Latest from Horse & Hound in Annabella-pidgley

‘I plan to enjoy every moment’: Annabella Pidgley and Pumpkin make World Cup debut and look ahead to the future

Becky Murray — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 15:41:47 +0000

Annabella Pidgley and her European gold medallist Gio have made their World Cup debut.

The pair finished seventh in the Neumunster grand prix in Germany on Saturday (14 February), scoring 70.70%. The class was won by Belgium’s Justin Verboomen and rising star Djembe De Hus Old, who scored 76.83%.

Annabella told H&H the test “felt amazing”.

“Since ‘Pumpkin’ moved to Denmark he just feels better and better. He is in really top shape at the moment and brings so much power into the ring,” she said.

“He is my horse of a lifetime and to have all these first special experiences with him means everything to me. He’s the best.”

Gio spent much of 2025 in the UK while Annabella was in Denmark, which Annabella had said was owing to her plan to focus on Vamos Amigos for the season. He has since joined her and the pair last competed at the Aarhus CDI3* in December, where they were second in both the grand prix and special, with +71% scores.

“He’s settled in so well. Coming from my quiet home set-up, you never know how they’ll be but he absolutely loves it,” said Annabella.

“I think he’s the smallest horse we have at Helgstrand, but he thinks he’s the king of the place. He is so fresh at the moment and the vibrant and energetic atmosphere suits him well.”

Aarhus was Annabella and Gio’s only competition of 2025 and their first since the young rider and U25 European Championships at St Margarethen, Austria, in July 2024. The pair were part of the under-25 team that came fourth, and won individual silver and freestyle gold.

Looking ahead, 21-year-old Annabella said Pumpkin will have another international outing soon.

“My plan is to have fun, gain experience and most importantly listen to what Pumpkin feels ready for. He is such a show horse and loves to be the centre of attention at the big shows so I can’t wait to enter more big arenas with him,” said Annabella.

“I plan to enjoy every moment. I would love to gain more experience in the senior classes and he teaches me so much. I have very exciting young horses and I think it’s so special to be able to do these big shows with Pumpkin to gain the experience and take everything I’m learning to use in my training with the younger horses.”

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‘I miss him deeply – and look forward to having him with me again’: Annabella Pidgley shares Gio update

Becky Murray — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 16:39:12 +0000

Young dressage rider Annabella Pidgley has shared an update on her European medallist Gio, aka Pumpkin, who has not been out competing since last summer.

Annabella, 20, and the 14-year-old Apache gelding’s most recent outing together was at the young rider and U25 Europeans at St Margarethen, Austria, in July 2024. They were part of the under-25 team that came fourth, and won individual gold in the freestyle and silver in the grand prix.

On Sunday (8 June) Annabella, who is now based in Denmark, said she had been back in the UK, where Pumpkin remains.

“So happy to steal a ride on my main boy while I am home for a few days. Many people have been asking if Pumpkin is okay and he is doing super well,” she said.

“I always try to put him first; making the move to Denmark was a huge change for me, and I wanted to be sure everything was in place before bringing this special boy over. Since I’d already planned to focus on Vamos [Amigos] for this season, there was no rush to travel Pumpkin over.”

Annabella added that Pumpkin has “been in the best hands at home surrounded by people who love and care for him, which gives me real peace of mind”.

“That said, I miss him deeply – and I’m so looking forward to having him with me again after this busy summer of competitions,” she said.

Annabella and Vamos Amigos enjoyed a double win on their last outing, the Aalborg CDIU25, Denmark, where they topped the grand prix and the freestyle.

This month Annabella said her record-breaking six-time championship medallist Espe had been sold to Australia to be campaigned by 14-year-old Abby Weel.

Annabella said the time had come to find the 11-year-old mare “a new home and to teach another young girl with big dreams just how she did with me”.

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‘She was a once-in-a-lifetime horse for me’: one of Britain’s most successful team horses sold to Australia

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‘She was a once-in-a-lifetime horse for me’: one of Britain’s most successful team horses sold to Australia

Oscar Williams — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 11:38:36 +0000

Espe, the record-breaking six-time championship medallist ridden by Annabella Pidgley, has been sold to Australia as a new partner for 14-year-old Abby Weel.

The 11-year-old Escolar mare made history with Annabella as the first British combination to win an individual medal at the young rider European Championships, where they claimed double gold in 2023. Their performance also marked Britain’s first youth gold since Phoebe Peters’ double pony title in 2015.

Annabella’s double gold followed team bronze at the same championships, and built on their strong record at the 2022 junior Europeans, where they secured team bronze, individual bronze and freestyle silver.

Having won six medals across two seasons, Espe leaves as British Dressage’s second-most successful youth horse, behind only St Lucci.

“The time has come for Espe to find a new home and to teach another young girl with big dreams just how she did with me,” Annabella said. “I couldn’t be happier to know she has gone to the best home with Abby in Australia.

“I can’t wait to follow their journey together and to see all the amazing things they will achieve.”

Espe was bred by Hedda Droege, who produced her lightly as a young horse in Germany. In 2019, she was sold to Andreas Helgstrand and Stutteri EVO and partnered with Eva Möller.

That year, she reached the final at the World Young Horse Championships in Ermelo, placing 11th, and was seventh in the Bundeschampionate final.

Later in 2019, she moved to Helgstrand Dressage in Denmark and was sold to Tony and Sarah Pidgley.

Espe was initially trained by Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour, who competed her nationally in 2020 and 2021, before she handed over the reins to Annabella.

Alongside their medal success, Annabella and Espe notched up 23 international victories, two national titles, and held the world number one ranking in the young rider division for several months.

Espe’s final outing was at Wellington Premier League in June 2024, as Annabella stepped up to under-25 grand prix level at the European Championships – winning individual silver and freestyle gold on Charlotte Dujardin’s double Olympic bronze medal-winning ride, Gio.

“Espe was a once-in-a-lifetime horse for me, and to be able to share this with another young rider makes my heart happy,” Annabella said.

“I will, of course, miss her and her cute, happy face in the stable every day. This was a very sad goodbye, but knowing she will continue to do what she loves, competing in the junior and young rider classes, is more than I could ever ask for.”

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‘It’s such an honour’: European individual gold as Britain’s next generation impresses

Oscar Williams — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 14:59:09 +0000

After becoming the first British rider ever to win an individual medal at the young rider European Dressage Championships last year, Annabella Pidgley made the step up to under-25 grand prix look effortless at this year’s European Champions in St Margarethen, Austria, winning individual silver and freestyle gold on Charlotte Dujardin’s double Olympic bronze medal-winning ride, Gio.

In the short grand prix which decided the individual competition, the margin between Annabella and Denmark’s Sophia Ludvigsen, who won on Blue Hors Quintana, was incredibly close, with less than 0.1% separating them.

But Annabella stormed her first-ever freestyle with Gio – or Pumpkin as he is known at home – winning on 79.52%. German combination Helen Erbe and Carlos FRH recovered from a disappointing individual test to place second on 78.08%, while Sophia was third on 77.99%.

Annabella Pidgley wins European gold in the under-25 freestyle at St. Margarethen, Austria. (Image credit: Lukasz Kowalski)

“The last day was very special, as Charlotte let me ride her freestyle from Tokyo – it was such an honour,” said Annabella, who was last into the arena.

“I watched Helen and knew I had to ride really well. But I love that intensity, and having an amazing dancing partner like Pumpkin really raised my game.

“The freestyle has a high degree of difficulty, but Pumpkin knew where he was going and really brought some energy. Everything that Charlotte has taught him, he’s now teaching me – he’s incredible.”

Alongside Jessie McConkey (Dior III), Angus Corrie-Deane (Jack Johnson 2) and Anna Jesty (Commodore Platinum), Annabella was also part of the British under-25 team that finished just shy of the podium in fourth.

Chef d’equipe, Tom Hobday said: “All of them did a cracking job.”

Young riders take team bronze

The British young rider team of Isobel Lickley (Nymphenburg’s First Ampere), Oliver Gould (Virtue), India Durman-Mills (Escade) and Hermione Tottman (Exquisite) won team bronze – successfully defending the historic title they won last year.

The bronze medal-winning young rider team of Isobel Lickley, India Durman-Mills, Hermione Tottman and Oliver Gould. (Image credit: Lukasz Kowalski)

A medal was not necessarily on the cards, explained British Dressage’s international director Judy Harvey.

“Germany has huge strength and depth at this level, so their win was not unexpected,” she said.

“But looking at our scores, compared with others, statistically we weren’t that strong. Our riders really upped their game. They proved they can compete against the best in Europe, get their game faces on and keep that focus. It’s very exciting for the future.”

Best of the Brits in the team placings was Isobel, who stood 10th in the 64-strong field on a personal-best 70.2%.

Pathfinder Hermione Tottman scored 65.2% on her championship debut while Oliver and last-to-go India tied for 12th place in the team placings with 70.05%.

“The pressure was on so we went for a nice, clean test,” said India, for whom this was a third European Championships medal with the experienced Escade in as many years. “But I enjoyed being the final rider – pressure makes diamonds!”

Oliver scored personal bests in all three tests and was the overall highest-scoring British rider in the division, finishing fifth in the individual competition (72.06%) and seventh in the freestyle (75.09%).

“Achieving three personal bests in three tests at the Europeans – it doesn’t get much better,” he said. “We’ve been chasing 70% all year, so to get that in the team test was huge. I couldn’t have asked for more – a year’s worth of training came together in the arena.”

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‘I’m gaining a better understanding of my horses’: Annabella Pidgley’s gap year plans – and why she can’t wait to compete Pumpkin

Polly Bryan — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 15:32:23 +0000

Being a top dressage rider, no matter how experienced your horses might be, requires a huge level of commitment. This is something that Annabella Pidgley knows very well.

The 18-year-old only made her grand prix debut last October, but has already made her mark on the senior circuit, while continuing to compete in young riders as well.

2023 has been a bumper year for her – making her Nations Cup team debut for Britain at Compiègne and Aachen, riding Vamos Amigos, as well as winning double individual gold at the young rider Europeans on Espe. She enjoyed success at the recent National Dressage Championships too, winning the prix st georges freestyle and young rider titles.

Earlier this year, Annabella finished her international baccalaureate (IB) exams, gaining top marks. It’s meant the summer marked an end to the struggle of juggling training and competing with a rigorous study schedule. At least, for now, anyway.

“I have a place at King’s College in London to study business management, but with a deferred entry,” said Annabella, who has now embarked on a gap year in which she intends to ride and compete full time.

“Doing the IB was really demanding. I didn’t want to go back to studying without taking the time out to focus on riding at a stage where there is not so much pressure. I want to see if riding is something I want to do full-time in future, or whether I want to pursue a career in something else.”

Since finishing her exams, Annabella’s life has been filled with competitions, but she is now settling into her gap year routine. She says she is putting a lot more time and focus into her own strength and fitness now she has the time to dedicate to it, and is already seeing the effects.

“I feel so much stronger now, and more confident on my horses. I know I’m doing the most I can to improve myself and mentally that really helps,” she says.

Annabella starts her day with a cardio session on her spin bike, before riding throughout the morning and heading to the gym in the afternoon for strength training.

“I had to give up gym work when I was at school as I didn’t have the time or the energy to cope with it alongside studying and riding,” said Annabella.

She heads back to the horses in the afternoon and evening to help with the yard work, and says that she loves having the chance to spend more time with the horses.

“My favourite thing is grooming and just being with them, giving them that special attention. They have physio exercises and stretches that I like to do with them, and it’s good to see how their bodies move when I’m not on them.

“It’s also nice to be around to have conversations with the vet, farrier, dentist and physio and gain more of an all-round understanding of them.”

Annabella Pidgley: ‘Pumpkin is really well at home’

Annabella Pidgley riding Gio. (Image credit: TANJA_DAVIS)

Annabella currently has six horses in, with Vamos Amigos and Espe having been her main focus this summer. But she’s looking forward to getting Gio, also known as Pumpkin, back out at grand prix level over the winter.

The pair made a fantastic start to their international career together, gaining a double win at grand pix at Addington CDI in March, and have training at home over the summer.

“Pumpkin is doing really well at home. I didn’t have time to campaign all of them over the summer; I wanted to do young riders with Espe as it might be my last chance at young riders if I step up to under-25s next year. And I’ve been trying to gain experience with Vamos at grand prix,” she says.

“I didn’t have time to compete three horses at internationals – I was already having to study in between tests at shows as it was. So I decided to save Pumpkin for when I had enough time to properly focus on him.”

Annabella says that although she hasn’t planned out her winter season yet, Pumpkin will definitely be a part of it.

“Competing at London International Horse Show has always been a dream of mine,” says Annabella. “But we’ll see – it’s important to plan what’s best for both you and the horse, not just you.”

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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.

European championship riders on a roll in National Dressage Championships youth classes

Alex Robinson — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 13:20:50 +0000

European team riders continued their stunning form on home soil to take top honours in the Rotheras Under 21 Championships at the LeMieux National Dressage Championships.

Annabella Pidgley and her nine-year-old mare Espe finished top of the young riders class, on a score of 74.2%. This is their second title of the week, having already taken the prix st georges gold freestyle title.

“I’ve learnt to appreciate the improvements as they come,” said Annabella, who won double gold at the Europeans on Espe earlier this season. “We’ve had Espe since she was six. To see the development of this mare from then to now, when she is winning all over Europe, has been amazing.”

Annabella is currently riding full-time. She has been offered a place at King’s College London to study business but she has deferred a year to focus on horses: “I took a gap year to be a real athlete and spend time improving myself as a rider through every lens that I possibly can, including gym work and nutrition, now that I don’t have school. I want to do the yard work and spend as much time as I possibly can with the horses.”

Fellow 2023 Europeans competitor Abigail Gray, 15, topped the pony championship at the National Dressage Championships with British-bred grey George Clooney B.S on a score of 74.5%.

“My highlight was getting a nine for my last halt,” said Aberdeenshire-based Abigail, who is in her first season with 12-year-old George, who was previously competed by Mette Dahl. “My extended canter also felt really fun today. He’s such a wonderful pony and I’m so lucky to have him.

“He has a big canter so that has taken some time to get used to. George is a very nice person, but he can be cheeky when it comes to food!”

The National Dressage Championships children-on-horses title went to Darcey Blaze Marcus and Tackmann’s Dark Deluxe (76.8%) while top of the junior field was Sophie Wallace and First Light (72.1%).

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‘Charlotte Dujardin has helped our bond’: Annabella Pidgley reassures ‘spicy’ mare to win at nationals

Alex Robinson — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 17:51:14 +0000

At the LeMieux National Dressage Championships, Annabella Pidgley and the fabulous Espe continued their stunning run to lift the Fairfax Saddles prix st georges (PSG) freestyle gold title on 75%.

The gold medal-winning young rider was on a mission to ensure the nine-year-old Escolar mare, who is owned by Annabella’s mother Sarah, had an improved run at Somerford Park after she had to be retired from the arena last year.

“She’s always hot and spicy at Somerford,” Annabella said. “She really feels the atmosphere here. She was a bit naughty ahead of my test today, but she soon listened to me once I’d actually entered the arena. She’s actually really fun to ride when she’s excited as she always brings that energy

“Everything is a highlight with her as she’s so expressive. She’s on fire at the moment and today her extended trots were so powerful.”

Yesterday at the National Dressage Championships, Annabella Pidgley and Espe finished seventh in the straight Fairfax Saddles PSG gold, which was won by her mentor Charlotte Dujardin.

“She got scared of the crowd during our first halt,” Annabella explained. “But, I was proud of how I managed to reassure her. I turned her around, went back up the centre line and we did a really nice test. We’ve now got the confidence in our partnership to keep going and get a big score of 72%, even with an error like that at the beginning. So I was over the moon.”

Annabella was quick to credit Charlotte’s training and help over the past year: “Charlotte has helped us cement our partnership. Last year, Espe lit up in the arena. I just couldn’t keep her power under control and we had to retire. To come back this year with the same power and actually score what we did speaks to Charlotte’s training.

“Not only does Charlotte train the technicalities and the movements but she brings the bond together with the horse. The improvement from last year is a win in itself; that’s all I can ask for. We’ve stepped up a level this year, too, into the PSG which is a big ask for such a young horse. This has been the best end to the amazing season we’ve had together.”

Charlotte herself enjoyed a second win in a row on Peter Belshaw’s mare Times Kismet in the Saracen Horse Feeds inter I gold championship.

British rider makes history by being crowned double European champion

Polly Bryan — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 11:07:19 +0000

Annabella Pidgley has become the first British rider ever to win an individual medal at the Dressage European Championships for Young Riders – by claiming double gold in Hungary over the weekend (15-16 July).

The 18-year-old rode her mother Sarah’s nine-year-old Escolar mare Espe to two huge personal best scores as they secured both the individual and freestyle gold medals.

Annabella’s double gold came off the back of the British team winning the first British young rider team medal since 2005, as Annabella joined Lily Laughton (Skovborgs Romadinov), India Durman-Mills (Escade) and Jessie McConkey (Lady Gaga) to claim a brilliant bronze.

Britain finished closely behind Denmark in gold and Germany in silver, with Annabella’s trainer Charlotte Dujardin joining them out in Hungary.

The bronze medal-winning young rider team of Lily Laughton, Annabella Pidgley, Jessie McConkey and India Durman-Mills, pictured with Charlotte Dujardin and baby Isabella. (Image credit: Lukasz Kowalski)

Annabella finished top of the leaderboard individually in the team test and duly completed a clean sweep over the course of the weekend. She and Espe scored 76.94% for their individual test to knock Germany’s Valentina Pistner and Flamboyant OLD into silver, and leaving her “simply speechless”.

Jessie and Lady Gaga finished 13th, with India 18th and Lily 19th for Britain.

A new personal best for Annabella Pidgley and Espe

A day later, Annabella and Espe recreated their magic once again, breaking the 80% barrier for the first time in their partnership to lay down an unbeatable score of 80.5%.

Taking freestyle silver was Annabella’s boyfriend, Denmark’s Alexander Helgstrand, son of Andreas Helgstrand, riding Belantis. Jessie also secured a top-10 finish for Britain, in ninth, with India 15th.

Annabella Pidgley and Espe en route to winning double gold at the young rider Europeans 2023. (Image credit: Lukasz Kowalski)

“Double European champion… Espe did it again and got the gold in the freestyle today here in Hungary, against a brilliant field of riders,” said Annabella. “I could not have imagined we would have these results here at the Europeans in our first year at young riders, but she deserves it all.

“She’s such an incredible mare with a beautiful heart and I’m so grateful to her for being so amazing over the last week,” added Annabella of Espe.

“Thank you to my team, family, Charlotte, my sponsors and all who have supported me from home. Thank you also to my Team GB teammates.”

This is not the first time Annabella has made history for British dressage – in 2021 she became the first British rider to claim an individual podium place at the junior Europeans, when she won double silver on Sultan Des Paluds. Riding Espe, she added more medals to her haul in 2022 when they led the British junior team to silver and also scooped individual silver and bronze.

This is Annabella’s first year in young riders, and with these medals she has become the first British rider to win gold in any youth (under-21) section since Phoebe Peters took double gold at the pony Europeans in 2015.

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Trio of British gold medallists make up top-class team for Aachen Nations Cup

Polly Bryan — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 14:22:21 +0000

Three Olympic medallists are among the hugely exciting quartet that will make up the British team for the CHIO Aachen dressage Nations Cup this month.

Charlotte Dujardin will return to compete at the prestigious German venue for the first time since 2019, riding her World Dressage Championships team medallist Imhotep. The pair will head to Germany fresh from their double win at Wellington CDI3* last week, where they broke the 80% barrier in the grand prix and the grand pix special for the first time.

Charlotte will be joined on the British team at CHIO Aachen by the world champion and current world number two, Lottie Fry, who will ride her Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist Everdale. Lottie and the 14-year-old Lord Leatherdale stallion Everdale were Britain’s top scorers at last year’s CHIO Aachen, finishing in the top 10 in every test and helping Britain to team sixth.

Laura Tomlinson will also make her return to Aachen, this time riding her top mare, DSP Rose Of Bavaria. The pair made a successful return to international competition following a lengthy period of time off for the 13-year-old Bordeaux daughter, and they are campaigning towards team selection for the European Dressage Championships this September.

Completing the team of four is Annabella Pidgley who, at just 18, became the youngest rider to compete on a British dressage Nations Cup team, at the Compiegne CDIO5* in May. Annabella brings forward her mother Sarah’s Vamos Amigos, the 11-year-old Vitalis gelding who won team gold for Denmark at last year’s World Dressage Championships under Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour.

Since taking over the ride on Vamos last autumn, Annabella has built up a string of solid results at international grand prix, as well as under-25 level.

“To ride in the arena in Aachen is one thing but to ride alongside Charlotte Dujardin, Lottie Fry and Laura Tomlinson on a team is such an honour to me,” said Annabella, who will also take her nine-year-old mare Espe to compete in the young rider classes at Aachen.

Lottie, Laura and Charlotte will also have second rides at Aachen: Lottie will campaign her up-and-coming grand prix gelding Lars Van De Hoenderheide in the CDI4, joined by Laura on Fallatijn. Charlotte has chosen Aachen as the location for Times Kismet’s overseas debut – Charlotte and the the eight-year-old Ampere mare will compete in the CDI1 small tour classes.

Aachen CHIO takes place from 23 June and runs until 2 July.

What do Charlotte Dujardin, Annabella Pidgley and Lottie Fry all have in common?

Polly Bryan — Sat, 27 May 2023 17:32:11 +0000

Charlotte Dujardin is back to her winning ways following the birth of her daughter Isabella in March, and she has revealed how training 18-year-old grand prix rider Annabella Pidgley while pregnant has helped with her return to competition.

“My last show was the National Dressage Championships in September 2022, but since then I’ve been blessed that I’ve been going to shows with Annabella and I’ve lived the sport through her,” says Charlotte, who has trained Annabella since she sold her Tokyo Olympic and bronze and European silver medallist Gio to the Pidgley family in October 2021.

Charlotte continues: “It has kept me in the game and kept my eye in, which really helped, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being with her and watching her succeed.”

Indeed Annabella has made startling progress since taking over the ride on Gio, aka Pumpkin. She stepped up to grand prix for the first time only last October, but already has international wins at top level under her belt. She has also enjoyed success since taking over the ride on the family’s Vamos Amigos, who won team gold with Denmark’s Cathrine Dufour at last summer’s World Dressage Championships.

And Charlotte has high hopes for Annabella, whom she says is “unbelievably dedicated to succeeding in the sport”.

“I’ve never met anyone as dedicated as Annabella. She is up at a ridiculous time to train before going to school, and she rides again when she comes home as well as doing home tutoring. She’s been juggling exams and competing this year, and I don’t know how she does it all mentally. She is just so dedicated to learn and what she has learned in the last few years is phenomenal.

“Annabella’s like me – I see so much of myself in her,” adds Charlotte. “She goes into that arena and she knows the job she’s got to do, she doesn’t care what people think or what other people say, or what’s happening on the outside. She is just so focused and driven.

“And she has balls of steel, too – there’s no fear in her. That’s where she’s good, and where I’m good and where Lottie Fry is good too. To be a really top rider you have to have no fear and just really want it.”

Annabella Pidgley riding Gio. (Image credit: TANJA_DAVIS)

It’s not the first time Charlotte and Lottie’s strengths have been compared, with Carl Hester explaining that “Lottie gives you that same sort of calmness while watching her that I finally learnt to get with Charlotte. They are so good at their job, so good at competing, that I don’t feel nervous or worried for her while watching”.

“You never feel as though the situation will affect Lottie; it totally does not overwhelm her, and she is able to rise to the pressure. In fact, she rides better under pressure, just like Charlotte does,” added Carl.

And now it seems that Annabella will soon be snapping at the heels of both Charlotte and Lottie as she continues to gain experience at senior level. She may have an undeniably superb string of horses in her stables, but Charlotte is keen to point out that having the means to acquire good horses only takes a rider so far.

“Annabella is very fortunate that she is able to have these amazing horses, but there’s a lot of people out there who could have the same horses and wouldn’t be in the same position. When she is in that arena, I’m not there telling her what to do, she has to do it herself and cope with all the pressure and everything that’s said and done behind the scenes,” continues Charlotte. “That’s a lot for an 18-year-old.

“I think of her as family now, and I get so nervous watching her! I wish her so much luck because I know how much it means to her and her family, and I’ve found it amazing to be a part of that.”

‘I just focus on me and my horses – and ignore the negativity on social media’: Annabella Pidgley on her superstar string

Polly Bryan — Sun, 16 Apr 2023 15:32:26 +0000

Having Olympic and world medal-winning horses in our stables is something most of us can only dream of, but for 18-year-old Annabella Pidgley, it’s a remarkable reality.

Annabella purchased Olympic bronze medallist Gio from Charlotte Dujardin in 2021, and last autumn brought home her own Vamos Amigos, winner of team gold with Denmark’s Cathrine Dufour at the 2022 world championships.

But taking over the ride on such talented and well-known horses hasn’t been a walk in the park.

“It’s been incredible but definitely challenging,” says Annabella of learning to master the bouncy little chestnut gelding Gio, known at home as Pumpkin. “I’ve had to really step up my riding from last year competing in juniors to this year doing senior grand prix.”

Annabella only made her own grand prix debut last October, but has already made her mark on the senior circuit, while continuing to compete in young riders as well. She says she owes much of her success so far to taking things slowly when she first bought Gio, and laying solid foundations under Charlotte’s expert direction.

“In the beginning and having such an exciting horse join my team, I wanted to have him at home, but Charlotte suggested we keep him with her so she could oversee our training,” she explained on The Horse & Hound Podcast episode 135, supported by Charles Owen.

“Setting those foundations and roots early on in our partnership has really helped us down the line, as we’ve been able to build on that, and our scores have really started to improve now,” says Annabella, who now has Pumpkin home at her Berkshire yard, but still trains with Charlotte once a week.

Annabella Pidgley: ‘I just focus on my horses and our training’

“Initially it was not nice to see people writing mean things, especially when it was always the plan that I would take over the ride on Vamos,” says Annabella.

“It was amazing that Cathrine did so well with him and I do understand that people felt attached to their partnership. Most people were so supportive, but a few couldn’t understand why I was now riding him.

“I try to focus on the positivity and just on me and my horses. It’s amazing to be in our bubble and focus on our training. I’m on a different journey with Vamos compared to Cathine, and I’m on a different journey with Pumpkin than Charlotte. So I’m just trying to focus on myself. I’m so grateful to be able to have such amazing horses that I don’t want the negativity to impact that.”

The Horse & Hound Podcast 135: Top young dressage rider Annabella Pidgley | Riding helmet standards

Gemma Redrup — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 05:45:56 +0000

Our 135th episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast, which is currently supported by Charles Owen, features an exclusive interview with young grand prix dressage rider Annabella Pidgley. She talks about her whirlwind journey since taking on Charlotte Dujardin’s former ride Gio. We’ll then hear from British Equestrian Trade Association executive director Claire Williams, who clears up some mysteries around helmet standards and what to look for when buying a new helmet. We hope you will enjoy listening.

Episode 135 of The Horse & Hound Podcast, our popular audio service, which is currently supported by Charles Owen, is now live.

Each episode is available for H&H fans to listen to via your favourite podcast app, as well as here on the website. Search for “The Horse & Hound Podcast” in your preferred podcast app and click subscribe to be notified about each new episode.

View all episodes of The Horse & Hound Podcast

“It’s been incredible but it’s definitely been challenging too – I’ve had to really step up my riding since last year” – Annabella on what it has been like to take on the ride on Gio

We’ll then hear from British Equestrian Trade Association executive director Claire Williams, who clears up some mysteries around helmet standards and what to look for when buying a new helmet.

“I’m going to talk you through how helmet standards are made and why it’s important you understand how they are going to make you safer” – Claire Williams; British Equestrian Trade Association executive director

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 135

Catch up with more episodes of The Horse & Hound Podcast…

(Image credit: KEVIN SPARROW)

The Horse & Hound Podcast 134: National Hunt legends Lucinda Russell & Peter Scudamore | Laminitis advice

(Image credit: KEVIN SPARROW)

The Horse & Hound Podcast 133: Dressage world champion and world number one Lottie Fry

(Image credit: KEVIN SPARROW)

The Horse & Hound Podcast 132: Leading show horse producer Kirstine Douglas | Feeding your horse for weight gain

(Image credit: KEVIN SPARROW)

The Horse & Hound Podcast 131: International dressage rider Abi Lyle | Teaching horses to stand still | News round-up

(Image credit: KEVIN SPARROW)

The teenager hitting the big time with some of the world’s best horses – riders to watch in 2023

Polly Bryan — Tue, 27 Dec 2022 16:32:11 +0000

If Annabella Pidgley was a dressage rider to a watch out for in 2022, she should be even more firmly on your radar in 2023.

The 18-year-old has taken her budding dressage career to new heights over the past 12 months, largely thanks to the multi-medalled gelding Gio, and the next year promises to be just as exciting for the pair.

Almost exactly year after the Pidgleys purchased Gio, winner of two Olympic bronze medals and European bronze and silver with Charlotte Dujardin, Annabella made a successful grand prix debut with the experienced Apache gelding. The pair scored over 73% on that occasion, with Annabella calling Gio, known at home as Pumpkin, “the best teacher”.

Fast forward just six weeks and the duo have not only made their international debut together at Kronenberg CDI in the Netherlands, but came back from that show with a brilliant win in the grand prix special, on plus-75%.

“I’m just enjoying this so much, and I feel so lucky to be able to learn from Pumpkin. All I can do is rise to the occasion and what an opportunity it is to compete alongside so many of my role models,” she says. “Charlotte always wants to me do well.

“Pumpkin will have a well-deserved rest now, and then we are aiming for some early internationals next year, to get back out again at senior level. I’ve really got the bug.”

And it’s not just Pumpkin who makes the upcoming year so exciting for Annabella Pidgley. In September it was revealed that the Pidgleys’ 10-year-old Vamos Amigos, whom Denmark’s Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour rode to team gold at the 2022 World Dressage Championships, had joined Annabella’s string. She and the Vitalis son made their competitive debut together in mid-December, finishing second in the grand prix at Arena UK High Profile show, and look set to build on their exciting partnership in 2023.

Then there’s Espe and Sultan Des Paluds, each junior European medallists for Annabella, including team bronze, individual silver and bronze in 2022. But although Annabella has already made a successful start to young riders, having won two international classes at the level on Espe in October, it’s the big time she is really targeting. And with horses of such calibre as Vamos Amigos and Gio in her string, and two of the best riders in the world as her trainers – Charlotte Dujardin and Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour – expect to see Annabella cementing her place amongst senior stars in 2023.

She has already proved she has the talent and the dedication necessary to make it to the top, and she has horsepower most can only dream of at her fingertips. Could British senior teams be on the cards for Annabella in the years to come?

‘It’s heartbreaking’: Pidgley family’s upcoming dressage stallion dies aged five

Polly Bryan — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 15:33:01 +0000

Iron, the five-year-old breeding stallion recently bought by Britain’s Sarah Pidgley as a future ride for 18-year-old Annabella Pidgley, has died at the age of five.

The Pidgleys bought the licensed stallion, by Ibiza x Hohenstein I, from Andreas Helgstrand in October.

The stallion was based with top Danish rider and Annabella’s long-time trainer Cathrine Dufour, for training, with Cathrine referring to him at the time as “an exceptional horse for the future”, who was “already proving himself to be a stable favourite”.

However, it was revealed that Iron died on 3 December owing to “many complications” following a case of twisted testicles.

“It’s really sad; it’s heartbreaking,” Annabella told H&H. “Iron was a real superstar.”

“There was nothing they could have done to save him and I’m so thankful to the team who took care of him to the very end,” she said in a tribute to the young stallion. “Iron was simply too special for this world and he was taken far too soon.

“We will always cherish and remember our sweet, loving boy, who had the biggest heart. He was destined to be so special and we are so grateful for the little time we had with this one in a million horse.

“A huge hole has been left in all our hearts. We miss you little man.”

A photo posted by on

The stallion was bred in Denmark by Michelle Vicki Nedergaard, who sold him to Helgstrand in 2020. He was named four-year-old champion of his licensing in 2021 and was revealed as the second most used Danish warmblood stallion of that year, with 117 coverings of registered mares.

“We will miss him so much,” added Cathrine.

‘Charlotte told me to go for it’: Annabella Pidgley and Gio make winning international grand prix debut

Polly Bryan — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 16:37:20 +0000

The Olympic medal-winning gelding Gio and British 18-year-old Annabella Pidgley have made a winning international grand prix debut together, at Kronenburg CDI3* in the Netherlands.

Annabella Pidgley and Gio have been together for a year, after Charlotte Dujardin’s high-profile sale of the Apache x Tango gelding, with whom she won four championship medals, to the Pidgley family in 2021. Junior European medallist Annabella made her grand prix debut with “Pumpkin” a matter of weeks ago, and the pair have quickly stepped up to international senior level.

“I always have high expectations of myself to perform but I didn’t really know what to expect at Kronenburg because I’d never competed at that level, not at senior international level with riders who have done multiple Olympics,” said Annabella, who finished third in the grand prix behind Marlies van Baalen and Patrik Kittel, and then went on to win the grand prix special on 75.09%. Britain’s Emile Faurie was also in action at the show, finishing 20th in the large grand prix class and fifth in the freestyle with the 11-year-old mare Bellevue.

“These are riders who I watched at the world championships in Herning this year, and thought, ‘Wow’. To end up beating some of them was just amazing,” Annabella told H&H.

“Pumpkin is just the coolest horse ever. He loves the audience and he loves competing. A few people did come to watch us but he always had his ears forward and he knew he did a good job.

“In the grand prix I was nervous as I didn’t know what to expect, and I’ve definitely ridden better tests. But in the special I found more confidence in myself and I really gave it everything. I felt very emotional afterwards as I knew it was a good test,” added Annabella, who had never ridden the special in competition before this weekend.

She was supported at the show by Charlotte Dujardin, who trains her on Pumpkin, and is expecting her first child in a few weeks’ time.

“Charlotte was so supportive and always wants me to do well. Before my tests she said, ‘Go for it girl, you’ve got this’,” said Annabella. “I was last to go in the special and so when I finished and my score went up we knew I’d won, and I could just hear Charlotte celebrating.”

Annabella and Pumpkin have had an incredibly successful first year together, having been crowned inter II national champions in September before moving up to top level, and Annabella confirmed that they will be aiming for more internationals in early 2023.

“I’m just enjoying this so much, and I feel so lucky to be able to learn from Pumpkin. What an opportunity it is to compete alongside so many of my role models,” she said.

The year’s final five-star, plus Annabella Pidgley and Gio out again: what to follow this week

Pippa Roome — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 07:32:15 +0000

From the last five-star of 2022 at Pau Horse Trials to a chance to see Annabella Pidgley and Gio in action, check out this week in horse sport…

1. Pau Horse Trials, France

Dates: 27-30 October

More info: event website

How to watch: live stream available via Horse & Country

Get the H&H lowdown: extensive online coverage available at horseandhound.co.uk/tag/pau-horse-trials. To keep reading on our website after five articles, readers will need to buy a Horse & Hound website unlimited subscription, or, for great value, order a combined magazine and website subscription. If you are already a magazine subscriber, the cost to upgrade your subscription to include full website access is minimal – call 0330 333 1113 to find out more. Full five-page report in the magazine next week (issue dated 3 November).

Why we’re excited about it: it‘s the final five-star of the year and a strong field is set to do battle in France. British contenders include eventing World Championships reserves Kirsty Chabert and Classic VI, 2019 Burghley Horse Trials winners Pippa Funnell and MGH Grafton Street and 2021 Luhmühlen Horse Trials winners Mollie Summerland and Charly Van Ter Heiden, who return to the site where they made a successful five-star debut in 10th in 2020.

2. Knowsley Estate High Profile Show, Aintree International EC, Merseyside

Dates: 27-30 October

More info: venue website

How to watch: live stream available via Horse & Country

Get the H&H lowdown: Full report in 3 November issue of H&H

Why we’re excited about it: High Profile shows are always a great opportunity to see the country’s top riders in action, often with younger or upcoming horses, or as preparation for other major events. This year’s Aintree addition to the calendar is no exception, with the likes of Emile Faurie and Fiona Bigwood set to be in action at grand prix level. There will also be much interest surrounding Annabella Pidgley’s entry into the top class with Gio, the gelding who carried Charlotte Dujardin to four medals in 2021. Annabella, 17, and Gio only recently made their grand prix debut as a combination – this being Annabella’s first ever venture into top level – and so there will be much excitement around the opportunity to see them in action at Aintree. There are several other big names amongst the entries at lower levels, too, including Becky Moody and Sadie Smith both in action at small tour with exciting rides.

3. The English Home Pony, South View, Cheshire

Dates: 26-30 October

More info: southviewarena.com/events.asp

How to watch: ClipMyHorse.TV

Get the H&H lowdown: full report in next week’s magazine, in the shops Thursday 3 November

Why we’re excited about it: ponies and their riders will be travelling from across the nations to compete at South View for one of the key dates in the calendar for junior riders. There are championship grands prix to contest, a host of qualifiers as well as the ever-popular team events where national glory is at stake.

‘He’s a superstar’: Annabella Pidgley makes grand prix debut aboard ‘best teacher’ Gio

Lucy Elder — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 13:08:00 +0000

British teenager Annabella Pidgley made a winning grand prix debut with an impressive +73% aboard Gio.

The medal-winning gelding, owned by Annabella’s mother Sarah Pidgley and known as “Pumpkin”, joined the 17-year-old’s string in autumn 2021.

Charlotte Dujardin, who partnered the 11-year-old Apache son to double Olympic bronze in Tokyo and a clutch of medals at the 2021 European Championships, was at Hunters Equestrian to support her pupil Annabella for this milestone moment.

“Yesterday [19 September] was a very special day for Pumpkin and I because we rode our first grand prix together,” said Annabella, who has won multiple junior European medals for Britain on her other rides

“I am so grateful that I get to learn this new level together with the best dancing partner, Pumpkin. To top it off, we won with 73% and I couldn’t have asked for more.

“He is such a superstar and he is the best teacher. I am so proud of him and how our partnership is growing every day.

“Thank you so much to Charlotte for all your support with Pumpkin, we couldn’t do it without you! A huge thank you also to Cathrine Dufour, who has supported me since I was a pony rider, crazy now we are training grand prix together.”

She added she “can’t wait for 2023 with this special boy”.

Annabella and Gio have enjoyed a successful first year together. Their highlights as a combination include taking the inter II title at the British Dressage National Championships at Somerford Park on a huge 79.12%.

Charlotte said she was “so immensely happy” to have been there for Annabella’s first grand prix “on the lovely Pumpkin”.

“I’m so incredibly proud of them both and at how hard she has worked to form a partnership with him and I’m looking forward to supporting their future together,” she said.

World Dressage Championships gold medal-winning horse moves to new rider

Polly Bryan — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 14:46:28 +0000

Vamos Amigos, the horse who helped Denmark’s Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour to team gold and double individual silver at this summer’s World Dressage Championships has relocated to Britain.

The 10-year-old gelding (by Vitalis out of a Blue Hors Hotline mare) has returned to his owners, the Pidgley family, for 17-year-old British rider Annabella Pidgley to take over the ride.

“I’m delighted to say that Vamos Amigos has now joined our stable to begin the next chapter in his career,” said Annabella, who has trained with Cathrine for several years. “This horse has already had an impressive career, under the invaluable training and guidance of Cathrine Dufour and I can’t thank her enough for supporting this next move for him and to have the opportunity to ride a horse like this.

“He is such a special horse and I’m really looking forward to getting to know him more under Cathrine’s experienced eye. Welcome home Vamos; so many are so excited you’re here and thank you Cathrine for all that you do. I’m so grateful to you.”

A photo posted by on

Cathrine trained Vamos up to top level, and has enjoyed a hugely successful grand prix career with him to date. The pair finished second in the World Cup Final in Leipzig, Germany, in April this year and followed it with a hat-trick of wins at CHIO Aachen in July. That result prompted Cathrine to choose to ride Vamos on the Danish team at the World Dressage Championships in August, where the pair topped the grand prix and led the side to team gold ahead of Great Britain in silver. Cathrine and Vamos went on to take silver in both the grand prix special and freestyle, behind Britain’s Lottie Fry and Glamourdale.

“Vamos has been an absolute pleasure to train, taking us all the way to becoming world team champions in Herning,” said Cathrine. “While he will be very much missed in our stable, I am really looking forward to training them both, as they begin this new journey.

“I’m also so happy that I’ll be able to see him regularly and know he will thrive in his new home. Thank you for everything Vamos; you’ve given me the most fantastic experiences that I’ll never ever forget. Love you endless little man.”

Vamos joins the double Olympic bronze medallist Gio as part of Annabella’s growing string, as well as the nine-year-old Escolar x Dimaggio mare Espe, who also spent several years with Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour before returning to the Pidgleys earlier this year, and Annabella’s 2021 junior Europeans double silver medallist Sultan Des Paluds.

The junior rider has had a hugely successful year, winning individual silver and bronze at the junior Europeans with Espe in July, and becoming inter II national champion with Gio in September.

National Dressage Championships day one round-up: Annabella Pidgley and Gio score highest mark of their partnership

Alex Robinson — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 20:50:57 +0000

The 2022 LeMieux British Dressage national championships, held at Somerford Park in Cheshire, commenced today, with para riders taking the majority of the spotlight and some leading faces starting their show as they mean to go on. We round up the need to know news from the the National Dressage Championships, day one:

Annabella Pidgely and Gio wowed the spectators whilst winning the Stubben inter II. Their winning score of 79.12% put them 4% ahead of the chasing group with judge at C, Peter Storr having the duo on 80% and judge at B Sandy Phillips awarding them a 10 for the passage on the final centre line.

“It’s easy to forget Annabella is only 17,” said Peter. “She rides with such maturity, she did a super job and I was really impressed.”

For Annabella it was the highest mark she’s scored with the 11-year-old gelding and their first competitive outing since May.

“We’ve been working on the small details at home; well, I’ve been learning with him and he’s been teaching me,” she said. “I feel like it’s all coming together and I was thrilled with the last passage. It felt like there was more there and when I asked he gave it.”

Plans are fluid but a grand prix (they have done an under-25 version), is very much in the offing: “Obviously I’ve never ridden one, but it’s an amazing position to be in to have a horse like him. I mean how many get to learn on an Olympic bronze medallist! That said it’s only the half of him. In the stable he’s such a cutie and he makes us smile every day. He loves hacking and then you ask a bit more and you’re riding this absolute powerhouse.”

Charlotte, winner of the Fairfax Saddles Prix St Georges Gold with Sarah Pidgley’s Hilus MHB, was on hand to watch Annabella.

“She’s only 17 and she’s only had him a year; it’s phenomenal what she’s done,” she said.

In The Centre Line prelim silver championship a strong field of 48 entrants was led by the promising and uber-expressive Fidertanz five-year-old Fire Kracka.

Ridden by 27-year-old Virginie De Senneville, the Hanoverian stallion is owned by Claire Wyatt and Henry Boswell.

Fire Kracka had form to uphold; he lifted two titles, including the prelim silver crown, at the summer regional championships at Keysoe in August.

Here, they scored an impressive 74.94%, to pip Lauren Thorpe and her own For Alondra into second on 73.506.

Virginie began riding Fire Kracka at the end of February this year.

“I train with Henry and my partnership with Fire Kracka began with me helping with his half-steps,” explained Virginie, for whom this was her first national dressage championships victory. “We just clicked and kept going.

“He’s super good to ride and he finds everything easy. It’s like sitting on a very comfortable couch. Today he felt a little bit shy leaving the other horses — he can be flashier. The warm-up was mega, but to be fair to him, he gave me a consistent rhythm the whole way through and he was super focused. I could have had him a little more forward, but I took what he gave me and didn’t overdo it.

“I came here last year with my four-year-old and we were second, so it’s very nice to win.”

Alex Ingoe-Topham rode Louise Heatherington’s Warmblood mare Seagry Donna Diva to the Andrews Bowen advanced medium silver championship. Find out how a brief career change made the aptly named grey mare into the horse she is today.

Para riders also did battle at the national dressage championships and lifting the Equissage Pulse Grade I para gold championship was Jo Alderton’s 22-year-old The Scout with Di Green in the saddle.

Nicola Naylor won the Equissage Pulse Grade IV riding Del Piero, while in the Equissage Pulse Grade II, Georgia Wilson and Midnight II took the crown on 74.706, the highest of the four para classes.

Sophie Wells won the Equissage Pulse Grade V with her Tokyo team gold medallist Don Cara M. Read more about the para winners and their horses.

‘I can’t believe it’: Annabella Pidgley leads British juniors to a trio of European Championship medals at Hartpury

Polly Bryan — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 15:17:38 +0000

Britain’s juniors claimed a first dressage team bronze medal since 1998 when they finished on the podium at the junior and young rider dressage European Championships, held at Hartpury, Glos.

Spearheaded by 17-year-old Annabella Pidgley, last year’s double individual silver medallist, the junior team took the European bronze medal behind Germany in gold and the Netherlands in silver. The home side’s achievement was all the more impressive considering the other three members of the British team –Myles Graham (Nibeley Union Hit), Sophie Wallace (Rosalie B) and India Durman-Mills (Escade) – were all riding at their first championship.

Annabella also secured individual bronze and freestyle silver riding Espe. The eight-year-old Escolar x Dimaggio mare was bought as a six-year-old and spent two years with Annabella’s trainer Cathrine Dufour before returning to Annabella in March.

“I couldn’t have asked for more from her,” Annabella said after her team test, in which she scored 75.15%. “We’ve only had this short season together, and this is her first Europeans. She just performed and exceeded all my expectations, and I couldn’t be prouder.”

Following her 77.6% freestyle performance, Annabella added: “She really pulled it out of the bag. She’s the sweetest horse and always gives her all. I can’t believe we have a silver medal!”

It was only eight months ago that former showjumper Sophie took over the ride of Ursula Bechtolsheimer and Laura Tomlinson’s mare Rosalie B, a Westphalian by Rubin Royal out of a Newcastle mare.

“It’s been a bit of an emotional rollercoaster and feels unreal,” said Sophie of her team’s bronze medal. “I never imagined I’d get selected for my first Europeans in my first season of dressage. I’m so thankful to Mrs Bechtolsheimer and Laura Tomlinson for letting me have the ride on Rosie. It’s been an amazing experience.”

Germany’s Allegra Schmitz-Morkramer spearheaded the German team to gold riding 10-year-old Hanoverian stallion Libertad, and also became the junior individual champion. But it was Denmark’s Sophia Boje Obel Jørgensen and Brilliant who upgraded their individual silver to freestyle gold, ahead of Annabella.

British junior team chef d’equipe Tom Hobday said: “It has been the most incredible week of competition and the teams have put in an astonishing amount of effort over the year to get here.

“We’ve had some very impressive results, including quite a few personal bests, some from riders making their championship debut. To come away with two bronzes and a silver medal is incredible.”

Young rider dressage European Championships: ‘It was a nail-bitingly close competition’

Germany asserted their dominance once again to add young rider team gold to their junior team gold at the junior and young rider dressage European Championships, with Denmark in silver and Sweden in bronze. Meanwhile the Brits did brilliantly to finish just off the podium in fourth.

It was the turn of Allegra’s sister Helena Schmitz-Morkramer who produced an impressive 75.21% for gold riding 12-year-old gelding DSP Lifestyle (Lord Fantastic x Samba Hit).

“He was absolutely amazing – he performed a great test and although there’s always something to improve on, I’m more than happy with him,” said Helena about DSP Lifestyle, whom she has had for 18 months. “At the beginning, it was really hard, but we found our way and now he means the world to me. This medal is the highlight of the year.”

The British young rider team was made up of Caitlin Burgess and Chocotof, who finished eighth, ninth-placed Jessie McConkey and Lady Gaga, 16th-placed Anna Dalrymple and Vagabond De Massa, and 21st place for Maddy Frewin with Eagle Nouvelle.

Jessica and Lady Gaga also finished fourth in the individual competition, with 74.04%, before rising to the occasion once more to take fifth in the freestyle with a hugely impressive personal best of 77.38%.

“She got better and better – we gained two or three per cent each day,” said an overwhelmed Jessica, who has had the mare for six years. “On the freestyle I just wanted to have fun. I’d only ridden that freestyle once before, but luckily it paid off. I never used to be able to get her round the freestyle and we’d end up having to retire, but now I can channel that energy and she just feels electric.”

British young rider chef d’equipe Nina Boex was thrilled with the team’s performance.

“It’s been an absolutely fantastic championship for us,” she said. “The young rider team is such a close team and it was a nail-bitingly close competition – they rode their socks off. The standard of riding this year was a cut above and our riders really stepped up. It’s the best Europeans we’ve been to in many years and Hartpury has really pulled out all the stops. Next year we’ll come back from it even stronger.”

Additional reporting by Stephanie Bateman

‘Pumpkin’s perfect!’: Annabella Pidgley and Gio win their first under-25 grand prix

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 18 May 2022 16:58:06 +0000

Annabella Pidgley and Gio showed their class to score two superb wins at the ICE Horseboxes All England Dressage Festival Premier League at Hickstead.

The 17-year-old rider won Friday’s (13 May) inter II and Saturday’s under-25 grand prix on “Pumpkin”, with whom Charlotte Dujardin took double Olympic bronze in Tokyo, with 77.3% and 76.84% respectively.

“It’s been amazing riding Pumpkin; Charlotte and I say he’s perfect!” Annabella told H&H.

“I’ve really had to step up my riding but it’s so nice to see improvement every time. This was my first under-25 grand prix and I was a bit nervous; it’s harder than inter II, but he really looked after me and felt amazing.”

Annabella said she has learnt a huge amount from riding Gio, from which her other horses have benefited.

“The feeling of collection from doing piaffe-passage really helps you get the collected trot in the juniors, and the more collected work you do on a grand prix horse almost makes the junior tests feel easy,” she said. “You’re not fazed by one flying change when you’ve been doing 15!”

Charlotte added that Annabella is a “great student”.

“To have her to teach and coach and come to competitions with is fantastic,” she said. “We do all the hard work at home; working on all the basics and then fine-tuning, taking a mark from a seven or eight to an eight or nine, which makes all the difference.

“It’s such a pleasure to watch [Annabella and Pumpkin]. Last year was her first year at advanced medium and she’s only 17; now she’s so close to grand prix with a horse she’s still learning to get to grips with.”

Annabella also pulled off first and second in the junior team test, on Espe and Sultan Des Paluds FRH respectively, then reversed that order in the junior individual test.

“Espe’s really incredible; she tries her absolute heart out and today she really tried,” she said. “That’s the best feeling I’ve had in a test with her.”

Annabella has had the eight-year-old mare since February, while 12-year-old Sultan is the horse with whom she won double silver at last year’s junior European Championships.

“He made a few mistakes; it’s his first outdoor show and he loves to show off but it’s so nice he’s feeling so fresh and happy; so we can take that power and use it for something incredible,” she said.

Gio moves to new rider Annabella Pidgley’s yard

Polly Bryan — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 17:10:55 +0000

The British Olympic and European medallist Gio has left Charlotte Dujardin’s base and is now living at new owner Annabella Pidgley’s Berkshire yard.

The 11-year-old Apache x Tango gelding won team and individual bronze with Charlotte at the Tokyo Olympics in July 2021, and the pair also took team silver and individual bronze at the European Championships last September. In late October it was announced that “Pumpkin” had been sold to the Pidgley family, for 17-year-old junior medallist Annabella Pidgley to ride.

Pumpkin initially stayed with Charlotte at Carl Hester’s Gloucestershire yard, with Annabella travelling to train with Charlotte on him once a week through the winter. Charlotte claimed a resounding World Cup victory aboard Pumpkin at the London International Horse Show, in what was expected to be the final competitive appearance for the partnership, and in February 2022 Pumpkin moved to live at the Pidgleys’ Kilbees Farm near Windsor.

Pumpkin is not the only new arrival at Kilbees Farm; the Pidgleys’ nine-year-old Escolar x Dimaggio mare Espe, who has been in Denmark training under European silver medallist Cathrine Dufour, has also now arrived in the UK for Annabella to ride. She joins Pumpkin and Annabella’s junior Europeans double silver medallist Sultan Des Paluds in the teenager’s exciting string.

“It’s lovely to have both horses now in our stable,” Annabella told H&H, referring to Pumpkin and Espe. “I’m taking it slow under the guidance of Cathrine and Charlotte, and look forward to a new journey with both horses.”

Annabella is yet to make her competitive debut with Pumpkin – the pair were entered for an inter II at Sparsholt College on 20 February, but the show was cancelled due to the effects of Storm Eunice.

Inter II will be the highest level Annabella has competed at so far – she rode one inter I test with her former junior horse Belafonte in 2020, and she stepped up to prix st georges (PSG) with Sultan in November with over 75%.

“I’ve never ridden a grand prix horse before, so I’m learning the grand prix movements at the moment,” Annabella explained in the 20 January issue of H&H.

“Pumpkin has so much power and energy and he is so sweet. He shows me the feeling of what I need to achieve with my other horses. Charlotte has done an amazing job with him. Piaffe-passage is one of his huge highlights and that’s amazing to ride – you can click and he piaffes,” she enthuses. “The aim for me and Pumpkin is definitely grand prix. I’ve gained so much respect for all the grand prix riders as they make it look so easy.”

Will Charlotte Dujardin compete Gio again? Find out what she said after her London Horse Show freestyle

Pippa Roome — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 10:59:23 +0000

Charlotte Dujardin said after her win in the London Horse Show dressage freestyle last night that she doesn’t know whether she will compete Gio again, but she is excited to watch his partnership with new rider Annabella Pidgley develop.

The 10-year-old Olympic and European medallist Gio was sold to the Pidgley family in October for 17-year-old Annabella to ride, but Charlotte has taken the reins again in competition this week at the London International Horse Show. Gio is still stabled at Carl Hester’s yard where Charlotte is based and Annabella is training with Charlotte on him.

“I’m not really sure how it’s going to work. We haven’t made a plan as yet. It’s all happened quite fast.

“Annabella has been riding him up to here. It’s actually really magical to watch the combination together – it makes me quite emotional to watch because he is still a very young grand prix horse and she’s learning all the grand prix stuff.

“Between the two of them, she swings her legs, he does all the changes. She turns him, he does a pirouette for a nine, it’s pretty incredible. She piaffe passages him, and it’s really exciting.

“I’m so excited for her. She’s a really good up-and-coming rider and next year it’s going to be very exciting.”

‘What a legend’: Charlotte Dujardin scores personal best with Gio to win London Horse Show title

Polly Bryan — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 22:30:14 +0000

Charlotte Dujardin has claimed a resounding victory in the London Horse Show dressage freestyle, supported by Horse & Hound. Aboard her 2021 Olympic and European individual bronze medallist Gio, who is now owned by Sarah and Annabella Pidgley, Charlotte scored a massive 89.04% – a personal best score for this combination.

Every one of the five judges had them in the lead, though three judges had the pair on over 90%, with the Dutch judge at B, Eduard de Wolf van Westerrode, awarding them 85.17%.

“He truly is a very special horse,” said Charlotte of the 10-year-old Apache x Tango gelding. “What a legend!

“There is nothing like riding at home and having the home crowd cheering you on,” she added, thanking the spectators at the ExCeL Centre in London, the new venue for the London International Horse Show.

Their performance was brilliant, with Charlotte pulling off an exceptionally difficult floorplan set to her dramatic music created by Tom Hunt, and making it look easy.

“You don’t realise how difficult the movements are she’s doing – she spins together these incredible movements and the horse responds so beautifully,” said Carl Hester about her winning test at the London International Horse Show.

Behind Charlotte in second was her Olympic and European teammate Lottie Fry, who rode Dark Legend to a score of 81.95% with a fantastic ride.

“To come second to Charlotte in London – I’m really, really pleased,” sad Lottie.

Germany’s Frederic Wandres took third on Duke Of Britain, while Britain’s Richard Davison and Bubblingh finished fourth on 76.91%.

Lara Butler, the leader at the halfway point of the London Horse Show dressage freestyle, finished in eventual fifth with Kristjan, just ahead of Hayley Watson-Greaves on Rubins Nite in sixth and Gareth Hughes on KK Dominant in seventh.

Who is Annabella Pidgley? Find out more about the rider set to partner Charlotte Dujardin’s Olympic ride Gio

Polly Bryan — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 18:32:37 +0000

Annabella Pidgley will take over the ride on Charlotte Dujardin’s Olympic and European Championship medallist Gio, following the sale of the 10-year-old Apache gelding to the Pidgley family. So, who is Annabella Pidgley, and what can we expect of this exciting new British partnership?

Annabella Pidgley is a 16-year-old British dressage rider, who has competed extensively for Britain in pony and junior ranks. She is the daughter of the late Tony Pidgley, co-founder of the Berkeley Group and major equestrian supporter and benefactor, who died unexpectedly in 2020 aged 72. Her mother Sarah is a dressage rider and judge.

Annabella made her international debut in 2017, aged 12, riding Farbenfroh, and the combination scored a hat-trick of wins at Hickstead CDI that year.

She went on to enjoy a hugely successful pony career, partnering the German-bred chestnut mare Ine and palomino gelding Cognac IX. Annabella and Ine were members of the British team at the 2018 pony Europeans at Bishop Burton, finishing 13th individually and fourth as a team. A year later, she competed Cognac at the pony Europeans in Strzegom, Poland, finishing 11th individually and fourth as a team one more. In 2020, Annabella took the opportunity to compete at the re-scheduled pony Europeans at Pilisjaszfalu, Hungary, as an individual on a self-funded basis, after British Dressage announced it would not be fielding a team. There, she and Cognac achieved a top-30 individual finish.

In 2020, alongside ponies, Annabella also stepped up to junior competition with the Belissimo stallion Belafonte, previously owned and campaigned to great success in youth ranks by Ellie McCarthy. Annabella and Belafonte competed for Britain both at home and abroad, with numerous top three placings in 2020.

Early in 2021, it was announced that the Pidgleys had purchased the 11-year-old gelding Sultan Des Paluds, a son of Soliman De Hus, to be Annabella’s ride for her first full year in junior ranks. The French-bred gelding had been a reserve champion at the World Young Horse Championships in 2017, under Kirsten Brouwer, and had been competed to small tour level. He and Annabella hit the ground running, with triple victory at their first international show together, at Wellington CDI in May.

The pair were subsequently selected to compete at the junior European Championships at Oliva, Spain, in July. There, they made history by winning two individual silver medals, with Annabella becoming the first British rider to claim an individual podium place at the FEI junior European Dressage Championships.

“Although I’d always dreamed of it, I never thought I’d get a medal in my first year of juniors,” said Annabella, following her plus-80% freestyle test.

Annabella and Sultan Des Paludes also won the under-21 national championship title in 2021, as well as becoming advanced medium gold champions.

Annabella will turn 17 in November, so will still be eligible for juniors in 2022, and at just 10 years old, Gio has plenty more talent to offer in the years to come, so the future looks bright for this young pair. Annabella will continue to train with her long-term coach, the Danish Olympic rider Cathrine Dufour, as well as with Charlotte Dujardin on Gio.

“Under the training of both Cathrine Dufour and Charlotte, I will work every day to do my best by [Gio], bond with him and keep him in the manner he is used to,” said Annabella, who is based in Berkshire.

‘Difficult decisions need to be made’: Charlotte Dujardin’s Olympic medallist Gio changes hands

Polly Bryan — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 20:53:34 +0000

Charlotte Dujardin’s Olympic and European individual bronze medallist Gio has been sold, and will no longer be competed by Charlotte.

The 10-year-old Apache x Tango gelding Gio has been sold to 16-year-old British rider Annabella Pidgley, who will now take over the ride.

“As many of you know who own horses, run yards and compete, this is certainly not a sport for the faint-hearted and comes with many highs and many lows; horses being the incredible levellers that they are,” said Charlotte, who owned the KWPN gelding, known as Pumpkin, with Renai Hart and Carl Hester.

“In order to maintain a position in sport, especially in high level sport, at times, these difficult decisions need to be made. I am so thankful that I do not have to do this regularly, as it is always such a hard thing to let go of animals that we see as our family.”

Annabella, who trains with Charlotte as well as Danish Olympic rider Cathrine Dufour, won double individual silver at the junior European Championships earlier this year on Sultan Des Paluds.

“Annabella is one of the most promising riders in our country, and works so hard to develop herself and her horses, whilst giving them nothing but five star care,” continued Charlotte. “I will train the pairing, so I am delighted that our precious ‘Pumpkin’ will stay in my life and I will still see him on a regular basis.

“Having taken some time to see her ride Pumpkin and fall for him as much as we have, I know a wonderful new chapter awaits him.”

Annabella added: “To say this is a huge privilege for me is an understatement, and I know this is such an honour for me to take the reins of such an iconic little horse. I can only say that under the training of both Cathrine Dufour and Charlotte, I will work every day to do my best by him, bond with him and keep him in the manner he is used to.

“Thank you to Charlotte and Renai for trusting me with your special boy.”

Annabella is the daughter of the late Tony Pidgley, a major equestrian benefactor and supporter, who died in 2020, aged 72.

“I have to say a special thank you to my family for the support and belief in this; I would not be where I am without your love, support and guidance and will always strive to make you and my late father proud,” added Annabella.

Charlotte bought Pumpkin as a five-year-old, having spotted him while she was teaching a clinic in California. The diminutive gelding shot through the ranks and emerged as one of the world’s brightest stars in 2021, winning four championship medals this summer.

His selection for the Tokyo Olympics came as a surprise to many, but he and Charlotte won Olympic team bronze in July, alongside Lottie Fry and Carl Hester, going on to win individual bronze too. Less than two months later, the pair led the British team, also featuring Lottie, Carl and Gareth Hughes, to team silver at the European Championships, before scooping another individual bronze medal.

‘It’s nice to back on home ground’: Junior European medalist lands top two spots in under 21 championship

Alex Robinson — Sun, 19 Sep 2021 11:56:24 +0000

Junior European medalist Annabella Pidgley achieved a stunning one-two in the British Dressage Under 21 Championship at the Lemieux National Dressage Championships. Her winning ride, finishing on a total of 75.657%, was the exceptional Chestnut Sultan Des Paluds.

Annabella, 16, and Sultan — the silver medal winner at the 2017 World Young Horse Championships — made it into the history books earlier this year when they brought home a pair of silver medals at the FEI junior European Dressage Championships held in Olivia Nova, Spain, making Annabella the first British rider to claim an individual podium place.

The 11-year-old French-bred Hanoverian gelding, by the Sandro Hit son Soliman De Hus, joined the Pidgley family in March 2021.

“He’s not really a two test horse,” said Annabella, who headed the Andrews Bowen Advanced Medium Gold Championship aboard Sultan earlier in the day. “He was a little tired but he’s a trier and gave me his all.”

At the Europeans the pair produced personal-best scores in every test – topping the leaderboards in the team test on 75.45%, and going on to clinch double silver success in the individual and freestyle contests with scores of 75.38% and 80.11% respectively.

Her second placed horse was Dibert L who nailed another impressive score of 72.929%. The Vivaldi 13-year-old is an up-and-coming ride for Annabella and the duo recently enjoyed a hat trick at the DI Grote-Brogel in Belgium, winning the junior team and individual tests as well as the freestyle, winning the latter on 79.18%. He was bought two years ago by Sarah Pidgley as a future prospect for Annabella.

Annabella was delighted with the performance “Dibs” gave her at the National Dressage Championships and she opted to ride him during the final presentation:

“I was so, so pleased with him,” said enthused. “His trot is a highlight and he stayed with me the whole way through. His flying changes are always so expressive and lovely to ride during a test. It’s been nice to be back on home ground.”

‘He’s such a showman’: British teenager dances into dressage history books with double silver

Lucy Elder — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 11:12:44 +0000

Teenager Annabella Pidgley has sprung into the history books clutching a pair of silver medals as the first British rider to claim an individual podium place at the FEI junior European Dressage Championships.

Annabella, 16, and Sultan Des Paludes were making their junior Europeans debut at the competition in Olivia Nova, Spain, as part of the British team.

The pair produced personal-best scores in every test – topping the leaderboards in the team test on 75.45%, and going on to clinch double silver success in the individual and freestyle contests with scores of 75.38% and 80.11% respectively.

Britain’s junior dressage sides have won team medals at European Championships in the past, but this was the first time a Brit had brought medals home as an individual.

“I’m really overwhelmed and so happy,” said Annabella, who rode to music from Burlesque in her +80% freestyle. “Although I’d always dreamed of it, I never thought I’d get a medal in my first year of juniors.

“He came out on team test day feeling the best ever, as if to say ‘we’re going for the win’.

“He’s such a showman — he’s just amazing, and then to get a PB every day was incredible.”

The French-bred Hanoverian gelding was bought by Annabella’s mother, Sarah Pidgley, this year on the recommendation of Annabella’s trainer, Cathrine Dufour.

The 11-year-old (Soliman de Hus x De Niro) won silver at the seven-year-old World Breeding Championships with Dutch rider Kirsten Brouwer.

“Due to coronavirus, we couldn’t travel to view him, so Cathrine rode him at Helgstrand and we bought him having just seen the video,” said Annabella.

“Cathrine knows me so well and we like the same type in a horse; we really like them very similar. She knew straight away that he would suit me, and we put so much trust in her that we took the risk of buying a horse I’d never sat on.

“He’s definitely a horse I’ve clicked with straight away. He’s such a good horse with a good brain — absolutely amazing in his mind.”

The team of Annabella, Holly Kerslake (Extasia), Gemma Owen (Sirius Black) and Mette Dahl (Florina 146) finished sixth out of 16. Mette’s ride Florina 146 had a reaction to the sand and was withdrawn from the individual competition on veterinary advice.

Caitlin Burgess and Chocotof were best of the Brits in the young rider European Championships, finishing 13th in the team test (69.23%) and 15th in the individual (69.61%), which earnt them a place in Sunday’s freestyle.

Sadly, Chocotof did not make it through the final horse inspection.

“He has been absolutely incredible this week and I’m so so proud of what we have achieved together. To come in the top 15 twice with a horse I trained myself, at both of our first European Championships, is beyond what I could have ever asked for! He has made my dreams come true and I will for ever owe everything to him,” said Caitlin.

The team of Caitlin, Jessica McConkey (Lady Gaga) and Charlotte McDowall (Alivia) finished seventh out of 14.

What is your favourite history-making moment in equestrian sport? Let us know by writing to hhletters@futurenet.com for a chance to see your views in H&H magazine and you could win a bottle of Champagne Taittinger (please include your name and nearest town and county; letters may be edited).

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 to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

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A medal was not necessarily on the cards, explained British Dressage’s international director Judy Harvey.

“Germany has huge strength and depth at this level, so their win was not unexpected,” she said.

“But looking at our scores, compared with others, statistically we weren’t that strong. Our riders really upped their game. They proved they can compete against the best in Europe, get their game faces on and keep that focus. It’s very exciting for the future.”

Best of the Brits in the team placings was Isobel, who stood 10th in the 64-strong field on a personal-best 70.2%.

Pathfinder Hermione Tottman scored 65.2% on her championship debut while Oliver and last-to-go India tied for 12th place in the team placings with 70.05%.

“The pressure was on so we went for a nice, clean test,” said India, for whom this was a third European Championships medal with the experienced Escade in as many years. “But I enjoyed being the final rider – pressure makes diamonds!”

Oliver scored personal bests in all three tests and was the overall highest-scoring British rider in the division, finishing fifth in the individual competition (72.06%) and seventh in the freestyle (75.09%).

“Achieving three personal bests in three tests at the Europeans – it doesn’t get much better,” he said. “We’ve been chasing 70% all year, so to get that in the team test was huge. I couldn’t have asked for more – a year’s worth of training came together in the arena.”

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Annabella currently has six horses in, with Vamos Amigos and Espe having been her main focus this summer. But she’s looking forward to getting Gio, also known as Pumpkin, back out at grand prix level over the winter.

The pair made a fantastic start to their international career together, gaining a double win at grand pix at Addington CDI in March, and have training at home over the summer.

“I didn’t have time to compete three horses at internationals – I was already having to study in between tests at shows as it was. So I decided to save Pumpkin for when I had enough time to properly focus on him.”

Annabella says that although she hasn’t planned out her winter season yet, Pumpkin will definitely be a part of it.

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Fellow 2023 Europeans competitor Abigail Gray, 15, topped the pony championship at the National Dressage Championships with British-bred grey George Clooney B.S on a score of 74.5%.

“My highlight was getting a nine for my last halt,” said Aberdeenshire-based Abigail, who is in her first season with 12-year-old George, who was previously competed by Mette Dahl. “My extended canter also felt really fun today. He’s such a wonderful pony and I’m so lucky to have him.

“He has a big canter so that has taken some time to get used to. George is a very nice person, but he can be cheeky when it comes to food!”

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“She’s such an incredible mare with a beautiful heart and I’m so grateful to her for being so amazing over the last week,” added Annabella of Espe.

“Thank you to my team, family, Charlotte, my sponsors and all who have supported me from home. Thank you also to my Team GB teammates.”

This is Annabella’s first year in young riders, and with these medals she has become the first British rider to win gold in any youth (under-21) section since Phoebe Peters took double gold at the pony Europeans in 2015.

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“You never feel as though the situation will affect Lottie; it totally does not overwhelm her, and she is able to rise to the pressure. In fact, she rides better under pressure, just like Charlotte does,” added Carl.

“I think of her as family now, and I get so nervous watching her! I wish her so much luck because I know how much it means to her and her family, and I’ve found it amazing to be a part of that.”

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“I’m just enjoying this so much, and I feel so lucky to be able to learn from Pumpkin. All I can do is rise to the occasion and what an opportunity it is to compete alongside so many of my role models,” she says. “Charlotte always wants to me do well.

“Pumpkin will have a well-deserved rest now, and then we are aiming for some early internationals next year, to get back out again at senior level. I’ve really got the bug.”

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“We will miss him so much,” added Cathrine.

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“These are riders who I watched at the world championships in Herning this year, and thought, ‘Wow’. To end up beating some of them was just amazing,” Annabella told H&H.

“Pumpkin is just the coolest horse ever. He loves the audience and he loves competing. A few people did come to watch us but he always had his ears forward and he knew he did a good job.

“Charlotte was so supportive and always wants me to do well. Before my tests she said, ‘Go for it girl, you’ve got this’,” said Annabella. “I was last to go in the special and so when I finished and my score went up we knew I’d won, and I could just hear Charlotte celebrating.”

“I’m just enjoying this so much, and I feel so lucky to be able to learn from Pumpkin. What an opportunity it is to compete alongside so many of my role models,” she said.

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