In tip top shape at the 2015 CDI Madrid on 22 - 24 May 2015, Josefin Gyllensward and her 10-year old Don Angelo were undefeated in the Under 25 division, winning the Intermediate A, Intermediate II and Short Grand Prix, with 68.565%, 69.026%, and 69.574%. The CDI Madrid was an action packed competition featuring a large group of Iberian riders. However, Swedish Gyllensward was in command of the Under 25 Grand Prix riders.
“I'm very happy about my wins in Madrid,” Josefin told Eurodressage. “My horse Don Angelo, or Donald as we call him, felt in good shape and was very keen to get in the ring. He has got a very special personality, he loves to work and thinks he is the best.”
David Hunt, one of Josefin’s trainers, contacted Josefin about four years ago and told her about this horse that she just needed to see.
“I went to England and fell in love with Donald who at the time was owned by Lisa McAlpine," she explained. "Just before we bought Donald in 2011 I moved from Sweden to England to train and become a better dressage rider. I spent my first years with Becky and Hannah Moody and last year in February I moved to Nicky Barrett who I still train with. I also still train with David Hunt.”
Don Angelo is a 10-year old Westfalian gelding by Danone out of Donnerfee (by Donnerschwee), bred by the legendary Herbert de Baey. Gyllensward began her international show career first on her young riders' horse Troy (by Mooiman x Saluut) in 2013 but planned to aim for more with Don Angelo. She began competing him internationally in 2014, first contested the small tour at the CDI's in Madrid and Hickstead. She moved him up to the Under 25 Grand Prix division at the end of the year and made her CDI Under 25 debut at the 2014 Roosendaal Indoor in last December.
According to Josefin, Donald's strength are his piaffe and passage, although she adds that he still needs some work to produce his full potential in the ring.
“Donald’s weakness is that he can get tense and short in the neck, that is something we are constantly working on," the 23-year old admitted. "My goal for this year is to get experience and get out competing. Also I would like to start in the senior division later in the year."
Gyllensward is working on a professional career as a rider and coach and is now getting her feet wet in the business.
"I have just started to freelance a little bit as a rider and trainer and that is what I would like to do in the future," she said.
by Sarah Warne - Photos © Rui Pedro Godinho
Related Links
Scores 2015 CDI Madrid
Small Tips from the Top to Balance the Power at 2015 CDI Madrid