Stephanie Croxford and Mr President win grand prix k

Britain’s top amateur dressage rider Stephanie Croxford beat the professionals at Saumur CDI, France (20-23 September) by winning the grand prix kr.

Stephanie, a geochemist, was riding her driving-bred Gelderlander Mr President.

The pair were second to Julia Chevanne of France in the grand prix on 68.58% and improved for a 74.7% to take the kr from Denmarks Anders Dahl on Afrikka.

I couldnt believe my result, said Stephanie. I never expected to do that well. My horse was on fire though. He went into the arena on a mission.

Stephanie had a break from competing Mr President when she had her first child, Annabelle, in June. But she feels confident.

Weve had a few competitions with little mistakes where weve misunderstood each other but in Saumur we had our old partnership back, she said.

British national champion Spencer Wilton was fifth in the grand prix and second in the grand prix special on 70.88%.

Read Horse & Hound’s full report from Saumur in next week’s magazine, on sale 4 October, ’07)

Sarah Jenkins

H&H editor-in-chief

Sarah has more than 20 years experience as an equestrian journalist and editor. She has reported from major championships including the Europeans and the World Equestrian Games. She has co-written books on equestrianism including The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Horses & Ponies. Sarah has ridden since childhood, owned horses and ponies for over 25 years, and worked for and trained with Olympic gold medallist event rider Leslie Law prior to going to university.