Phoebe Peters - Pony Gold Double

Phoebe Peters and SL Lucci have made history, claiming individual and freestyle golds at the Pony European Dressage Championships in Arezzo, Italy.After spearheading Great Britain’s team bronze success, Phoebe (pictured) became the first British under-21 ever to win an individual medal, taking gold for her performance in Saturday’s Individual Championship. Phoebe and Lucci scored 79.04% ahead of Germany’s Semmieke Rothenberger and Deinhard B who scored 78.46% and the Netherlands’ Lisanne Zoutendijk on Champ of Class in bronze with 77.31%.Before the final competitors had ridden, Phoebe posted on Facebook: “Me and Lucci just scored 79% in the individual test!!! This is a personal best and has taken us into the lead! Can't believe how amazing Lucci was, he is unreal.”Phoebe, trained by Peter Storr and who rides with a maturity that belies her 14 years, has, in recent months, become to talk of international pony dressage with her mother Tracy’s pony SL Lucci, an 11-year-old Danish brown gelding by Lukas. Phoebe and Lucci appear to be made for each other, her text-book position and poise maintaining the powerful pony in an uphill, exemplary frame throughout their work.The superbly matched pair were favourites going into Sunday’s freestyle and once again cool-headed Phoebe, who thrives on the pressure of the big occasion, inspired Lucci to use every inch of his athletic frame. Their music, from the films Johnny English and Kung Fu Panda, gave a humorous touch to a seriously good freestyle. Serious enough for a pony freestyle record of 84% and another gold medal! This time, the German and Dutch challengers were reversed with Zoutendijk in silver with 80.77% and Rothenberger a whisker behind in bronze with 80.62%.Once again posting on Facebook, as the significance her achievement was sinking in, a thrilled Phoebe said: “Lucci has just set off on his way home - returning to England as European champion!! Today we won our second gold medal, this time in the freestyle scoring a new world record of 84%! Would like to thank EVERYONE for their support, help and time it has been the most unbelievable week! X”Phoebe's success is a great example of Olympic legacy in motion; she, like so many, was inspired by the performances last year by our riders which made her more determined and focused than ever to succeed.Phoebe’s team compatriots also fared well in the individual stages of the competition with strong placings amongst Europe’s elite. Erin Williams and Dynasty, her mother Claire’s nine-year-old palomino daughter of Deinhard B were placed 71.8% for 11th in the individual test qualifying them for the freestyle where they posted an impressive 74.75% for sixth spot.Rose Hugh-Smith and Holstein’s Derwisch scored a solid 66.87% for 22nd in the individual and Rebecca Bell with Valido’s Sunshine were just behind on 66.26% for 23rd against the best 54 pony riders in Europe.