competition news
Millie will start her GCSE when she returns to school in September, but is keen to keep showjumping and is already tackling newcomer tracks at British Showjumping level.
Jill Higson and Bonnie landed the Albion Senior 95cm championship. A regular at Trailblazers for the past 10 years, Norfolk-based Jill is currently a veterinary student and has ridden the 19-year-old Bonnie for the past eight years. “We didn’t get on at first; I didn’t ride her too well, but in later years we’ve got together,” said Jill.
It was third time lucky for Sarah Summerfield, as the Derby- based rider claimed the Albion senior 65cm championship on her third visit to the Trailblazers Championships with Declan. “We did a bit of showing, but he’s not exactly pleasing to the eye so we took up showjumping,” said Sarah, who bought the huge 17.2hh 13 years ago.
“He was just in a field doing nothing and I felt sorry for him so asked about loaning him and it went from there,” said Sarah. “It says on his passport he’s an Irish cross but I’m not sure what he’s crossed with, by the size of his feet I’d say Shire, but he’s good for a big boy. My last pony was a 13.1hh so it was big leap.” Richard Mumford and Bo Diddly claimed the reserve title.
Samantha Smyth almost didn’t make it to the Trailblazers Championships, but she’s very glad she did after taking the Albion senior 75cm title with Marinello. “I’ve been coming to Trailblazers since the start, but two days before the show I dislocated my toe wrangling with piglets that didn’t want to be wormed and yes, it was very
Sarah Summerfield and Declan, Albion Senior Trailblazers 65cm Champions
painful when it was put back in,” said Samantha. The 15-year-old Marinello joined Samantha two years ago and the pair train with Jennifer Birtwistle at Harrogate Equestrian Centre.
This win marked a long awaited championship victory for Samantha. “I’ve been reserve champion four times with different horses over the years but never had a win,” said Samantha, who works for First Direct Bank – “behind the scenes in mortgages.” Jo Monkman took the reserve title on G Damascus.
Lila Bremner dominated the Albion Junior 1.05m with both champion and reserve titles after claiming first and second in round two of the competition, with the only clear rounds on Uncle Patsy and Lapislazuli. It was a late present for Lila, who had celebrated her 14th birthday
the previous day, and a good pre-run at this venue for the British Showjumping National Championships the following week. Lila has both ponies in the pony newcomer masters and is hoping to qualify for HOYS.
The 11-year-old Uncle Patsy – a champion here in 2015 for Lila – took the win. “He’s good but he can be a bit spooky,” said Lila, who relies on mum Tessa’s help “a lot because I go to boarding school at St Mary’s, Calne.”
Philippa Everest, 12, gained the Albion Junior Trailblazers 85cm championship with Monkey Munchkin. The 11-year- old ‘Munch’ joined Philippa in January and they have already started jumping in British Showjumping competitions at 80cm and 90cm level.
Diminutive Connie Mensley, 8, made a winning return
to Trailblazers with the eye- catching Ronan, regaining their Albion Junior 65cm 12-year-old and under championship won last year. “We love Trailblazers and come here every year it’s a tradition,” said Connie, who has ridden the 10-year-old Ronan for three years. “He never stops but he can be spooky and get excited.” Winner on day one and second in day two’s class, Millie Tagg and August Surprise claimed the reserve championship.
George Lazell, 13, registered his biggest win with Prince Louie to take the Albion Junior 75cm championship – a title elder sister Lacey won on Louie three years ago. “Now we will both have our names on the cup,” said George, who inherited the coloured 10-year-old Louie three months ago from Lacey. Essex- based George struggled with Louie at first and took advice from Lacey – “She told me to sit up and ride positively.”
Thursday’s show jumping Master Class was delivered by Graham Fletcher, assisted by his 14 year old son Ollie Fletcher and stable jockey Alfie Bradstock. Graham had a way of explaining complex training methods in an easy to understand, light hearted and humorous manner and finished with a helpful and well received question and answer session that was greatly appreciated by the riders and their families.
Connie Mensley and Rhonan, Albion Junior Trailblazers 65cm 12 year & under Champions
www.theequinesite.co.uk
SEIB Trailblazers Championships provides an unaffiliated competitor with a prestigious and professionally run equestrian event, which features strongly in the UK’s equestrian calendar. Trailblazers are held in great esteem with both competitors and their families, providing them with a friendly, helpful and welcoming environment with many taking the time to enjoy a great family holiday!
Equine Page 57
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64
