IF Michael Eilberg hadn't been destined to be a dressage rider, I can imagine another profession to which he'd have been well suited: teaching. Anyone who's ever had a lesson with the 37-year-old multi-medallist, or watched one of his clinics, would likely agree that it's almost impossible not to learn something from a session with Mike.
He has an undeniable knack for explaining complex concepts, for finding analogies that pierce through confusion and for building things up slowly, until it suddenly seems impossible that you once didn't understand.
But of course, Mike was always going to be a rider. The son of dressage medallist Ferdi Eilberg, Mike grew up with his career somewhat mapped out. His path did take something of an about-turn - he started as a showjumper and switched to dressage aged 21 - but he was always set to follow in Ferdi's footsteps. And he certainly has.
Three championship team medals - two silver, including at the 2014 World Equestrian Games, and one bronze - adorn his CV, along with back-to-back young horse World Championship titles. But it's been in the nine years since his last medal European bronze with Marakov in 2015 that Mike's developed most, not just as a rider, but as a trainer.
Denne historien er fra September 12, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra September 12, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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'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
