The medal makers

They are the heroes of equestrian sport, but how much of that star material do they pass on to their descendants? Lucy Elder looks at the offspring of some high-profile medal winners to find out if the apple falls far from the tree...

- Lucy Elder

WHAT do you get if you mix the genes of two of Britain’s most successful grand prix dressage horses in recent times? The result for breeder Claire Hester is an exciting rising star stallion on the cusp of grand prix and a nursery of full siblings and descendants with bright futures ahead of them.

U-Genius I is by Uthopia – Carl Hester’s prolific grand prix horse who won team gold in 2011 and 2012 – and out of the great Valegro’s full sister Weidyfleur II, meaning he boasts gold medal-winning genes on both sides of his family tree.

“It was just the obvious combination to do,” says Claire, who was formerly married to Carl’s stepfather. “Uthopia is the most successful UK stallion, and I’m surprised he isn’t used more for his paces and temperament. His extended trot at the Europeans in 2011 where he achieved 10s across the board is still the most magical moment. U-Genius is really interesting as the first one to have bred; he is getting better and better as he gets stronger.”

Recent major wins for the 10-year-old, partnered by Amy Woodhead, were the Prix st Georges and inter I at Vale View High Profile Show in October, both on plus-72% scores.

“He has always loved his training and loves competing,” says Claire, adding he has “always been a very clever horse” and the way his brain has developed is “everything you could ask for” in a horse moving up through the levels.

“He has always been very rideable and is getting hotter as he gets older, which is perfect for a horse training towards grand Prix.”