Set for Somerford: Lewis Carrier and Diego

What a partnership! After buying Diego when he was just 16 as a four year old, Lewis Carrier has competed on many Young Rider and U25 International teams with the Syrida A x Spielberg gelding and will be soon be stepping up to Senior level.

Their year started like any other at Keysoe Premier League which they used as a spring board to Somerford Park, where Lewis was rightly pleased with his three tests. He began the show by taking second place in the Stübben Intermediate II where Deigo produced personal bests for both Grand Prix level tests.

“I’m pleased with how much we’re improving,” said Lewis. “This was only his third Special. It’s a good test for him as it has a lot of extended trot and he has a good one. He got a 9 for his walk to piaffe transition which he finds natural and easy. The test throws a lot at you, especially the two pirouettes with 9 one-tempis between, but Diego likes doing the fun stuff like that.”

Going on to say how special this gelding is to him, “Diego’s 14 now and I feel like he’s coming into himself. We’ve worked our way up together and I feel there’s a lot more to come.”

Coming to an end on their experience on the World Class Programme ran by British Equestrian, The Podium Potential Pathway has been invaluable for the pair, “It’s been a fantastic experience over the past four years,” shares Lewis. “Being on the pathway, having the staff available and the training opportunities, has been key to helping me to bridge the gap between Young Riders and U25, and I’m now going into Seniors. It’s been so helpful to have a such broad range of advice from so many different people, from nutrition to the way our horses are trained and kept – it’s a really amazing experience to take into Seniors and the big, wide world.”

He will representing Great Britain for the last time this year in the U25 category at the European Championships held in Hungry later this month and has loved the experience. Talking about his time at Hagen last year, “I’ve had a fantastic time competing at this venue alongside the Seniors has been absolutely amazing. We’ve had a great experience and show, so I’m looking forward to going on from here and for the future.”

We are looking forward to a future with Lewis and Diego. After coming third in the Inter II at last years LeMieux National Championships could Grand Prix be their chance at the title?