24th Sep 2007

Steph Steals Saumur

(Saumur CDI*** Grand Prix Kur)

Once again, Steph Croxford and the stunningly handsome Mr President IV have stolen the hearts and minds of hundreds of spectators by winning the Saumur CDI*** Grand Prix Kur. Last weekend and in their first ever competition abroad, Steph and Mr President yet again demonstrated their enchanting and powerful bond by stealing the Grand Prix Kur. Only two days after scooping a third and fourth place in the Grand Prix classes at the Blue Waters National Dressage Championships, Steph and Mr President made the long journey to the french Ecole Nationale Equestrian in Saumur to compete in the high profile international competition.

The trip did not go without mishap however, as Steph and Mr President IV suffered a blow out only 5km from Saumur, stranded, the pair would have missed out on the veterinary inspection had it not been for the kindness of fellow competitors. Due to the length of time Mr President had spent in the lorry, Steph decided not to compete in the Intermediaire II warm up class but instead, took advantage of the miles of forest, cross country fences and sand gallops. Said Steph, "As a result of the tremendous fun we had in the few days beforehand, Mr President entered the dressage arena for both the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Kur on a mission, he was on fire!" Typical of any competition he competes at, the french crowds loved Mr President, "He got the biggest cheer from the crowd and that was before we had even started the tests", explained Steph.

In a dazzling performance, Mr President was runner up in the Grand Prix with a score of 68.58% but it was the freestyle class that created a lasting impression on the judge's minds, having been awarded 74.7% for their test, Steph and Mr President won the class by a significant margin.