Alexander Peternell and Figaro des Premices (RSA). Photo by Tilly Berendt.This may be the first Olympic Games for Figaro des Premices (Quidam de Revel Acapela de Kreisker, by Felton du Mont), but it certainly wont be his last if his rider, Alexander Peternell has his way. Hes got an amazing heart, and I think that hes got an incredible future ahead of him, he said, following their dressage test. Although he was a little disappointed with their performance in the first phase a score of 39 left them in 56th position ahead of the cross country Alex remained pragmatic about the situation: He can produce a much tidier, better test. The atmosphere probably got to him a little bit, so hes just a little bit distracted and not really into the bridle as you can be. I know hes more than capable of producing a far better testBut hes nine, hes still very new to the level.At just nine years old, Norman is one of the youngest horses in the field, though he and Alex have a strong and lengthy partnership. The South African rider, who first represented his country in 2012 at the London Olympics with Asish, has backed and produced this horse right from the very beginning. I bought him as a two and a half year old, so I backed him myself. So all his faults are my faults! he laughed. Initially though, Alex was unsure as to whether he would even be able to buy the horse much to his wifes indignation! We [my wife and I] nearly divorced over it she found him, and we went to look at him and they pulled him out of the field, trailered him to an arena with jumps, and she was like wow. But because I didnt have a lot of funding, I offered a rather cheeky offer. For the whole four hours drive home, my wife was tearing into me because she didnt think we would get him! Luckily, that cheeky offer was accepted not only saving Alexs marriage, but setting he and Norman on the path to Paris. Alexs wife, Suze, has happy memories of Norman in those early days, fondly recounting how easy he was to back; I think I came out to find Alex sat on him, when we were backing him, holding the lunge line. He just hopped on. Hes just a lovely character. Add to that character a very trainable mind and an incredible talent for eventing in their 11 FEI starts, he has only faulted cross country on one occasion and the future looks very bright for young Norman. As Alex says, This time in two years time, watch this horse.#Paris2024:[Website] [Equestrian Schedule, Timing, Scoring] [Peacock for U.S. Viewers][How to Watch Guide] [Ticket Resale Market] [Spectator Guides] [ENs Coverage] [Form Guide] [Team Form Guide] [Dressage Companion Guide]