The transfer market is not only played out on football pitches. In showjumping too, moves can reshuffle the cards. Proof comes with Izara des Dames, the brilliant 12-year-old SBS mare, who leaves Jack Whitaker’s stables to join those of Spain’s Sira Martinez. A new recruit who could well help the Catalan rider take another step forward.

A transfer that will not go unnoticed

Revealed at the highest level under the saddle of Britain’s Jack Whitaker, son of Michael Whitaker, with whom she had been competing since the end of January, the 12-year-old SBS mare has established herself this season as one of the regular performers on the international circuit.

In the spring, the pair made a major statement by taking a superb second place in the 1.60m Grand Prix of the Global Champions Tour in Miami. A few weeks later, the duo confirmed their excellent form by winning a 1.55m class during the 100th edition of the legendary CSIO of Piazza di Siena, in Rome. Two performances that definitively put Izara on a lot of radars.

Sira Martinez steps up a level

It is now with Sira Martinez that the bay mare will continue her career.

At 26, the Spanish rider continues to make steady progress on the international circuit. While her name is regularly linked to that of her father, Luis Enrique, coach of Paris Saint-Germain, or to her relationship with world number three Scott Brash, Martinez is above all building her own sporting path.

And with the arrival of Izara des Dames, she has undoubtedly acquired the best horse of her career.

Because this is not just the purchase of an experienced mare. It is the arrival of a partner capable of stringing together 1.60m rounds, fast against the clock and already seasoned on some of the biggest arenas in the world.

Now the chemistry has to be built. Izara’s qualities no longer need proving; what remains is to create that special connection that turns an excellent horse into a real partnership.

First step for the new duo: Chantilly this weekend.

One thing is certain: the Spaniard could hardly have dreamed of a better recruit to move up another level.

(Photo cover ©LGCT/Ljuba Buzzola)