ANNABELLA PIDGLEY produced an elegant ride to win a stacked grand prix aboard Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour’s former World Championships medallist Vamos Amigos on 71.59%. The passage and piaffe work were highlights, with the pair looking more secure with each outing.
"He's such a gorgeous boy to ride," said Annabella.
"We've been working on the overall frame and also on strengthening our partnership." With Annabella having achieved so much at 19 years old it's tempting to predict for her a medal-laden future, but dressage is a marathon, not a sprint, and she's keen to take off the pressure: "I just want to keep enjoying riding and competing at this level and gain more experience." Tom Goode was second and fourth aboard his longtime partner Dior III and the 11-year-old mare Sakira.
But it was his ride in the inter II, the nine-year-old gelding Furstenrausch PS (Furstenball x Festrausch) who scored plus-70% to take the win, that caught the eye.
“We had no mistakes and he’s feeling more confident at the level now,” said Tom, who rides for Emile Faurie. “He has a real talent for the collected work and is starting to come into his own with the grand prix movements.
“I’ve ridden him since he was five. He came to us to be sold but we wanted to find an owner so I could keep the ride.
Thankfully, Richard Jackson was looking to buy something for me to compete at the time and he fell in love with him, which is lucky for me.
“It’s exciting to have three around that level now,” Tom adds. “It helps keep me sharp.”
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
