Latest from Horse & Hound in Andrew-gould

‘I fully support the judges’ decision’: update on Indigro after Andrew Gould’s European Championship exit

Oscar Williams — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 13:47:23 +0000

Andrew Gould’s senior championship debut at the European Dressage Championships in Crozet, France, ended in disappointment when he was eliminated during his grand prix test, but the rider said his horse is his top priority and he fully supports the judges’ decision.

Riding the 12-year-old stallion Indigro, Andrew appeared to struggle for fluency from the outset. Indigro looked unlevel in the first extension and half-pass, and the bell was rung as they came to a halt at C. After a brief conversation with the judge at C, Denmark’s Hans Christian Matthiesen, the pair were eliminated.

Indigro is due to be examined by the team vets, and while no official diagnosis has been given, he is understood to be doing well.

“Indigro warmed up well, but just didn’t feel quite his usual, forward self in the arena today,” Andrew said.

“While this is a huge disappointment, Indigro is my top priority, and I fully support the judges’ decision.

“I’d like to thank the team vets and the rest of our support team here in Crozet for the care they’ve given him, especially my brilliant groom, Nat Campbell, who dotes on Indi and has looked after him impeccably this week.”

British Equestrian World Class programme performance director, Helen Nicholls, added: “While this is obviously devastating for Andrew, who is making his senior championship debut here in Crozet, and owners Tatiana and Max Skillman, horse wellbeing is the number one priority for all of us.

“We fully support the ground jury and the role they play in identifying any concerns regarding equine welfare.

“Our team vets will give Indigro a thorough examination to ensure his immediate comfort and will work with Andrew’s home team on a more detailed investigation to have him back to full health.

“I have full confidence that Andrew and Indigro’s time to shine and show their talents on the world stage will come in the future.”

Andrew and Indigro’s elimination ends their championship, but because only three scores contribute to the team result, Britain’s medal hopes are still alive.

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Britain’s pathfinder eliminated at the European Dressage Championships

Martha Terry — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 10:20:24 +0000

There was huge disappointment for Andrew Gould on his European Dressage Championships debut in Crozet, France, when he was eliminated on veterinary grounds during his grand prix test.

His ride, the 12-year-old Negro stallion Indigro, was not moving with his usual fluency from the outset, and the judge rang the bell when they came to halt at C. After a brief discussion with the C judge, Denmark’s Hans-Christian Matthiesen – who is a veterinarian by training – the world number 37 left the arena on a long rein in walk.

Andrew was Britain’s pathfinder of the team of four. However, as only three of the nation’s scores count towards team placings, his elimination will not jeopardise Britain’s challenge. It does mean there is no room for error for the remaining three, Carl Hester, Becky Moody and Lottie Fry.

Becky, who was on youth teams alongside Andrew, said that his elimination didn’t affect the pressure on the three British combinations.

“I’m just so sad for Andrew, it was such an unfortunate thing to happen,” Becky said, after scoring a solid 74.82% on her Paris team bronze medallist Jagerbomb.

“Obviously, we have to focus on getting the horse right for him, but we have a job to do – the three of us – so we will do our very best and see what we can do.”

This was a long-awaited senior championship debut for Andrew Gould, who was on the British youth teams 25 years ago with Koffee Break. He was also travelling reserve, with Indigro, for the Paris Olympics last year.

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The Horse & Hound Podcast 168: Andrew Gould on his first senior team call-up ahead of the European Dressage Championships

Gemma Redrup — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 11:43:56 +0000

On our 168th episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast, we speak to Andrew Gould, who is representing Great Britain at the 2025 European Dressage Championships, which kick off in Crozet, France on 27 August. Andrew is making his senior championship debut at these championships and he speaks about his selection phone call, his aims for the week and his Europeans ride, Indigro. We hope you enjoy listening.

Episode 168 of our popular audio service The Horse & Hound Podcast, is now live.

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On this episode, we speak to Andrew Gould, who is representing Great Britain at the 2025 European Dressage Championships, which kick off in Crozet, France on 27 August. Andrew is making his senior championship debut at these championships and he speaks about his selection phone call, his aims for the week and his Europeans ride, Indigro.

“I’ve ridden a lot of exceptional horses, but there would be the occasional something about them where you’d think ‘I don’t quite like that’ – only little silly things, but I couldn’t find anything with him. That’s quite rare and I don’t think I’ve ever felt that before” – Andrew Gould on his 2025 European Dressage Championships ride, Indigro

We would love to hear your feedback on all our podcasts, so please do send your thoughts to pippa.roome@futurenet.com

Horse & Hound Podcast: episode 168

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‘Exciting foursome’ named as Britain aims to defend team title at European Dressage Championships

Becky Murray — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 12:04:52 +0000

The terrific trio that delivered an Olympic bronze medal last summer have been named on the British team for the European Dressage Championships – as a newcomer gets ready to make his first full senior championship appearance.

Today (31 July) British Equestrian (BEF) and British Dressage (BD) confirmed the four combinations that will be Britain’s definite entries for the European Dressage Championships, taking place in Crozet, France, from 26 to 31 August.

Last summer’s team of Carl Hester, Becky Moody and Lottie Fry have returned following their success in Paris, where Lottie also won an individual bronze – and they are joined by Andrew Gould, who was travelling reserve at Versailles.

The team chef d’equipe Darrell Scaife said “what an exciting foursome to be taking to France”.

“Carl will be riding in his ninth consecutive Europeans, Lottie has been a team regular since 2019, while for Andrew and Becky, it’s their Euros debut. But all four have considerable experience and with Lottie and Becky featuring the world’s top four and a number of personal best performances from the group this spring, we carry great form to the championships,” he said.

“The horses and riders have one of the best support teams behind them – both at home and via the World Class Programme and I’m looking forward to working with each and every one as we prepare for Crozet and look to successfully defend our team title.”

British team for the 2025 European Dressage Championships

Definite entries for the British Equestrian dressage team, in partnership with Agria, in alphabetical order by athlete surname:

Lottie Fry with 14-year-old stallion Glamourdale

Owners: rider and Van Olst Horses

Breeder: J Rodenburg

Breeding: by Lord Leatherdale, out of a mare by Negro

Groom: Richard Hauwaerts

Andrew Gould with 12-year-old stallion Indigro

Owners: Tatiana and Max Skillman

Breeder: J Deenen

Breeding: by Negro, out of a mare by Jazz

Groom: Natalie Campbell

Carl Hester with 15-year-old stallion Fame

Owners: rider, Fiona Bigwood and Mette Dahl

Breeder: VOFG and M Gerritsen

Breeding: by Bordeaux 28, out of a mare by Rhodium

Groom: Lucy Scudamore

Becky Moody with 11-year-old gelding Jagerbomb

Owners: rider and Jo Cooper

Breeder: rider

Breeding: by Dante Weltino, out of a mare by Jazz

Groom: Kim Masson

Selection decisions are subject to the athlete and horse maintaining fitness and performance, and this list may be amended at any point up to midnight on Tuesday 19 August.

“We’re very excited to have the same team of athletes and horses available from the Paris Olympic Games. Andrew makes the step up from reserve and having that experience to draw on will give him great confidence in his first full senior championship team appearance,” said Judy Harvey, BD international director and chief dressage selector.

“All the horses have continued to improve in the year since Paris, and we head to Crozet excited to see what they can deliver. This is a great group of athletes who will be fully supportive of one another to create an atmosphere conducive to producing top performances. We’re set for a great week – bring it on!”

A BEF spokesperson added that the funding the British Equestrian World Class Programme receives from the National Lottery and UK Sport is “pivotal in preparing our teams for senior championships and supporting them on the ground”.

“British Equestrian is also extremely grateful for the support we enjoy from our partners – Agria, Bates Saddles, Dodson & Horrell, NAF, SEIB and Toggi – and team suppliers – Equi-Trek and Lotus Romeo. We’re indebted for the year-round support they provide to the World Class Programme and British teams, which helps us to best prepare for senior championships,” he said.

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Indigro – meet the powerhouse dressage stallion taking Andrew Gould to personal bests and career highs

Oscar Williams — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 15:30:42 +0000

Indigro is the 12-year-old powerhouse dressage stallion taking Andrew Gould to career-best scores and establishing himself as one of Britain’s brightest hopes for future championship teams.

“About five minutes into riding him for the first time, I thought, ‘This is mega’,” says Andrew. “He was the best horse I’d ever ridden, by far.”

Indigro’s early years

Indigro was bred by John Deenan in the Netherlands and is sired by Negro, out of Pralina (who is sired by Jazz). He was licensed as a KWPN stallion in 2016, and was competed by Kirsten Brouwer as a young horse.

In 2019, he was bought by Rom Vermunt and Harld Bruinier and moved to the Glock Horse Performance Centre to be trained up the levels by Edward Gal, before being purchased by Tatiana Skillman in April 2022 for Andrew to ride.

Andrew told Horse & Hound that he had spotted Indigro in a video posted online, and although the stallion wasn’t for sale, he arranged to view him through connections of dealer Craig Rawlins. And it didn’t take long for him to recognise that the horse was something special.

“We were looking for an Olympic prospect, and when you’re looking for a horse like that, it’s never easy,” Andrew explains. “They’re usually so tuned in to their regular rider, and you’re pinning your whole future on an hour or two in the saddle. It’s stressful.

“But when I found him, I just knew. It’s rare for me to feel an instant connection like that with a horse.”

Andrew Gould at home in West Sussex with Indigro for a Horse & Hound interview in 2023. (Image credit: Andrew Sydenham)

Indigro and Andrew Gould wasted no time in making their mark on the British circuit. The pair debuted at Hickstead Premier League, placing second behind Anabella Pidgley and Gio in the inter II on 72.5% – picking up a 10 for his passage, which Andrew has since described as “one of the best on the circuit”.

“It was a last-minute decision to go to Hickstead for our first show together, and what a great experience it was, could not be happier with the feeling he gave me in the arena,” Andrew said at the time.

At their next outing, Wellington Premier League, the pair claimed victory in the inter II on 72.94%, before stepping up to grand prix just a month later at Hartpury, where they won again with 73.46%.

“He’d not competed since he was six, so he was having to learn his trade again,” Andrew later explained. “But it was a great start”.

Their Hartpury victory earned them a place in the grand prix at the 2022 National Dressage Championships, where they finished overall runners-up to Gareth Hughes and Sintano Van Hof Olympia, and took third in the freestyle with just under 78%.

The pair made their international debut a month later at Keysoe CDI, sweeping both the grand prix and the freestyle.

“This first year was meant to be all about getting to know him and building a relationship with him,” Andrew added. “But it all went much quicker than we expected.”

Andrew Gould: “It felt like an unrealistic dream”

Despite having only been together a few months, and both still relatively new to grand prix, Andrew and Indigro’s standout performances secured them a coveted place in the World Cup qualifier at the London International Horse Show (LIHS).

They posted 69.55% in the grand prix before lighting up the freestyle with a career-best 78.06% – still the highest score of Andrew’s career to date.

“I’m so proud of him,” Andrew said afterwards. “In the lead-up, we just wanted him to have a positive experience, so to come away with those scores was incredible.

Andrew Gould riding Indigro during the grand prix at the 2022 London International Horse Show. (Image credit: Alamy Stock)

“It all came together – there were things we can still improve, but the way he rose to the music and embraced the atmosphere gave us real insight into the kind of horse he is.

“London has always been a show I wanted to ride at, but until this year, it felt like an unrealistic.”

For Andrew’s groom, Nat Campbell, it was also a standout moment in the stallion’s burgeoning career.

“He was one of the youngest there, and he showed everyone what he could do,” she said. “I remember standing at the side of the arena feeling sick with nerves.”

International breakthrough and team contention

In 2023, Andrew and Indigro turned their focus to international competition, making their Nations Cup debut in Compiègne with a 68.98% grand prix score.

“Even then, what stood out was his piaffe and passage,” recalled judge Isobel Wessels. “He’s a real machine in those movements – naturally active and engaged in a way many horses aren’t.”

Further Nations Cup appearances followed in Rotterdam (71.09%) and Aachen in 2024 (71%), steadily building the pair’s international profile. The selectors had taken notice – by summer 2024, Andrew and Indigro were named travelling reserves for the Paris Olympic Games.

With an additional team place up for grabs at this summer’s European Dressage Championships in Crozet, the pair have been thrust into contention.

Grand prix scores have taken on heightened significance in the lead-up, with team medals at the Europeans hinging on them.

Andrew and Indigro strengthened their case with the highest British score in the Nations Cup grand prix at Lier (71.15%), followed a month later by a personal best of 72.2% at Wellington CDI.

Andrew Gould and Indigro in the grand prix at Wellington CDI3*. (Image credit: Kevin Sparrow)

Still, Andrew remains focused on the bigger picture.

“That fourth spot is open, and I expect we’ll be slogging it out over the next three shows,” Andrew said. “Indigro’s scores are improving, and it feels like things are falling into place.

“But I don’t feel pressure as I’ve never been on a team, so I’m still learning. I still think it’ll take another year for me to be where I want to be.”

For Isobell, the sky’s the limit for the pair: “An Olympics – why not? Selection is always tough, but Indigro is absolutely one of the strong contenders.

“He used to be a little tight in the extensions and tended to shorten in the neck – not from poor contact, just habit. But Andrew’s done a fantastic job. There’s now more openness, more swing through the body, and a real softness in the canter work. I think his scores will keep rising.”

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The Queen hosts celebration to thank Paris Olympic and Paralympic riders

Becky Murray — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 13:24:57 +0000

The achievements of Britain’s Olympic and Paralympic riders in Paris have been celebrated at a ceremony hosted by The Queen.

Yesterday evening (22 January) riders, owners, grooms, support staff, and British Equestrian (BEF) representatives attended a reception at Clarence House, London.

The Queen met the eventing team’s Ros Canter and travelling reserve Yas Ingham, dressage travelling reserve Andrew Gould and para dressage riders Natasha Baker, Mari Durward-Akhurt, Sophie Wells and Georgia Wilson. BEF chief executive Jim Eyre, performance director Helen Nicholls, dressage performance manager Caroline Griffith and para dressage performance manager Georgina Sharples were also in attendance.

The Queen spent time talking to owners and grooms, “acknowledging the vital roles they played in the teams’ successes”.

Mr Eyre thanked The Queen for her hospitality, “enduring support for the equestrian community” and continued patronage of the federation.

“He also took the opportunity to thank the athletes for their hard work and determination during their performances at the Games. He paid tribute to the owners, who are the backbone of our sport, and the grooms who dedicate their lives to the wellbeing of their equine charges,” said a BEF spokesperson.

“He ended by recognising the ‘team behind the team’ – the support staff, the performance managers and the practitioners, who all work tirelessly to ensure the athletes and horses can perform to their best on the world stage.”

The Queen was presented with a commemorative book of photographs, which captured “key moments and the team spirit” from Paris.

“I’m so proud to be your patron and what you achieved in Paris made us all feel very proud to be British,” said The Queen.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t be there, but I was watching every bit of it on television and it really did bring tears to the eyes. Thank you to the whole team for everything you do.”

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‘I hope we can show everyone what we’re capable of’: Becky Moody on stepping up for the Paris Olympics

Oscar Williams — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 18:00:50 +0000

Following the withdrawal and subsequent suspension of Charlotte Dujardin, travelling reserves Becky Moody and Jagerbomb will step up to take their place in the British dressage team for the Paris Olympics.

Fortunately for Britain’s Olympic dressage medal prospects, Becky and Jagerbomb were one of the strongest of the alternate combinations heading to Paris.

They claimed their first international grand prix and special win at Addington CDI3* in March, scoring personal bests of 75.46% in the grand prix and 76.19% in the special. And they’ve been in the top three at London CDI-W as well as Rotterdam and Compiègne CDIO5*s, so they’re used to the big occasion.

Becky Moody on her Paris Olympics selection: “We’re ready to give it everything we can”

“We have to be honest, it’s not the circumstances anyone would want to receive that call-up but we have to look forward now and focus on next week,” Becky told H&H while en route to Paris. “We still have a really strong team and I think we’re all ready to give it everything we can.”

It’s understandably been a tumultuous couple of days for Becky, but she said she’s been fully prepared.

“Because I was the travelling reserve I could have potentially been called up right up to the special so we’ve been prepared, everything has been packed and we’ve been training with the thought that we might have to step in.

“But I had been expecting to have a nice chill time – that’s definitely changed!”

With a touch of emotion in her voice, Becky adds that Jagerbomb is going the best he’s gone all season.

“He’s so much stronger, more confident and more established,” she explains. “Hopefully, we’re going to be able to smash it.

“We work so hard for this, and this horse has just been so incredible in what he’s done over the last few years, and it’s really amazing that he’s going to have the chance to show that off in Paris.”

When asked what she expects to feel when riding down the centre line in Paris, Becky said: “A tiny little bit of vomit! But the thing about Bomb is that he loves the crowd and I really hope that we’re able to go and show everybody what he’s capable of.”

Andrew Gould and Indigro as new travelling reserves

Although Becky’s promotion to the team was very much expected, it wasn’t clear who – if anyone – would be the new travelling reserve. From the nominated entries list, Carl Hester’s En Vogue, Lottie Fry’s Everdale and Charlotte’s Alive And Kicking were ineligible.

Annabella Pidgley and Gio have been competing in Austria at the under-25 European Dressage Championships and Gareth Hughes’ Goldstrike has travelled to Belgium to be his daughter Ruby’s direct reserve for the junior Europeans.

That left Andrew Gould (Indigro), Lewis Carrier (Diego V) and Susan Pape (V-Plus) as the only other possible combinations from the nominated entries list.

The selectors have decided to promote Andrew and Indigro – who has long been earmarked as a Paris prospect – and they will be travelling to Versailles as part of the squad. Most recently the combination was on the British Aachen Nations’ Cup team, where they scored 71% in the grand prix. They were the second-highest-scoring British combination that day, behind Lottie Fry and Especial.

New British Olympic dressage team for Paris 2024

Carl Hester with 14-year-old Fame

Owners: rider, Fiona Bigwood and Mette Dahl

Breeder: VOFG and M Gerritsen

Breeding: by Bordeaux 28, out of a mare by Rhodium

Groom: Lucy Scudamore

Lottie Fry with 13-year-old Glamourdale

Owners: rider and Van Olst Horses

Breeder: J Rodenburg

Breeding: by Lord Leatherdale, out of a mare by Negro

Groom: Richard Hauwaerts

Becky Moody with 10-year-old Jagerbomb

Owners: rider and Jo Cooper

Breeder: rider

Breeding: by Dante Weltino, out of a mare by Jazz

Groom: Kim Masson

Alternate: Andrew Gould with 11-year-old Indigro

Owners: Tatiana Skillman

Breeder: J Deenen

Breeding: by Negro, out of a mare by Jazz

Groom: Natalie Campbell

To stay up-to-date with all the breaking news throughout the Olympic Games, Royal International Horse Show and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the Paris Olympics, Royal International, Burghley and more with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Gold medallists, home-breds and championship first-timers in line for dressage Europeans selection

Polly Bryan — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 15:58:43 +0000

Eight horse and rider combinations have been announced as the British entries for the European Dressage Championships in September.

Among the longlist of British nominated entries for the Europeans are Olympic and world gold medallists, as well as two pairs for whom the Europeans would be their first senior team appearance, if selected.

A team of four, plus two non-travelling reserves, will be selected on or before 15 August, for the Europeans in Riesenbeck, Germany, on 5-10 September.

The British entries for the European Dressage Championships are:

Charlotte Dujardin with 10-year-old gelding Imhotep

Owner: Carl Hester and Coral Ingham

Breeder: Tineke Huizing (NED)

Breeding: by Everdale, out of Della D’Ottie, by Vivaldi

Lottie Fry with 13-year-old stallion Everdale

Owner: Van Olst Horses

Breeder: P Kluytmans (NED)

Breeding: by Lord Leatherdale out of Aliska K, by Negro

Lottie Fry with 11-year-old stallion Glamourdale

Owner: Van Olst Horses

Breeder: J Rodenburg (NED)

Breeding: by Lord Leatherdale out of Thuja, by Negro

Lottie Fry with 12-year-old gelding Lars Van De Hoenderheide (direct reserve)

Owner: Van Olst Horses

Breeder: Jan Slips (BEL)

Breeding: by Negro out of Taaika, by Layout

Andrew Gould with 10-year-old stallion Indigro

Owner: Tatiana Skillman

Breeder: J Deenen (NED)

Breeding: by Negro out of Pralina, by Jazz

Carl Hester with 14-year-old gelding En Vogue

Owner: Sandra Biddlecome, Charlotte Dujardin, Lady Anne Evans and Carl Hester

Breeder: A Van der Goor (NED)

Breeding: by Jazz out of Nicarla, by Contango

Carl Hester with 13-year-old stallion Fame

Owner: Fiona, Penny and Mette Bigwood and Anders Dahl

Breeder: VOF Gerritsen (NED)

Breeding: by Bordeaux out of Bonaventura, by Rhodium

Gareth Hughes with 17-year-old mare Classic Briolinca

Owner: Julia Hornig, Rebecca, Gareth and Ruby Hughes

Breeder: Febr van der Steen (NED)

Breeding: by Trento B out of Trolinca, by Royal Dance

Becky Moody with nine-year-old gelding Jagerbomb

Owner: Becky Moody

Breeder: Becky Moody (GBR)

Breeding: by Dante Weltino out of Udysee, by Jazz

Becky Moody and Jagerbomb in action at Hartpury CDI3* 2022 (Image credit: KEVIN SPARROW)

Two other reserve combinations have also announced:

Lewis Carrier with 15-year-old gelding Diego VOwner: Andrew, Helen and Lewis CarrierBreeder: E Janssen (NED)Breeding: by Spielberg out of Syrida A, by Welt Hit II

Emile Faurie with 12-year-old mare BellevueOwner: Diana Rose and Emile FaurieBreeder: H Heinen (GER)Breeding: by Bordeaux out of Bermuda, by Brentano II

Grooms for each horse have not yet been confirmed but will be included in the final team announcement in August.

Three of the silver medal-winning team from last year’s World Championships are among the nominated entries: Lottie Fry on Glamourdale, Charlotte Dujardin on Imhotep and Gareth Hughes on Classic Briolinca.

All three riders who won bronze for Britain at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 – Lottie, Charlotte and Carl Hester – also feature on the longlist, along with two horses from that team: Everdale and En Vogue.

But for two of the long-listed riders – Andrew Gould with Indigro and Becky Moody with her home-bred Jagerbomb – a call-up for the team would mean making their debut at a major senior championship.

Selection decisions are subject to riders and horses maintaining form and fitness, and the list of entries may be amended at any time before 4 August. The team of four will be revealed on or before 15 August.

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‘Carl Hester knew me as the boy in chaps and tassels’ – and 8 other things you never knew about Andrew Gould

Polly Bryan — Sat, 11 Feb 2023 16:32:44 +0000

Andrew Gould is a well-known name on the dressage scene. But it’s been in recent years that his career has ramped up considerably, with an influx of super horsepower into his string, including his London International Horse Show 2022 ride Indigro. We find out more about him, including some things you may not know…

1, Andrew Gould spent 30 years dreaming of riding at Olympia

“I’ve been going to Olympia to watch since I was 12, and it was always one of the shows I wanted to ride at,” says Andrew, 42. “But it felt like an unrealistic dream and there was always an element of disappointment to keep coming back home and not having the horses to get there.

“To get the letter to say I had been selected to ride at London International Horse Show in 2022 was amazing.”

2. As a child, he never wanted to do dressage

“I didn’t know what dressage was. I didn’t even know dressage existed beyond pink sheets at Pony Club,” chuckles Andrew. “I wanted to event, to be Ian Stark!”

3. He used to ride in a somewhat unconventional getup

“I didn’t have long boots and I used to wear chaps,” says Andrew of his first forays into dressage aged 12. “Around that time I had a lesson with Carl Hester, who had just come home from the Barcelona Olympics. He remembers me as the boy who used to wear long chaps with tassels down the side, because I wanted to be a cowboy.

“That’s how I had all my lessons. But then one day at [Andrew’s trainer] David Hunt’s yard, they cut off all my tassels. I was mortified!”

4. Despite being highly experienced, he still gets nervous

“I have to work on using my nerves to my advantage and to channel my adrenaline,” he explains. “I don’t like too many people around me [at shows]. I like to go back to the lorry and be on my own. If I can watch a few horses in the ring that gets me inspired, but then I like to be left alone to do my own thing before riding.”

5. He packs Polos for every show – but not for the horses

“I have to have Polos when I’m competing. I don’t like to take on fluids so my mouth gets quite dry,” he reveals. “My head girl Nat and I have a really good relationship and she understands me well. When she loads the lorry for shows, she knows to load my Polos.”

6. One of his horses has a famous son

The 13-year-old mare Amicella is destined to make her grand prix debut in 2023, but she is already a high-achiever: it wasn’t until after owner Mandy Crouch bought her as a four-year-old that it was discovered she’d had a foal via embryo transfer (ET) – and that that foal was Valverde, now one of the most exciting young breeding stallions in Europe. Amicella has since had several more foals via ET, and Andrew is excited for their future, as well as hers.

7. Andrew’s son Oli is already making headway in the sport

Oli is 17 years old and is committed to building his own dressage career, despite having only seriously taken up the sport during the 2020 lockdown. He’s competing internationally in juniors, and has competed at the national and winter championships up to advance medium level with Feiner Stern II.

Andrew is far from a pushy parent, though: “I’m still concentrating on me – I haven’t time to be pushy with Oli! His time will come and he’ll reap the benefits of experience, but he has to be patient and do the grafting part.”

8. But his other children are less likely to follow his path

Louis, 15, is into football and “would do anything other than come to the yard”, according to Andrew. Meanwhile four-year-old Ophelia has a Shetland pony and does mounted games at weekends, but prefers helping on the yard with feed buckets than actually riding.

“I think she’s more likely to go into theatre actually – she loves music and singing,” says Andrew.

9. Rugby was Andrew’s first sporting love

“I grew up in London so at school it was all about rugby, football and athletics,” he explains. “I was captain of the rugby team and I also did hurdles.

“Dressage was completely alien to my friends at school and it wasn’t easy when I started riding. But when I got accepted onto the British squad they thought it was kind of cool.”

Don’t miss our exclusive interview with Andrew Gould, out in the 9 February issue of H&H.

Pandemic purchases, defending champions and riders switching codes: who topped the NEXGEN finals 2022

Polly Bryan — Sat, 01 Oct 2022 12:02:22 +0000

This year’s NEXGEN finals took place at Hickstead, West Sussex, last week (22-23 September), and offered a fascinating showcase of young equine talent across the three Olympic disciplines, with plenty of worthy 2022 NEXGEN winners crowned. Check out the young horses you should be keeping an eye out for in years to come…

NEXGEN dressage winners 2022

Becky Moody was among the 2022 NEXGEN winners, landing the five-year-old dressage final with the very exciting Governor x Swarokski mare Magic Dream, who has already impressed judges in age classes this year.

“The first time I got on her, she spectacularly ditched me on the floor!” said Becky, explaining that the mare was bought from a video during the pandemic. “But since then, she’s never put a foot wrong.”

Meanwhile, Sadie Smith scored a decisive win in the seven-year-old dressage final riding the British-bred mare Swanmore Dantina, who was bred by Ben St John James, and is now owned by Sadie and Steve Reading. This is the Dante Weltino x Charatan daughter’s second consecutive NEXGEN title, having won the six-year-old final in 2021.

“She’s just getting better with age,” says Sadie. “She’s got an amazing temperament, so she’s very trainable and she loves the shows.”

Fiona Brennan and Leroy claimed the six-year-old dressage title, with a score of 8.42. Fiona rides the High Five US gelding for Adele Rawlinson and has produced him since he was a just-backed three-year-old.

“I’m so happy with him – I wasn’t expecting this at all,” said Fiona.

Mark Forrest won the four-year-old dressage final, riding the expressive Ivicii RMD to a score of 8.7 from judges Clive Halsall and Emmelie Scholtens. The Asgard’s Ibiza x Don Schufro son was bred by Rosie Moreton Deakin, who owned Ivicii’s dam, and she describes his temperament as “dreamy”.

Andrew Gould topped the inaugural NEXONE dressage final with Tatiana Skillman’s nine-year-old Negro x Jazz son Indigro. The pair scored 83.34%, including a nine for the potential and perspective collective, in this innovative class, showcasing rising stars that are further on in their training than those in the age classes.

NEXGEN showjumping winners 2022

Connie Gill rode Lizzie Bunn’s Billy Mojito to win the four-year-old showjumping final. The mare is by Billy Tudor and out of a mare by Dutch Capitol.

“She’s really straightforward and honest, and I felt that she was with me the whole way,” said Connie.

Connie Gill with Billy Mojito (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Another exciting young horse from the Billy Stud, the stallion Billy Pronto came out on top of the five-year-old showjumping final, ridden by David Simpson.

“He’s really beautiful to ride – I think we have a very exciting future ahead of us,” said David on the Billy Tudor son he has ridden only a handful of times. “I’m very impressed; I think he’s incredible.”

An event rider who finished sixth at the World Eventing Championships earlier this month won the NEXGEN six-year-old showjumping final. Gaspard Maksud rode Annabel Lewis-Gray’s Luxury B, who is by A Umonia Z and out of a Lux Z mare.

“She’s always quick on the clock,” explains Gaspard. “It’s nice to win these NEXGEN classes, because they’re quite competitive – and she’s a cracking mare.”

NEXGEN eventing winners 2022

The four-year-old eventing final went to Ellie Fredericks riding her mother Lucinda’s Upsi Britannia, with the judging panel of Frank Ostholt, Oliver Townend and Judy Hanock rewarding the Upsilon son’s gallop and cross-country technique.

“He might not be the flashiest on the flat, but he definitely brings it back for the cross-country – and he’s got an incredible gallop,” said Ellie, 18.

Ellie Fredericks with Upsi Britannia (Image credit: Samantha Chapman)

British-based Australian Sammi Birch came out on top of the six-year-old eventing championship riding Parkfield Breeding’s Parkfield Pumpkin, a son of Amiro Z. The gelding began eventing in April, but Sammi described the NEXGEN finals as his first big competition.

The NEXGEN five-year-old eventing title went to Sara Squires and Van Kaunitz.

Charlotte Dujardin’s former national champion makes winning return after three years away from competition

Polly Bryan — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 10:15:04 +0000

Hawtins San Floriana made her first competitive appearance in three years with Charlotte Dujardin. The elegant 10-year-old mare claimed convincing victories at advanced medium and prix st georges (PSG) at the Hartpury Premier League, part of the NAF Five Star Hartpury Festival of Dressage.

The precocious San Amour mare, whom Charlotte owns along with Carl Hester, enjoyed a stellar early career, winning national titles at novice, elementary and medium, as well as in age finals, then had some time out for breeding at Hawtins Stud.

At this, her first competition since July 2019, she not only won at advanced medium with over 78% but also topped her first ever PSG.

“I think she’d only done a handful, if that, of advanced mediums so I was really happy with her,” said Charlotte. “She got quite hot in the canter work, had a few little blips, but all in all, I was really happy. And then she did a really lovely, super advanced medium.”

As well as her wins with Hawtins San Floriana, Charlotte Dujardin also took the young horse PSG title with her own Alive And Kicking, though she had to withdraw her top horse Imhotep from the CDI3*.

While Charlotte is certainly no stranger to Premier League titles, it was a first for 14-year-old Ruby Hughes, as she took a PSG win on Extra Time (Hughie), the 13-year-old gelding owned by Lucy Amy on whom Ruby took the ride last year.

“Hughie is something else,” said Ruby. “He was impeccably well behaved as usual and I can’t believe we have done this together.”

‘The plan is to campaign him for Paris’

Andrew Gould made a winning grand prix debut on the talented stallion Indigro, who he bought with the Paris Olympics in mind.

The pair have only been together for three months, since he was bought from the Netherlands for Andrew by Max and Tatiana Skillman, and here the nine-year-old Negro stallion posted 73.46%.

“He is so honest and genuine. Around the arena he felt amazing, and I got the sense that he would be on board. I had a brilliant ride,” said Andrew. “He finds all the work relatively easy but he lacks the experience as he hasn’t done a lot of shows since he was six. He’s very capable but there is a big difference between knowing it and stringing it all together. I didn’t know what he is like in an atmosphere, but he seems to grow when he goes in the ring so he’s better in there than in the warm-up.”

The stunning black stallion, who was used for breeding as a youngster but will now focus solely on sport, does not appear to have a weakness, with a particular talent for piaffe-passage and the pirouettes.

“He’s got everything; that’s why we bought him. We had been looking for quite a while to find something, and when we went to see him he was by far the nicest, most genuine horse I had tried,” said Andrew. “The plan is to campaign him for Paris, for teams, so next year he will have to go out internationally and perform.”

Andrew also finished second in Wednesday’s inter II with Indigro, behind Gloucestershire-based German rider Kathleen Kröncke riding Uniteds Maerchen, a 12-year-old United mare who Kathleen bought shortly before relocating to the UK in 2020. They were third in the following day’s grand prix, with Anna Ross and Habouche slotting into second between Andrew and Kathleen.

This was only Kathleen and Uniteds Maerchen’s fourth show together.

“She is still green but she is improving at every show and getting stronger and better,” said Kathleen. “She’s a really cute mare.”

Dylan steps up

Alice Oppenheimer and the 11-year-old “pocket rocket” Headmore Dionysius (Dylan) were second into the arena in Sunday’s inter II and set an unassailable lead to win on 69.76%.

“Today was only his third go at inter II,” said Alice of Amanda Radford’s 15.3hh Dimaggio son, out of the Oppenheimers’ late, great broodmare Rubinsteena. “He has so much talent and ability.

“We need to occupy his brain. He might only be 16hh when he’s lit up, but as far as Dylan is concerned, he is the absolute man and knows everything all the time. He is a real little show-off. So the inter II makes him think, ‘This is a bit different,’ and it’s helped him listen a bit more to what I’m asking him to do.”

Lucinda Elliott continued her run of form with Hawtins Duchessa, claiming an inter I win with the 11-year-old Decamerone mare.

“She was feeling the heat a bit but we had a nice test with no major mistakes,” said Lucinda of the mare she described as “the queen of the yard”. “She knows she’s special and she loves to show off. You can really feel it when you ride her; she has this extravagant trot and canter, and she’s very brave too, and never spooky.”

Decamerone had another inter I winner in the shape of Fiona Brennan’s De Angelis II, while mares dominated at advanced medium. Becky Edwards took a win on Blue Hors Zack daughter Laerke Stensvang, and Rob Barker proved Christine Kirk’s seven-year-old Herbstrot is one to watch by achieving a 74.08% advanced medium victory. The pair were also third in a second advanced medium, behind Hawtins San Floriana and Charlotte Dujardin in first and Davey Harvey on Diamond Blue in second.

Rob has had “Herbie” for 18 months, but after six months out as Rob underwent surgery on his leg, the pair are still working on building their partnership.

“She is getting better every time out, and really I’m still just nursing her round,” he said. “She’s a really cool mare, with quite a hot temperament but very talented. I have a lot of chestnut mares and I’m always trying to defy the stamp they get but she does fit into it – she’s rather spicy.”

The Premier League also hosted youth classes at every level. Sofia Games and Steendieks Cadillac came out on top on the ponies, as the only ones in the field of 15 to break the 70% barrier, scoring 71.19% for the win. Violet Hawkins topped the children’s class with DZL Royal Sunrise, while Sophia Marston and E-Mail won in the junior ranks. Meanwhile Charlotte McDowell rode M Obarma to claim young rider victory.

‘I had goosebumps when I finished’: super stallion does the double at Hartpury CDI H&H Plus

Catherine Austen — Sun, 11 Jul 2021 21:24:01 +0000

Nikolas Kröncke repeated Saturday’s success in the NAF Five Star Hartpury CDI inter I with a win in the inter I freestyle on Sunday.

Riding the 11-year-old Fidertanz stallion Flanell, Nikolas had good reason to be delighted with his score of 77.98% in the freestyle – this was only the German’s second international show for 17 years – his first being Wellington CDI in May.

“It’s my first freestyle in ages, so I spent three hours locked up in the lorry listening to the music, and drilling it in so I knew where to go!” exclaimed the 38-year-old commodities broker. “He felt really amazing again. I had goosebumps, like yesterday, when I finished.

“It’s the best I’ve had him, by a mile. He’s a stallion, and he’s super-rideable, but he can be a little bit cautious, and he got into the arena and let me ride him. We went for it and it was a super feeling.”

Nikolas owns the talented chestnut Flanell with his wife, Kathleen, a professional dressage rider and daughter of Dolf-Dietram Keller. Nikolas had great success at under-21 level in Germany – and last rode at Hartpury when he won double gold at the Pony European Dressage Championships in 1997.

Andrew Gould and Tatiana Skillman’s handsome Zhivago stallion Genie have been on excellent form recently – taking the PSG winter national title the previous week – and Andrew delivered a freestyle mark of 76.39% to take second place.

He said: “I’m over the moon – that was probably the best ride I’ve had from the three days here. Maybe he was a bit tired, but he was relaxed in there and he does like music, in all fairness – he rises to it. He was on the music the whole way through – I couldn’t fault him.”

Third was Matt Frost on his own and Nicola Keenan’s nine-year-old mare Helga. The pair scored 75.43%.

“It’s a brand-new routine for her, which I’ve put together with Tom Hunt. It arrived last week and I’ve practised it once, so I was thrilled with her,” said Matt. “She had a little loss of concentration in some of the trot, but I’m delighted with the way she’s been all weekend. It’s her first international show and I couldn’t ask any more of her.”

Matt has been riding the Chagall mare for two years, and said that lockdown had helped them as he has been able to train her all the way to grand prix now.

“Nicola and I have a great family relationship with Helga, and long may it continue,” he said. “She knows she’s the business – she’s so confident, and sometimes she listens to me and sometimes she thinks she knows better, but I’d rather have a horse like that. She’s really talented at the grand prix work, so hopefully next year we’ll be out at that level, and I’ve got high expectations of her.”

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‘Pat the pony, kick the rider’: Millis takes it to the wire at NAF Five Star Hartpury CDI H&H Plus

Catherine Austen — Fri, 09 Jul 2021 17:06:41 +0000

Sarah Millis won the prix st georges (PSG) at the NAF Five Star Hartpury CDI by the narrowest of margins. Riding her own Impressive VDC, Sarah scored 72.94%. Andrew Gould was second with a mark of 72.91% on Genie, his PSG national winter champion from the previous week.

“It was very close!” said Sarah, who bought the Charmeur x Krack C eight-year-old from the Equine Elite auction in The Netherlands when he was two.

“I was super-pleased with him. I committed a silly rider error at the end of my extended canter – he can get quite onwards and in my last test I had to work hard to get him back, so I worked harder and he listened this time, but I over-collected and we lost the canter, and then the flying change. But pat the pony, kick the rider!”

This was only Impressive VDC’s second international competition. He qualified for the World Breeding Championships last year as a seven-year-old, but Covid meant that he and Sarah couldn’t travel there.

“He’s an amazing character, very intelligent and has learnt everything quickly,” she said. “He’s real fun – a bit of a big pony — and is showing super ability for the grand prix, as well. He’s been pretty straightforward all the way through – he can have his odd sharp moments, but you want some life and some character.

“The plan now is to build our confidence in the ring at this level, but then also the training for the grand prix. I’d like to do an international with him abroad this year, and just get a feel for how he is on those journeys, and work on the grand prix.”

Runner-up Andrew is enjoying a good run with Tatiana Skillman’s 10-year-old Zhivago stallion Genie, and said with a laugh: “That was a bit too close, wasn’t it? But it was still a great result with good scores. I came out of the test completely over the moon; he didn’t make any mistakes, he did some really good pirouettes and lateral work, and stayed really good in the frame, so I’m happy.”

Third was Rebecca Hughes, again not far behind with a score of 72.17% on her own, her husband Gareth’s and Julia Hornig’s 10-year-old Goldstrike LE.

“I’m really happy,” said Rebecca. “I actually fell off him at home two days ago. I’ve had him since he was three, and he just span on me and caught me off-guard. I was determined he wasn’t going to spin here, so I kicked a bit more, and that’s probably what I need to do in future!”

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The perfect dressage warm up: Andrew Gould’s ultimate guide

Aimi Clark — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 12:25:52 +0000

Do you struggle to get your horse working as well at a competition as he does at home? That effortless, relaxed feeling you know they are capable of can be mirrored in the dressage arena — you just have to hone your warm up routine.

Leading dressage rider Andrew Gould uses a tried and tested formula that gets results. Here are his top tips for creating your own effective warm-up plan, too.

1. Work as you would at home

“How you warm up shouldn’t really change from what you do at home,” advises Andrew. “But at an event you get caught up with people watching, other riders working around you and the pressure to perform. As a result, you change what you are doing and ride differently.”

Settling into a familiar pattern will help your horse — and you — relax and focus.

“The key is to keep what you’re doing along the same lines, as though you are at home.”

2. Know your horse

If your horse does his best work after 15 minutes of working in at home, use this as a guideline for how long to warm up at an event.

“Some horses are affected by the atmosphere and what’s going on around them, but even in that scenario less can be more,” says Andrew.

“Use smaller events to test warm-up times. You might get it wrong and do too little the first time, and then too much the next. Eventually you will find the right point and it will be beneficial in the long run.”

3. Consider a double warm-up

Horses that need more work might benefit from two or more shorter sessions, rather than a long warm-up immediately before the test.

“Older and more experienced horses will be better off going for a hack in the morning so that they can have a stretch and take in their surroundings without any pressure,” says Andrew. “Then they come out before the test and do a short warm-up that closely matches what you do at home.”

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4. Don’t overdo it

Like humans, horses start to ache, too. Therefore it is not productive to spend 30 minutes trotting and cantering a horse in a test outline, because by the time they enter the arena they will be tired.

“I see a lot of people riding their horses in a high, test outline in the warm-up,” says Andrew. “By the time they get into the arena the horse is shattered and trying to go on its forehand.

“Know the moment your horse is ready to come up into self-carriage and work backwards from that. I bring some of my horses up to the contact when the bell goes, but others will do this 10 minutes before.”

5. Is he forward or excited?

It is easy to think that a tense or excitable horse is working forward when he isn’t.

“A hot horse isn’t the same as a forward-thinking one,” explains Andrew. “The latter accepts the aids and that is vital. If a horse is so hot that you can’t touch it with your leg, it’s not thinking forward and you can’t ride a good test.”

6. Think three movements ahead

“You should know the test so well that you don’t have to think about it in the arena,” adds Andrew. “If you’re thinking about where to turn next you can’t ride boldly and forward, and that will cost marks.”

Andrew recommends being three movements ahead in your mind the whole way through the test.

“Snooker players line up three balls they want to pop and dressage is the same. Each movement sets up the next, so you must plan ahead.”

Why you won’t want to miss the H&H Festival of Dressage…

The Horse & Hound Festival of Dressage is a three-day unaffiliated competition featuring championship classes from intro to medium level, as well as warm-up and evening freestyle competitions. It is being held at Sheepgate Equestrian, Lincs on 20-22 July. There will be a prize fund of about £1,000 per level, including winners’ rugs and top-quality prizes. And as well as the dressage, competitors are invited to a drinks reception on the Friday, a hog roast on the Saturday and more evening entertainment, giving all the buzz of a stay-away championship. Find out more >>

Don’t miss this week’s dressage special issue of Horse & Hound magazine (23 March 2017), including our exclusive interview with Isabell Werth

Katie Price takes New! magazine to court over affair claims

Horse & Hound — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 15:51:37 +0000

Glamour model turned dressage enthusiast Katie Price is reportedly suing the publishers of New! after the magazine claimed she had had an affair with rider and trainer Andrew Gould.

In August the magazine, published by Northern and Shell, ran a photo of Katie kissing Andrew in a nightclub in Southend.

She claims that readers will have understood it to mean she was cheating on her husband Alex Reid, who she says was at the nightclub at the time — as well as Andrew’s wife Polly.

She claims the magazine misrepresented the photo and kiss was neither “intimate nor passionate”.

New! allegedly refused to apologise or retract and so Katie is seeking damages for false and unfounded defamatory allegation and an injunction banning repetition of the allegations.

Mare in foal to Totilas arrives with Andrew Gould

Amy Mathieson — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 16:05:30 +0000

A mare in foal to World Champion dressage horse Totilas has arrived at Andrew Gould’s West Sussex yard.

Babyface, a black four-year-old graded mare by UB40, was bought at the Equine Elite Auction in Holland in October for an undisclosed figure by Natasha Mitchell.

The horse arrived earlier this week and Andrew told H&H she has settled in well.

“She seem very happy,” he said. “She is a beautiful looking mare and I can’t wait to see what she produces — I am very excited. The foal is due on 28 April — which is also my oldest son’s birthday.”

But Andrew’s wife Polly tells H&H the rider has come down with swine flu.

“He is so ill poor thing. He missed Olympia on Wednesday night where he was meant to host a private box and also missed competing today (17 December) which was his last chance to qualify for some classes for the winter championships,” she said.

Dressage rider Andrew Gould stuck in Egypt due to volcanic ash

Amy Mathieson — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:12:16 +0000

Dressage rider Andrew Gould is stuck in Egypt after all flights were cancelled due to the volcanic ash.

Andrew is on holiday with his wife Polly and their two children, as well as Katie Price, who he trains, and her family.

“We were meant to come home today (Tuesday 20 April),” Polly told H&H. “But we have no idea how or when we’ll be able to get back to the UK — people are saying it could be weeks.

“We are looking into options at the moment and we are discussing finding a private charter with everyone at the resort, but that would cost about £1,000 each. We’re losing money every day as our insurance doesn’t cover natural disasters.

“We left for Egypt just after the Nationals for a nice easy break. We’ve had a lovely holiday out here with the kids, the weather’s been gorgeous and it’s been very relaxing but now Andrew’s anxious to get back to his horses and competition.

“It’s really stressful. We have grooms looking after the horses, they are all fine and it’s good for them to have a break but Andrew has shows coming up, his teaching commitments and the London Marathon on Sunday (25 April) and we just don’t know if he’ll be back.

“At this rate Andrew might have to start training camels!”

Lecture demo by Andrew Gould and Emily Llewellyn

Charlotte White — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:01:31 +0000

Supplements company Equine America is hosting a lecture demonstration evening with dressage rider Andrew Gould and event rider Emily Llewellyn to raise money for the Spinal Research Saddle Up Campaign.

The evening event will be held at Oldencraig Equestrian Centre on the 26 March and will include dressage and jumping demonstrations from both riders on a variety of horses.

There will also be a demonstration by Point Two Air Jackets and the chance to meet both riders.

All proceeds from the evening, including a raffle of horse products donated by a number of companies, and from the ticket sales, will go to support the Saddle Up Campaign, for which Andrew is an ambassador.

Andrew will also be running the London Marathon for the charity on 25 April.

Advance tickets are available until 19 March at £10 per person, and will be available on the night for £15.

For more information or to purchase tickets call Equine America on 01403 255809 or email kate@cortaflex.co.uk

KM Elite Products launches new Merino lambskin saddlecloth range

Amy Mathieson — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:51:46 +0000

A new range of Merino lambskin saddlecloths has been launched by equestrian products distributor KM Elite Products.

International dressage rider and trainer Andrew Gould will endorse the range.

Andrew has worked closely with West-Sussex KM Elite Products with the design process, providing help and ideas from a rider’s prospective.

The range is lined with 100% medicated Merino lambskin, which encourages muscle relaxation and improved blood circulation. Lambskin also wicks away sweat — keeping horses cool in summer and warm in winter

“I am very excited about launching this new lambskin product into the market place as it’s such good quality yet affordable to the customer,” said Karl Middleton, managing director of KM Elite Products

The new collection includes numnahs and sadldlecloths. They come in both plain and lined and in GP and dressage shape.

There is also a saddle pad that can be used with a saddlecloth.

The saddlecloth and numnah range have a strengthened girth strap protection area and double adjustable Velcro straps for ease of saddle fitting.

Other products in the range include grooming mitts, headstall sets, girth sleeves, seat savers and nosebands.

For more information visit: www.kmeliteproducts.co.uk

Katie Price says goodbye to another Andre

Horse & Hound — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:39:09 +0000

Former glamour model turned equestrian entrepreneur and dressage rider Katie Price has decided to sell one of her horses based with top rider and trainer Andrew Gould, Jordan’s Andre.

The tabloids reported this decision was influenced by her split from the man of the same name, Peter Andre, but dressage trainer Andrew Gould told Horse&Hound: “Andre’s still young [rising six] and Katie is keen to get out and compete so she’s decided to sell him and buy something much more experienced.

“This horse was always going to be a long-term project so it’s better she get something that’s done a bit more that she can ride now.”

Andrew rode the Dutch-bred gelding by Jazz to victory in a novice qualifier at Hickstead last April and qualified for the young horse finals at Hickstead in July.

Andrew Gould starts training for the London marathon

Horse & Hound — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:44:01 +0000

International dressage rider Andrew Gould faces a new challenge next year following confirmation of his place in the Virgin London Marathon.

“I am fairly fit from riding and playing football, but I don’t think I realise the pain ahead of me,” explained Andrew, who also trains Katie Price.

Andrew will be training with fellow rider Daniel Timson: “Living only around the corner from each other, we should be able to train together — pounding the pavements of Billingshurst and beyond!”

The dressage rider and trainer is raising money for Spinal Research, a charity dedicated to researching spinal cord repair and finding a cure for paralysis. He is currently an ambassador for their , which focuses on helping riders who have suffered serious injuries.

“I know that riding is a high risk sport whether you hack or compete at a high level in a discipline.

“I have had many falls in my career but luckily have walked away without long-term injuries.

“Plenty of people are not so lucky and it’s them I am running for. To get them walking again and back on a horse.”

Last October, Andrew took part in a charity flat race at Goodwood racecourse in aid of Spinal Research.

If you want to donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/andrewpgould

Andrew Gould attends Katie Price book signing dressed in drag

Horse & Hound — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:11:48 +0000

Top dressage rider Andrew Gould appeared at his pupil Katie Price’s latest photo call and book signing in London’s Selfridges yesterday — dressed in drag.

Andrew Gould was kitted out in a fuchsia pink velour hot pants and midriff-baring t-shirt combo from Katie Price’s equestrian clothing range, finished off with knee-high socks and pink heels. His make-up and a dark wig with plaited bunches in pink ribbons completed the look.

Andrew was the only rider recruited for this role, along with Katie’s boyfriend Alex Reid, her brother and another friend, who all donned outfits that the model has famously worn throughout her career.

Andrew became tabloid fodder when romantically linked to Katie Price earlier this year. He denied the aspersions and mocked the rumours with a tongue-in-cheek photo shoot for OK magazine in September — a shoot that also featured Andrew’s wife Polly.

What do you think? Discuss in the H&H forum

Katie Price: “It was my marriage or my horses”

Horse & Hound — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:24:52 +0000

The relationship between former glamour model Katie Price and dressage rider Andrew Gould has come under the spotlight once again, after Katie admitted that her marriage to pop singer Peter Andre did end because of him.

In an interview with OK magazine, Katie said that pop singer Andre gave her an ultimatum to move her horses from the trainer’s yard, or their marriage was over.

“I looked into [moving] somewhere else but I thought, hang on, why should I have to move my horses?” Katie told OK.

“It basically got to the point where it was my marriage or my horses.”

When questioned about Peter Andre’s jealousy over their relationship, Andrew told OK he thought it stemmed from Andre never being involved with Katie’s passion for dressage.

“I don’t think he was that interested in Katie’s riding, and then because he was never involved, his imagination ran wild,” said Andrew.

Andrew’s wife, Polly, also took part in the interview and was even photographed with the pair in a raunchy photo shoot — inspired by Jilly Cooper’s saucy novel Riders.

But despite the Goulds apparent willingness to laugh off the affair accusations that were circulating earlier in the year, both acknowledged that it was difficult receiving so much media attention.

“It put a lot of strain on our relationship at that time,” admitted Andrew.

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Katie Price will be signing autographs at HOYS next month

Horse & Hound — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:32:44 +0000

Katie Price will be signing autographs at the Horse of the Year Show.

The dressage-mad former glamour girl — previously known as Jordan — will be at HOYS on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 October.

Katie Price will be taking part in the signings to promote her range of equestrian clothing, KP Equestrian.

Katie has recently splashed out on a new dressage horse from Holland, which is stabled at her trainer Andrew Gould’s yard.

In this week’s edition of Ok! magazine, Kate — aka Jordan — has revealed she chose horses over Peter Andre, when her former husband gave her an ultimatum.

Katie Price said Peter asked her to choose, following bouts of jealousy over her relationship with Andrew Gould, the Sussex-based international dressage rider and trainer.

To buy tickets to HOYS, visit www.hoys.co.uk

Katie Price sets her sights on a new dressage horse

Horse & Hound — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:22:13 +0000

Katie Price has her eyes on a new dressage horse — from the Netherlands.

The horse-mad former glamour girl travelled to a Dutch yard last week to try the horse with her trainer, the international dressage rider Andrew Gould.

Andrew told H&H: “The horse hasn’t been vetted yet, so she hasn’t bought it just yet — but we’ll let you know when it is confirmed.”

Andrew laughed when told that bloggers have said the horse cost £150,000 and is to be called Cross Dresser.

In January, Katie bought a full brother of Carl Hester’s former dressage horse, Escapado. The eight-year-old gelding, called Jordan’s Pretty Boy, is based with Andrew Gould in West Sussex.

Katie has long been a keen dressage rider, and made her competition debut at Hickstead last June.

Katie Price marriage break-up: Andrew Gould denies affair claims

Horse & Hound — Thu, 14 May 2009 13:00:32 +0000

Andrew Gould faces a tabloid frenzy when he returns to riding and teaching tomorrow morning following a family holiday in Spain.

The British media linked the international dressage rider to pupil Katie Price after it emerged he was among the group of friends partying in Bristol post-Badminton on Friday night. Andrew’s wife, Polly, was also out that night.

Andrew has strongly denied any rumours of an affair, stating: “There has never been or ever will be any romantic involvement.”

Andrew told Horse&Hound: “I’m looking forward to getting back to work and getting on with life as normal.”

This may not be so easy, with paparazzi camped outside his yard and the chance of reporter intrusion, but Andrew told H&H: “The horses are all fine, nobody can get into our yard. I’ve got lessons booked in tomorrow morning and will carry on teaching and riding as planned.”

Andrew also still intends to contest an open novice event at Mattingley, Hampshire, on 22 May riding Loughnatousa Iceman. He recently took up eventing — a sideline to his dressage career — finishing second at Hambledon on 24 April.

“I’m definitely still going to Mattingley, I’m all geared up for that and there’s no way I’m not going to get out and compete,” Andrew told H&H.

Dressage rider Andrew Gould turns his hand to eventing

Horse & Hound — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 10:45:54 +0000

Well-known dressage rider Andrew Gould is to turn his hand to eventing this season — something he hasn’t competed in since he was 12 years-old at Pony Club.

A member of five consecutive GB European dressage teams, the fifth ranked rider by British Dressage in the Small Tour Rankings in 2007 and famously dressage instructor to Katie Price aka Jordan, Andrew won’t be neglecting dressage — just looking for a new challenge.

The opportunity arose when one of Andrew’s pupils, Jonathan Clarke, gave him the ride on the 17.1hh 11 year-old Irish bred gelding Loughnatousa Iceman.

They will be competing at pre-novice and novice level this season.

Andrew said he was excited at the prospect of getting to grips with eventing: “I thought to myself I can do this, I’d like to have a go.

“I wanted a new challenge for this year and I have a few horses that I don’t want to debut in the dressage ring until next year. Therefore I felt this the perfect time for me to have some fun eventing.

“I don’t have any aspirations, but obviously I am a naturally competitive rider so I will want to do well – at least in the dressage phase! ‘Ice’ is such a lovely horse and is very experienced, so I am hoping he will teach me lots.”

Andrew Gould, British dressage rider

Horse & Hound — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:25:37 +0000

Latest Andrew Gould news and reports

Andrew Gould is married to Polly with two children — Oliver and Louis — and lives in West Sussex. He started riding aged eight on a Shetland pony called Miss Ellie along with his brother and cousins, as both his mother and aunt rode.

In these early days, he was a member of Bisley Hunt Pony Club and Chobham Riding Club. At 13, he started riding Koffee Break, training him up to grand prix level. The pair were on five consecutive British European teams as under 21s and won a team bronze medal in 2000.

In 2006 Andrew had numerous wins and placings at small tour level, both nationally and internationally, riding Numero Uno and Cadre Noir, and by 2007 he was ranked fifth in the British Dressage small tour rankings.

At the 2006 winter national dressage championships Andrew took the two top titles riding Numero Uno — the prix st georges and intermediaire music championships. From 2005 to 2008, Andrew was on the World Class Potential squad.

Andrew has been training Katie Price since she became interested in dressage and accompanied her in a dressage demonstration at HOYS 2008. Katie’s horses are based with Andrew.

Andrew Gould videos

10 things you never knew about Andrew Gould

1) He thinks seeing a single magpie is a bad omen

2) He collects DVDs — he has over 250

3) If he could own any horse in the world it would be Laura Bechtolsheimer’s Mistral Hojris

4) He won his first rosette at Sheild Show, Sunbury, Middlesex in a gymkhana

5) He’s fallen off in a test twice, though both times the horse fell so, technically, he didn’t fall off

6) The late Nick Williams once wrote on his test sheet, “Not my kind of music, but well suited to your character” — it was Lou Vega’s Mambo No5

7) Andrew supports Liverpool FC and plays football once a week

8) Steak is his favourite food, medium rare with chips

9) He couldn’t live without his Prestige D1 saddle

10) Spooks and Hustle are his favourite TV shows

Andrew Gould photos

Visit Andrew Gould’s website

Equestrian celebrities star in charity polo day

Horse & Hound — Tue, 22 May 2007 17:50:45 +0000

Blue Peter presenter and Only Fools on Horses star Matt Baker (pictured), dressage riders Andrew Gould and Dane Rawlins, racehorse trainer Charlie Mann and Horse & Hound Editor Lucy Higginson are among the participants of a Charity Polo Day taking place at Hurtwood Park Polo Club, Ewhurst Green, Nr Cranleigh, Surrey on Sunday 3 June.

Grouped with proficient polo players including Hurtwood’s owner (and former drummer for The Who) Kenney Jones and Jodie Kidd, these polo virgins will do battle in aid of the Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund. If their equestrian pride is not by then completely destroyed, Pony Club-style mounted games will follow later in the afternoon.

There will be a fun fair for children, trade stands, plus Pimms and Champagne bars. Gates open from 11am, with a dressage display at 2pm, the Celebrity Polo match at 3pm and mounted games at 4.50pm. A picnic car pass (for a car plus up to five passengers) costs £30.

For more information visit: www.mdirf.co.uk

Midlands winter regional dressage championships

Horse & Hound — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 10:55:11 +0000

Garry Williams headed both sections of the Blue Chip Feed Balancer Novice Open on Showmaker and GDH Flashdance at Addington Manor, reports Ruth Pearce. Gareth Hughes dominated the Equine Herbals Elementary Open winning with Duvie and finished second on Timlei.

Trudie Knight and Florentine II clinched the Biotal Equine Gold Medium Restricted, while Damian Hallam took the open equivalent on Team Berkeley’s Epic. One-horse owner Nikki Crisp clinched the Speedi-Beet Advanced Medium on Pasoa.

Andrew Gould and Ultra Jazz led the Bailey’s Horse Feeds Novice Music, while Roland Tong and Lord Of The Rings took the Equissage Elementary Music and finished second in the medium music. Katie Bailey and Adrian Alfarvad produced won the Nupafeed Advanced Medium Music.

The Blue Chip Feed Balancer Novice Restricted went to Daniel Henson and Land Vision. Molly Johnstone and Trident Hazy Daze won the Horsense Saddlers Preliminary, while Katerina Cox and Maserati 12 triumphed in the Equine Herbals Elementary Restricted.

Read this report in full with photos and further analysis, plus reports from other elite dressage competitions around Britain, in this Thursday’s Horse & Hound (1 March, ’07)

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Lewis Carrier with 15-year-old gelding Diego VOwner: Andrew, Helen and Lewis CarrierBreeder: E Janssen (NED)Breeding: by Spielberg out of Syrida A, by Welt Hit II

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Grooms for each horse have not yet been confirmed but will be included in the final team announcement in August.

Three of the silver medal-winning team from last year’s World Championships are among the nominated entries: Lottie Fry on Glamourdale, Charlotte Dujardin on Imhotep and Gareth Hughes on Classic Briolinca.

All three riders who won bronze for Britain at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 – Lottie, Charlotte and Carl Hester – also feature on the longlist, along with two horses from that team: Everdale and En Vogue.

But for two of the long-listed riders – Andrew Gould with Indigro and Becky Moody with her home-bred Jagerbomb – a call-up for the team would mean making their debut at a major senior championship.

Selection decisions are subject to riders and horses maintaining form and fitness, and the list of entries may be amended at any time before 4 August. The team of four will be revealed on or before 15 August.

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9. Rugby was Andrew’s first sporting love

“I grew up in London so at school it was all about rugby, football and athletics,” he explains. “I was captain of the rugby team and I also did hurdles.

“Dressage was completely alien to my friends at school and it wasn’t easy when I started riding. But when I got accepted onto the British squad they thought it was kind of cool.”

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“Older and more experienced horses will be better off going for a hack in the morning so that they can have a stretch and take in their surroundings without any pressure,” says Andrew. “Then they come out before the test and do a short warm-up that closely matches what you do at home.”

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