Stephen Mercer Brings Home the Ribbons from Spain

Stephen Mercer had a stellar week show jumping at the beautiful Sevilla Horse Tour held in Carmona, Spain. The 2018 Autumn Horse Tour spanned six days and attracted entrants from multiple countries.

42-year-old Mercer, hails from Queensland and is based in the UK, where he rides for GreenLane Stud, owned by Peter Greenaway.

“Stephen has ridden my show jumpers for about 10 years now and we do work very closely together on choosing suitable breeding lines to use with my lovely mares.” said Greenaway.

The bond he has with his horses is important; Mercer himself backed and produced GreenLanes Balou Star ‘Darcey’ from the beginning.

“[Stephen] has a great and trusting relationship with her and all of the horses he competes. I sold Darcey earlier this year and a major part of the decision to sell was that Stephen would keep the ride as they have such a great relationship together.” shared Greenaway.

With six horses entered across 14 classes during the Spanish tour, Mercer pulled out an impressive four wins on three horses, and an additional three top-3 placings with his other three horses.

With his long-time partner Greenlanes Balou Star ‘Darcey’, he picked up a tidy 2nd in the Table A 1.30m Ag Clock.

"[Darcey] tried her heart out as she always does", said Mercer fondly of his chestnut mount.

Forever Trooper was on-point during the tour. The 7-year-old bay gelding, owned by Sue Marchant, entered the Table A 1.20m Ag Clock & J/O and Table A 1.20m 2 Phase. He went clear in both his rounds, winning them both from 23 and 22 starters respectively.

The girls on Mercer’s jumping team were not to be outdone. His own 8-year-old chestnut mare, Mums the Word took a first with zero faults in the Table A 1.35m Ag Clock, from 27 starters. 7-year-old bay mare Wellington Grandorie also went clear and won the Table A 1.30m Ag Clock from 17 starters.

Rounding off the team, mounts Algeria Z picked up a 3rd in the Table A 1.20m Ag Clock & J/O, and Cevin Z'Joy also took 3rd in the Table A 1.20m 2 Phase.

“Stephen is a very hard-working rider with a lot of talent and it is great that he is getting the international success that he so rightly deserves,” said Greenaway proudly, “a great person to be with socially as well, a lot of fun!”

Article courtesy of Equestrian Australia