News
National Convention: Get to know host Michael Eilberg
- Written By: British Dressage
- Published: Mon, 11 Nov 2019 12:46
With just under two weeks to go until the National Convention in association with Harrison Clark Rickerbys, find out more about GB rider and trainer Michael Eilberg ahead of his appearance on Saturday 23 November at the biggest training event of the year.
In the heart of Worcestershire, day to day business runs like clockwork in the idyllic Pink Green Farm, home to the Eilberg family – one of Britain’s most notable dressage dynasties. Following in the footsteps of his father Ferdi, Michael Eilberg belongs to an exclusive club of riders to represent their country at major senior FEI Championships and Games, his rise to success followed a discipline u-turn in his early twenties after a youth spent training and competing horses over fences.
One can associate Michael with three exceptional horses who’ve shaped his career over the past decade. With Lynne Crowden’s iconic Woodlander Farouche, Michael rode to victory at the FEI World Breeding Championships for Young Horses adding his name to the history books as only the second British rider at the time to have achieved a gold medal in this sphere. At Grand Prix level, it was the grey mare Half Moon Delphi to deliver a series of outstanding results, and a collection of Championship team medals to boot. Then the faithful veteran Marakov, another team medal winning horse owned by the Eilbergs from the age of three with his roots in showjumping and a heart of gold.
A popular character on the dressage circuit and trainer to many in the local area, Michael brings a fresh, exciting approach to training and is known to make use of his early days in showjumping, with polework at the forefront of his training approach. We look forward to welcoming one of the brightest talents in British dressage to Addington Equestrian for this year’s National Convention in association with Harrison Clark Rickerbys.
Quick fire questions with Michael Eilberg
How did you start your journey in dressage?
Because of my family.
Who have you trained with throughout your career?
My father Ferdi Eilberg.
What’s your best achievement/s to date?
- Winning gold at the 2011 and 2012 World Breeding Championships for Young Horses
- Team silver at the World Equestrian Games in 2014, plus placing 8th in the Freestyle final
- Team silver and bronze at the FEI European Championships in 2013 and 2015
Who’s your most admired rider?
My father and Isabell Werth.
What’s the most inspirational advice you’ve given or received?
Be positive!
What inspires you in your training?
My horses feeling happy and confident in their work.
What are your hopes for the future of dressage?
I’d like to see a better understanding of horsemanship.
Hear from Michael at the National Convention, tickets are available online or call the BD team on 02476 698833 to book over the phone.
