Despite retiring in the preliminary round, the Diamond Hit offspring goes on to produce a fl awless test when it matters, to win a gigantic class
IT was a rocky road to the five-year-old final for Swedish Olympic dressage team rider Therese Nilshagen. She eventually topped the board in the huge, 75-strong class on the Lodbergen Stud’s Bavarian-bred licensed stallion DSP Dominy (Diamond Hit x Pour Plaisir).
The 34-year-old rider chose to retire the liver chestnut stallion, whom she’s been riding since May this year, in the preliminary round due to too many tension related mistakes. The eye catching stallion was nervous in the notoriously buzzy and atmospheric Warendorf arena.
The combination managed to qualify for the final in extremis, with a third — the last available place — in the consolation class, but went on to produce a virtually flawless test in the final to score nines across the board, framed by an 8.5 for walk and a 9.5 for his rhythmical, clear canter.
“This is a first win for me in Warendorf,” said the Swede, fresh from winning team bronze at the European Championships in Gothenburg on Dante Weltino. “Dominy is a really nice horse with three good gaits and a good brain, so I’m really looking forward to the future with him.”
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
