LEVEL ONE HORSE OF THE YEAR WINNER – DRESSAGE

Cambridge event rider John Twomey has once again proven his prowess in the dressage arena, winning the Level 1 Horse of the Year 2009 title, with Don Diego DC.
Owned by Auckland’s Tracey Bos, the imported Donnertraum gelding racked up impressive scores in the 70’s all weekend, managing to head off recent German import Don Freese and Nicola French (Blenheim).
Don Diego has excelled this season, winning the BOP and Waitemata Championship, as well as the North Island title.
“He’s been an amazing horse to compete,” said Twomey. “He’s got three great paces, is built uphill and has wonderful confirmation for a dressage horse.”
Bred in Australia, Don Diego DC, was imported as a weanling by Lisa Blackbourn, before being sold to Tracey Bos as a four-year-old and broken in by Twomey and his wife Caroline Hooper.
“We’re really thrilled at his Horse of the Year win and it’s a great way to end the season,” said Twomey.
Don Diego’s consistency was evident in his HOY scores; 72% to win the Musical Freestyle and 72.69% in the 1.3 title class.
Keeping the pressure on was recent German import Don Freese, ridden by South Island’s Nicola French. The pair scored 74.42% to win the 1.3 title class, and 71.5% for second place in the Musical Freestyle.
French has enjoyed a successful season with her new mount, winning the Bates National Level 2 title and Rising Star Award, and finishing up as Reserve Champion at KCHoY.
In third place overall was Britta Pederson with Gold Card, Janelle Sangster-Ward with Rosari Ghiotto, Portia Wilson with The New Yorker and Victoria Wall with Astek Gymnast.