Norman and Pedro at the show jumping test event in Caen © CO Normandie 2014/PSV
Our two year old golden retriever is called Pedro. When people ask why, we can’t really give an answer – it was just a name that popped into our heads. Now I’m going to say he’s named after Pedro Cebulka
If you looked at our recent photo gallery from the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games test events at the Stade d’Ornano you will a photo of a man with an unusual outfit and some interesting headwear - that’s Pedro. Affectionately known as Pedro the Ring Master many would have noticed him at Greenwich during the London 2012 Olympic Games and now you will see him in Normandy.
Guess who is wearing the yellow sou'wester at London 2012?
Pedro (actually not his real name but no-one cares) was born in Germany and picked up the nickname during his extensive travels in South America. These travels took him to Canada where he cleaned stables in a newly established equestrian facility called Spruce Meadows – at that same event he is now a legend as Pedro the Ring Master.
His skill in languages meant that he could converse easily with riders from many countries and so when the show organisers of Equitana were looking for someone to call in the riders at the gate, he was an obvious choice. He had good relationships with many riders from many countries and over the years they have continued to increase as his work at major events around the globe extended his reach
He isn’t hard to spot – the outstanding hat, and sometimes bizarre outfit, ensure you can’t miss him as he guides the riders in and out of the arena. The riders also seem to enjoy his company – Charlotte Dujardin swopped hats with him in the prize giving ceremony for her win at the FEI European Dressage Championships 2013 in Herning. Charlotte, who is famous for wearing a crash hat rather than a top hat like many of the other dressage riders, borrowed the one that had been sported throughout the day by Pedro and he in turn wore her crash hat (below)
Pedro and Charlotte swop hats in Herning Photo: Paul Harding
We’re looking forward to seeing what he wears in Normandy ..................
