‘I plan to enjoy every moment’: Annabella Pidgley and Pumpkin make World Cup debut and look ahead to the future

Annabella Pidgley and her European gold medallist Gio have made their World Cup debut.

The pair finished seventh in the Neumunster grand prix in Germany on Saturday (14 February), scoring 70.70%. The class was won by Belgium’s Justin Verboomen and rising star Djembe De Hus Old, who scored 76.83%.

Annabella told H&H the test “felt amazing”.

“Since ‘Pumpkin’ moved to Denmark he just feels better and better. He is in really top shape at the moment and brings so much power into the ring,” she said.

“He is my horse of a lifetime and to have all these first special experiences with him means everything to me. He’s the best.”

Gio spent much of 2025 in the UK while Annabella was in Denmark, which Annabella had said was owing to her plan to focus on Vamos Amigos for the season. He has since joined her and the pair last competed at the Aarhus CDI3* in December, where they were second in both the grand prix and special, with +71% scores.

“He’s settled in so well. Coming from my quiet home set-up, you never know how they’ll be but he absolutely loves it,” said Annabella.

“I think he’s the smallest horse we have at Helgstrand, but he thinks he’s the king of the place. He is so fresh at the moment and the vibrant and energetic atmosphere suits him well.”

Aarhus was Annabella and Gio’s only competition of 2025 and their first since the young rider and U25 European Championships at St Margarethen, Austria, in July 2024. The pair were part of the under-25 team that came fourth, and won individual silver and freestyle gold.

Looking ahead, 21-year-old Annabella said Pumpkin will have another international outing soon.

“My plan is to have fun, gain experience and most importantly listen to what Pumpkin feels ready for. He is such a show horse and loves to be the centre of attention at the big shows so I can’t wait to enter more big arenas with him,” said Annabella.

“I plan to enjoy every moment. I would love to gain more experience in the senior classes and he teaches me so much. I have very exciting young horses and I think it’s so special to be able to do these big shows with Pumpkin to gain the experience and take everything I’m learning to use in my training with the younger horses.”

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