Mistral Hojris

Olympic Gold Medalist

The pairing of Laura Bechtolsheimer and Mistral Hojris, a charismatic 1995 Danish Warmblood gelding affectionately called “Alf” made the dressage world take notice as they gained momentum, breaking records and winning medals for Great Britain.

This duo competed for Great Britain at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, after which Laura was named British Dressage Rider of the Year. The following year, the pair helped Great Britain clinch the silver medal in Team Dressage at the 2009 European Dressage Championships, and brought home the bronze medal in Grand Prix Special.

Not losing any steam, Laura and Alf brought home three silver medals at the 2010 World Equestrian Games (WEG): Team Grand Prix, Individual Grand Prix Special, and the Individual Grand Prix Freestyle. Laura and Alf hold the British International GP record for Grand Prix, Grand Prix Freestyle, and Grand Prix Special, all set at WEG.

© Arnd Bronkhorst

In 2011, Laura and Alf were again part of the British team at the European Dressage Championships, and helped bring home the country’s first gold medal for Team Dressage. They also took home the bronze medal in Grand Prix Special.

After such a star-studded career, Alf was awarded his well-earned retirement in 2013 and lived a life of luxury until his passing at the age of 30 in 2025. He was also honored with his own Breyer portrait model in 2012!

Breyer's portrait model of Mistral Hojris, which was part of the Traditional line from 2012 to 2013.