Thirteen combinations have been confirmed as qualified for the prestigious Nathalie Grand
Prix classes at this year’s Espayo National Championships, Stoneleigh Park, 19 – 22nd September.
Carl might be the firm favourite amongst British fans, but it is by no means a done deal and one of his toughest opponents might just well turn out to be his very own pupil, 20 year old Sam Thurman Baker.

Sam has qualified her own 12 year old British bred gelding Spring Pascal whom she has taken all the way from Novice back in 2007 with much help from her mum Diane. She began training with Carl four years ago and has been working with him for the past twelve months. She and Pascal have been competing consistently at Grand Prix for about a year and so far in 2013 the pair haven’t been outside of the top ten, just missing the top spot, posting second place, four times.

Since her deployment with Carl, Sam has been touted as one to watch and if Hester’s relationship with his gold medal winning protégé is anything to go by, we can only imagine that he will be rooting for Sam at the same time as focussing on a win for himself.