Persimmon

Boasting the unique feat of representing his country in Nations Cup teams across two disciplines, this former world-class eventer is now enjoying a second career as a showjumper. Jennifer Donald meets the diminutive character who likes to have the last laugh

- Jennifer Donald

Need to know

PERSIMMON Age: 15

Breeding: Salute RP x Indorado

Owner-rider: Will Fletcher

Breeder: MP Toering (Netherlands)

Greatest achievements: believed to be the only horse to jump on Nations Cup teams in eventing and showjumping; first British Eventing six-year-old championships 2011; team silver and individual fourth at the European Eventing Championships 2015; under-18 champion at the British Showjumping National Championships 2017; European young rider team silver 2018; third in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup at RIHS 2019.

RIDER WILL FLETCHER

“AFTER ‘Percy’ left Kitty King, Tom McEwen called and said he had this small horse who’d fallen out of love with dressage but who jumped well, would I like to try him?