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.”
Denne historien er fra February 01, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra February 01, 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.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'He's a terrier - a very classy terrier'
Jonbon emulates some legendary chasers as a dual Tingle Creek victor, and trainer Dan Skelton scores a seasonal century
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London's landmark moments
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Party time
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Rocking their world
Rocking horses were once a common fixture in children's playrooms - or a charming trinket on a Christmas tree. Now, some are getting a new lease of life for grown-up enthusiasts, finds Liz Falkingham
Winter watering
Maintaining a horse's water intake is crucial, but can be tricky in the colder months. Karen Coumbe MRCVS explains why, and how to help
Shetland Pony Grand National organiser
Sebastian Garner on whittling down applicants, playing headmaster and the joy of watching Shetlands at full lick
Peder Fredricson
The Swedish flagbearer and four-time Olympic medallist tells Jennifer Donald about 2024's ups and downs, the key to social licence and silver linings
