Why elite eventer-turned-showjumper Persimmon stands out *H&H Plus members*

Boasting the unique feat of representing his country in Nations Cup teams across two disciplines, this former world-class eventer is now enjoying a second career as a showjumper. Jennifer Donald talks to his connections to find out more about the diminutive character who likes to have the last laugh...

Persimmon

Age: 15
Stable name: Percy
Breeding: Salute RP x Indorado
Owner-rider: Will Fletcher
Breeder: MP Toering (Netherlands)
Greatest achievements: Persimmon is believed to be the only horse to jump on Nations Cup teams in eventing and showjumping; first British Eventing six-year-old championships 2011; team silver and individual fourth at the European Eventing Championships 2015; under-18 champion at the British Showjumping National Championships 2017; European young rider team silver 2018; third in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup at RIHS 2019.

Rider Will Fletcher

“After ‘Percy’ left Kitty King, Tom McEwen called and said he had this small horse who’d fallen out of love with dressage but who jumped well, would I like to try him?

“We took it slowly for the first year as I was in the middle of my A levels. He did well in 1.20m and 1.30m classes but then we jumped a Foxhunter second round, which was by far the biggest course we’d done, and I thought, ‘OK, this one has more in the tank than we thought,’ and we kicked on from there.

Jennifer Donald

H&H showjumping editor

Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.