Tophojs Zackira, New Grand Prix Ride for Brit Lewis Carrier

Dressage

Great Britain

British Under 25 rider Lewis Carrier has welcomed a new horse in the barn, Tophojs Zackira, as a second iron in the fire for his future at senior Grand Prix level.

Tophojs Zackira is a 9-year old Danish warmblood mare by Zack out of La Luna (by Sorento). She is bred by Anette Nilausen and Niels-Jørgen Johansen.

From Acting to Dressage

Carrier trained with Diana Fisher, Ferdi Eilberg, and Anna Ross before switching to his current coach, Carl Hester.

Before going pro, Carrier was considering a career as an actor.

"I used to do a lot of acting throughout my school years – I had a couple of auditions for roles in movies and was offered the role of Oliver Twist in London’s West End as a child," he told Horse & Hound. "When I left school, I had to decide if I was going to go to drama school in London, or do dressage. That was when we found Diego, so that led me down the equestrian route."

His career-making dressage horse is Diego V, a 15-year old KWPN gelding by Spielberg x , which he found at Dan Greenwood's yard. The pair made its CDI debut in 2017 at Young Riders level and represented Great Britain at the 2018 European Young Riders Championships in Fontainebleau (10th in the Kur) and at the 2020 and 2021 European Under 25 Championships (16th in the Kur in 2020 and 12th in the Kur in 2021)

In the autumn 2021 Lewis tried selling Diego but no client was found. He retained the horse, a decision which paid off manyfold as in 2022 they made their senior debut and in 2023 were even long listed for British team selection for the European Championships in Riesenbeck. They got their Team GB patch when they rode in the FEI nations cup at the CDIO Rotterdam, their last international start so far.

"Sweet" Future

Twelve weeks ago Carrier and his fiancée Olivia Robertson, whom he first met at the 2021 European Under 25 Championships in Hagen where she groomed for Alexander Harrison, moved from Wiltshire to a new yard in Malmsbury where they run a dressage training business.

"It’s been a busy few months for Liv & I as we have redecorated the yard and had new stables installed, but I’m sure you can agree it’s been worth it," said Lewis.

The yard is owned by Mr and Mrs Sweet, who have now purchased Zackira for Lewis to ride.

"Really excited to welcome Shakira into our stables! She’s such a talented mare and has the most beautiful personality to go with it," Lewis took to Instagram. "A huge thank you to our owners for this incredible opportunity! We are really looking forward for the journey together."

Tophojs Zackira

Tophojs Zackira began her sport career in Denmark as a 4-year old under Anne Sofie Aaen, who competed her through 2020. She bought Zackira as a foal at the 2014 Danish warmblood elite foal auction.

The mare then moved to Great Britain where new owner, Danish Olympian Anders Dahl, developed her to schooling Grand Prix level. "I bought her almost three years ago (..) during Covid when it was more or less impossible to travel," Dahl explained. "I ended up buying her from a 2 minute video. She exceeded all my expectations. She was 100% ready for the Grand Prix, which I was very keen on doing with this extremely willing mare.
But I am pleased that it ended up being Lewis Carrier buying her, and he will take her out in Grand Prix."

The pair competed in one international, the 2023 CDI Le Mans in February. They were third in the Intermediaire B with 68.216% and fourth in the Intermediaire II with 66.941%. At the 2023 British Championships they were third in the Intermediaire II with 72.441%.

When asked about his future plans with the mare, Lewis told Eurodressage that he is "going to take her out at Inter II at local shows and then chop away with the GP work at home until we’re more solidified as a combination to compete. She’s only 9 so I want to make sure she’s steps up to GP when we’re ready together and can do the test justice."

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