Gigs

Great Britain’s Claire Gallimore (16) and Gigolo achieved fifth place in both the individual test and kür at the FEI European Pony Championships, Bishop Burton College, 28 July – 1 August.

After Britain finishing a hair’s breadth behind a bronze medal in the team championship, Gallimore and Gigolo, a 12-year-old German-bred gelding by Going East, went on to produce two polished performances bringing her well within site of the individual medal zone. The talented combination scored 71.42% in the individual and 74.10% in the kür.

“He was a little bit hot in the team test,” explained Gallimore, “but on the second day I knew what to expect. Our warm-up went well and in the arena he was just on the edge – he was in a really good place.”

Riding to their ‘Born Free’ compilation of music, the talented partnership earned 74.10%, just over two percent behind the bronze medal position.
“I was very happy with our freestyle,” said Gallimore, “there were a couple of mistakes and his walk was a little hurried, which was expensive, but his canter was really uphill and off my leg – he felt fantastic.”

Gallimore, who is in her final year of Ponies before moving up to Juniors added: "The Championships were so good and the atmosphere was amazing. It was so great to have a home crowd with so many British supporters.”

 

  From Claire; Fantastic Championships and now exhausted! Gigs was amazing and the competition fierce but all performed to the very best of their ability. Gigs remained on top form throughout the Champs on green gold , red pellets, linseed and seaweed and sundried lucerne. Now we are off on holiday on Thursday for a rest! kind regards Jane