View of full results page for 2008/007 here....
DAN Triumpant at HOYS with Chauvanist
Dan took his impressive form to HOYS this week winning the Tri-Zone Newcomers Championship on Chauvanist. Chauvanist has improved all summer and Dan was looking forward to showing the progress his charge had made in what was a very competitive event. After seven horses jumped clear in the first round, Dan had the unfavorable position of being first in the jump off. However, showing an excellent awareness of time, Dan set a very competitive 49.89sec and threw down the gauntlet to the rest of the field. Hard as they tried they could not match the time Dan had set and he finished the only double clear taking the Newcomers title. "I wasn't sure I went fast enough in the jump-off, I just tried to keep it smooth and quick. Chauvanist has been in excellent form all summer and it was no more than he deserved" said a delighted Dan.
Dan is now looking forward to the Towerlands International Show in November and hopes to put in two show aboard before defending his Young Riders title at Olympia in December.
Dan continues in great form
Fresh back from the Junior European Championships Dan wasted little time getting back into the grove with some excellent performances in August. The month started in great style with the very promising Chauvinist qualifying for the HOYS newcomers final by winning at Arena UK. This very nice young horse has improved all this summer and Dan has high hopes for this scopey gelding.
The young horses were very much the focus in August, and Dan took both Disco II and Chauvinist to the very popular Addington Young Horse Show. Chauvinist again showed excellent form during the three days of jumping, going clear on day one, double clear on day 2 and only having a very unlucky four faults in the final. Disco II also showed why Dan thinks an awful lot of this talented son of Disconto coming a excellent 2nd place in the final of the six years olds and but for having the first fence on the first day would have had a share of the £5000 bonus prize. "The 're both really nice young horses" said Dan "I was delighted with the way both jumped, we've been taking it very easy on both horses but the 're learning fast and both should be excellent prospects for the future" added Dan
Dan's older horses were in action at the big Chester Invitational meeting at the fabulous Chester racecourse. Ionesco du Moulin took part in the new speed format class. Dan needed to beat two rivals in a head to head contest to get into the main one round final. Having won his two head to head matches, Dan was in top class form in the final posting the 2nd best time but having lowered one pole it added two seconds to Dan's time and he had to settle for a very creditable forth place.
Having had a nice rest since the European Championships, Dan brought out his star mare High Tone Z for the 1.40m Chester Invitational. With both in great form, Dan and High Tone Z wasted little time and after a very smooth first round, Dan took control in the jump off to win the class in impressive fashion in what was a very competitive field of top class riders.
Dan wins Team Gold at European Championships
One of Dan's key targets for 2008 has been achieved by winning Team Gold in the European Junior Championships in Prague. The team consisting of Dan - High Tone Z, Matt Sampson - Indy 28, Louise Saywell - Cyprianus and Marla Lovett - Emily 46 produced a stunning performance to win the gold medal in convincing style from Denmark and Germany. Carrying forward only 4 faults from the first round Dan was last to go in the all important second round and with a very narrow lead over the team from Denmark Dan could not afford to make any mistakes. Using all his experience and talent Dan and High Tone Z jumped a flawless round of show jumping to secure the gold medal for the Accenture Great Britain Team. "What a fantastic experience" said Dan "It's great winning individual medals but there is a special buzz about winning with a team. There is such camaraderie amongst everyone involved with everyone pulling for each other. The whole team was in great form and I think we deserved to win the gold medal" added a delighted Dan.
In the individual Dan was again in fantastic form with High Tone Z but just finished out of the medals in a very creditable fifth place. With only one fence separating Dan from the medals it was really close at the top and despite jumping a superb double clear on the last day the carry over penalties just prevented Dan from adding to last years silver medal. "It's a little bit disappointing" said Dan "But she jumped really well all week and was very unlucky to have a pole in the first round of the team championship, but that's show jumping and with such a competitive field just one rail can make all the difference. Still the team experience was fantastic and I'm coming home with a gold medal which is what going to the championships is all about. I'll be trying very hard next year to get that individual gold, but for now I'll be be enjoying the team celebrations."
July 2008
Dan selected for Great Britain 2008 Junior European Team
Dan has been selected for The Accenture Juniors Riders Team who will represent Great Britain at the 2008 European Show Jumping Championships to be held in Prague, Czech Republic from the 16th – 20th July 2008. Dan will partner Christine Saunders’ eleven year-old grey mare High Tone Z in the Championships and will be joined by Matthew Sampson - Indy 28, Louise Saywell - Cyprianus Z, Marla Lovett - Emily 46 and Jason Smith - Rival 14.
Individual Silver medal winner in 2007, Dan is hoping to go one better this year, but his big focus is on helping the team secure a medal. "I'm delighted to be in the team" said Dan "It's always an honor to represent your country, and to get the chance in the big European events is always special. I think we've got a great team, we're all very competitive and know what it takes to win. It's all about jumping clear rounds and if we all concentrate on producing a good team performance the individual aspect of the competition takes care of itself"
June 2008
Dan anchors GBR Junior Team to second place in Reims
Dan traveled to the CSIOJ show in Reims, France as an important part of the build up to the European Championships in July. With the Championships less than six weeks away, the GBR team comprising of Matthew Sampson - Indy 28, Marla Lovett - Emily 46, Louise Saywell - Cyprianus Z and Dan on High Tone Z put in an excellent performance just failing to catch the Dutch team finishing in second place. With Dan taking the key anchor role, he produced two flawless displays of jumping to go double clear and with this team looking to be very close to the team that will represent GBR in the European Championships the timing could no have been better. "It was important that the team put in a solid performance" said Dan "With the Championships only about six weeks away this is the time to show that you can jump clear rounds, the team event is very important to me and if we can produce this sort of form next month we should be very competitive" added Dan.
With High Tone Z busy taking part in the Nations Cup, Dan was in action in the other classes with Ionesco du Moulin. Having jumped very well on day one, lowering just one pole in a very fast time, Dan and Ionesco du Mouline put in an excellent performance on day two finishing a very good second 2nd just failing to catch Hendrik Jan Schuttert riding Eurocommerce Ventimiglia.
On day three Dan and Ionesco du Moulin jumped in the Small Grand PRIX and after jumping a super clear, just lowered one pole in the jump off to finish a creditable sixth place. In the main Junior Grand PRIX Dan and High Tone Z looked to be in great form and just when it appeared Dan would take his place in the jump off, High Tone Z lowered one pole to finish on four faults. "That was a really good warm up for the championships" said Dan "The horses are jumping very well and I was pleased with both of them, just got to wait now to see if we've done enough to get into the final five for the Championships." added Dan.
May 2008
Dan's luck runs out at the Herts County Show
Dan has one of those weekends where the team were in excellent form but the results just didn't go as planned. In glorious weather on the first day of the very popular Herts County Show, Dan was looking to get the talented Ungaro qualified for the 2008 Horse Of The Year show in the very competitive Grade C class on the Saturday morning. After jumping a very fluent and impressive first round, Dan set about the jump off in very determined mood and after putting in a flawless display of jumping to go clear Dan found his way into the three qualifying places. With Dan and Ungaro's place looking good the very last competitor in the class stopped the clock 2 tenths of a second quicker than Ungaro's to push Dan into a very frustrating forth place just outside of the qualifiers. Despite the setback, a smiling Dan shrugged his shoulders and said "That's showjumping, I thought we'd done enough, the horse jumped really well and is improving all the time, it's a shame but you can't complain when the horse has performed so well".
Dan also had two of his best horses High Tone Z and Penshaws Party Advocate with him for the very competitive Herts County Area Trial. With the Hickstead Derby meeting in mind for Penshaws Party Advocate, it was an excellent chance to get this very scopey 13yr Black gelding back competing. Despite it being his first show back on grass "Sherman" was in fine form being the first to go clear over a very testing and big course - only 11 clears in forty five entrants, and even though he had two poles in the jump off Dan was very happy with him. "He got a big tired in the jump off but he jumped very well and I'm really pleased with him. We touched a few towards the end of the first round and I thought he might run out of petrol in the jump off, but it's a good come back and a few more shows should put him spot on for Hickstead."
Dan was also out of luck of his lead horse High Tone Z in the Area Trial. Having popped her round to a double clear in the 1.30m 2 phase contest earlier in the day, this lovely grey mare was in superb form in the first round of the Area trial, jumping an excellent clear in the quickest time, giving Dan pole position in the jump-off. The jump-off was going exactly as planned until the second last fence when Dan was very unfortunate to have the back rail of a very wide and testing oxer (none of the 11 in the jump off managed to jump clear over the last line of fences), and Dan had to settle for 5th place. "One of those very frustrating days" said Dan "The mare jumped very well and even though we didn't win she's still in great form and the bigger picture is the European's later in the year. We'll keep her ticking over until then and hopefully produce her spot on for the Euro's" added Dan.
In other news, Dan managed to qualify two of his very talented 6yr olds Disco and Chauvanist for the 6yr Old Championships later in the year. Both horses jumped triple clear to quality and Dan was unfortunate not to also qualify a third horse Varo M, who after jumping very well in round one had a very unfortunate rail in the second round.
Dan so close to Royal Flush at Windsor
Recently back from France, Dan continued his very impressive 2008 with another eye catching display in the prestigious Young Rider classes at the Royal Windsor horse show, winning one class and being placed in two others. Dan selected two of his very best horses to compete at the show, the lovely grey mare High Tone Z and his very impressive new horse Ionesco du Moulin - already a six time winner in 2008.
Using High Tone Z in the Thursday jump off class Dan was particularly impressive, jumping a very smooth well timed round, followed by a top class jump off stopping the clock at 45.62sec to win the class in convincing style. This grey mare looks on great form and is showing all the consistency required to give Dan another excellent chance at the European Junior championships later in the summer. "She jumped really well today" said Dan "She gave me a good feeling and loved the surface, we'll put her away until the young riders Grand PRIX on Sunday and she must have a good chance if we jump as well as we did today" added Dan.
Day two of the Young Rider classes was the one round 1.40m speed class, with Dan deciding to use his long striding Ionesco du Moulin who has had such an impressive start to 2008. Moving round the course smooth and quick Dan, who was not favoured by the draw, set an excellent time of 66.07 over the 400m/min course. The time looked good enough to win the class but Dan's time was just caught and he had to settle for an excellent 2nd place. "We've decided to use him for the speed today and the accumulator tomorrow, he's still in really good form and jumped well, I was really pleased with him today" said Dan.
The third of the Young Rider classes on the Saturday was the accumulator with Dan again deciding to use his speed horse Ionesco du Moulin to try and keep the impressive run of results going. On a course that looked right up Dan's street, it turned out to be one of those unlucky show jumping moments. Having moved round the course taking all the tight turns on a quick forward stride pattern Dan came to the last very big joker fence with the class won, unfortunately a small misunderstanding between Dan and his charge left them not jumping the fence and Dan's chance had gone. "One of those things" said a smiling Dan "I propably just missed the last and as he's very careful we just decided to part company. He again jumped very well and these things happen, though hopefully not too often!" Dan added with a smile.
The big class on Sunday - The Young Riders GRAND PRIX - turned out to be one of those very frustrating showjumping days. Back on his best horse High Tone Z, Dan was in great form but did not quite get the result he deserved. Showing all his class in the first round Dan and High Tone Z jumped a top class clear round recording the fastest time to put Dan in pole position in the jump off. With both horse and rider showing great form, the jump off was going as well as could be expected and Dan came to the last in full control, however as can happen in showjumping, the smallest of rubs on the last upright brought the top pole down - a full stride and a half after jumping it - and the prize which looked secure in Dan's hands had gone, despite recording a time a full four seconds quicker than the winner, Dan and High Tone Z having to settle for forth place. "It just wasn't meant to be today" said Dan with a shrug of his shoulders "She was in fantastic form today and I could not believe we had the last down, I thought I'd jumped it clean but you can't be too disappointed after the way she jumped. The horses are still in great form and we'll move on from here. I've got a few European trips coming up and it will be good to take the string with the form they are showing".
You can view our exclusive gallery of Royal Windsor here.....
April 2008
Dan Loves France!
Having raided France multiple times this year, Dan decided to go back again to the shows at Hardelot and Auvers to prepare the horses for the European trails at Wales & West in early May. Dan used his three lead horses High Tone Z, Ionesco du Moulin and Ungaro at Hardelot and all jumped very well. After steady clears on Ungaro - 1.35m Open finishing 7th and High Tone Z on day one, Dan stepped it up on day two to qualify for the Grand PRIX by finishing a very good 8th on High Tone Z. Ionesco du Moulin, who has been a revelation so far this year, jumped his first class of the show with a nice steady clear. As is Dan habit of late he saved his best performance for the last day of the show with a fantastic victory on Ionesco du Moulin in the 1.40m Accumulator. A very long striding horse who covers the ground effortlessly is deceptively quick and having already won six times this year, Dan and everyone at Jason & Katrina's Moore's yard are extremely excited about the future for Ionesco du Moulin.
Having been successful at Hardelot Dan moved onto his favourite location in France, Auvers - won Grand PRIX in 2007 and European Silver Medal on this big sand arena last year, and again put in a very impressive performance. Day one say Dan come third in the 1.40m two phase event on High Tone Z, who looks in really good condition. Dan could well have won the class on Ionesco du Moulin but unfortunately had the last fence down to finish out of the placings. Dan quickly put his disappointment aside and won the 6yr old class on his very promising horse Disco II, who jumped very well in this big arena and took everything in his stride.
Day two Dan again showed his class going double clear on the very consistent Ungaro in the 1.35m Open finishing a creditable 5th, Dan then jumped double clear on High Tone Z in the 1.40m Open, finishing 6th, an excellent preparation for the Grand PRIX on the last day. Dan finished another excellent day by jumping double clear on Disco II in the 6yr Old contest to finish a good 2nd. This six year old appears to have all the qualities to make up into a very good horse and is definately one to look out for in the future.
Dan finished his show with a good tenth in the Grand PRIX on the Sunday on High Tone Z. This lovely mare was in cracking form but just caught the back rail of the triple bar to finish in a good tenth place. Dan will now take his string to the Wales & West European qualifiers in early May to try and secure his place on the National team.
Back in France Dan wins again
After having a very impressive show in the South Of France a month ago Dan returned to plunder yet more prizes at the Le Touquet International event. On day one Dan jumped his new horse Aube Mystique De Catope who performed with great credit having only one pole down. Dan's current new star Ionesco Du Moulin had a really nice start to the show finishing third in a hotly contested 1.35m Jump Off class.
Day two was another very solid day for Dan with Aube Mystique De Catope improving for his firs day performance to finish a very good forth in the 1.30m open, while Ionesco du Moulin had an unlucky pole in the 1.35m Speed. Dan brought his Olympia winner Ungaro out on day two and he showed he was in fine fettle with a really good 3rd place.
As seems to be the case this year, Dan saved his best for last. After finishing a really good 4th and 6th on Ungaro and Aube Mystique De Catope respectively in the 1.35m open contest, Dan put up a fantastic display of jumping to win the Grand PRIX on Ionesco du Moulin. Producing a fluent and quick jump off Dan took a stride out to the last to win in great style. "Really pleased with all the horses" said Dan "Ionesco du Moulin has been in amazing form and felt really strong and quick today, I don't want to get carried away but he really is an exciting prospect" added Dan "I was very pleased with the new horse, we'll keep him to the 1.30's for all while and see where we go from there".
March 2008
Back home and back in the winners enclosure
Recently returned from his hugely successful trip to France, Dan wasted little time in getting back into the swing of things at the Towerlands Senior Premier show with a very impressive victory on Ionesco du Moulin in the 1.35m Open. In a field containing the likes of Shane Breen, Guy Williams and Geoff Luckett, Dan had to be at his very best to take the prize, but this exciting new combination were up to the task.
February 2008
Dan shows his class in France
Having already been by far the most consistent rider in the first two weeks of this International CSI** event, Dan was simply spectacular in the final three days. Despite the likes of Roger Yves Bost, Hubert Bourdy and Pascal Levy jumping at this International show, there was only one rider everyone was talking about, and that was 18yr old Daniel Neilson (turned eighteen on the Saturday).
Dan set about the business in hand with a very impressive victory on Ionesco du Moulin in the Big Tour 1.40m open event. Dan's new charge has been a revelation at the show, displaying both impressive speed and scope, undoubtedly a very exciting prospect. "Just keeps getting better and better, he's been in great form the last three weeks and it was a nice way to finish. I'm really looking forward to the summer and jumping some of the bigger tracks with him" said a delighted Dan.
Although it was Dan's eighteenth birthday on the Saturday he was in no mood to accept presents and produced two impressive displays, first on Ungaro, a horse definitely going the right way, finishing a very creditable 3rd in the 1.35m two phase contest, and then preceded to finish 4th on High Tone Z in the 1.40m Big Tour class, which was his warm up for the Grand PRIX on the Sunday.
The final day was the Dan Neilson show. Displaying ability and maturity well beyond his years, Dan produced two displays that were simply breathtaking. Having worked extremely hard to qualify Varm M for the final of the 6yr olds, Dan proceeded to win the class by nearly two seconds from Julie Hoogland on OPERETTE DE CHASSAGNE and the very promising German rider Claudia Hertel riding Laura Croft. "Fantastic, couldn't be more pleased" said Dan "He jumped very well today, he's learning all the time and should be a very nice horse"
The Grand PRIX on the Sunday was a big test for Dan. In a large field of seventy nine, packed with International experienced riders, Dan and his championship mare High Tone Z, were completely unfazed and produced two exceptional rounds of showjumping to finish less than three tenth's of a second behind Roger Yves Boost on Karl de Lusse. "Couldn't ask for more, she was brilliant, I thought we'd won it." said a delighted Dan "It's been great experience, but need to keep improving and use this as a stepping stone for this year" added Dan.
Dan just keeps rolling in South of France
After having such an excellent first week in France, Dan didn't let down his guard in week two and again produced some super jumping. Dan got things rolling on the Friday with a win on his new horse Ionesco du Moulin in the 1.35m Speed class. Dan's new charge jumped very well last week and this could be a very interesting partnership for Dan this year. Dan also finished 8th on Olympia star Ungaro who again jumped well.
Dan followed a super Friday with one of those nearly days. Ionesco du Moulin was in excellent form again to finish 2nd in the 1.35m contest, and coming to the last fence, up on the clock, Ungaro just rolled the top bar to prevent Dan from finishing 1st and 2nd. In the next contest Dan produced and nice steady double clear in the 1.40m two phase contest with High Tone Z.
The Sunday saw more success for Dan. Showing admirable consistency Dan and Ionesco du Moulin stepped up to the 1.40m Speed contest, and again showed eye catching form to win the contest. "Keeps getting better and better, I really like this horse and it will be exciting to see how far the horse can progress this year". With two wins and a second this week it's hard to argue with Dan's assessment.
Dan jumped the super consistent Ungaro in the 1.35m two phase contest and again produced a very creditable result coming in forth in a large field of starters.
The Grand PRIX saw a hugh field of 138 starters and Dan's currently stable star was again in very good form jumping really well to finish a highly creditable 10th place. "I was very pleased with him today, he jumped very well, the whole team is in excellent form and we just hope we can maintain this level of consistency."
Dan off to excellent start in South of France show
Dan has started the 2008 season with a trip to the International CSI** at Villeneuve-Loubet in the South of France. He has taken a string of five horses, High Tone Z, Ungaro and new horse Ionesco du Moulin together with younger horses Varo M and Disco. - both 6yrs old.
The first day at Villeneuve-Loubet was exclusively for the younger horses and Dan wasted little time making an impact, going double clear on both Disco (finished 8th) and Varo M who finished in 12th place. "Very pleased with both" said Dan "We decided to give them a quiet introduction to the show and this was an excellent way to start".
Day two was another solid day for Dan, with Varo M going double clear to finish 11th in the 6yr olds, but the focus was on new horse Ionesco du Moulin who produced a very satisfying round to finish 4th in the 1.40m Big tour event. "Very nice start, we like this horse and hope we can use these shows to get him going" said Dan who also popped his 2007 European Silver medal winner High Tone Z round for 4 faults.
Day three was for the older horses and again Dan was in fine form. Ungaro (winner at Olympia late last year) started the day going clear to finish a fine 6th in the 1.35m Big Tour event. Dan then added two more excellent performances in the 1.40m Big Tour event, going clear on both High Tone Z and Ionesco du Moulin to finish 8th and 12th respectively.
Even though the first three days had gone well, Dan really stepped up on day four with a fabulous win on High Tone Z in the 1.35m Big Tour event comprising of 119 starters. "We popped him round earlier in the week and she felt good so I thought we would have a chance today. The horse is very talented and it's a good start for the mare" said a delighted Dan. Completing an excellent day, Dan then proceeded to jump double clear and finish an excellent 2nd on Disco in the 6yr Old Final - 90 starters. "I'm really excited about the young horses, this is the first time they've jumped in a big arena with this kind of atmosphere. We're all looking forward to the season ahead and seeing them progress."
Dan carries excellent form into second week in France
Continuing were he left off, Dan and the horses continue in great form in France. After impressing last week Dan and Disco stepped up again and won the 6yr Old Final, jumping double clear over a big and technical track (fences 1.35m in final round) to take the prize. Not content with this Dan also jumped double clear on Varo M to finish a highly creditable 5th. "I couldn't be more pleased with the young horses, the 're learning all the time, have adjusted very well, and if we take our time with them I'm sure they will both make up to be very good" a delighted Dan said. After six competitions, Dan now has both horses in the top ten points table - Disco currently in first place - with the top ten qualifying for the Grand Final on 2nd March 2008
Dan welcomes new sponsors for 2008
Dan is delighted to announce three new sponsors for 2008. All household names, Dan now has relationships with Next, Toggi and Tri-Zone and is looking forward to working with all these sponsors during this year. See the sponsors page for more details.....
December 2007
Dan finishes 2007 in Great style at Olympia
Dan finished 2007 with a bang after a fantastic success riding Ungaro in The Accenture Young Showjumper Of The Year at the Olympia CSI***** Show. Dan and the team were especially delighted with Ungaro's performance as he has only had a few minor shows back since his unfortunate accident at Scope in the summer. With only five going through to the jump off from the first round after a very technical track set by course designer Bob Ellis, Dan and Ungaro produced a faultless performance to complete the jump off course in a time of 38.98 sec to win the class by over a second from Sophie Strawson riding Parlinus.
October 2007
BBC SPORT TO FOLLOW DANIEL NEILSON
British Show Jumping are pleased to announce following the successful Accenture supported launch of Equestrian Team GBR that Daniel Neilson will be among the British Athletes who BBC Sport will be following during the countdown to 2012.
I met the team from BBC Sport during the launch of Equestrian Team GBR where Mathew Sampson and I had been asked to represent the World Class Development Programme. It was just a great day and I learnt so much from not only being part of a big press launch, but also the filming both Mathew and I did afterwards with Tim Stockdale” explained Daniel.
I just felt really lucky to have been part of it and enjoyed meeting everyone from the other equestrian disciplines. The last thing I expected was anything else to come from it. To have been given this opportunity is something I really can’t thank the BSJA, UK Sport or BBC Sport for” Daniel continued. Maria Clayton, Head of Communications for the BSJA commented “It would be impossible to ask Andy Fraser and his team at BBC Sport to be any more proactive or receptive to ideas on how to promote our sport and those within it to a wider audience. Their energy, focus and commitment, not only to show jumping but all sports is second to none and we are thoroughly looking forward to working alongside such a professional and proactive team
A discussion forum and feedback features are already in place with expansion planned in the near future with footage from certain show jumping events and a Blog that Daniel will be keeping to allow for updates and insight into the Junior & Young Rider environment.
See Dan's interview with the BBC while competing at Horse of the Year show here......
September 2007
Dan welcomes new Sponsors
Dan would like to welcome new sponsors Horseheath Performance Products, and are delighted to use their products. Since using Horseheath performance products, Dan's horses have shown excellent improvement, especially on Dan's star horse High Tone Z (Silver Medal winner 2007 Junior European Championships).
HORSEHEATH Products are registered with FEMAS & UFAS quality assurance schemes thus ensuring the highest production standards.
Technical input is provided by John Chapman M.A. Cantab (who studied Animal Nutrition at University), in conjunction with other experienced Equine Nutritionists. For many years now, he has been involved in the formulation, manufacture and marketing of horses feeds and complementary products.
Dan in good form at Scope Festival
Dan continued his good form at the BSJA Scope Festival with some excellent performances. Stable star High Tone Z, fresh back from his silver medal in the European Junior Championships in Auvers, was an excellent 2nd in the Pessoa series which meant Dan finished just behind Philippa Dobby in the final standings. Penshaws Party Advocate stepped back into competition and showed himself better than ever with a very good 3rd in the Gentleman's championship, but Dan didn't have to wait long to get on the scoreboard as his very good speed horse Findas Keepas brushed all challenges aside to win the 1.30m Open. Ungaro was also jumping very well, but unfortunately after finishing 2nd in the Young Riders qualifier, sustained an injury and will now be given a break.
July 2007
Dan wins European Championship Silver Medal in Auvers
Dan's amazing first year in the senior ranks continued as he took the individual silver medal at The Junior European Championship in Auvers France. Riding Helen West's talented High Tone Z, Dan showed why is one of the most exciting show jumping talents in the UK with a performance full of quality over the four days of the championships.
Adding faults across the five rounds, it was just one pole that made the difference between Gold and Silver. Having incurred a time fault but no jumping faults it was Andre Shroder from Germany who secured Gold, just three faults ahead of Daniel.
Right after the prize giving Dan said “It has been an amazing day and it hasn't’t quite sunk in yet! The support and help I have been given in my first year competing in seniors is something I could only have hoped for when I came off ponies last year. My parents, Jason and Katrina and the owners that are supporting me are people I really can’t thank enough. In particular Helen West who gave me the opportunity of riding High Tone Z earlier this year”
Delighted trainer Jason Moore said on the way home from Auvers - “Daniel is not only super talented and a joy to work with but he has also become a valued member of our family. We have all shared in his triumphs this weekend and truly believe that this is just the start of many more”.
June 2007
Dan excels at his first senior Hickstead show
Returning to his favourite outside venue, but this time in the senior ranks, Dan again showed why he is held in such high regard as he put together a string of fantastic results. With the Speed Derby very much in mind, Dan jumped Findas Keepas V in the first qualifier and, saving a little bit up his sleeve, finished a very creditable fifth. With the ground getting wetter and wetter as the week progressed Dan and Findas Keepas V seemed to revel in the conditions and in the second Speed Derby qualifier finished an excellent 3rd.
Jumping in his first Speed Derby Dan gave an excellent display, making a great recovery after Findas Keepas nearly put his foot in the ditch, Dan showed great composure to take the bank in fine style and keep Findas Keepas going all the way to the line finishing an excellent 9th.
Dan's other big class at the show was in the FALCON EQUINE FEEDS DERBY TROPHY riding Penshaws Parsons Advocate, and despite the very heavy ground put up a super performance to have only two down to finish ninth, behind showjumping great John Whitaker on Casino.
A super first senior Hickstead for Dan and with High Tone Z being saved for the European championships at the end of this month in Auvers, France, the rest of the summer looks like being very exciting. Dan's impressive first season in the senior ranks has not gone unnoticed, as he has moved on to the silver level of the World Class Start Programme for Showjumping
See the Hickstead Derby Meeting gallery here.....
Dan wins Grand PRIX in Wierden
Dan continued his stunning form in 2007 by not only jumping clear in the last round to help secure the Junior Nations Cup for the Great Britain team in Wierden, but he then went on to win the junior Grand PRIX on-board the very consistent High Tone Z. This is the second CSI Junior Grand PRIX (U18) Dan has won in the last two months and is a measure of the rapid improvement he is making at the senior level.
May 2007
Dan win Auvers Grand PRIX helps Team GB win Junior Nations Cup
Dan yet again showed why he is one of the our very best young riders by being victorious in the CSI Junior Grand PRIX at Auvers in France. Riding High Tone Z, Dan produced two flawless rounds of showjumping to be the only competitor to go double clear and was well deserving of the €1000 prize. This completed a fantastic weekend for Dan as he was a member of the victorious GB team in the Junior Nations Cup comprising of Sarah Needham, Brett Gardner and Louise Saywell. With three teams locked together on 8 faults, it was left to Dan to win the jump off in a time of 50.74sec over 2sec faster than the other GB team.
Dan also had excellent results in the other classes coming an excellent 6th in the 1.30m International Open on Findas Keepers and then coming second on the same horse in the 1.40m International Open later in the week.