Harry and Zam at the 2014 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials where he finished as the best U25 rider
Harry Dzenis may only be 24 years old but he has years of experience in the sport, including two gold medals at Junior and Young Rider European Championships by the age of 18, and the gentlemanly air of someone older and wiser. His gracious charm – hopping off one horse having finished cross country and obligingly fitting in an interview before setting off on another – boyish smile and long legs are reminiscent of his past boss, William Fox-Pitt who Harry worked for as stable rider in 2013. Following his experience there Harry set up his own yard in West Sussex last year and had one of his best years so far as a senior rider, including his first CCI4* starts at Badminton and Burghley
“It’s a big responsibility to go out on your own” admits Harry “But it’s always been what I wanted to do and I’m so lucky to have the chance and the owners who support me”
His first ride at Badminton in 2014, during the most difficult conditions in recent times, was not quite the debut he had hoped for, resulting in a broken collar bone. However this year he feels a little more prepared.
“The experienced riders were walking the course and commenting how tough it was that year – I had nothing to compare it to and it all looked enormous to me! This year hopefully it will seem a little less daunting”
Harry Dzenis
