The latest episode of The Horse Show shines a spotlight on a truly remarkable horse who proved once again last weekend why he belongs among the absolute world elite: Paule S (Perigueux x Sir Shutterfly). "I don't know of a single other CSI5* horse that is also tasked with taking on the gruelling Hamburg Derby," says host Frederik de Backer.
German top rider André Thieme completely understands the fascination. "Few people would risk putting a five-star Grand Prix horse through a track as demanding as this Derby. To be honest, Paule is probably too good for it. Normally, you build a horse up specifically for this class; it’s by no means necessary to run a horse of his caliber here."
So why take on the challenge? According to Thieme, it actually serves as a welcome change of pace for the powerhouse gelding.
"For him, this is just a bit of variety in his routine. He doesn't even have to break a sweat to finish a course like this. This week it’s the Derby, and next week he can go right back to shining in a CSI5* Grand Prix. It’s mind-blowing."
Having such an extraordinary athlete under his saddle certainly keeps the rider smiling. "It’s incredibly motivating," Thieme concludes. "It makes a notoriously tough class like the Hamburg Derby an absolute joy to ride."
