Gulliver Grabs Victory

A former grand prix horse proves well suited to new career in paras.

- Polly Bryan

LAURA GULLIVER topped the most competitive Equissage Pulse para division, the grade IV, with a former grand prix stallion she has had the ride on for less than a year.

The 18-year-old Woodcroft Garuda K, who is German-bred by Muenchhausen, was ridden at top level by Lesley Peyton-Gilbert and Anne-Marie Cowan. Now Laura is forging a successful para career with him since they teamed up in November last year.

“I was his groom when he was competing at grand prix. He’s now with me for a slightly quieter life,” said Laura, who has rheumatoid arthritis, which limits her strength and power, and trains with Judy Harvey.

“He has such a wonderful, lovable temperament and the bigger the occasion the better for him,” she said, also crediting the Woodcroft Stud for their support. “He felt very secure and consistent in there.”

The pair will now head to contest their first international at Keysoe in October.