Dannie Morgan and Fever Tree (Basis x Dayano) added one other title to their ever-growing assortment, profitable the Equi-Trek Elementary Gold Winter Championship on the 2024 NAF 5 Star Winter Dressage Championships on 74.79%.

The mixture additionally received the PDS Saddles Elementary Freestyle Gold Championship the day earlier than (11 April), with Dannie describing “Gordon” – as he as recognized at house – as the perfect horse he’s ever sat on.

There was a slight mistake immediately within the medium trot, however with constant eights throughout the board – together with unanimous eights from the judges for the collective mark on the rider’s seat and place – Dannie nonetheless completed greater than 2% forward of his accomplice Davy Harvey, who was second aboard Judy Peploe’s Profit.

“Gordon is a superb horse and he has a terrific temperament so I can all the time go in and depend on him,” mentioned Dannie. “I do know that any errors are my fault however I used to be fortunate immediately that there have been plenty of highlights within the take a look at for him so it was nonetheless a terrific rating.”

The six-year-old gelding appears destined for the very prime, with Dannie describing him as the entire bundle: “He’s an attention-grabbing horse, he’s a brilliant mover and really free in his means of going, with three good paces, and he has a beautiful temperament.

“I believe that’s uncommon to seek out all of these issues in the identical horse – I’m very fortunate.”

In addition to having Davy for help, Dannie can also be shut buddies with fellow rivals Sadie Smith, who claimed the Superflex Intermediate I Gold Winter Championship, and Jezz Palmer, who has been one of many competitions main riders.

“It’s nice to have that help community as a result of we are able to all bounce concepts off every, even once we’re at house. They’re riders that I look as much as and I believe all of us encourage one another somewhat bit.

“It may be exhausting while you’re doing it at house by yourself quite a bit, so it’s good to have buddies who you possibly can ask for recommendation from as a result of typically we put a bit an excessive amount of stress on ourselves, and it’s good to get a second opinion, to only say ‘chill out, it appears good’ – we’re all fairly vital so it’s good to be instructed you might be doing a very good job.”

2024 Winter Dressage Championships: “I can’t put it into phrases”

Hannah Luesley rode Ferdi and Geri Eilberg’s EDH Franklin Rose to edge the Horselight Medium Silver Winter Championship on 69.5% – lower than 1% forward of second-placed Sophie Chatwin and Katharine-Trix Us.

Hannah herself was an in depth second earlier within the week, when she completed a outstanding 0.001% behind Amy Hose and Enrique within the Equi-Trek Elementary Silver.

Reflecting on her win she mentioned: “It’s wonderful, it makes that second far more managable I suppose – it’s my first championship win along with her.”

Hannah has been based mostly with the Eilbergs for over a 12 months and describes working for them on a day-to-day foundation as unbelievable.

“I can’t put it into phrases – I’m so fortunate to experience horses for them, I don’t even must be having classes to be studying, I can simply watch them experience, and hearken to them explaining what they’re doing and I choose up a lot.”

Previous to working for the Eilbergs Hannah accomplished an equine apprenticeship which she credit with getting her into the business straight out of faculty: “That was probably the most priceless factor for me as a result of it’s allowed me to have alternatives like this.

“Lengthy-term I’d like to progress up the degrees and to consider groups, that may be the final word dream. However short-term I’ll hold chipping away at coaching after which see what the summer season holds.”

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H&H dressage and sport horse editor

Oscar graduated from York St John College with a grasp’s diploma in Literature in 2021 and joined Horse & Hound in October 2023. Oscar labored for prime dressage rider Emile Faurie for 4 years after ending an equine administration course at school. Beneath Emile’s tutelage, Oscar competed on the 2015 Nationwide Dressage Championships and travelled with Emile’s horses to CDIs at Aachen, Vidauban, Saumur and Achlieiten. Oscar continues to compete in dressage, alongside his day job.