competition news
Nicky Rippon took the reserve champion here with the Welsh cob Cefn Coed Taran, and the pair went on to take the Albion seniors on ponies 75cm championship. “He knows his job and I’m so glad he’s still going strong at 25-years-old – I’ve learned everything from him”, said Nicky, who also events at BE80 level. Taran (Taz), who was purchased 11 years ago and now has a forever home, goes barefoot.
“He’s never had shoes on, he’s very sure-footed,” said Ormskirk, Lancashire-based Nicky, who first rode as a teenager but only took up riding again herself four years ago after her children had grown. “You don’t forget it but I was very rusty and started again over cross poles.”
Sophie Marston scored a super double of victories with Meiklekims Secret. The consistent pair claimed titles in both Griffin Nuumed combined training preliminary and novice championships. “She really tries for me and jumps her heart out,” said Sophie, 11, who is based locally to Stoneleigh at Meriden, Coventry.
Sophie got the 18-year-old as an eventing schoolmistress on loan 18 months ago, but the pair
Millie Guy and Alcodato, Albion Senior Trailblazers 1.05m Champions
Victoria Leeson and Sheridan, Griffin NuuMed Trailblazers Combined Training Novice Horse Champions
also enjoy light-hearted fun. “We took her on the beach recently and she loved swimming in the sea,” said Sophie.
Gemma Butcher landed the Griffin Nuumed combined training preliminary title with Daintree April. The Welsh-bred eight-year-old mare was only
broken in October and joined Gemma in December. “She was bought as a driving mare – her sire and grandsire were both champion driving ponies at Royal Welsh – and the previous owners took her to a show and she was fine, but a month later she produced a surprise foal,” explained Essex-based Gemma. “She only learned to canter properly in January and jumped her first fence in March – I thought his would be good experience for her; to win is amazing.”
Katie Bradburne made a winning return to the SEIB Trailblazers Championships, claiming victory in the Albion junior 65cm for the second consecutive year. Katie, aged 9, executed the tightest of turns to land round two of the junior 65cm on Webbswood Jimmy, and with it claimed the championship. It marked the pair’s first win although Katie had won last year with Jack.
The 21-year-old Jimmy – a former ride of Olli Fletcher – has been with the family for seven years and was at first a schoolmaster for Katie’s 10-year-old brother Thomas before Katie took over. They had left it until the last minute to gain qualification at the final qualifying show. “He’s been teaching little kids to ride and hadn’t jumped for six months before we went to the qualifying show,” said Katie. Millie Tagg took the reserve champion on August Surprise.
Georgie Marriott galloped into the top spot with Murthwaite Boy Blue to take the Albion Juniors 95cm championship. The pair won both rounds to commandingly take the title. “This is so unexpected, as we haven’t been going well lately,”
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said Market Rasen, Lincolnshire based Georgie, 15, who has ridden the 10-year-old Boy Blue for four years. “He loves living on the farm and hacking out, but it took time for us to get together. He’s got a big, honest jump but gets so keen and used to launch himself at the fences and do a massive leap.” Hannah Neil took the reserve on Amber Minor.
Northants-based Katie Thomas claimed the Griffin Nuumed combined training elementary championship with the 15-year- old Idol Hero. “I’ve been working on my dressage but I was nervous about the show jumping. I had a bad fall a few weeks ago and twisted my ankle – I’ve been riding without stirrups to keep him fit – and we had an awful showjumping round on Wednesday, so I’m pleased today was better,” said Katie, a Finance Manager in the week, who rides weekday evenings and weekends.
Victoria Leeson took the Griffin Nuumed combined training novice horse title with Sheridon. “He’s 18 now but as healthy as ever and a bit of star,” said Victoria.
Millie Guy stormed ahead on the final day of the SEIB Trailblazers Championships to claim the Albion Senior 1.05m championship to record her biggest win with Alcodato. The 10-year-old sired by Aldato was purchased last November. “We’d been looking for ages for the right showjumper and he was three hours away, but it was worth the trip because he’s perfect,” said Millie, 15, “Although he likes to rear when he’s anxious – they didn’t tell us that – but I try to keep him level and calm.”
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