PRE-Fusion horse Diamanté, whose proprietor introduced him over to the UK from Andalucía after falling in love with him whereas on a trekking vacation, is about to make his London Worldwide Horse Present debut after qualifying for the Senior Displaying and Dressage Ltd (SSADL) finals.
Virginia Draper’s 18-year-old Diamanté – who is called Mr D at residence – certified for the in-hand championship at Onley Equestrian Centre in September. Mr D is the one Spanish horse to qualify for the 2022 championships, however he shall be joined in London by Joanne Eldridge’s 15-year-old Lusitano Cayak, who’s contesting the ridden finale.
“Our first spherical qualification was at an agricultural present,” explains Virginia. “We then entered two reveals for the second spherical and far to my amazement we took the championship. My mum watched proudly with beautiful displaying pals cheering us on on the ringside. Each the tears and Bucks Fizz flowed.”
Mr D was bred in a small village in Andalucía, Spain.
“His breeder isn’t horsey; he had bought a PRE mare to trip within the native ferías and months later Mr D got here alongside,” continues Virginia. “Mr D was then purchased as a teenager by Los Olivillos. He grew right into a good-looking stallion earlier than turning into a much-loved trekking horse.”
Virginia first met Mr D when she went on a using vacation.
“From the second I noticed Mr D shaking a paw it was love at first sight,” she remembers. “Los Olivillos may see our connection and after many using holidays collectively within the Andalucían mountains a 12-year-old Mr D got here to stay with me in England. My dream of getting my very own horse got here true.
“Since then, we’ve loved six superb years hacking, competing and usually having fun with life.”
Mr D, who can also be a 2022 SEIB Displaying World awards veteran of the yr finalist, additionally competes in British Dressage and participates in Iberian demos. Within the present ring, the pair give attention to international breed, veteran and concours d’class lessons.
“He loves consideration,” says Virginia. “This yr Mr D has seemed and felt his finest. I’ve constructed up his health with hacking round Hertfordshire and we additionally rode in an 100 mile summer season charity problem.
“This yr I learnt the way to tow a trailer and we have now had probably the most superb displaying yr I may ever want for, in addition to numerous enjoyable on our adventures collectively. He gained seven championship titles in the course of the summer season present season, together with the Better of the Finest supreme at H.O.P.E present.
“He’s my horse of a lifetime. Diamanté Del Rey interprets because the King Of Diamonds however he’s the king of my coronary heart, too. I’m endlessly grateful to him for making all my goals come true.”
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Credit score: Steve Dawe
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