Swedish Grand Prix team rider Maria Eriksson has passed her Grand Prix horse Galliano on to Swedish eventing rider Emma Rosenqvist. Eriksson will no longer be running for team WEG selection this year.
The 16-year old Swedish warmblood Galliano (by Labrador x Collin) struggled with injury but lately he has been sound again. Under junior rider Rosenqvist the gelding can begin a new career as a competition horse at a lower, less exerting level. Rosenqvist will be showing Galliano in dressage while she continues her eventing career as well.
"I have thought long and hard before making up my mind whether I would continue to compete Galliano another year or not," Eriksson told the Swedish Equestrian Federation. "He feels really nice and fresh. But now that the opportunity with Emma came along the decision became easy. It just feels right."
Eriksson has owned Galliano since he was a 3-year old and will now be coaching Emma on Galliano. Emma, who is the 2009 Swedish junior rider eventing reserve champion, confirmed that she has noticed a difference in her dressage riding now that she has been aboard schoolmaster Galliano. The training is helping her with her eventing horse Roman Whip.
Eriksson will be concentrating on preparing young horses. She owns a 2, a 3 and a 7-year old.
Source: Ridsport.se
Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Links
Eriksson at the 2009 CDI Hagen
2008 Swedish Dressage Championships