Gambrinus, the stallion ridden by Peter Storr, is owned by Pinkey Heintz,an American now resident in England. A Hanoverian by Grosso Z, he was the five-year-old Futurity champion, 1997 winter medium champion and a previous Wellington Riding Prix St Georges Freestyle champion. Peter was reserve with Gambrinus for the Sydney Olympics and was crowned national champion in 2000
How did you acquire Gambrinus and how much did he cost?
I was looking for a new horse and wanted to buy a stallion. I arranged a trip to Germany to view lots of horses. I first saw Gambrinus late at night, so I returned to see him a couple of times. He was only rising three, but had such a sweet nature and was a kind horse. He cost in the region of £20,000.
How was he named?
As he is by Grosso Z, I wanted a name beginning with G, so I sat down with a dictionary of names and came up with Gambrinus, a god of beer and wine.
How did you get into dressage?
About 12 years ago we went to live in Germany and, although I had not ridden for several years, decided to pick up the reins again. As the Germans are so good at dressage, I started having lessons. When we moved here six years ago, I boughtmy horses with me, including my first stallion Attempto.
How did you choose your rider?
When we moved to England we lived in London, so I wanted to find a yard close by and was introduced to Peter. He initially rode Attempto for me.
What has been your best moment? Gizmo has been good so many times – we’ve had a lot of pleasure from him.
And the worst?
When I was competing in the novice championships at the nationals at Addington and I couldn’t find my way to the arena. I had to gallop back to where I’d come from and gallop down all these tracks, so I was late. Also when Attempto broke down. He’d had an injury in Germany and we’d got him back competing over here, but he broke down a week before the nationals.
Your ambition?
For Gambrinus to be successful and to see my young horses that I bred by Giorgione compete and do well. Greatest complaint about the sport
Lack of recognition of the sport in this country. It needs more to attract financial support and sponsorship. Competing and training are costly and competitors and owners need financial help to compete at international level.
Best aspect of the sport?
Seeing horses progress from novice to grand prix. So many drop out that it’s exciting to see one go all the way.
Favourite venue?
Aachen is the most exciting place. In this country I like Hickstead, which is set up really well. I also enjoy Addington and Stoneleigh.
