Team Libby Priest Horse Pairs 2023
Our warmest congratulations go to Team Libby Priest for their tremendous performance at Royal Windsor Horse Show 2023. Libby finished as the top British competitor and 3rd overall in the 3* International Carriage Driving Horse Pairs with Michael as trusted backstepper and horses Ann de Top (Ollie), Acoord (Ace) and Fiktor.
We're always impressed by our brand ambassadors' dedication and hard work in training for their sport. In Libby's case, this also means undertaking a ferry crossing to travel to competitions to mainland UK from her home and carriage driving training centre in the Isle of Man. There's a whole team of close family and friends supporting behind the scenes. At Windsor, there were Libby's friends Maria and Wendy, and partner Michael helping to prep Libby's boys (and also to be heard whooping and cheering in Libby's videos!)
Competing isn't always smooth-running though, and Ollie had stepped on something sharp in training which meant having some time out before leaving to compete, so he didn't burn all the energy he needed to give quite the polished performance he's capable of in the dressage - the first big event of the year! Undeterred, the team pulled it back in the marathon, despite the muddy conditions at Windsor, finishing 2nd in the phase, pulling them up to overall 3rd position. And then, after a good solid cones round, they held their podium finish of 3rd in the cones and 3rd overall! Well done Team Libby Priest!
Ace & Fiktor
We look forward to following Libby and her team throughout the coming year. Their next event is at Cricklands International at Chepstow in June 2023. Good luck!