British world medallist dressage horse retires
Jane Brewin and Kevin Sparrow’s British team horse DV Stenkjers Nadonna, who was competed by Gareth Hughes, has been retired.
The rising 17-year-old mare is fit and well and moved to her owners’ yard at home in Buckinghamshire two days ago.
Gareth said: “We’ve had an amazing few seasons, capped off with WEG [the World Equestrain Games] last year.
“Donna will be 17 this year, and Jane and Kevin decided that they’d like to give something back to the mare and give her a nice retirement as a thank you for what she’s given them.”
Donna, a double branded Danish warmblood mare, is by the Donnerhall son Donnerschlag and out of a mare by Fruehling.
She represented Britain at the 2013 European championships in Herning and at last year’s WEG with Gareth since he picked up the ride four years ago. Before that, she was competed by Pippa Fisher and Roland Tong.
Under Gareth, Donna won numerous international grands prix, including at the 2014 WEG test event.
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They were also part of the bronze medal winning team at the Europeans in Herning, Denmark in 2013 and the silver medal team at WEG last year as well as on Nations Cup teams.
“We’ve been very lucky to see her fulfill her potential but our promise to Donna was always that she could enjoy her retirement,” said Jane.
“We have so many people to thank, especially Gareth, [his groom] Steph, and all the team who have kept her happy and healthy. We also want to thank the World Class Programme and National Lottery for their support. She’s enabled us to live our dream and now it’s time for Donna to live hers.”
Gareth added: “When we started together we didn’t expect we’d end up doing a Europeans or a World championships but I couldn’t be more thankful for what she’s given us, she’s outdone all our expectations, and each step we made forward was very special.”
Donna will now be a broodmare, though Kevin and Jane are yet to decide on a suitor.
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