What a week it’s been for the team. It’s safe to say the end to Vilamoura Champions Tour could not have gone better for Trevor and Heather & Ian Black’s Highland President. Homebred Archie was selected to jump for Ireland in this weekend’s CSIO3* Nations Cup, the first team appearance for this 9-year-old. It’s safe to say he absolutely smashed it. The only clear round for the team in round one, Archie started with a bang, but it was his flawless second round, combined with the scores of teammates Shane Breen, Anthony Condon and Jack Ryan that helped secure the win for Team Ireland. Representing your country successfully on any horse is always an honour, but this win was particularly special to the team as not only is Highland President bred by us, but he has been produced all the way to this moment by Trevor and the team.
Though the highlight of the week came from this amazing win for the team, Trevor also saw success earlier on the show with the horses.
Thursday saw all three horses still out in Portugal jump their hearts out to equal success. Highland President jumped a fantastic prep round for the Nations Cup in the 1.40, while Germaine W took 5th place in the CSIO3* 1.45m with a beautiful double clear. Old Lodge Stud’s Dancing Wolf OL saw his own success in the 2* 1.40 claiming 2nd place with a speedy, foot perfect round.
It’s been an amazing tour for the team of horses out here in Vilamoura, and we are so grateful to our team of owners and grooms for everything they do for us. The horses have been flying over the last month, and it is in no small part down to the fantastic support we have from everyone around us.
Now time to head back to the English weather and look to the next challenge.
