‘I never thought I would make it to this stage’: Irish rider makes championship debut at European Dressage Championships
Ireland's Carolyn Mellor and Gouverneur M at the European Dressage Championships
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
The first combination for Ireland, Carolyn Mellor and Gouverneur M, have completed their grand prix at the European Dressage Championships in Hagen, Germany.
Carolyn and the 10-year-old bay gelding by Voice scored 64.39%, and Carolyn was described the experience – a championship debut for both her and “Gucci” – as a “big learning curve”.
“It’s very surreal – I never thought I would make it to this stage, so it’s brilliant. I can’t wait for next time!” said Carolyn, who is based in Co. Durham, and says it has been very difficult to give Gucci the experience he has needed during the pandemic, with shows cancelled and travel to the UK restricted.
“He’s never seen an arena like this before. I’m super proud – of course there were mistakes, and of course we were green in places. I thought the piaffe was better than it has been – he doesn’t always get the rhythm, but I thought it didn’t feel too bad. I was just glad to get a clear-ish round,” she added.
Ireland originally selected a team of three to compete at the European Dressage Championships, but after the withdrawal of UK-based Alex Baker, the remaining riders, Carolyn and Anna Merveldt, will compete as individuals.
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