isporthorse

The Moloh Young Dressage Horse of the Future qualifier Patchetts EC 5th May Report and photos Gill Battram

Nathalie Kayal and her KWPN DHI Cleverboy rode to victory in The Moloh Young Dressage Horse of the Year securing their ticket to the finals at Badminton in July, where former prize winners and 2012 Olympic prospects, Uthopia and Valegro began their amazing careers. By Sandreo, this five year old was bought by Natalie in November. “He is quite special to me,” she said, adding “he was one of the last horses purchased by Andrew Graham of DHI Performance Horses before he sadly passed away in July last year. I also have two others at home that I bought from him and his wife Jo, DHI Bravo and DHI Alligator.  Jo competed Cleverboy successfully in four year old classes and I feel extremely privileged to be able to take him on and see how far he goes in the future. He is a lovely horse with a super temperament, a real credit to the yard and has fitted in so easily with the other horses, he just gets on with life plus he is very pretty and always makes you feel like a princess when you are riding him!  Andrew really liked the horse so I feel happy that I am doing a good job for him.  He has all the basics there to go up through the levels so fingers crossed!”

Ami McLean had a successful day taking home two qualifications firstly with Sue Callahan’s home bred four year old mare Hillside Enchantment followed by the five year old gelding Premier Royal Mint. By the Oldenburg stallion First Final, this was Hillside Enchantment’s fourth outing.  “I backed her and produced her myself” said Ami. “To see her growing more in confidence each time out is very rewarding. She is a stunning adorable mare, very able, light as feather on her feet and to ride.  We believe she will go international however due to Sue’s poor health she is for sale. Premier Royal Mint is by  and I also backed him.  As a three year old he was the highest placed at the BEF Futurity, with the mark of 9.29, which was fantastic. Last year he went to the Nationals, the International Potential Young Dressage horse and this year he has qualified for the Novice Regionals, Hartpury Young Horse and Hickstead British Young Horse championships all on his first attempt!  He has been getting scores between 70-75% which is very promising.  Ideally he is for me to keep and train through to grand prix.  He is a super ride but he can be a cheeky chap as he sometimes has his own opinion of what he should do in a test but that is what makes him so exciting!”