HOY Nominee: Calder

Longines EEF Series Newsroom

Calder and I just clicked from the beginning,” explains Anastasia. “The horse is amazing to me, and we have built a really lovely partnership. He has jumped many valuable clear rounds in Nations Cup classes and Grand Prix. He is so special to me, and he is such a character.”

Due to his kind and affectionate nature, Calder is known as ‘the gentle giant’ at home. He is often left loose around the yard to come and go as he pleases with his friend, the resident stable goat. Calder’s favourite pastime is reaching up to find the tastiest leaves in the trees around the farm. However, he is a complete professional when competing. “He knows his job. We don’t jump him too much at home because he doesn’t need it. We keep his training very varied, and he goes out in the field every day. I want to keep him happy.”

The combination first entered the Series in 2023 where Calder performed very well, helping the Ukrainian team to make history and qualify for the series final in Warsaw. This was all the more remarkable because Anastasia was just 20 years old, and her partnership with Calder was relatively new.

In 2024, Anastasia and Calder jumped clear first rounds in Stutteri Ask and Luxembourg around big, technical courses. They also claimed an impressive 3^rd place in the 3* Grand Prix in Gorla Minore. A tall and eye-catching grey gelding, Calder is the apple of Anastasia’s eye. The Casall-sired gelding is 15 years old with a wealth of experience behind him, and he is proving to be both a teacher and a best friend to Anastasia. Calder’s owner is also his former rider Romain Duguet, who previously competed with Calder at 5* level competitions.

Anastasia’s best memory with Calder was at last years Final in Warsaw. “The atmosphere there was really incredible. I feel so grateful to have such a horse behind me-he tries so hard. We want to aim for the senior European Championships next year, but we will see how it goes.”

Owner Roman Duguet comments, “Calder was always a real family horse. My daughter used to sit up on him when she was very young, and his grooms always loved him because he is so nice to work with every day. When he was nine years old, Calder began jumping big classes, and he has been getting the results ever since.”

Anastasia’s groom, Roman Danilyuk, absolutely adores Calder; “His character is more like that of a dog than a horse. He is so well-behaved and consistent. I love to work with him. He is powerful but easy to work with because of his brilliant personality.”