When Anna Marek first met Fayvel, she knew he had the talent for Grand Prix. What she didn’t expect was just how much heart and personality the 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Zizi Top—Ofra, Houston), bred by R. & I Veninga V.O.F., would bring to the ring—and to her barn.

Originally ridden by his owner Cynthia Davila, Fayvel transitioned into Marek’s program full-time in 2023 after Davila sustained a neck injury and needed to take time off from riding. The gelding quickly proved himself a talented competitor, and the pair has since gone on to earn wins on major international stages, including securing their spot at the 2024 FEI Dressage World Cup Final in Saudi Arabia.

With all his quirks and talents, Fayvel has given Marek some incredible career highlights. But one stands out, a show at Kronberg (Germany) where the pair scored a personal best of 73.13%.

“I came out of that ride knowing it was that good. That’s such a cool feeling—to walk out and know it was as good as it felt,” she said.

Now as an integral part of Marek’s program, Fayvel continues to prove that he’s more than just a Grand Prix horse: He’s truly one of a kind. But at home, Fayvel is just another member of the barn—one with plenty of personality and a few quirks of his own.

A Social Fellow

Despite his professionalism in the arena, Fayvel has a habit that never fails to make Marek laugh.

“Every time I take him into the show ring, he throws his head up and screams,” she said. “It’s like he has to let everyone know he’s here.”

He’s also incredibly aware of his surroundings.

“If anything changes in the arena, he notices,” Marek said. “He’s not super spooky, but if a bucket moves, he’s going to let you know.”

Fayvel thrives on having company, whether it’s horses in the same ring or a distant neighbor calling out.

“If I’m riding him alone, he’s considerably more nervous,” Marek said. “But if there are six horses in the ring, he’s totally fine.”

And when another horse gets chatty, Fayvel feels compelled to have the last word.

“If he hears another horse call—even from the next farm over—he has to call back,” Marek said.

Lucky Charms And Superstitions

Fayvel’s show success might have a little extra luck on its side.

“Cynthia was horrified when I started showing him in these little chicken charm spurs,” Marek said with a laugh. “She told me, ‘You cannot show in those.’ And I was like, ‘Oh yes, I can.’ ”

After a successful first show with the chicken spurs, the chicken theme continued with a tack number holder—another item Cynthia was convinced wouldn’t make it into the show ring. “Now it’s tradition,” Marek said.

And then there are the socks. 

“I bought these ridiculous Santa Claus socks,” she said. “The first time I wore them, I won a Wellington freestyle with him. Now they’re my lucky socks.”

A Routine That Keeps Him Happy

Fayvel’s day-to-day schedule isn’t anything flashy, but Marek believes that keeping him as close to a “normal” horse as possible is what helps him thrive.

“He goes out in the field around 3 or 4 in the afternoon and stays out all night,” Marek said. “I think that’s really important for their soundness, both mentally and physically.”

In the mornings, Fayvel comes in for breakfast before his daily ride.

“He gets worked in the late morning, and then he goes back outside for the night,” Marek said. “It’s simple, but it works.”

A Competitor With A Big Heart

Fayvel is not just talented—he’s willing.

“He’s the kind of horse that you can just keep asking for more and more, and he’s like, ‘Yep, I got it,’ ” Marek said.

His ability to handle pressure is what makes him so special.

“He’s been a horse where his owner has been able to learn on him while he’s learning, which I think is rare,” Marek said. “They did their first Grand Prix together—her first Grand Prix, his first Grand Prix. That takes a special horse.”