Dressage rider Anna Ross Davies will have access to a wealth of new horses to complement her existing string thanks to a new partnership with Kent-based Southern Cross Stud.
The stud, founded by husband and wife team Jules and Jill Walker, specialises in using world-class bloodlines to produce dressage competition horses and works closely with partners in Germany.
Anna will represent the stud as its international rider and trainer: “It’s a very exciting prospect for me to work with the Walkers’ young horses and hopefully take them through to grand prix,” said Anna.
“We went to Germany where I met the brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers of the horses I’ll be working with. It’s fascinating seeing the similarities, but it will be even more interesting when it comes to riding them.”
Jill Walker explained: “Anna’s an outstanding rider and we’ve already placed four of our horses with her.”
The Southern Cross horses already at Anna’s yard are the two chestnut Breitling W daughters, Bobbi Dazzler and Bertia, as well as the Lingh-sired Linguistic and Mio Weltamore.
Jan Rogers of the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) said: “The principle of linking quality British-bred horses with professional riders is fabulous. What we’ve been missing in this country is the end-to-end production.
“Through the Futurity scheme, the BEF is keen to track successful horses. Studs forging relations with professional riders makes it more likely that we’ll see the best of the horses deliver during their careers.”
This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (2 June, 2011)
