HOME-BRED HEROES

TWO green but impressive six-year-old stalllions stood out when posting treble clears in the

Big Star qualifier.

Kyle Hassell’s Zilveren Icoon BDA (pictured, left) — who has foals, yearlings and two-year-olds on the floor — is still eligible for discovery, but was stepped up with a view to competing at Valkenswaard in May. “He has a heart of gold and wants to leave the fences up. This was the biggest track he’s jumped, but his best assets are that he wants to work with you, and his rideability is so good,” said Grantham-based Bermudian Kyle of the home-bred by Cevin Z x Graf Grannus.

“My partner Kelly [Aldous, eventer] has done mostly dressage with him this winter, and it has really helped.”

Another home-bred, Nikki Freeman’s Je Taime Romeras (pictured, below), was still in British novice before tackling this class.

“He had colic surgery 12 months ago after doing only a few shows, so he missed most of last year,” said Nikki, who recently took over the reins from her father, Carl.

The stallion traces back to Ramiro, being out of a Corrado I mare and by Je T’Aime Flamenco.

“He’s careful but with a huge stride. I almost have to walk to fences as he makes up so much ground, but I know he has the scope to jump them,” added Nikki.