Dan has spectacular finish to 2009 at Porto CSI**** show

Anyone who has watched Dan during the last few months couldn't have failed to be impressed with his consistency and the quality of his riding. Dan took this form and produced the best results of his young career at the Porto CSI**** International show, winning two classes, including the big Masters class on the Friday, and coming third in one of the big classes on the final day.

On the first day of this top class show, Dan was in tremendous form with three flawless clear rounds. Helen West's lovely grey High Tone Z got things going in the first class and was particularly impressive jumping clear in a time 47.99sec to finish an excellent 7th. High Tone Z has been coming to herself throughout the last few months and looked on top form on day one of the show. In the first 1.45m jump off class, Dan rode Lynsey Cook’s 8-year old grey mare Iolanthe. This mare has been in flying form the last few months and she showed all her usual enthusiasm jumping double clear to finish in a very decent 16th place. The biggest class on day one was the 1.50m jump off class and Dan completed his flawless day with an excellent double clear on Peter Ward's Milena 8 finishing in the money in 8th place. This big jumping horse is another who has impressed recently and really does like to tackle the big fences.

Dan could not have asked for a better start to day two with his first **** show victory in the 1.35m Speed & Handiness class riding High Tone Z. Dan set off with great determination and was always moving forward round the course. With two great turn backs in the last six fences Dan and High Tone Z stopped the clock in 49.14secs to seal the victory. In the 1.45m jump off class Dan and Milena 8 put in yet another strong performance going clear in the first round but just having two poles down in the jump off. Still going the right way, Milena 8 should continue to be a strong force in the big classes. The Porto Masters was the big class of the day and after winning his first CSI**** class in the morning Dan wasted little time in winning his second with a fantastic victory on Iolanthe. With the likes of Jessica Kurten and Gerco Schroder in the field, Dan and Iolanthe were simply sensational completing all four rounds without lowering a pole to beat Jessica Kurten to the first prize by over two seconds.

Despite already having a great show, Dan was in no mood to rest on his laurels and produced another top class performance in the 1.45m class just failing to catch Michel Hecart - Nokia de Brekka and Christian Ahlmann - Perry Lee to finish in third place. Dan looked to be up on the clock with four fences to go and it was desperately close at the finish just going down by less than half a second. "This has been my first 4* show and it's just been an incredible few days.  The horses are all going superbly and to take third place in such a strong class this evening really has been a step up the ladder for me.  I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank my owners, without whom none of this would be achievable, they've trusted me with some great  horses and I'm so pleased that they're now proving themselves at this level".

Dan in winning form at Addington Premier Show

Dan carried on his very impressive form of late with three class wins and four other places at the Addington Manor Premier show in November. Dan made his intentions very clear on the first day of the show winning the 1.30m open on High Tone Z. This ultra consistent grey mare is now back fit and fresh from an extended break and will no doubt be very competitive at any level during the winter indoor shows.

Dan jumped two of the younger horse in the string, Chauvanist and Varo M in the Winter Grade C qualifier and both we in good form. After an impressive double clear on Varo M, who moved into forth place, Dan and Chauvanist went one better to jump double clear and taking 3rd place. Chauvanist has been ultra consistent for such a young horse and really does promise to be high class horse. With Day two just getting started Dan picked up his second class win of the show by winning the HIGH OFFLEY STUD NATIONAL 1.30M OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIER INC NORTHERN MARINE UNDER-WRITERS 1.30M CLASSIC on Lorca de Caryan. Lorca de Caryan has enjoyed much success in the speed classes and is a really good addition to Dan's string. In the same class Dan also popped Iolanthe round, jumping double clear to finish in eleventh place.

Day three was another good day for Dan. In the ADDINGTON MANOR SPEED CLASSIC double clears for both Lorca de Carryan and High Tone Z resulted in two more excellent placing's for Dan finishing 4th and 6th respectively. Later on in the day Dan and Varo M continued the strings excellent form with a very good 2nd in the WINTER GRADES B&C QUALIFIER just missing out on top spot by less than half a second.

The final day produced yet another victory for Dan in the Accumulator with Joker riding Lorca de Caryan. Dan was after the win straight out of the gate and produced and round of smooth speed to take the class convincingly and finish an excellent show. Dan will now be abroad over the next five weeks and will be hoping the string maintain their excellent form.

Dan second in International Grand PRIX

See a special report from the CSI** International show at Towerlands Park here...

dan and high tone z win crofton manor grand prix

After his top class performances in Assen, Dan came back to the UK and took the Crofton Manor Grand Prix on High Tone Z. This mare has been working her way back to top form the last few months, and after giving warning of her intentions at Assen last week, jumped brilliantly to jump the only double clear and win the Grand Prix. "I thought she was very close at Assen last week, and she was in great form here. When she's in this form she really is a top class mare" said Dan. Milena 8 also jumped in the Grand Prix and after having the first fence down, jumped brilliantly the rest of the way. With both these mares in this kind of form Dan really has a good one - two punch to take into the winter season.

The rest of Dan's string were also in very good form at Crofton Manor. Chauvanist, who was very unlucky at HOYS, put that disappointment behind him and jumped an excellent double clear to finish in 2nd place in the Winter Grade C Qualifier. Back in the arena for the Grade B&C qualifier on the final day, Chauvanist again produced a very solid effort jumping double clear to finish in 4th place.

Dan continues in excellent form at assen - Milena 8 stars

Fresh back from a very solid effort at HOYS, Dan took three of his string, Iolanthe, High Tone Z and Milena 8, to the CSI 3* show at Assen, Netherlands on 23-25th October and produced a string of top class performances. With the likes of Ben Maher, Nick Stelton and more than one Whitaker, Dan was pitching himself against some very high quality opposition.

Iolanthe, who jumped very well at HOYS, performed with great credit in both her classes having just the one pole in both events. High Tone Z looks very close to coming back to top form and started the show with an excellent 6th in the two phase contest on the Saturday. Still finding her way back after a break this year this very consistent grey mare should be a force during the winter indoor season.

However, the star of the show for Dan was Milena 8. In top form right from the start Milena 8 jumped an excellent double clear in the big and technical 1.50m International ranking class to finish in 5th place on the first day. Not content with that performance Dan and Milena 8 went one better in the 1.50m International ranking contest on the Saturday to finish a top class 4th place.

"Delighted with all the horses" said Dan "Milena 8 was in great form, she felt really strong and was jumping with power all weekend, she really seems to have come to herself and that's the best she's jumped all year. High Tone Z looks as if she's coming back, I thought she was a bit unlucky but she's close. It was great experience for Iolanthe, she's only young but jumped well and jumping these big and technical tracks can only be of great benefit to her." added Dan

DAN HAS SOLID 2009 HOYS

Dan had one of those nearly shows at this years HOYS, with several excellent performances but not quite getting the luck to win the class. Having just missed out on qualifying for the International classes at the wildcard event at Arena UK two weeks prior to HOYS, Dan still had four qualifiers to take for the national classes.

The first class of the week for Dan was the Newcomers Championship final. With both Varo M and last years winner Chauvanist in the class Dan felt he had a strong hand in the class. Varo M was very impressive during his round. He was fluent and accurate and it look as if Dan was off to a great start. With the last combination coming up Dan and Varo M jumped the first oxer impressively but Varo M lost his concentration at the very last fence and showed a bit of greeeness to finish on four. Dan quickly put that dissapointment behind him and jumped a very impressive clear round on Chauvanist to put him in the jump-off. Chasing a very fast time Dan set off in determined mood and everything was going to plan until catching the back rail of a wide oxer to finish on 4 faults and forth place.

The following class, the 7/8yr old Championship, Dan was riding the very impressive Iolanthe who has done nothing but improve all year. With a big and technical track set by International course builder Bob Ellis, Dan and Iolanthe showed impressive scope and made short work of the course jumping clear. With only seven going forward to the jump off Dan had to chase a very fast time set by Nicky Boulter on the impressive Super Trooper De Ness. Dan was working hard to chase the time down but despite another excellent clear in the jump-off - one of only three to go double clear - it was just not quite fast enough to catch Nicky and Dan had to settle for second place. A measure of Dan's and Iolanthe's performance was the fact that he had horse's such as John Whitaker's Argento and Laura Renwick's Oz de Breve - winner of an International class later on in the show - behind him. "Both very pleased and a little dissapointed" said Dan "They all jumped really well especially Iolanthe and Chauvanist, and with a little bit of luck we might have nicked one of the classes. It was very competitive tonight and there are some class horses jumping so to finish so close is a good indication about how the horses have improved this year" added Dan

Dan jumped High Tone Z in the Young Riders Championship and again it turned out to be a nearly class for him. With a strong Young Riders course, Dan and High Tone Z were very impressive jumping clear in round one. High Tone Z has not been over used this year and Dan was a bit concerned she hadn't had quite enough jumping so he was particually pleased with her performance. The jump off started nicely for Dan but after taking a very tight turn Dan ran out of space and finished with four faults to finish in fourth place. "We were maybe a few shows short but she felt good and jumped very well, she'll be fine for the winter shows"

DANS YOUNGSTERS SHOW WELL BEING AT ADDINGTON

Dan took two of his young horses to the British Young Horse Championships at Addington last week (Aug 4th - 8th) where again they proved the strength of Dan's string with a host of excllent performances. Dan, Jason and Katina Moore have done an outstanding job with the young horses this year - four already qualified for 2009 HOYS - and it is clear that the 7yrs olds Varo M and Chauvinist are continuing to progress.

On the first day of the show Varo M and Chauvinist put up flawless displays of jumping with both jumping clear to finish in equal first place. Despite a bigger and more technical track (1.40m and above) on day two, both horses were equally impressive again both jumping clear to easily qualify for the final on the last day of the show. What was particularly impressive from the first two days of the show was the style in which both horses were jumping. Dan had both horses very relaxed and their jumping was fluent and accurate, which is a testament to how well the whole team in Essex have prepared these young horses.

The final day of the British Young Horse Championships again offered further proof that both Varo M and Chauvinist are among some of the best 7yrs olds in the country. The biggest test of the week in terms of height and technical nature of the track produced an excellent for these up and coming stars of showjumping. Dan had a good draw by virtue of his excellent form on the first two days of the show, and was quickly into his stride with a very stylish clear round on Varo M. Things got even better for Dan later on in the class when Chauvinist joined his stable companion in the jump off with an impressive clear round. The jump off course looked as big as Varo M or Chauvanist have jumped this year but still both performed with great credit. Dan and Varo M were very impressive in the jump off but just clipped the very fence (a 1.50m very wide oxer) to finish on four faults. Chauvinist was also in good form in the jump off but just rolled on of the very big uprights to finish with his stable companion on four faults.

Despite being our of the final prizes both horses clearly showed the improvement they continue to make and it can only mean good things with both targeting some very big classes later in the year. "Delighted with both of them" said Dan "Both barely put a foot wrong thoughout the show and took everything in their stride. It was a real shame Varo M had the last fence. I thought I had a pretty good shot at the last put he just flicked the front plank. Both were very relaxed and their attitude was great, both tried really hard and that would have been a big as the've jumped all year. There both still progressing and that's all you can ask for" added Dan.

QUANNAN R BECOMES YET ANOTHER HOYS QUALIFIER FOR DAN

Dan took one of his future stars, the Lady Pauline Harris owned Quannan R, to the Grade C HOYS qualifier at Castle Ashby last weekend and added yet another qualifying place with a hugely impressive performance to win the class. With only ten clears after round one, over what was a few tough course, Dan and Quannan R produced a quality performance in the jump off to take first prize. Dan has already built an exciting partnership with Quannan R and this was evident in the jump off, fully trusting his super careful charge, taking some very tight turns at speed and fairly flying over the last two fences to secure the class.

"He's a really exciting prospect" said Dan "He's improving all the time, every time we step him up and ask a little bit more of him he takes it all in his stride, I'm confident he'll make up into an really nice International prospect" added Dan

Quannan R is owned by Lady Pauline Harris. It is the support of such owners that young riders such as Dan depend on to progress up the ranks in what is a very tough sport. "I'm very lucky to have Quannan R" said Dan "When owners such as Lady Harris show faith in you as a young rider it is a big boost for the whole yard. Without such owners it can become quite hard to consistently compete at a high level, and I'm very grateful to have such as nice horse as Quannan R"

DAN DOES IT AGAIN - ANOTHER HOYS 2009 QUALIFIER

Dan's tremendous summer 2nd round qualifier form continued in Dorset with yet another victory this time on Chauvanist in the newcomers 2nd round to secure another qualifying place at HOYS 2009. This victory enables Dan to defend his newcomers crown as Chauvanist was last years winner.

After jumping a nice clear in the warm up class, Dan and Chauvanist really stepped up in the qualifier and jumped three very impressive clears rounds to take first place. Chauvanist has been brought along quietly this year and defending the Newcomers crown was one of his main aims the 2009. "He was in great form today" said Dan "His jumping was very clean and accurate and after the first round I knew he was in really good form. It's great to get the chance to defend the title and hopefully he'll bring this form with him to HOYS"

Dan qualifies Attack & Varo M for 2009 HOYS

To emphasize the great job Jason Moore and Dan have done this year in putting together a really strong squad of horses, they qualified two more horses this years HOYS. Having qualified Iolanthe for both the 7/8yrs old Championship and the Foxhunter final at Towerlands Park, Dan carried on his purple patch by qualifying Attack for the Foxhunter final and Varo M for the Newcomers final.

Having given Attack a nice warm up in the Gents 1.30m qualifier, Dan and Attack really stepped things up in the Foxhunter 2nd round jumping one of only three triple clear rounds to finish in an excellent 2nd place to grasp one of the HOYS qualifying positions. Attack has done nothing but improve all this year, and he was particularly impressive at Wales & West. "We've always thought he was a most progressive horse" said Dan "This was one of our main targets for him this year and he's repaid the faith we had in him, he felt really good in the gents and I thought we'd have a chance of qualifying, but that was some of the best jumped he's shown this year as it was plenty big enough today. We'll carry on jumping him in some nice event this summer and hopefully that will put him right for HOYS" added a clearly delighted Dan.

As one of his younger and inexperienced horses Varo M had been making steady progress this year and recently was starting to show his progressive nature with good performances at Royal Windsor last month. Varo M made his intentions clear early in the show jumping two impressive double clears in the Foxhunters 1st round events on the Thursday & Friday. This was the perfect platform for Varo M as he went on to jump two excellent clear rounds over what was a big and technical track that caught out many of the competitors. As has been his way recently, Dan showed his class in the jump off taking the inside line to the last big oxer which turned out to be the winning move and a qualifying place at HOYS later in the year. "He's been going the right way all year and I felt after Royal Windsor we'd have a chance in one of the second round events. He was really good today and didn't flinch when we took that inside line to the last fence in the jump off, he's a brave and talented horse. A great weekend, lets hope it continues through the summer"

Dan in fantastic form at Towerlands

Dan completed a memorable double this weekend at Towerlands Park, by qualifying for both the 7/8yr old Championship and the Foxhunter Final at HOYS later this year. Having built a really strong team of horses the plan of giving them International experience is really paying off, with the whole string looking in top class form and looking really good for the big summer events.

Undoubtedly one of the most improved horses this year has been the grey mare Iolanthe and she was simply brilliant in the 7/8 years old Championship. Over what was a big and technical track, and a very competitive and good class field, Dan and Iolanthe were in fantastic form and made very short work of the course jumping double clear to finish in an excellent 3rd place (view video here..) to qualify for the very important final at the Horse of the Year show. Every time Dan has stepped up Iolanthe she has taken it in her stride and really does look to be an exciting prospect for the future.

To emphasis the strength of Dan's team the newest member of the string Lorca De Caryan produced a very good performance in the National 1.40m to finish in an excellent 2nd place. Dan also jumped Milena 8 in the National 1.40m and this talented mare also jumped very well just flicking a pole off in the second phase to finish with four faults.

The final day of this big summer show at Towerlands Park featured the 2nd round of the Foxhunter Championship with two qualifying places up for grabs. This is always ultra competitive and the difficult track setup was a good indication of the class of horse jumping in this three round contest.

After her fabulous effort to qualify for the 7/8yr old Championship final at HOYS, Iolanthe and Dan were back for more, and as this was one of Iolanthe's main targets for 2009 Dan was keen to build on the momentum of the 7/8yr old performance earlier in the show. After a very smooth clear round to start the class and an equally impressive clear in round two, Dan and Iolanthe were simply brilliant in the jump off (see video here..) taking all the tight turns and jumping with fluency and speed, they were simply too good for the rest of the class and won with something to spare (only two triple clears in class) to cap off a memorable weekend. "What a weekend" said a smiling Dan "Iolanthe was in fantastic form the whole weekend and she gave me such a great feel, to qualify for both the 7/8yr old final and the Foxhunter, that's special, but she fully deserved both, she didn't touch a pole all weekend and just keeps getting better and better, a great weekend" added a clearly delighted Dan.

Dan finished the show with more quality jumping in the National 1.40m finishing 2nd on Lorca De Caryan. Still feeling his way with the newest member of the string, Dan was delighted with the form Lorca De Caryan has shown in what was a big looking track. "He's started off really well, I think he was very well schooled before we got him and as he was ready to go we've asked some pretty big questions of him recently, but he's proved he's a good horse and looks very progressive so we will try and find some nice classes all through the summer"

Dan in great form at La Cournueve CSI*** show

Dan took 4 horses, Varo M, Milena 8, Attack II and Oscar to the La Cournueve CSI 3 Star show just on the outskirts of Paris at the weekend, and again showed how much he likes competing in France.

After showing improvement all year Varo M continued his upward progression with three very solid performances. After and nice warm up on day one, where he had one pole, Dan and Varo M jumped a very nice double clear to finish in an excellent 6th place. Varo M has already shown that he can handle the big rings and looks nice and relaxed for such a young horse. Putting the experience of the first two days to good use, Dan and Varo M jumped an excellent double clear in the Young Horse Grand PRIX to finish in 5th place. "He continues to do everything we ask of him" said Dan "He keeps progressing and the experience of International tracks will benefit him greatly" added Dan

Milena 8 has been in great form recently and this really nice bay mare took he best form to France. After an unlucky four faults in her opening contest, Milena 8 really found her stride on day two with a superb double clear to finish in 3rd place. Saving the best for the last day Dan and Milena 8 were in great form on the final day and having taken the lead with a super clear round in the speed Grand Prix Dan was piped by the very last rider to finish in 2nd place. "That was a shame. She deserved to win this class and she really did jump well. She's been very consistent in the last few months and is developing into a really nice horse. Let's hope she maintains that form throughout the summer".

Attack II is another one of Dan's string that has made eye catching improvement over the last six weeks and this show was no exception. After a super double clear in the 1.40m two phase contest on day one, just outside the ribbons, Dan and Attack jumped a faultless clear in the 1.40m Open contest on day two which was the perfect preparation for the Small Grand Prix on the final day. Attack II has been most impressive every time he has been stepped up, and on a big and technical track build for the Small Grand PRIX on the final day, Attack II again took it all in his stride putting in a terrific performance to jump double clear finishing in an excellent 4th place. "He's been in great form this year, a real find. He just keeps getting better and better and it should be a really exciting summer with him" said a clearly delighted Dan.

Oscar IX has been jumping well recently without much luck but he again showed he is very close after two excellent performances in the world ranking contests at La Cournueve. The big class on day one saw Dan and Oscar jump clear and four and even though Oscar was a bit fresh he jumped very well. Oscar again was desperately unlucky on day two in the €20,000 World Ranking class. Putting together a superb round with the class just about won, Oscar touched a very big vertical across the middle of the circuit to deny Dan and Oscar what would have been a very big prize. "He's not getting the breaks at the moment" said Dan "I really thought we would win that class, he was jumping so well and felt great all the way around. Still, his time will come if he continues to jump like this" added Dan. Unfortunately further bad luck befell Dan and Oscar in the Grand Prix where he lost a show after the first couple of fences and was never happy the rest of the way round having a couple of poles.

DAN VICTORIOUS AT ROYAL WINDSOR

Fresh back from his successful Young rider European trails at Wales & West, Dan took his string to the Royal setting of Windsor Castle for the Royal Windsor horse show. With every show now being part of the build up to get on the European Young riders team in early July, Dan had most of his main horses at the show together with some of his younger horses.

The first day of Royal Windsor is a very limited day and Dan used the Foxhunter class to give Varo M some experience of the big Windsor arena. Varo M took it all in his stride and jumped a very nice double clear to finish in 10th place. Dan and Varo M used the experience from day one to jump a very impressive double clear on day two in the 7/8 yr old Handicap, although just missing out on the prizes Varo M has already proved that he continues to improve. Dan also jumped Milena 8 in the Accumulator class and impressed, jumping clear to finish a very creditable 7th place. "I was very pleased with Varo M, I gave him a nice school on day one and he really jumped well today, we'll probably keep him to the age classes but will try and bring him to has many International show that we can" said Dan "Milena 8 felt really good and I think she'll be competitive this week" added Dan.

Dan and Milena 8 really shone on day three of the show with an excellent win in the 1.40m two phase class in the main Castle Arena. Even though Dan and Milena eight were very early to go in the class, Dan set an unbeatable time in the second phase to finish a very impressive winner. "I'm delighted' said Dan "I love jumping in this big arena, the surface is excellent and the horses really seem to like it. We had a good jump around yesterday in the accumulator, and she really felt good today, very pleased". Dan also jumped Pikolino on day three and he was in very good form jumping clear to finish 7th in the Eraser stakes.

Day four was one of those nearly days for Dan. Milena 8 again looked in great form in the big 1.40m class, but was very unlucky to have one down ,just rolling the front rail of a very wide oxer. However, the highlight from day four was Dan's and Pikolino's first go at the Puissance. Dan has schooled Pikolino at home and he had been clearing 7 feet with ease. In the arena Dan and Pikolino cleared 6ft 9in with ease and entered the forth round as only one of four horses. Unfortunately at 7ft 2in Pikolino just had the top brick out of the wall and had to settle for a courageous second place. "What a fantastic performance that was, he was so unlucky to have that brick I thought he'd cleared it. He was so brave and never wavered once, but it did take alot out of him but we will certainly give him another go later in the year".

The last day of the show again saw Dan in very good form. Attack, who had jumped very well throughout the show, took on the big 1.40m class on Sunday morning and did not disappoint with a very eye catching double clear to finish in 6th place. This very talented horses has done nothing but improve the last two months and really does look an exciting prospect. "He was unlucky to have a fence down on day two of the show, the fence was mine and nothing to do with the horse. He was really good today and took everything in his stride, it was pretty big and technical out there and he looked as if he'd being jumping at this height for a long time". Dan also jumped Milena 8 on the final day and she finished the show just as she started it with an impressive round of showjumping to finish in 5th place in a very competitive Speed Stakes.

 

Dan selected for Tretorn Young Rider International Squad

The Junior and Young Rider International Viewing Trials saw riders the length and breadth of the country all hoping to catch the eye of the selectors at the David Broome Event Centre, Monmouthshire over the weekend.

Aimed at identifying the horse and rider combinations with the talent to represent Great Britain during the forthcoming season, the selections for the initial squads are as follows:

The 2009 Tretorn Junior International Squad (aged 18 years & Under) members are as follows:

• Alison Barton, aged 16years from Bradford, West Yorkshire.
• Jessie Drea, aged 17years from Horsham, West Sussex.
• Georgina Hilton, aged 17years from Preston, Lancashire.
• Graham Gillespie, aged 14years from Alexandria, Dunbartonshire.
• Megan James, aged 15years from Chelmsford, Essex.
• Henry Lacey, aged 17years from Warwick, Warwickshire.
• Rebecca Roe,, aged 17years from Lincoln, Linconshire.
• Carianne Scudamore, aged 16years from Cardigan, Dyfed.
• Louis Simmons, aged 15years from Heathfield, East Sussex.
• George Whitaker, aged 16years from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.

The 2009 Tretorn Young Rider International Squad (aged 21 years & under) members are as follows:

• Jo Clayton, aged 19years from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire
• Emily Davies, aged 21years from Clevedon, Avon Somerset
• Tom Davison, aged 21years from Uttoxeter, Staffordshire
• Danielle Farnsworth, aged 18years from Nottingham
• David Harland, aged 21years from Saltburn by the sea, Cleveland Durham
• Sam Hutton, aged 21years from Southampton, Hampshire
• Dan Neilson, aged 19years from Brentwood, Essex
• Tim Page, aged 21years from Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
• Nicole Pavitt, aged 21years from Crawley, West Sussex
• Mathew Sampson, aged 18years from Sheffield, South Yorkshire
• Jodie Ward, aged 19years Shiptonthorpe, North Yorkshire

The selection process is not over yet for the squad riders as only five of them will be chosen for the European ChampionshipTeam and only four from each squad will get to compete for Gold.

Both squads will be seen competing this season in their new team sponsor branding. Title sponsor Tretorn have supplied each squad member with full kit consisting of competition shirts, blousons, polo shirts, caps and saddlecloths. The female members of the team have also been generously given two pairs of the innovative and stylish Tretorn riding boot in both black and navy.

Tretorn was founded in 1891 by Johan Dunker in Helsingborg, Sweden. In 1904 Tretorn was manufacturing around one million rubber boots a year. The manufacturing of rubber boots and tennis balls continued until 1991 in Helsingborg, when they moved the production overseas, to Poland and other countries. Tretorn is today one of the leading manufacturers of rubber boots in Scandinavia and as well the third biggest producer in Europe of tennis balls. Tretorn riding boot was launched during 2007. Tretorn is today owned by PUMA AG.

The squads are further supported by John Whitaker International with British Team branded riding hats, the British Show Jumping Association and the World Class Development Programme which is Lottery funded through UK Sport. The British Show Jumping Association would like to congratulate all the Junior and Young Rider Squad members and wish them the very best of luck for the forthcoming season.

Dan Impresses at YOUNG RIDER European Trials

Dan continued his excellent form with another good performance at the Young Rider European Trials at Wales & West.

Dan used day one of the show as an excellent warm up with a very smooth clear round on Oscar in the Table C content. Jumping very fluently, Dan and Oscar put down a marker for the rest of the week. Day two say another very solid round to finish 8th and followed that up with a very eye catching clear in the Nations Cup style contest. With the first two days out the way Dan and Oscar really got to work in the Young Riders Grand PRIX finishing an excellent 2nd place. Looking very comfortable over the big and technical track Oscar and Dan and Oscar displayed all the attributes required for Championship jumping. "It was a fantastic result, he's got better all week and I'm hoping to have a really a really good summer with him, and hopefully be lucky enough to jump him in the championships".

Not to be left out of proceedings, Quannan R, a most impressive recent addition to the squad, was placed in all the classes he jumped so Jason and Dan decided to step him up to the 1.40m class on the Sunday afternoon. Looking every bit the talented horse he is, Quannan R took everything in his stride and produced a tremendous performance to finish 4th. With Dan looking to take him to the bigger shows during the summer, Quannan R really does look like a horse with a big future. "He could be very very good" said Dan "He's improving all the time and I'm sure given a good summer of competition behind him he could be a real find"

Dan also introduced a very new arrival to the yard in Lorca de Caryan at Wales & West and judging by his performances it seems Dan has found another really nice horse. Having been placed every day of the show, Lorca de Caryan producted by far his best performance with a fine 2nd place in the Young Rider Grand PRIX small tour. "That was a very nice introduction, he's been very well schooled and is a real nice addition to the string" said Dan.

Dan in top form at Wales & West

With the European viewing trials immanent, Dan had the string in top form at the Wales & West Masters meeting last week.

High Tone Z has come back nice and fresh from her exertions in France and put up two very impressive displays. After finishing an excellent third in the first gents qualifier, Dan and High Tone Z produced a top class performance to finish 2nd in the Gents finals. With the European trials this week Dan could not have hoped for a better warm up. "She was in great form all weekend, see gave me a really good feel and hopefully she maintains this form going into next week."

After stepping up Attack to the bigger classes recently, Dan decided to step him up even further at the Masters meeting and jumped him in all the gents qualifiers and Attack proved Dan right. With a steady double clear in the first gents qualifiers, Dan and Attack produced an eye catching double clear to finish 8th in the second qualifier. Saving the best till last Dan and Attack then preceded to jump double clear in the final to finish and excellent 5th place in the Gents final. Jason and Dan have always thought a great deal of Attack and have been careful to take their time with this very talented horse. "Amazing performance really" said Dan "We hoped to give him some useful experience in the bigger classes and he exceeded all our expectations at this show. We've always thought he was a good horse but we're not going to rush him this year but he really does look an exciting prospect for us"

Varo M, one of Dan's younger horses, again produced excellent performances and continues to impress in the progress he is making. After jumping double clear in the first Grade C qualifier, Varo M was in great form in the final jumping double clear to finish a fantastic 8th place in the Grade C final. "He continues to do everything we ask off him and more" said Dan. "He continues to improve and he should be competitive in all the age classes this year" added Dan

Quannan R, a welcome new addition to the string, did not let the side down and looks a real prospect for later in the year. Quannan R jumped double clear every day of the show with the highlights being a good 9th in the 1.25m qualifier on the Saturday and an even better double clear in the final to finish a fantastic 4th place. "I'm still getting to know him but he is an great addition to the string. We will try and place him in the right classes and hopefully get him some International experience by the end of the year, but he does look to have an exciting future ahead of him."

Dan returns to UK and Winners enclosure

Fresh back from his very successful trip to Villeneuve-Loubet Dan took a few of his string to the Towerlands Park Senior Premier show this last weekend. The highlight of the show for Dan was his excellent win in the 1.40m Class on Oscar (see video), who remains in very good form. Dan also gave Iolanthe and Pikolino runs in various classes with both jumping very nice clear rounds. Unfortunately Dan picked up an injury on the Saturday and could not compete in the Grand PRIX, Dan is receiving treatment for the injury and hopes to be ready for the Addington British Open qualifier.

Dan in great form in CSI show at Villeneuve Loubet - FRANCE

Dan warms up for International Show at Addington

Freshly back from his excellent effort in the Youth Olympics, Dan took some of his string to the senior premier show at Addington Manor equestrian center to get them ready for his trip to the upcoming Villeneuve Loubet CSI 3 Star International show. With all the horses looking in fine form, Dan's most notable performances were a very good 2nd on the improving Iolanthe in the Royal International Horse Show qualifying class and a very solid 6th place on Oscar in the Young Riders qualifier class. "This has been a very good warm up for France" said Dan "Iolanthe keeps improving and I'm really looking forward to the 2009 season with her. Oscar is getting closer and closer to winning a nice class, I feel he's very close and hopefully he'll come good in Villeneuve Loubet. We had a very good show last year and I'm looking forward to returning".

GREAT START TO 2009 - TEAM BRONZE AT AUSTRALIAN YOUTH OLYMPICS

Dan helped the Great Britain team clinch the bronze in the team show jumping behind New Zealand and Australia at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival in Sydney.

It was a closely fought contest from start finish with only a single rail securing the gold for New Zealand ahead of Australia.

Great Britain did not have the best start to the competition with one of their horses unable to compete and a reserve horse being substituted into the team, but this did not deter the British team of Daniel Neilson, Matthew Sampson, Louise Saywell and William Whitaker.

Britain were tied for third place with the USA after the second round and Matthew Sampson was nominated to contest the jump off. He held his cool to put in a fantastic clear round, securing the bronze medal.

Horsemanship really came to the fore today,” said World Class Performance Director Will Connell. “It was always going to be difficult for them having lost the best horse early on and having to start with a reserve horse. These talented riders for the future conjured performances that not many others would have had the ability to do.

“After the second round they were tying for bronze with the USA. Matt Sampson lifted his game in the jump off, throwing down the gauntlet by producing the clear that clinched the Bronze medal.

“This team has earned the respect of coaches and riders alike for their professionalism and ability. They are the envy of other nations, giving us great prospects for the future.”

Dan teams up with Flair Strips

Dan is very pleased to announce a partnership with Flair Equine Nasel Strips. Dan has been using Flair Strips on his horses for a while now and feels they make a big difference to his horses performance. "I'm really pleased to have their support and I'm really impressed with the effect they have on the horses.

Flair Strips commented “We are delighted to be supporting Dan Neilson with FLAIR® Nasal Strips. Dan has proved without doubt to be an avid fitness fan on a personal level and with his horses. He is always very competitive, Dan knows using Flair Strips will help his horses when it really counts.” Flair LLC