WHAT do you get if you mix the genes of two of Britain’s most successful grand prix dressage horses in recent times? The result for breeder Claire Hester is an exciting rising star stallion on the cusp of grand prix and a nursery of full siblings and descendants with bright futures ahead of them.
U-Genius I is by Uthopia – Carl Hester’s prolific grand prix horse who won team gold in 2011 and 2012 – and out of the great Valegro’s full sister Weidyfleur II, meaning he boasts gold medal-winning genes on both sides of his family tree.
“It was just the obvious combination to do,” says Claire, who was formerly married to Carl’s stepfather. “Uthopia is the most successful UK stallion, and I’m surprised he isn’t used more for his paces and temperament. His extended trot at the Europeans in 2011 where he achieved 10s across the board is still the most magical moment. U-Genius is really interesting as the first one to have bred; he is getting better and better as he gets stronger.”
Recent major wins for the 10-year-old, partnered by Amy Woodhead, were the Prix st Georges and inter I at Vale View High Profile Show in October, both on plus-72% scores.
“He has always loved his training and loves competing,” says Claire, adding he has “always been a very clever horse” and the way his brain has developed is “everything you could ask for” in a horse moving up through the levels.
“He has always been very rideable and is getting hotter as he gets older, which is perfect for a horse training towards grand Prix.”
Bu hikaye Horse & Hound dergisinin February 18, 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Horse & Hound dergisinin February 18, 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
'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
