Zezebel HDH was crowned the new British Eventing 4-Year-Old Champion at Osberton International Horse Trials, but aside from a dazzling dressage and superb double clear, what do we know about Imogen Murray’s super cute 4-year-old champion?

The 4-year-old mare by Etoulon, out of a Cream On Top mare, stands at just 15.2hh, not the big strapping event horse that some may expect.  A product of a ‘girls trip’ to Holland, the pint sized wonder was purchased direct from her breeder Hans Dings, who runs and impressive breeding operation.

“When I first saw her I thought she may be a little small, but I quite like small as I’m only small and I’ve got enough big horses!  She does however have the movement and stride and of a very big horse and had an impressive hind leg action” confirms Imogen.

“We asked to see her loose jump and once she knew what we wanted her to do we couldn’t stop her, even when we wanted to!”

With a willingness to please and a sensible head she was sure to be a success.

Named Tulip because she’s from Holland and the team stayed in the Tulip Hotel for the trip to Holland it suits her well.   Little Tulip arrived just before Christmas 2017 and was sent to Bernie Wharf for breaking in in January this year.  The willingness to learn and sensible nature made her a dream to break in and 6-weeks later arrived back at the M.S.Team Eventing base in Leicestershire.

Produced steadily and quietly, a true star has emerged.  Only competing in 3 events and a handful of Burghley Young Event Horse classes, including the final, prior to the Championships she takes everything in her stride.

But what makes a 4-year-old champion most happy? A cuddle, a carrot and a roll.  She can often be found having a little power nap, including in the prize giving it would seem!