Michael Eilberg

The grand prix dressage rider on his jumping background, the importance of standing still and the horse he would love to have back on his yard

- Polly Bryan

MICHAEL EILBERG is a British dressage rider who is based in Worcestershire. He was part of the silver medal-winning team at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) riding Half Moon Delphi.

I USED to be a showjumper, and didn’t take up dressage until I was about 20 or 21. One of my early riding icons was Germany’s Marcus Ehning; I really admire his riding style and the way he has his horses going, and I wanted to recreate that.

I’ve also always looked up to my dad, Ferdi, who is my trainer now. But before I switched disciplines it was actually my mum, Geri, who was a great supporter of my jumping career.

Dad and I used to clash big time – he used to make sound effects while I was jumping and I used to have to tell him to leave the arena! It wasn’t until I changed to dressage that I really came under his leadership – he always thought I was capable when it came to dressage, and he was really happy when I started succeeding in something he could be more of a part of.