Dutch dressage rider Edward Gal has bagged himself a new ride. He will take over the grand prix dressage stallion Blue Hors Romanov and the horse will move to Holland.
Despite Romanov’s successful long-term grand prix record – he won the Medien Cup qualifier in Hamburg in 2010, was second in the grand prix special in Verden and won the grand prix at CDI3* Copenhagen – the Danish Blue Hors Stud fired its chief rider Sune Hansen after a series of disappointing recent results. This included the European Championships earlier this year, where the pair posted the Danish team’s discard score of 67.66%.
Blue Hors hope that, under Edward, Romanov will make it to the Olympics, albeit flying the Dutch flag. It is the first time a Dutch rider has taken on a stallion from the stud.
“Our goal was always to have horses at the Olympics,” said Blue Hors manager, Esben Moller. “With this solution, we have the best opportunity to achieve [that] in London and continue to deliver strong results.”
Sune Hansen riding Blue Hors Romanov
The handsome bay stallion (Rohdiamant-Grundstein II) is already a popular breeding sire in Europe – despite his pricey stud fee of €1625 – with offspring including the 2010 mare of the year in Belgium. With his new high-profile rider, he is sure to remain in demand.
Romanov has five full brothers: Rubin Royal, Rumicello, Rubino Vincente, Rubin Action and Blue Hors Rockefeller.
US-based Dane Lars Petersen will ride another Blue Hors competition stallion, Gredstedgards Casmir (by Continue). He will move to Wellington, Florida to be united with his new rider, who used to work for the Stud in Denmark.
“We are delighted to have two of the best riders in the world for our two strongest grand prix horses,” added Moller.
This is Edward Gal’s second new ride in as many months. He was in Norway teaching a clinic and at the end was asked which of the horses he would most like to take home.
His pick was the three-year-old stallion, Tailormade Ralph Lauren. Much to Edward’s surprise, the horse’s owner Tejr Pedersen immediately told him he could have the ride on the striking chestnut and take him home to continue his education. Edward thanked him, then mounted the horse and rode him for the first time in front of the crowd.
Edward Gal riding Tailormade Ralph Lauren
