This week I’m chatting with the talented young British international Grand Prix dressage rider Lewis Carrier. Only 23 years old, Lewis has already been to two European Championships representing Team GB at under 25’s. Lewis is very excited for the prospects of his talented horses and looks to have a very big future ahead. Read on to find out more about Lewis and his horses.
Tell us a little about you and your horses
Wow what a weekend!! 3 International wins, 3 personal bests at an U25 CDI and his first 70+% at Grand Prix! Lews said Diego tried his absolute heart out and didn’t put a foot wrong at Keysoe CDI
I am 23 years old; I have been riding since around the age of seven. I have been to two European Championships, one at young rider level and most recently at U25 Grand Prix. I have worked for Eilberg Dressage and Elite Dressage. I am now based at home with my family and my horses in Denver, Norfolk. I currently own two horses, Diego my top horse who I have had since the age of four, now at 13 is my top prospect for Grand Prix and this year’s U25 European Championships. I also own a five-year-old called Alvescot Freestyle who is incredibly trainable, and I have great fun training him.
How did your horses come into your life?
When I was 15 my trainer at the time, Diana Fisher, was told by her trainer, Carl Hester, that Dan Greenwood had a smart horse in for sale which was Diego. Not long after I had set up base at home at the end of 2019, I purchased my now five-year-old from Alvescot Stud.
How long have you been riding?
Properly since around the age of seven, I had the occasional riding lesson in a riding school before that.
When and where do you ride?
Lewis and Diego. On fire in the sun!
I ride a lot and pretty much every day. I am incredibly lucky that I have and outdoor school at home. We are a little lacking in competition venues in Norfolk, but Keysoe Equestrian I compete at a lot.
How did you start riding?
My family are not horsey, to be honest by accident!!
What you and your horses currently working on?
Lewis with his own horses. Deigo and Alvescot Freestyle
Diego is currently refining his Grand Prix work, especially his passage. Freddie is playing with all of the levels being only five with no pressure, but he will compete at novice/elementary this year.
What do you love about riding?
I love how the horses learn and train. It is incredibly rewarding when you and your horse are so together and produce fantastic work.
What you would you like to be doing in the future and do you have any goals?
Lewis and Deigo enjoying an incredible adventure at the Pilisjászfalu, Hungary European Championships
My biggest goal is to compete at the Olympics, but I would love to have a big successful dressage yard and a family of my own.
Have you ever had to deal with nerves in riding?
Yes absolutely, but I have learned to transfer them into competitive, motivational energy.
How do you deal with them?
Lewis, Diego and team at CDI Waregem in Belgium
I focus on mine and the horses job; I focus on our warmup routine and the job we have to do to produce the test. At the end of the day, we are doing the same things we do at home but in a different environment.
Top Tip
Ride with pride and confidence!!
The Final Furlong
Who would be your dream horse to ride?
I’ve been privileged to ride Woodlander Farouche, but I’d have to say Moorlands Totilas in his prime.
Lewis with his Team GB mates after the U25 Europeans opening ceremony
Who is your equestrian rider hero?
Probably Carl Hester, being a British male with the success he has had in the sport and the success he has brought to others.
If you could have 5 people to dinner who would they be?
Catherine Dufour, Charlotte Dujardin, Isabel Werth, Edward Gal and Andreas Helgestrand.
Favourite colour horse
A tough question but probably jet black. They look so smart.
Favourite horse event
I’m lucky that I live near to Burghley Horse Trials, me and my family used to go to watch the x-country day almost every year.
Favourite food
I eat pretty much anything and everything, so this is a difficult question, but I’d have to say either really good sushi or a prime steak!
Favourite way to relax
Either watching a film or listening to music like Tame Impala.
Favourite film
Whiplash, a film that shows what it takes to be the best in any profession!
Want More?
If you enjoyed meeting Lewis you might like to view more chatting with interviews here You can keep up with Lewis’s progress on his instagram page @lcdressage
