Dan top ranked young rider - wins the thame area trial

Dan's hard work, extensive International travel and excellent performances this year have paid off in the rankings as Dan now heads the British Young Riders rankings ahead of William Whitaker. Dan has also broken into the top twenty of the senior ranks in 17th place, which is a good indication of the progress Dan has made in only his second full year at senior level.

Just to emphasise the point Dan went ahead and won the Area Trial at Thame - 31st July - on Attack II. One of the most improved horses in the yard, Attack has looked in top form recently and won the Trail in impressive fashion, this a week after jumping very well in the International Stairway at the New Forst County Show.

Dan selected for 2010 young riders team

Dan's outstanding season has resulted in selection for the 2010 UK Young Riders Team for the 2010 European Young Rider Championship in Jardy, France between 13th and 18th July 2010. "It's always an honour to represent your country" said Dan "I'm really looking forward to it, we have a great team and I think we have a chance to do something really good at the Championships. Attack has been in great form recently and hopefully he will bring this into the championships. Representing my country at the Europeans was one of my main targets this year so it's nice to get the chance to jump in such a strong team" added Dan.

The Tretorn International Young Rider European Team is as follows:

 

20 year old Joe Clayton will ride his own 11 year old bay gelding Saveur. Joe is currently based at Michael Whitaker’s yard in Nottinghamshire.
 
21 year old Daniel Moseley who is based with William Funnell will ride Carol Toliver’s 12 year old bay stallion Kepi d’Elle.
 
20 year old Daniel Neilson from Essex will ride Celia Mason’s 10 year old bay gelding Attack II. Dan is currently based with Katrina Moore.
 
20 year old Matthew Sampson from Sheffield, South Yorkshire will ride his own 10 year chestnut mare Pitts Daughter.
 
21 year old William Whitaker from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire will ride the 11 year old bay gelding Sarlino owned by his father Iain.
 
The Young Rider European Team ~Competition will take place on Friday 16th July with the Individual taking place on Sunday 18th July

ATTACK STARS AT CSI*** AT CANTELEU

Dan took Attack, one of his most improved horses during 2010, and three of the younger horses, Chauvanist, Varo M and Savira to the CSI*** at Canteleu, France this last weekend - 24th - 27th June.

Without doubt the star of the team was Attack, who after finishing an excellent 9th on day two in the 1.50m CSI*** PX PRO MARITIME URA SOMAP, was simply brilliant in the 1.55m Grand Prix finishing 3rd behind Tim Stockdale riding Fresh Direct Kalico Bay and Penelope LePrevost riding Oscar Des Fontaines. Taking this big step up in his stride, Attack was foot perfect in the first round and then produced an excellent jump-off just finishing less than a second behind the winner. "He was great today" said Dan "He has improved all year and he keeps surprising us as he takes every step up in his stride, he could become a very very good horse" added a clearly delighted Dan.

Dan also had some nice performance with the youngest member of the team Savira who jumped a very nice double clear on day one to finish equal first and then followed that up with an excellent seventh place on day two. Chauvanist was also in good form on day three jumping a nice double clear to finish 10th place in the 1.45m CSI*** PX SERVICE VERT MJR PEG ECOLIT.

DAN AND VARO M BOOK HOYS FOXHUNTER FINAL TICKET

Dan booked another 2010 HOYS place with the very talented Varo M qualifying for the prestigious Foxhunter Championship Final. With one to go in the jump off Dan was in first and second place with Varo M and Chauvanist (already qualified for the HOYS 7&8 year old Championship final), but Chauvanist was just pushed out of the final placings. However, these outstanding 8yr olds continue in great form and will now go abroad to gain more invaluable experience. "That was a shame for Chauvanist" said Dan "They both jumped great and I thought I had done enough to get them both through. We've still got another chance and hopefully we can get Chauvanist to the final" added Dan

DAN IN GREAT FORM AT LATEST INTERNATIONAL EVENTS

LISBON CSIO**** 27TH - 30TH MAY

Dan continued his outstanding International season with another excellent show in Lisbon. Again the star of the show was High Tone Z who was quite brilliant in the International Knock Out Class. After beating Alexandra Carter (RSA) in the first round, Dan and High Tone Z made short work of Franck Schillewaert (FRA) in round two. The semi final was a close call with Dan just getting ahead of Julien Gonin (FRA) to make it to the final. Saving her best till last High Tone Z was brilliant in the final with Dan beating Andrea Herholdt (ITA) to win the €2,500 first prize.

Varo M, who has been stepped up recently, was also in excellent form in his two classes. His first 1.45m jump off class was a top class effort jumping double clear to finish in 3rd place behind Ludo Philippaerts - Vadetta vh Mettenhof and Stephane Lafouge - Pontiac. This was his best International finish and Varo M looked completely at home over what was a big and technical track. Varo M completed another successful show with a further placing finishing 8th in the 1.40m two phase contest.

"High Tone Z was great, her level of performance at every show is amazing and she feels as good as ever" said Dan "We were very pleased with Varo M, he continues to improve and this was his best performance at an International show"

VIMIERO CSIO*** 4th-6th JUNE - HIGH TONE Z IN GREAT FORM

Three classes, three placings no fences down little guessing that this was the result sheet for High Tone Z at the CSI*** show at Vimiero. The first of these outstanding performances was an 8th place in her warm up class the 1.40m two phase contest. On day two Dan and High Tone Z really stepped up and just failed to catch the winner settling for a top class second place in the 1.45m jump off class. Finishing off another outstanding show the grey machine again produced an excellent display to finish in a very good 4th place in the 1.40m speed class. " She was just outstanding" said Dan "I have so much faith in her at the moment I just let her go and she does the rest, an amazing mare" added a smiling Dan.

PORTIMAO CSI ***

Dan brought 4 horses, Milena 8, High Tone Z, Varo M and Attack II to the CSI*** show at Portimao, Portugal - June 11th - 13th, and had another outstanding show

Day one was a very solid start for Dan. Varo M looked in top condition with a very nice clear in the 1,40m A4 contest, also in the same class was Attack who like his stable mate jumped a nice solid clear round. After High Tone Z had the last fence down in the 1.45m contest, Milena 8 produced the highlight of day one with a double clear in the 1.45m €20,000 World ranking class to finish in an excellent 6th place.

If day one was a good day at the office, day two was simply outstanding. Dan's day got off to a wonderful start with yet another International victory for High Tone Z. This amazing mare has produced some wonderful performances recently, but this was just a special performance as she destroyed the opposition to win the Small Grand PRIX in fantastic style. There simply cannot be a more consistent partnership in the country than Dan and High Tone Z in International classes this year and she shows no sign of slowing down. Not content with winning the class, Dan & Varo M were next up and showed what an exciting future he has with an excellent 3rd place in the same class.

It appeared that the day could not get any better, but Dan had other ideas. In the 1.45m €20,000 World Ranking Class, Dan completed an amazing day of jumping with a victory on Milena 8. After Dan & Attack II had just jumped a fantastic clear / 4 faults to finish in a very good 10th place, Milena 8 produced one of her top class performances jumping double clear to win the class in brilliant style. When this mare produces a this type of performance she is competitive in the very biggest classes. "That was an amazing day" said Dan "They were all outstanding, High Tone Z was High Tone Z, just puts in an amazing effort every time. Milena 8 felt as good as she's felt in a long while and I hope she's back to her top class best".

Even though the final day of the show could not rival the second day, Dan and the string still had a very solid day. Milena 8 had a good spin in the 1.40m two phase contest finishing the show in fine style with a 3rd place. Next up was Varo M, who despite being stepped up to the bigger classes is really starting to show consistency over the bigger tracks. In the competitive 1.40m two phase contest, Varo M produced another eye catching performance jumping double clear to finish in a very good 10th place. After a very unlucky pole on day two, Attack II was out to make amends in the €24,000 World Ranking Event 1.50m contest and very nearly did. Even though Dan and Attack II had one pole, he really did produce a fantastic display of jumping over a very big Grand PRIX track and looks ready to take on the step into very big classes.

"The whole string is still in great shape" said Dan "The team have done a fantastic job with the horses, they all look great, feel really strong and are in great form. I'm very lucky to have such a great team behind me and would not be in this position without there help. Hopefully we can continue this form through the summer and pick up some more good classes" added Dan.

CBBC SPORTSROUND – HIGHLIGHT DAN NEILSON FROM THE ADDINGTON MANOR SPRING CLASSIC

Don’t miss CBBC Sportsround this Friday when they feature former Pony & Junior European Championships Gold medallist Dan Neilson.

With media interest rising in British Showjumping it was great to have the BBC on site at the Addington Spring Classic show last Friday (7th May) where they were gathering footage not only of Daniel Neilson but also some of the up and coming horses competing there. With only some of the extensive footage collected being included in this initial programme, it is hoped that further material will be used for future features during the rest of the season.

CBBC Presenter Seema Pathal was on site throughout the day with Dan, focusing on his journey in to the sport, his current successes on the International and National stage along with his future senior Nations Cups and Olympic aspirations.

Dan is a member of the 'Start Squad' within the World Class Development Programme which underpins the World Class Performance Programme. Both of which share the same aim of delivering more medals for Great Britain at Championship level by both supporting the sport and individual riders via UK Sport/Lottery Funding.

To watch this initial feature, make sure you tune in to CBBC at 18:35 this Friday (14th May) or BBC at 07:25am Saturday morning. For those that miss it, the programme will be available for viewing online at www.bbc.co.uk/CBBC - Artical sourced from the BJSA website

Dan and Chauvanist qualify for 2010 HOYS 7&8 yrs Final

Fresh back from his fantastic show in San Giovanni, Italy - Dan added a most welcome victory on home soil winning the 2010 HOYS 7&8 yrs Championship Final qualifying round on Chauvanist at Addington Manor. This young horse has been another who has progressed every year and appears to take the step ups in height all in his stride. Over what was a big Bob Ellis designed track, Dan and Chauvansit were in great form and Dan chased down Philip Miller and Text Back in the jump off to qualify in good style. Dan will be hoping to carry this form into Royal Windsor this week (12th - 16th May), before he again takes the string abroad looking for more European success.

High Tone Z & Attack in brilliant form in San Giovanni

There simply cannot be a more consistent mare in the country than High Tone Z and she again was in brilliant form. Dan and the flying grey mare flew out of the traps on the very first day in the 1.40m International class, where she made quick work of the opposition, jumping double clear to complete a hugely impressive victory. Jumping at her fast and fluent best, Dan and High Tone Z took all the turn backs available to win the class by nearly a second. As equally impressive in the 1.40m speed contest on day two, Dan and High Tone Z just failed to catch the winner, having to settle for a courageous second place. Not content with two top quality performance, High Tone Z finished the show with yet another double clear in the 1.40m two phase class to yet again finish in a 2nd place. Outstanding the whole show, didn't lower a single pole, High Tone Z shows no sign of slowing down and this dashing grey mare is credit to Dan and the whole team back in Essex. "There's really not a lot you can say about her" said Dan "She's just a machine at the moment, she never looked like having a pole the whole show and just maintains her incredible run of form, she's a pleasure to ride at the moment" added Dan

Attack is another of Dan's string in impressive form and he took this form to Italy to produce a stunning performance to win Small Grand PRIX on the second day of the show. After a 'pop round' on the first day to sharpen him up, Dan and Attack always had the Small Grand PRIX in mind and the plan was executed perfectly. In a class of 80 starters and last to go in the jump off, Attack showed why Dan, Jason and team have such high hopes for him, turning inside to number 2, a big square oxer across the middle of this vast arena, then swung 180 back on himself to the final line of water tray then vertical where he took out 2 strides and went 5 to the last, a very large and wide oxer to complete one of his best International victories. "He was great today" said Dan "I asked everything of him in the jump off and he responded every time I asked, he's a really brave horse and hopefully we can take this form into the summer" added Dan.

As usual, the big jumping Milena 8 took on the 20k World ranking classes and again had an excellent show. After a very uncharacteristic 8 faults on day one, Milena 8 quickly got back to her usual self with a fantastic effort in the 1.50m big class on day two, just rolling the very last fence to finish on four. In the 35k Grand PRIX on the final day, Dan and Milena 8 again were luckless. Jumping one of the best rounds of he career, she produced brilliant display of jumping but just put a toe on the tape of the the water to finish on four. "Can't believe that" said Dan "That's the best she has jumped at this level, it was really big and technical and she gave me a great feel all the way round and I didn't realise we put a toe on the tape, but that's showjumping and if she jumps like this she should quickly make amends" added Dan

 

Dan maintains his form at Italy CSI*** Show

Dan took four horses to the CSI 3 Star show in Manerbio, Italy (9th-11th April), the really exciting 6 yr old Zavira, High Tone Z, Attack and Varo M.

On the first day of this quality show Dan got the string up and going in fine style. The six year old Zavira got things off and running with a fine double clear in the 6yr old class to finish a fine 10th. Varo M carried on the good form with a very clean clear round in the 1.35m class. Varo M is a neat and accurate jumper and Dan has been quietly producing this very nice horse over the last 18 months. Attack was given a nice school around in the 1.45m class, jumping a nice clear round and looking on very good terms with himself. Dan and High Tone Z jumped the big class on day one, the 1.50m - 20k World Ranking class, and were very unlucky to have one pole down finishing with the fastest four, but this fantastic mare showed she was in her usual top form.

Day two was a flawless Day for Dan. Again Zavira got things up and running with another impressive display of jumping going double clear in the young horse class. Dan and Varo M stepped up on day two and produced a quality display of jumping in the 1.45m contest finishing double clear and just outside the money. Attack took on the big 1.50m class on the second day and was very classy jumping an excellent clear round to finish just outside the placings. As is so often the case recently High Tone Z was the star on day two adding yet another International victory to her portfolio, winning the 10k Small Grand PRIX in tremendous fashion. Chasing a fast time in the jump off, Dan and High Tone Z were very impressive moving swiftly and smoothly round the jump off course and clip over half a second off the time, this mare really is in the form of her life.

The final day of this International show was another good day for Dan. The youngster Zavira completed a faultless show with another double clear in the young horse class. The lovely young horse has showed huge potential at the show and will be an exciting prospect during 2010. Varo M just touched one pole in the 1.45 accumulator was not over taxed at the show and is being built up for a summer campaign. High Tone Z was looking to add to her success in the 1.45m Accumulator contest but just flicked off a tricky upright to finish with one down, but yet another top class show for this brilliantly consistent mare. Attack took on the 1.50m 35k Grand PRIX and looked in great form round the circuit, but a novicey mistake at the water cost Dan and Attack their place in the jump off.

"I was very pleased with all of them" said Dan "We have a very nice youngster in Zavira. He jumped really well all week and we'll aim him at the age classes this year. We didn't want to over tax Varo M and pretty much jumped him round every day with no pressure, we'll hopefully have a big summer with him. Can't really say any more about the grey mare, she still feels as good as ever and is just a machine at the moment. Attack jumped great the whole show, it was a real shame about the water in the Grand PRIX, but he is showing himself to be at home in the big classes and we could have a really exciting summer with him."

Dan outstanding yet again at Dourtmund CSI show

In what has already been a fantastic March, Dan yet again excelled in International competition winning again, this time at the CSI show in Dortmund. With the likes of Marcus Ehning, Vincent Voorn and Ludger Beerbaum at the show, this was nothing short of a top class event but Dan took all this in his stride with another set of impressive displays.

Dan brought three of his string to the show, the very promising Varo M, Attack II and the very much in form Milena 8. Dan started off very quietly on day one of the show with a very nice clear on Varo M. This promising youngster has already had good experience and it clearly showed in Dortmund. Day two was a spectacular day for Dan, after jumping another excellent clear round on Varo M to finish 5th, Dan and Milena 8 left a high class field in their wake with a superb double clear round to win the big 1.55m class. Dan was at his confident best in the jump off and with Milena 8 answering all of Dan's calls they took all the difficult turns to win by nearly three quarters of a second. Milena 8 has been in fantastic form in the big International classes this year and she wasn't finished, jumping another superb double clear to finish third the big 1.50m class on day 3 just failing to catch Janne-Friederike MEYER riding CELLAGON LAMBRASCO and Vincent Voorn riding AUDI'S REFLECTION. "She was simply brilliant" said Dan "It was big and technical but she took it all in her stride and gave me everything when I asked her. She is now really confident in the biggest of classes and we're all trilled with her" added a delighted Dan.

Not to be outdone, Varo M completed the show with a very good double clear to finish in 4th place in the young horses final. Dan and Varo M completed the week without lowering a pole and looks very accomplished on the International stage. "He was really good all week and is very progressive, we will step him up this year and see what happens, but he has a great attitude and I'll think he could be really good"

Dan completes great Villeneuve Loubet 2010 Festival

Dan has arrived in France for one of his favourite shows, the three week CSI** festival at Vlleneuve Loubet. Dan has taken a big squad of seven horses with him incliding - Milena 8 , High Tone Z, Iolanthe, Pikolino, Attack, Lorca de Caryan and Arielle.

Dan third in CSI*** Zuidlaren Grand PRIX

Dan and Milena 8 put in a fantastic performance to finish in 3rd place in the Zuidlaren Grand Prix 1.55m. In what was a very high class field Milena 8 built on her impressive performances at the Nantes CSI *** show, to produce two quality rounds of jumping to finish just behind Nathalie Van Der Mei - Heecchiem's Tersina and Kevin Gielen - Robbdoes. This was a top class effort by Dan and Milen 8 finishing ahead of the likes of Jessica Kurten, Albert Zoer, Jos Lansink and Eric Van Der Vleuten and looking comfortable at this height and is clearly a big step forward. "She was very very good today" said Dan "I thought I had a bit of a chance in the jump off but I didn't want to press too hard and let her down. I hope we can build on this and she's starting to show that she can jump at the level and be competitive"

Dan had other noteworthy performances at the show, with Attack producing two excellent performances to jump clear in the 1.40m class on the second day and finishing the show with an impressive 5th place in the 1.45m Accumulator. Dan also stepped up Varo M to the 1.45m class and although she had one down jumped very well. This young horse is super careful and scopey and he continues to improve and will be a valuable member of the squad in 2010.

More International success for Dan at Nantes CSI*** show

Dan showed no signs of slowing down with another outstanding show at the Nantes CSI*** International event in late January.

Quick out of the blocks, Dan started the show with some very solid rounds on day one. Varo M and Chauvanist contested the 7/8yrs old Qualifier and both were in excellent form. After Chauvanist had jumped well, having just one pole, Dan and Varo M looked very impressieve to finish in equal first place with a smooth clear round. The very consistent High Tone Z and Iolanathe both jumped very well in their first class of the show, both having just one pole, but without doubt it was Milena 8 that was the star on day one. Milena 8 has been jumping the very big classes without much luck recently but on the first day of this International show she was on great form jumping a brilliant double clear in the €20,000 World Ranking class to finish a very impressive 2nd

Dan built on his excellent first day with another display of quality and consistent jumping. Varo M and Chauvanist were again in excellent form in the 7/8yr old Final both jumping double clear to finish 2nd and 3rd respectively. These two young horses have been given plenty of time to find their feet and have been excellently managed by Jason and Dan and have improved every year.With this invaluable International experience under their belts both horse look to have an exciting future and 2010 should be a very interesting year for both these talented young horses. HIgh Tone Z has been a money machine recently, and it didn't take her long to yet again get into the winners enclosure with a superb clear round to win the 1.35m A4 contest. This lovely grey mare is on fire at the moment and the enthusiasm she shows every time she gets into the ring is remarkable. Milena 8 was again in top form in the 1.50m €20,000 World Ranking class and was very very unlucky to have just one down to finish in the money in 9th place.

The final day of the show saw more success for Dan and the team. After Varo M jumped an excellent double clear to finish 5th in the 7/8 yr old two phase contest, Dan and High Tone Z decided it was time to win another class with a flawless display in the 1.35m final. Dan was simply brilliant in the jump off with High Tone Z answering his every call taking two amazing turn backs to win convincingly. Iolanthe, who has been rested on day two, was stepped up to the big 1.45m €20,000 World Ranking class on the final day and produced an very impressive display. After jumping clear in the first round she just rubbed a vertical coming off a corner but still finished a very good 10th place. After producing two huge performances on the first two days, Milena 8 finished her show in the Grand Prix and just ran out of petrol finishing with two down.

"I thought it went really well" said a clearly delighted Dan "It was nice to give the younger horses some International experience and both of them stepped up nicely we were really pleased with both of them. High Tone Z was great again, she just tries so hard and is very very genuine, winning 2 classes at this level is very impressive. Iolanthe jumped very well in what was a step up for her and was very unlucky in one of the big classes to have just one down in the jump off. She's very good and hopefully this could be a big year for her. Milena 8 felt really well and showed so much scope on the first two day. She deserved her placings at this show because she's been very unlucky recently. She can handle the very big classes and might surprise over the next few weeks."

DAN Has great start to 2010 with more CSI** wins

Dan confidently brought his impressive 2009 form into the new year with two hard fought wins at the Zwolle CSI** International show in Holland. Dan competed his top three horses High Tone Z, Iolanthe and Milena 8 at the Dutch four day show and all showed that 2010 could be a very good year.

The impressive High Tone Z had yet another outstanding show and quickly got into her stride. After having one pole down in her warm up class, Dan and High Tone Z quickly set about their business with a very fluent 3rd place in the 1.35m Grand Prix qualifier. The qualifying class was the perfect setup for the Grand Prix in which Dan and High Tone Z were simply brilliant winning the class in impressive fashion from a very competitive field. "She felt great from the very first day" said Dan "She was quick and safe and when I asked her some serious questions in the Grand Prix jump off she responded to every one, she feels on top form and the more International experience she gets can only help her progress at International level" added Dan.

Iolanthe, who has been in excellent form over the past few months, showed she is as well as ever in 2010. This dapple grey mare came flying out of the gates on day one and produced a brilliant double clear to win the 1.40m jump off class in great style. Iolanthe is deceptively fast and never gave her opposition any chance in the jump off with a fast and fluent display of accurate jumping. "She was very fresh and enthusiastic from the very start" said Dan "I knew we'd have a good chance in the jump off and she really was explosive when I set her alight, she keeps improving and has now established herself at this height at International level" added a clearly delighted Dan.

Iolanthe was again impressive on day two having just one pole down in the 1.40m jump off class while chasing a very competitive time, and was even unluckier in the Grand Prix as she had the very last fence down in the jump off to finish just outside the placings.

Dan jumped Milena 8 in the big classes at the show and this big jumping dark bay mare continued to show good form in the bigger classes. After having a couple of poles down in her warm up class, Milena 8 was in very good form in the 2nd Grand Prix qualifier and although she had one pole down she jumped with great accuracy over what was a big and testing track. With that good performance on day two being good enough to qualify her for the final of the Grand Prix, Milena 8 again just lowered one pole in the final after another good round of show jumping. "I thought she jumped very well. She was a bit rusty on the first day but the next two days I thought she was very good and with a bit more luck we could have easily been in both jump offs" said Dan.