competition news
when we were Reserve Regional Summer Champion at Advanced Medium level. Having qualified for the BD National Championships, was an amazing experience. Gorgeous George however, was not on side that day and refused to trot down the final center line resulting in a score of 1 from each of the five judges, which was quite expensive. That said, I had an amazing experience. So far we have qualified for BD Petplan Area Festival finals at the Winter National Championships which are run at Hartpury, Gloucester at twice at Novice level, at Elementary, twice at medium level, at Prix St Georges and will contest this year’s Intermediate 1! In 2014, we won our first BD Regional Championship title at the Bishop Burton Winter Regionals. It was the Medium open freestyle and it was an incredible feeling. We went onto finish eighth at the BD Nationals. Last year, we finished reserve winter regional champion at Advanced medium freestyle and Prix St George freestyle. I got a direct qualification for the nationals in the advanced medium but had everything crossed for a wild card for the Prix St Georges (PSG). I was following other results from other regionals and my score of over 72% was looking very hopeful to get one and I was so disappointed when they were confirmed and I didn’t get one. The final for the PSG is held on gala night in front of a packed crowd and its always been my dream to take part. It was all fine in the end though, as they had a withdrawal and I got a phone call saying I was next inl ine for a wild card and would I like to compete? It was probably the most excited I’ve ever been in my life! I was jumping up and down on my bed shouting. I had an amazing experience riding in the gala night and George didn’t let me down. He was just
brilliant and we finished 11th with over 66%, which was pretty good. We then went onto finish an amazing 10th in a very hot advanced medium class. When I bought George I had lots of hopes and dreams, but riding for Great Britain certainly wasn’t even a consideration. I thought that was just for the top professionals. As I have come through the levels I realised it was actually a possibility. I started competing at premier league shows and high profile shows and have done way better than I expected. We have managed some very impressive scores and top ten placings and managed to get our international qualifying score at Hickstead premier league. So I put forward for selection and was selected to compete at Le Mans CDI in France. I was so exited, but so scared at the same time. I travelled to France with fellow senior rider Lara Dyson and young rider Laura Milner. We had the most incredible time. I enjoyed every last minute. George was a star. He travelled really well, behaved really well and did two fairly solid tests. My aim was to get over 60% so to finish with 63%+ and 62%+ was fantastic to me. We were only one place off getting through to the freestyle, which was a pity as that’s our best bit. ButI expected to be miles off qualifying, so again that was better than expected. I can’t thank George enough for getting me where we have got. I have had some absolutely amazing experiences. I’m not from a horsey family and don’t have money to burn. George cost £5750 and has no known breeding. I have travelled everywhere in a trailer until only just over a year ago when I bought a little lorry. I am hoping to continue to improve and do more internationals. I’m also hoping to achieve my next goal which is to compete at Grand Prix.
Arena Eventing at Blackdyke Farm
The recent fixture (Jan 24) at Blackdyke Farm attracted a capacity entry and John Collier’s courses posed what were deemed challenging but fair questions at all levels. The leading combinations all produced clear rounds, with the undisclosed optimum time deciding the final placings.
Up to 75cm (Optimum time 148 sec) – 1, Laura Dickinson, A Colourful Shade 155.55; 2, Marion Vernon, Primitive Popinjay 153.22; 3, Yvette Wheeler, Banna Ecquando 153.78; 4, Joanna Dinnis, Wooleypark Diva 153.92; 5, Josie Britton, Reivers Piper 157.02; 6, Emma Marshall, Casper 134.34.
80-90cm (Optimum time 140 sec) – 1, Kirsty Hogg, Crispen 140.24; 2, Katie Taylor, Battle Hill 141.81; 3, Kate Griffiths, Black Trench Lady 144.35; 4, Breanne Kelson, Jacko 144.65; 5, Yvette Wheeler, Banna Ecquando 147.11; 6, Poppy Drysdale, Storms Ransom 147.18.
90-100cm (Optimum Time 135 sec) – 1, Kirsty Hogg, Bloomfield Flapjack 134.97; 2, Kirsty Hogg, Crispen 131.52; 3, Alice Lumley, Foxley 138.84; 4, Rebecca Thompson, Finn 144.13; 5, Evie Boon, Elvis 155.73; 6, Tilly Hughes, Boggy Jack 161.58.
Mar 13th, BD & Unaff Dressage Competition Mar 20th, Show Jumping Competition Mar 27th, BS Coaching Day with Barbara Anderson Apr 2nd, BS Coaching Day with Barbara Anderson
www.todburnequestriancentre.co.uk Near Morpeth, Northumberland Tel: 07815 297024
RIDING & COMPETITION CENTRE BLACKDYKE FARM
For more details visit
www.blackdykefarm.info or call 01228 674633
6 March - PONY Unaffiliated Winter Showjumping series
13 Mar - Affiliated & Unaffiliated Dressage. Includes sections at Preliminary and Novice levels for John Peel Riding Club Points Leagues and the Grace Memorial Trophy
20 Mar - HORSE Unaffiliated Winter Showjumping series
Good Friday 25 March - PONY Unaffiliated Winter Showjumping series final fixture and presentations
Easter Monday 28 Mar - HORSE Unaffiliated Winter Showjumping series final fixture and presentations
Riding lessons at all levels, BHS qualified instructors - Mon-Sat
Natalie and Gorgeous George execute a flying change. Image courtesy of Jane Bond, Jump For It Photography
www.farmnequine.co.uk .theequinesite.co.uk
To advertise your show, event or training fixture in equine magazine and on our facebook pages, contact 01228 676935.
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