Set for Somerford: Andrew Gould and Indigro

Starting a new partnership this year with Tatiana Skillman’s and Max Skillman stallion Indigro, Andrew Gould exceeded all expectations to gain not only one but two direct tickets to the LeMieux National Championships in the Stübben Intermediate II and LeMieux Grand Prix. Watch one of their qualification tests supplied by Horse & Country. 

“It was a last minute decision to go to Hickstead for our first show together, and what a great experience it was, could not be happier with the feeling he gave me in the arena,” Andrew said on social media for the test which earned them a second place rosette in the Stübben Intermediate II, “he even got a 10 for his passage.”

This exciting new horse for Andrew then went onto win the Stübben Intermediate II at Wellington Premier League at his second British show. Previously in training with Dutch Olympian, Edward Gal, the black beauty had only been with Andrew for just two months at the time. Although it was still early days, the partnership seemed to be becoming fast established, scoring almost 73%.

“He’s not competed since he was six so he’s having to learn his trade again,” explained Andrew. “This is a great start. The judges seem to like him and he got 9s from Judy Harvey. He concentrates and listens in the arena and really comes into himself in the piaffe and passage and I’m loving getting to know him and the feeling he gives.”

One qualification down, another one to go and it was Hartpury Premier League that would seal the deal. Stepping into new territory with the nine year old stallion Andrew felt ready for the step up to the LeMieux Grand Prix, “It was a bit of an unknown really, we didn’t even do a run through at home,” said Andrew after taking the winning spot with 73.45%.

“The Inter II which is more familiar gave me a great feeling and I knew I needed more control in the Grand Prix which is such a busy test so, we worked on that and it really helped with our balance. His piaffe and passage were super, the highlight of the test and the judges all seemed to agree too.  He is such a genuine horse and Tatiana his owner is a fantastic supporter and involved owner – it was a massive show for all of us.”

International Grand Prix rider and trainer Andrew is more than used to success having been on five consecutive Junior and Young Rider European Teams as a youth rider, including winning a team bronze medal in 2000 with Koffee Break. With a string of horses at Priory Dressage this could be just one of many highlights this year.