Carl Hester returned to the competitors enviornment for the primary time in nearly a yr this weekend (29 January), successful a grand prix class at Hartpury on 76%.
He was using Fame, the 17-year-old Bordeaux stallion beforehand competed at worldwide grand prix by Fiona Bigwood. Fame has now been primarily based with Carl Hester for round eight weeks.
“I’ve recognized Fame for the previous few years as I’ve been serving to Fiona,” stated Carl. “She could be very busy with the household and campaigning Daytona Platinum at grand prix, so she thought Fame would go well with me and provided me the trip.
“We haven’t made any agency plans as we’re simply seeing the way it goes, however I like using Fame – he loves his job and is an actual overachiever. He’s simply divine to trip. He’s scorching and gooey and simply wants steering in a relaxed method.”
Earlier than his win with Fame, Carl’s final aggressive outing was at Keysoe CDI in March 2022, when he received the grand prix and particular along with his Olympic crew horse En Vogue. His plans to marketing campaign Vogue for the 2022 World Dressage Championships had been scuppered after the Jazz son suffered an damage final spring, and Carl advised H&H he hadn’t realised fairly how lengthy it had been since he rode between the white boards.
“It was so good to only go to an area present and ease myself again into it,” he stated. “I didn’t essentially anticipate to take pleasure in it however I did.”
Carl has been saved busy over the winter, taking up the using of a number of of Charlotte Dujardin’s horses whereas she is pregnant, together with her 2022 crew silver medallist Imhotep (Pete).
“Charlotte has about 4 weeks to go and has stopped using – she is being very smart,” stated Carl. “I’ll take Pete out to compete quickly however he didn’t fairly really feel prepared this time.”
Carl additionally confirmed that his plan is to attend for the outside season earlier than bringing En Vogue again out.
“Vogue is feeling very properly – he’s 14 occurring 4!” stated Carl. “He appears one million {dollars} however I’ll wait till Might and hopefully begin him at Windsor or Hickstead. I can’t wait to get him again out once more – it’s so good to have him sound and match.”
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Credit score: Peter Nixon
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