Dressage team horse retired from competition

Dressage rider Gareth Hughes’ top horse DV Stenkjers Nadonna has been retired from competition.

Amazing season

Gareth took the ride on the chestnut mare four years ago. Since then they have won team bronze at the 2013 FEI European Championships in Herning and team silver at last year’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

They also won the Grand Prix at the 2014 WEG test eventand represented Britain on Nations Cup teams.

“We’ve had an amazing few seasons, capped off with WEG last year,” said Gareth. “When we started together we didn’t expect we’d end up doing a Europeans or a World Championships but I couldn’t be more thankful for what she’s given us, she’s outdone all our expectations, and each step we made forward was very special.”

Live the dream

The 16-year-old mareis still fit and well, and will now spend retirement at home with her owner Jane Brewin.

“We’ve been very lucky to see her fulfil her potential but our promise to Donna was always that she could enjoy her retirement,” said Jane. “She’s enabled us to live our dream and now it’s time for Donna to live hers.”