Shiny, fit and well – Toledo De Kerser certainly didn’t look his 18 years in Carl Hester ’s dressage masterclass at Defender Burghley Horse Trials .

“He still looks five years old, and so does his rider!” said Carl of the Olympic and world gold medallist and his equally decorated rider, Tom McEwen .

Although the crowd emitted a collective grumble after Carl confirmed the upcoming European Eventing Championships squad member is “going home after the demo”, the dressage maestro and his five-star pupil had the stands erupting with laughter throughout the Friday lunchtime session.

Carl said he’d been told the eventer-turned-family pet Toledo had been fresh to get on. “Tom offered me the ride, but I was busy!” he told the audience.

Toledo De Kerser in Burghley masterclass: three key t

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