Legend status

From clean sweeps to breakthrough wins, the small tour stars deliver moments of history and redemption

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ONE partnership reigned supreme across the small tour classes: Sarah Higgins and the sensational Geniaal, who swept all before them – clinching the Saracen Horse Feeds inter I gold, Fairfax Saddles prix st georges (PSG) gold, PSG freestyle and the coveted PSG supreme champion title.

After helping Sarah win her first-ever national title here last summer, the 14-year-old gelding now has five national titles, marking him out as British dressage’s standout small tour campaigner.

“This year feels very different – I’m exhausted. I’ve been travelling nonstop with horses all over the world and I think it’ll take a few days to sink in,” Sarah said.

The PSG gold was their first win, Geniaal’s changes proving a highlight worthy of sevens and eights. The pair achieved a score of 73.29%, which looked to be enough to secure them a back-to-back title and confirm their place as the pair to beat.

But there were still anxious moments to come. The final rider of the class was Michael Eilberg, riding MSJ Encore, with whom he boasts multiple international and Premier League wins. For a moment, it looked like they might edge ahead, until costly mistakes in both sets of changes dropped them to 71.65% and second place.

“It was nerve-racking waiting for his test because I knew Mike was going last, and he’s an amazing rider with a fabulous horse,” Sarah said.

Adding to the emotion of the win was how far Sarah had come in just 24 hours.