Gio and his new owner/rider

[DownYonder]

This is a nice article about Charlotte Dujardin’s Olympic horse, Gio, and his new owner, young rider Annabelle Pidgley, Sounds like they are making good progress developing as a team.

I love this part of the interview:

People who make it onto the podium seem wired a little bit differently to the rest. What do you think gets someone onto a podium?

Hard work above all. Dedication and routine. Just showing up to training every day, even if you’re tired or stressed or have other things going on. You have to show up and work hard and love what you do—and love the horses. Especially when you have to get up so early in the dark and cold. You have to be passionate.

Learning Piaffe On Pumpkin: Annabella Pidgley Is Living A Young Rider’s Dream

[chancellor2]

Can I just say that I am just sooooo absolutely jealous of Annabella? Can you imagine? Learning from the best working with a horse who is trained by the best? I’m happy for her. But DAMN!

[Lunabear1988]

I am definitely envious!! The first time I saw Pumpkin I was instantly in love with him. I think I saw him at that showcase thing they do. Then I remember talking to a friend that he was my favorite and the one I thought would really be something. It was very exciting to see where he ended up. He just looks so fun.

Lucky girl!