competition news Trailblazers Championships
Michelle Daggers and Rhythm & Jazz, Supreme Products Trailblazers Working Hunter Supreme Champions
The scene was set at Stoneleigh Park where the team welcomed competitors and their families to the 2017 SEIB Trailblazers Championships - the UK’s ‘no.1’ grassroots equestrian series.
These prestigious championships ran from 28 July - 5 August and the first weekend played host to the Dodson & Horrell Dressage Championships and Supreme Products Showing & Working Hunter Championships.
Leading international dressage rider, trainer and 5* dressage judge Isobel Wessels treated competitors to an impressive Master Class on Friday evening. Joining Isobel for the Master Class were Lucy Cartwright riding Frederico, a 4 year old by Franziscus owned by Justin Wessels, together with Daniel Brementer riding McCoy, a 7 year old by Master and owned by Carole Felton. Isobel rode her 14yo grand prix dressage horse Chagall by Contender and owned by Isobel and Brigit Powell.
Dressage took place on the impressive all weather arena, starting on Friday with warm up classes. These gave competitors the chance to gain valuable arena experience before competing in the first and second rounds on Saturday
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and Sunday, which determined the Champion and Reserve Champion at levels ranging from Introductory, Preliminary, Novice and Elementary.
Helen Hopewell and Frankie claimed the Dodson & Horrell Senior Trailblazers Elementary Championship. Helen, who is based in Wrexham, runs a successful livery yard and has owned Frankie for 2 1/2 years. He was bought as a just backed 4 1/2 year old and 8 months later they competed at their first Trailblazers. “Trailblazers has been a brilliant platform for a lovely young horse to learn the ropes. It has provided us with invaluable experience to take forward with us as we go up the levels.” said Helen.
Taking a break from her busy day job as a ward sister, Clare Senior and her 13 year old mare Poppy’s Grace were crowned Senior Trailblazers Preliminary Champions. Clare first competed at Trailblazers in 2005 with her previous mare and returned in 2016 with Poppy, a 13 year old TB x cob.“I purchased Poppy as an 18 month old when she was running wild on the Cumbrian moors, so I had plenty to keep me occupied. She was completely unhandled when I bought her and refused to go in
the stable when she got home!” said Clare. “Luckily she was a quick learner and a pleasure to train, proving responsive and enthusiastic”, she continued, adding; “She can turn her hoof to anything and always tries 110% for me - she just loves life and I love her for it. “
Megan Brown and Hillgarth Rio Bravo qualified at Lane Farm Equestrian and were delighted to claim the Junior Trailblazers Preliminary Championships. “It feels really good” said Megan. “I’ve practised a lot for this competition and I’ve been here the last three years. Last year I had Reserve Champion in the showing so to come back this year and win a Championship in the dressage - I’m really made up! I hope to be back next year.”
Fifa Buxton and her 12.2hh New Forest pony Shatterford Chocolate Bean was thrilled with her championship win in the Junior Trailblazers Introductory. This was 13 year old Fifi’s first competitive visit to Trailblazers, previously visiting when she was four years old to watch her mum win the Preliminary Championship. Fifi goes to Hulme Grammar School in Oldham, and her parents own a livery yard, “Rolo first came to our yard when he was two
- before I was born; my mum broke him as a 4 year old. One of my nicknames for him is Rolegro! He is an all rounder and will try anything new. He always tries his best and he is my best friend.”
The Dodson & Horrell Junior Trailblazers Novice Championship went to another first time competitor - 15 year old Chloe Ansell and Mister Ned. Chloe is from Great Wakering in Essex and has just completed her GCSE’s and will be returning to sixth form at King Edmund School in Rockford.
9 year old Ned is a 16hh Irish Sports Horse. “I bought him when he was six and was extremely green. He is very honest and always tries his best, and never fails to amaze me the progress he makes”, said Chloe. “He is very playful and loves to undo zips on people’s jackets and pull any toggles on coats or lace boots!”
This year’s Supreme Products Showing and Working Hunter Championships welcomed an increased turnout of riders, ponies and horses and took place on the grass arenas. Showing judges were impressed with the quality of ponies and horses taking part in these
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