Woodlander Farouche makes a winning prix st georges debut
Dressage superstar Woodlander Farouche made her prix st georges debut a winning one on Sunday (4 May).
The double World Young Horse Champion stole the show at Vale View Equestrian Centre, Leics, finishing 10% ahead of her nearest rivals with 70.79% under her regular rider Michael Eilberg.
Despite the impressive mark, there was the odd green moment, particularly during the canter work.
“I had one of those days where the collecting ring felt amazing, and then I couldn’t quite reproduce that feeling in the ring. But I’m delighted,” Michael told H&H.
“She just needs to relax and keep breathing — it will just be a matter of time.
“I also need to ride without too much pressure on everything feeling absolutely perfect, especially at these higher, more difficult levels.”
The Hanovarian chestnut mare, by Furst Heinrich out of Woodlander Dornroschen, has been tipped for the top since being crowned the 5-year-old champion at the world breeding championships in 2011.
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British dressage enthusiasts hope she might be ready to represent Britain at the Rio Olympics in 2016, although as the Eilbergs are known for not rushing their horses up the levels, we might have to wait a little longer to see her winning medals for Team GBR.
For full report from Vale View EC, don’t miss this week’s issue of H&H — out Thursday 8 May
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Sophia Heath joined Horse & Hound in July 2013 having previously worked for the Daily Telegraph's Olympics website, CNN International and Omnisport. A Durham graduate with a Masters in journalism from City University, Sophia has evented, showjumped and hunted. Sophia left Horse & Hound in early 2015 to join an international boating website.