Nisbett jumping for joy

2010 is shaping up to be one of the best of Patrick Nisbett’s life.

The show jumper is having success with all five of his mounts, the latest a grand prix victory in Slovenia.

Bermuda’s equestrian community celebrated Nisbett’s win aboard Cantaro and none was more pleased for him, then Heidi Mello.

She will be chef de equipe for Nisbett for the World Equestrian Games. Mello said: “The big thing about the grand prix is it was a World Cup qualifier. That means it wasn’t a walk in the park. The World Cup is the top of the big dogs.”

She this was an outstanding ride for Nisbett and Cantaro.

“This is pretty big for Patrick. He has won grand prix in the past. It was one of his biggest wins. When he tied with Robert Whittaker at a six star in Spain — that was a huge win too.

“That was pretty much when Cantaro started to peak. Since then he’s been on fire. He won that six star competition and he qualified the horse for the World Equestrian Games.”

She added what added to the significance for the event in Slovenia was that Nisbett was also second in a different class with Count Alaric.

“He just had a really good show,” said Mello. “Last week he was also fourth and eighth with two of his younger horses so all five of his horses are up and competing and on the go.

“I am absolutely beyond thrilled for his progress. On paper he looks absolutely phenomenal, then when I watch his rounds on YouTube it gets even better and better. Him and Cantaro are really starting to peak and come together as one. He has been so incredible and he’s doing so well. If he keeps going like this and makes his final peak in October in Kentucky, I’ll be absolutely thrilled.

Mello added: “We just wish him the best of luck.”

Michael Cherry, president of the BEF, said: “Any victory in any class is significant. This is significant because he was competing at the height which is anticipated at the World Equestrian Games in September/October.

“It was Eastern Europe as part of the Eastern Europe League but it didn’t have the well-known Western Europe riders. However, the fact that he was there amongst the best of the Eastern Europeans is quite significant.”

Cherry added: “He’s having a good year and hopefully things stay together.”

He’s expecting the buzz to continue to build around Nisbett the closer it gets to the World Equestrian Games.