Liebling II, Britain's most successful team horse at the 2007 European Dressage Championships, has got a new rider. Owner Donald Mactaggert decided to offer the ride on the Holsteiner gelding to Carl Hester.
The horse moved from Anna Ross Davies' Patchett Equestrian Centre to Hester's farm in Hartpury, England, on Thursday September 4, 2008.
"Donald Mactaggart, the horse's owner, called me into a meeting on Thursday and told me Liebling was going to Carl Hester's yard to be sold," Anna Ross Davies told the British equestrian magazine Horse and Hound. "I went home and someone from the yard called to say he was picked up that evening.
Initially it was said that Liebling II moved to Hester to be sold, but now it appears that Hester will training and competing the horse for Britain. Liebling II is an 11-year old Holsteiner gelding by Lorentin I x Königspark xx. Anna Ross-Davies and Liebling II were not selected for this year's British Olympic Dressage Team. Carl Hester was in team contention for the Olympics with two horses, Lecantos and Dolendo, but both got injured in the selection trial period.
British team captain Richard Davidson told Horse and Hound that, "it is obviously heartbreaking for Anna to lose the ride, but we should thank Donald Mactaggart for the opportunities he has given her for seven years and for making the horse available for teams during that time. It's fantastic to have his continued support with another Brit, who is also one of our most experienced riders."
Ross-Davies appeared totally surprised and saddened by the owner's decision to take away to horse, but stated that the horse's happiness and well being is her hope.
"I wish them both well," Ross Davies told H&H. "It was a fantastic seven years training Liebling to grand prix, and finishing 10th with him at the Europeans was an experience I'll never forget. I'm proud of what I achieved with him and just want the horse to be happy, whatever happens next," Anna added.
Source: Horse and Hound
Photos copyrighted: Astrid Appels/Eurodressage
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