In World of Showjumping’s series ‘That Special Bond’ we talk with some of the top names of the sport, to discuss the horses that have shaped their careers, fulfilled their dreams – and sometimes even broken hearts.

This time we meet with no other than the current world number one: Daniel Deusser – who represents Germany, lives in Belgium and rides for Stephex Stables. Having worked at Stal Tops, and now at Stephex Stables – Deusser has met many horses during his career. However, to pick out the most special one was not too hard. But, we also discover that there is a new partnership that has turned out a pretty special one as well.

The Special One

“Cornet D’Amour (Cornet Obolensky x Damiani) is the special one for me. We grew into the sport together. In the beginning it did not really work out, we had to find a way together: I had to ride him in a way where he was happy with me, and somehow it felt like he found confidence in my way of riding him. I have had him for about four years now, and he is for sure my best horse and the horse that has won the biggest titles for me.

Cornet has a great body and a good technique, everything is easy with him. I can take him outdoors, indoors, ride short distances and long distances – for him nothing is a problem. With Cornet, I always have a lot of options in the ring and in the end with his body – if he is fit – he can do anything.

I would not say that he is a typical Cornet Obolensky in his head. The beginning with him was difficult only because he was very careful, and did not have the last confidence in the rider. He needed a good feeling in the smaller classes before going into the bigger classes, that is why it took a bit of time to get started.”

The Result Recorder

“Another horse that I have had unbelievable results with is Equita van’t  Zorgvliet (Cassini I x Darco). Part of the reason that I started to ride her was that I had nothing else at this point. It was not that I chose her, or that she even fitted me perfect. We just had to make it work because I had nothing else to take to the shows. I have been riding her for eight or nine months now, and we have won four Grand Prix classes as well as being third in Cannes and in Paris. It is actually unbelievable what she has won in such a short time.

With her it has been a quick try, and somehow it has worked out. Equita is special in the way that she might not have the best technique and she might not be the most sporty type, but she has a very good heart – she tries all the time. And at the end, that helps a lot in the ring. Even if you don’t have the prettiest round with her, she always wants to get to the other side and she is really honest –  she does not want to touch the poles.”

The Money Maker

“Equita has also been a moneymaker, and another one like that is also Hidalgo VG (Quadrillo x Andiamo Z). Hidalgo is a horse I might not ride in the biggest classes, and he is a horse that does not look very spectacular – but he delivers good results.”

The One That Got Away

“The one that got away? To be honest: Halifax van het Kluizebos (Heartbreaker x Fetiche du Pas) that Lorenzo de Luca is riding. Halifax is a horse I rode as a 7-year-old. He was not easy as a young horse, but his quality is something I would love to have access to also today. He has possibilities in the ring that other horses don’t have…”

Text © World of Showjumping by Nanna Nieminen // Picture © Jenny Abrahamsson (No reproduction without permission)