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.
Bu hikaye Horse & Hound dergisinin September 12, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye Horse & Hound dergisinin September 12, 2024 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
Rider Denies Doping After Team Loses Olympic Placing - Tine Magnus and the Belgian team said they do not know the source of the drug that caused the positive test
Olympic eventer Tine Magnus has denied ever doping after her Paris ride Dia Van Het Lichterveld Z gave a positive test at the Games. This means the Belgian team, which came fourth, has been disqualified. On 4 September, the FEI said the 10-year-old mare, owned by Kris van Vaerenbergh, tested positive for trazodone, which is listed as an antidepressant on the FEI's prohibited substances list.
Michael Eilberg
The top dressage rider talks to Polly Bryan about the special horse with the potential to carry him back onto the British team, how to be a better coach and using his talent for teaching to help the sport
Schooling success
Combining school and riding can be tricky, but horses can benefit a child's education. Lottie Morgan uncovers some options for horse-loving pupils
How to get a job in hunting
The British Hound Sports Association's apprentice scheme is providing young people with excellent all-round training in the skills required - and many others besides, as Tessa Waugh discovers
Burke's Affair to remember
A fast round delights one rider who comes away with a coveted grand prix trophy and a rankings class concludes with an unusual tie
Derby winner returns for further Hickstead glory
After watching wife Pippa compete at Burghley, William Funnell returns to the scene of his Derby triumph to win the All England grand prix
Derby winner returns for further Hickstead glory
After watching wife Pippa compete at Burghley, William Funnell returns to the scene of his Derby triumph to win the All England grand prix
'I'm grateful to have such a wonderful partner'
The brilliant duo of Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei seal back-to-back grands prix after a dramatic turn of events
Hamlett takes centre stage
Two horses round off their competitive careers with victories, a championship specialist earns her fourth title and a pair with a combined age of 105 prove invincible
'This is the ultimate five-star test'
Mark Phillips on Burghley's highs, lows, challenges and champions
