Debuting at Grand Prix at the end of last year on her new ride Magnus Spero, New Zealand’s Penny Castle has been making strides this year with her 10-year old Holsteiner. The pair won the Grand Prix, the Special and the Kur at the 2015 New Zealand Championships and then broke the 70% barrier at the 2015 New Zealand Horse Of the Year show in Hastings last week.
Castle is no newcomer to Grand Prix level. In 2011 she started competing Gymstar One, a now14-year old Hanoverian gelding by Gymanstik Star x Daktylus, at Grand Prix level. Penny contested the CDI's in Fielding, Hastings and Sydney for Gymstar One's owner Julie Brougham that year. The horse sold to Australia, however, and has been ridden by Connie Bookless in 2012 and 2013.
Castle moved on with Magnus Spero, an Australian bred Holsteiner (by Lubeck x Rocadero), and returned to the international show scene at the beginning of 2014, first riding him in the medium tour and then as of the autumn of 2014 at international Grand Prix level.
“Magnus Spero had a few Grand Prix starts at the end of 2014 and has been stepping up to another level at each show this year as his strength and confidence has improved,” Penny told Eurodressage. "At every start we have nailed a couple more things, but we still have lots more to get right."
According to Penny Magnus Spero is a horse that gives his all, and so it really comes down to how well she rides him.
“The highlight of the year for me was having Charlotte Dujardin in New Zealand in January. She increased our belief in ourselves down here and we have moved upwards immensely since then," she admitted. "Her focus and attention to detail has definitely lifted the dressage performance in New Zealand!”
Receiving training from American Jeremy Steinberg for the last two years, Penny also took lessons with Bennett Conn before he left for Europe, and Brett Parbury, who helps Penny with her competition plans and training in Australia.
“Our plans are to be competitive against the Australians this year and to consolidate ourselves in the Grand Prix. We will continue working on all our strengths and weaknesses to produce consistent tests above 70%," she said.
Married and mom to two very sport orientated kids, Penny says that one has just left home to take a spot on the New Zealand National Cycling programme. In her spare time Penny is coach and Performance Director for the NZ Eventing Squad.
“I also have a lovely 9-year old Intermediaire I horse in work, that was bred in NZ by Anamour, and plan to be doing Level 8 on him next season. My future plan is to compete more against the Australians and if all moves forward then I will decide towards end of year about Rio. Alternatively I hope to consolidate a New Zealand team for the next World Games," she stated.
by Sarah Warne - Photos © Libby Law
Related Links
Historic Grand Prix Score for Penny Castle at 2015 CDI Hastings
Penny Castle Reigns Supreme at 2015 New Zealand Dressage Championships
Julie Brougham and Vom Feinsten Win 2015 Horse of the Year Crown at CDI Hastings