Sonnar Murray-Brown’s stunning black mare, Faside Simply Amour, wowed judges to land the Equi-Trek elementary gold at the NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships with 71.72%.
The mare by San Amour has been with Sonnar since she was a three-year-old, but he only brought her out to compete at the end of last year as a six-year-old. The Winter Dressage Championships was only her fourth show.
“I’ve just spent my time training her at home because she’s always been very sensitive and she needed time to get herself established physically and mentally and have the confidence,” said Sonnar, who trains with Carl Hester. “I just enjoy riding her every day – even if I didn’t ever compete her again, I’d still enjoy riding her. She’s a joy to train.”
Sonnar admits Amour hasn’t always been as beautiful as she is now.
“She was a bit of an ugly duckling as a three-year-old, but I’ve always believed in her and she’s stunning now – I absolutely adore her,” he said.
The plan now is to continue with Amour’s training and get a few more competitions under her belt.
“She’s coping and ready for it now, so she’ll do medium and some young horse classes and then aim for advanced medium next year,” said Sonnar. “The canter hasn’t always been the easiest of paces for her, but Carl has helped hugely and giving her time to mature has really benefitted her.”
You might also like…
How to watch the Winter Dressage Championships: your full 2024 guide
Winter Dressage Championships 2022: ‘I put so much pressure on myself’
Subscribe to Horse & Hound this spring for great savings
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
