Swaby’s in the cash

Swallowfield Equestrian, Warks

WITH her daughter at university and the family horse retired, Fiona Swaby was persuaded last year to buy young dressage prospect Langaller Flash The Cash. The British-bred mare made a flying start to her affiliated career, winning twice at prelim with a stand-out score of nearly 78%.

“My friend Lizzie Burford found ‘Fleur’ and made me buy her,” laughed Fiona. “She’s a sweet-natured mare, a little flighty at times, but a fast learner. I’m no dressage expert so it is a challenge, but it’s fun.”

FHS Whatalittlemiss excelled at novice and elementary, a day after learning to be ridden side-saddle. The versatile six-year-old, bred by owner Madeleine Gardner, is by Olympic showjumping stallion Parco and out of Madeleine’s inter I dressage mare Whatapallaver.

“She has a real ‘can do’ attitude,” said Madeleine of the petite grey, nicknamed “Indi” as a foal because of her independent nature. “This was her first elementary, so I was ecstatic when she scored more than 70%.”