Former British Junior-Young Riders team horse Donna Summer has appeared back in the show ring on familiar terrain - the youth divisions - with new rider, Tarka Abraham.
The 18-year old British Hanoverian bred gelding Donna Summer (by Dimaggio x Don Primero) is owned by Ellie McCarthy.
Under Olivia Oakeley the chestnut gelding represented Great Britain on the British junior and young rider teams at European Championships five years in a row between 2010 and 2014. The highlight of their career was placing 6th in the Kur at the 2014 European Young Riders Championships in Arezzo.
In 2015 Oakeley briefly tried Under 25 Grand Prix with him but then deicded to lease the horse for one season as a schoolmaster to Ottilie Beardsley. In 2016 Ellie McCarthy began riding him and represented GB at the 2017 European Young Riders Championships. In 2018 he sold to the McCarthy family and Ellie competed him at Under 25 level at Le Mans and Aalborg.
McCarthy has now decided to let the fit Donna Summer shine again at what he's best: the youth classes. With her own student Tarka Abraham.
"He's staying with me at home, but a very talented junior eventing rider who is my pupil will try some juniors on him," McCarthy told Eurodressage.
The brand new combination made its regional show debut in the UK already and scored 70.9% for second place in the medium test and 66% for third place in the advanced medium.
"Poor Tarka was slightly nervous and forgot to do her first salute in the first halt," Ellie explained, "but considering this was only her sixth time riding him and she’d only ridden at novice in eventing before today, I think I can let her off. A very promising combination and excited to see what’s to come, I think Rio will enjoy doing juniors again."
Related Links
Eurodressage Photo Database: Donna Summer
Olivia Oakeley's Donna Summer Leased to Ottilie Bardsley
Anne Meulendijks Wins Individual Test Gold at 2014 European Young Riders Championships