her first long-format win in style, with a spotless performance in the Rathbones CCI3*-L aboard charming grey Ballylaffin Juno.
This was a victory won through trust. The pair gelled quickly when Nina took on the ride from boss Andrew Heffernan two years ago, but gaining the strength of partnership that she now has with David Schofield's 12-yearold gelding has taken time.
"To finish on top is something I never expected," said Nina, 25, a British-based Dutch rider, who credited Andrew for his help.
"I feel like now we are really building a partnership and really know each other.
This year, I've just felt he's got braver and braver every cross-country round. He would jump anything for me now." The pair's first-phase score of 26.3 put them in a competitive position, which they solidified with their double jumping clear.
"I was really determined to make the time [across country], and because I rode for the time and positively, it also made all the lines ride really well," said Nina, who stopped the clock with room to spare, even with a long route at the Rathbones Complex corner combination (9abc).
"He's careful, brave, quick and smart. He's quite cool in his head and has a good brain, but I think most of all, he has a big heart and wants to do it." Britain's Brier Dunn enjoyed a milestone result with her own Caherconree Rocky, climbing from 15th after dressage to scoop the runner-up spot on their first-phase score of 29.8.
"He gave me everything," said Brier, thanking trainer Lindsay Middleton for her role in their success.
"I've ridden him since he was a four-year-old. As with all these good event horses, it's not been the easiest. Some days he comes out and he's fantastic.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 10, 2024-Ausgabe von Horse & Hound.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 10, 2024-Ausgabe von Horse & Hound.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Understanding What Affects Acceptance of Equestrian Sport - New large-scale research is aimed at digging deeper into what goes into forming public opinion.
New World Horse Welfare research involving more than 5,000 people has aimed to distil what drives public acceptance in horse sports.The project, supported by The Racing Foundation, moves the conversation around public acceptance forward.World Horse Welfare CEO Roly Owers presented the project at The Racing Foundation conference at Ascot racecourse on 2 October.
Mental Health Professional - Mike Delaney helped to introduce equine facilitated psychotherapy to the UK in 2004 and describes how this work feeds his soul besides benefiting people suffering following severe trauma
Mike Delaney helped to introduce equine facilitated psychotherapy to the UK in 2004 and describes how this work feeds his soul besides benefiting people suffering following severe trauma
Moonshine on best behaviour
The county of Cornwall fields a clutch of champions, while a veteran horse earns his 11th title
'My bone was shattered'
A working rider bouncing back from serious injury and a busy farmer are among those securing coveted Badminton tickets
Home-bred takes two
From Star Wars to Harry Styles, riders celebrate music victories, while one amateur has to move her office for the week - but the effort pays off
Genetic susceptibility
A certain number of inherited disorders are limited to specific breeds. Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS explains the what and why of such cases
Household Cavalry sculptor-in-residence
After years in a city job, Zoë Carmichael was destined to devote herself to the antique discipline of sculpture and immortalise her favourite subjects - horses - in bronze
'The change was refreshing to watch'
H&H's showing editor on the new judging format at HOYS 2024
Actions rather than words are needed for horse sport's future
The 2024 Racing Foundation conference considered how to help maintain public support
We must change worming habits before it is too late
New guidelines on worm control have been published to try to fight the growing threat of anthelmintic resistance