17th Mar 2007

Steph Storms Olympia!

(London International Horse Show, Olympia)

One of Dressage’s favourite amateur duos, Dr Stephanie Croxford and her twelve year old Gelderlander x Hackney Mr President IV, are celebrating yet another success after a spectacular performance at the FEI World Cup qualifier at this year’s London International Horse Show, Olympia.

The dream partnership began when Steph bought Mr President as a young horse for riding club activities. It soon became apparent that he would excel in the dressage arena and, by the time he was nine, they won their first Grand Prix class. Since then they have never looked back and continually compete against the worlds top dressage horses culminating last month at Olympia. “The whole journey has been so exciting”, enthuses Steph. “Mr President is just a star and always puts in 110%. He loves the sport as much as I do”.

Olympia has an audience reach of millions but Steph was able to swallow any nerves and put in an amazing performance that gained her a very respectable 9th place in the first round Grand Prix with 67.75%, securing her place in the second round Kür. She then had a tense overnight wait to perform her Grand Prix Freestyle to Music, which was equally dazzling and gained her 8th place and 70.9%. Overall, the event won her nine valuable World Cup points ranking her 33rd in the competition. Derbyshire based Steph and Mr President are full of talent and swear by the use of a Sue Carson Saddle, bespoke designed to their individual needs, to enhance their competition performance. Steph explains, “Dressage is about natural, athletic movement so it’s important that Mr President doesn’t feel restricted in any way and is totally comfortable. At the same time, I need to be totally comfortable with a true feeling for his movement so that we can work together and achieve our best. The Sue Carson Saddle ensures I don’t have any excess bulk around my legs”.