Farewell DV Stenkjers Nadonna

It’s with profound sadness that British Dressage has learned of the passing of Jane Brewin’s DV Stenkjers Nadonna, the remarkable mare who helped define a pivotal chapter in the career of Gareth Hughes and played a key role during Britain’s golden era in the mid-2010s.  

Bred in Denmark and sired by Donnerschlag (Donnerhall x Pik Konig), Nadonna combined expressive movement with elegance and sensitivity. Her early years were shaped by Roland Tong, who campaigned her as a young horse, and then Pippa Fisher who produced her to Grand Prix level.  

A move to Gareth Hughes’ yard saw Nadonna transform into a formidable Big Tour competitor, as the British team stalwart honed her talent with patience and care.  

In 2013, at the FEI European Dressage Championships in Herning, Gareth and Nadonna were initially named as reserves but were called into the team at short notice. They played their part in securing team bronze for Great Britain, although the atmosphere didn’t allow their best individual result – it was still the breakthrough for both horse and rider that would set the scene for years to come. 

The following year brought further distinction at the FEI World Equestrian Games in Caen. There, Nadonna produced one of the most memorable tests of her career, earning 69.71% in the Grand Prix and contributing decisively to Britain’s team silver medal. Against the dominant German squad and in an atmosphere of immense intensity, she demonstrated not only technical ability but the bravery and electricity that defined her character. 

Away from championships, Nadonna’s record on the CDI circuit further underscored her quality. In 2014 she claimed the CDI3* Grand Prix at Compiègne with a score just shy of 72%, and at the Caen test event ahead of the World Equestrian Games she produced a personal best of 72.757%, affirming her standing among Europe’s leading combinations at that time. These performances were not isolated successes but part of a consistent run of international results that established her as a reliable and competitive presence at Grand Prix level. 

When she retired from competition in early 2015 at the age of seventeen, Nadonna had surpassed expectations and secured her place in the British dressage history books as a stalwart team horse. Though modest in stature, she possessed an enormous spirit and personality. Her ability for the collected work was a true highlight throughout her career, along with her wonderful strength of character. Those who stood at the boards often remarked on her attentive ears and evident partnership with Gareth — a picture of harmony built through years of careful training. 

In retirement, Nadonna enjoyed a quieter life, cherished by her owners and remembered always as a mare who gave her all in the arena. She returned home to Hampshire to spend happy years with Jane, before she spent the final chapter of her life at Headmore Stud in the care of Sarah and Alice Oppenheimer.  

British Dressage extends its heartfelt condolences to Jane and Kevin, and all who were privileged to be part of Nadonna’s journey. She will be remembered as a championship mare of courage and class, who contributed to team success at a time where Britain was truly making its mark on the world stage.  

Jane Brewin and Kevin Sparrow commented, “We would like to thank everyone who has known her Gareth, Roland and Pippa for her training, as well as everyone who has looked after and cared for her. It wasn't an easy decision but it was for the best. Our grateful thanks to Sarah Oppenheimer and those at Headmore for being brilliant with her and making her last years enjoyable, which in the end is what we all would want.” 

Photo: Kevin Sparrow