“HE’S an amazing horse, one of the best in the world I think,” said Ros about 10-year-old Izilot DHI, who claimed victory at his first-ever five-star.
The statement could sound bold, but it would be unwise to doubt a rider who this year was crowned European champion and won Badminton with Lordships Graffalo.
Ros has long spoken about Izilot DHI’s talent, and his “spookiness”, but the gelding she co-owns with Alex Moody has continued to deliver results this year, with wins in the Blair Castle CCI4*-S and Blenheim CCI4*-L.
Despite this, Ros said that Pau seemed like a big ask at one point, let alone to have a victory there.
“Even six months ago, this probably would have been a step too far, so I’m unbelievably proud of him. It makes all the hard work worthwhile,” she said, adding that credit goes to her support team of coaches Ian and Amy Woodhead and Caroline Moore, her home team and her mother Heather.
"We didn't really think about winning this competition, it's his first fivestar and he's a nervous horse, and we just wanted to give him a nice experience."
Ros had to use all her skills to deliver that experience on the first day of competition, and the trust and partnership between them was demonstrated when "Isaac" became unsettled by a cameraman in the arena, which left them cutting it fine to make their way down the centre line after the buzzer went.
Ros held Isaac's hand, and he relaxed enough to deliver the second-best dressage score, 24.3, behind Tom McEwen and JL Dublin's 23.1. Tom and JL Dublin had overtaken the first day's leaders, Tim Price and five-star first-timer Viscount Viktor, who were on 28.
Esta historia es de la edición November 02, 2023 de Horse & Hound.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición November 02, 2023 de Horse & Hound.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Rider Denies Doping After Team Loses Olympic Placing - Tine Magnus and the Belgian team said they do not know the source of the drug that caused the positive test
Olympic eventer Tine Magnus has denied ever doping after her Paris ride Dia Van Het Lichterveld Z gave a positive test at the Games. This means the Belgian team, which came fourth, has been disqualified. On 4 September, the FEI said the 10-year-old mare, owned by Kris van Vaerenbergh, tested positive for trazodone, which is listed as an antidepressant on the FEI's prohibited substances list.
Michael Eilberg
The top dressage rider talks to Polly Bryan about the special horse with the potential to carry him back onto the British team, how to be a better coach and using his talent for teaching to help the sport
Schooling success
Combining school and riding can be tricky, but horses can benefit a child's education. Lottie Morgan uncovers some options for horse-loving pupils
How to get a job in hunting
The British Hound Sports Association's apprentice scheme is providing young people with excellent all-round training in the skills required - and many others besides, as Tessa Waugh discovers
Burke's Affair to remember
A fast round delights one rider who comes away with a coveted grand prix trophy and a rankings class concludes with an unusual tie
Derby winner returns for further Hickstead glory
After watching wife Pippa compete at Burghley, William Funnell returns to the scene of his Derby triumph to win the All England grand prix
Derby winner returns for further Hickstead glory
After watching wife Pippa compete at Burghley, William Funnell returns to the scene of his Derby triumph to win the All England grand prix
'I'm grateful to have such a wonderful partner'
The brilliant duo of Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei seal back-to-back grands prix after a dramatic turn of events
Hamlett takes centre stage
Two horses round off their competitive careers with victories, a championship specialist earns her fourth title and a pair with a combined age of 105 prove invincible
'This is the ultimate five-star test'
Mark Phillips on Burghley's highs, lows, challenges and champions