Alex Baker Leaves Helgstrand to Ride for Newton Stud and Elite Stallions in the U.K.

Sales and Training

An exciting move is just around the corner for international Irish dressage rider Alex Baker. After two and a half years at Helgstrand Academy in Denmark, Alex is returning to the UK as the in-house rider for Newton Stud and Elite Stallions.

'We are absolutely thrilled to be welcoming Alex to the team in Devon," said Lorna Wilson of Elite Stallions. "Everything we do at Newton Stud and Elite Stallions is building towards the future of the sport and it will be fabulous to see this echoed in the ridden horses as well. Alex is a beautiful rider and has a super affinity with the horses, it is going to be very exciting to work with her and see what we can achieve together."

A Familiar Face

Previously the horses of Newton Stud and Elite Stallions have been trained by riders at Elite Dressage, the joint venture of Lorna and Anna Ross. However following their recent split, it was time for a fresh plan.

Alex worked for Elite Dressage as one of these riders before she moved to Denmark in 2023, so she was an obvious choice for the position.

Newton Stud have been breeding top quality horses for over 25 years. With a broad selection ranging from foals to five year olds, Alex and assistant rider Leah Cornish will certainly have plenty to keep them busy.

"Some of the horses will stay with us in training," said Lorna "but many will be available for sale, through the new sales section of our website, which is coming soon."

Top Gear and Sezuan's Donnerhall

With Dutchman at the 2022 World Championships

As Alex returns to the U.K. Elite Stallions one-year lease of sire Galaxico also came to an end and he returned back to Helgstrand.

As well as a plethora of top young horses, Alex will also be campaigning the stallions Top Gear and Sezuan's Donnerhall, for Elite Stallions. Top Gear, produced by Isobel Freese, was purchased from Deckstation Schockemohle earlier this year by Elite Stallions and has had a busy breeding season so far.

"It is incredible to have the opportunity to take on the ride of these fabulous stallions," says Alex. "Top Gear has been beautifully trained and has incredible power and presence. We have lots of plans in the pipeline for both boys, obviously working around their stud commitments, but it will be so exciting to see what we can do."

Discover Newton Stud and Elite Stallions