Easily identifiable by her ears, which move back and forth or side to side – a trademark of horses that pick up the smallest of details – Greya is a mare with character. Lively and fiery are just two of the words Farrington would use to describe a horse that has been part of his life for more than five years now. The mere mention of her name brings a smile to his face. 

“It took time to build trust with her, but that happens with every horse,” he says. “She’s very sensitive, but very independent too. She always comes and says hello but goes back to nibbling her hay straightaway. She’s not that interested in other horses and tends to prefer humans, especially the people she knows well.” 

As if to prove the 44-year-old rider’s point, Greya pokes her head out of her stall when we arrive, enjoys a few pats from Farrington and takes a passing interest in us before returning to her rest. “Like many, she’s more approachable when you have a carrot or an apple in your hand,” he jokes. 

When it comes to competing, Greya is focused on one goal only: winning. “I always get a rush when I climb into the truck,” continues Farrington. “She has so much energy when she’s in the arena and she’s very conscientious. She’s a mare with a lot of spirit and heart, and she’s attentive too. If something’s out of place, she’ll spot it. You have to know how to channel all of that.” 

When she’s at home, however, Greya likes nothing more than to relax and spend time in the meadows and on the gallop tracks to stay in physical and mental shape. 

It’s a work-life balance that seems to suit this wonderful 11-year-old mare, who boasts a hugely impressive track record, with all her victories this year coming on North American soil. The independent Greya has also had a big hand inFarrington’s rise to the top of the world rankings, and the pair will be hoping to continue their excellent form in this afternoon’s Rolex Grand Prix, when they will be one of the pairs to watch. The American rider has a point to prove in an event he has not won since 2017 (on board Gazelle), having missed out on victory in Friday evening’s Rolex IJRC Top 10 Final by just a few hundredths of a second. 

Next summer’s World Championships are looming, and while nothing is set in stone, Greya is very well placed to accompany the American in the legendary Aachen arena. Watch this space. 

Aurore Favre