Annabella Pidgley and Gio win U25 Grand Prix

Annabella Pidgley and Gio, now known as Pumpkin, have scored two incredible wins at the ICE Horseboxes All England Dressage Festival Premier League, Hickstead.

Months ago we were wondering how Annabella Pidgley would do with her Olympic partner, Gio. This weekend, the 17-year-old rider won the Inter II and the U25 Grand Prix on the same horse with whom Charlotte Dujardin took double Olympic bronze in Tokyo. 

“It’s been amazing riding Pumpkin; Charlotte and I say he’s perfect! I’ve really had to step up my riding but it’s so nice to see improvement every time. This was my first under-25 grand prix and I was a bit nervous; it’s harder than inter II, but he really looked after me and felt amazing.” 

The pair scored 76.383% at the I.C.E Horseboxes FEI Grand Prix Under 25 on Saturday. According to Annabella, she has learnt from riding Gio and as a result her other horses have also benefited. 

A great student

Charlotte Dujardin, the famous British dressage rider, Annabella has been a great student. 

“It’s such a pleasure to watch [Annabella and Pumpkin]. Last year was her first year at advanced medium and she’s only 17; now she’s so close to grand prix with a horse she’s still learning to get to grips with.”

The young rider also rode on Espe and Sultan Des Paluds FRH in the junior team test, finishing first and second respectively. She has had the eight-year-old mare since February, while Sultan is the same horse with whom she won the double silver at last year’s junior European Championships.

On HorseTV we are eager to see Annabella’s advancement not only with Pumpkin but with the rest of her horses. If you want to read similar news, then stay tuned to our news page!