Posted: 4th April 2014 | Back to news feed
WITH more competitors than ever before, two glorious days of sunshine and keenly fought show jumping and dressage sections, this year’s EquestrianClearance.com British Riding Clubs Winter Championships was one of the best ever.
Held at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire, teams from all over the country travelled to this excellent venue to take part.
More than 500 competitors made their way to the finals along with their supporters and team mates, following an exciting series of qualifiers that were held over the winter months.
Lorraine Meadowcroft of EquestrianClearance.com said: "There was some fantastic competition at the winter championships and it was great to see so many riders not only competing for top places and awards but also showing wonderful team spirit throughout the weekend. The fantastic weather and brilliant atmosphere made for an incredible two days.”
Saturday saw the seniors in action in both the show jumping and dressage arenas and it was the North Lincs Riding Club team that took the dressage honours.
The North Lincs team included para-rider Alex McNamara riding Moroccan Bound, Suzanne Ward and So It Is, Emma Fenwick riding Brightville Billy and Angie Hunter with Idean Brenin.
Alex’s homebred Moroccan Bound was a reserve brought into the team at the last minute and had to shape up quickly as he had been in the field having some time off.
So It Is, a 10-year-old ex-racehorse does a bit of everything with Office Administrator, Sue and is a familiar face at British Riding Club Championships.
Angie and 15-year-old Welsh Sec D, Idean Brenin also turn their hand to showing when they are not competing at dressage while Emma and Brightville Billy are used to success having won their arena at the same Championships in 2013. Emma could not be happier with the six-year-old who she has produced herself.
Team manager Caroline West said: “It is just brilliant to come here and win, the team put in a fantastic effort and we couldn’t have asked for more, it was just wonderful.”
The Overall Individual Dressage title went to Philippa Thatcher and Master Stanley from Bourne Valley Riding Club.
At 19-years-old Master Stanley showed he is still ready for action. The talented grey gelding has spent much of his life in the hunting field and is currently on loan to Philippa, a member of Bourne Valley Riding Club.
Based in Salisbury, Philippa runs a livery yard and also works in catering when time allows.
Philippa had a very busy day as she was also volunteering all Saturday afternoon, helping to park all the new arrivals.
“I have had Master Stanley since June and he is an absolute star, I couldn’t wish for more, he is just fantastic,” said Philippa.
“I am absolutely thrilled to take the individual title and was delighted with the test, it was a brilliant day.”
The Taunton Riding Club team clinched the top spot in the Senior Showjumping Team championships and members included Natalie Cull and Bobby, Rebecca Daniel with Foxy Lady The Third, and brother and sister, Oliver and Ebony Cossey riding Tasmanian Devil and Miss Lulu.
Just one of three teams to make it through to the jump-off against the clock, the team really showed their experience to take the top award.
Team Manager Derek Cossey said: “The journey home will go much quicker thanks to the win, we are highly delighted and there was some excellent competition against the other teams.”
Taunton Riding Club started what was to be a good weekend for the region as the Junior Dressage Team winners, Sid & Otter Valley also hail from the area.
Sid & Otter Riding Club are well known for their success at Riding Club Championships and continued their winning ways.
Team member and manager Cameron Beer is in his last year of junior competitions, before heading to senior ranks and does an excellent job organising everyone.
Cameron rode Fritillary Fred, Harrison Oakley was on Copper, Millie Pring rode Nikita Thibergere and Danielle Balsdon competed on Reset Sir Lancelot to head the championship.
Sophie Wickham and her talented pony Penclose Sonny Jim were in great form when taking the Junior Individual Dressage honours at the EquestrianClearance.com sponsored championships.
A member of Vectis Riding Club, based on the Isle of Wight, Sophie was delighted with the performance of the 17-year-old Penclose Sonny Jim. A Welsh Sec C he has been with Sophie for four years.
As well as being a star in the dressage arena, Sonny Jim and Sophie also compete in showing and show jumping and also enjoying their hunting together.
Said Sophie: “It was fantastic to take the Junior Individual Dressage title and the championships were wonderful and I really enjoyed being a part of the event.”
Kent-based Mount Mascal Riding Club put up a brilliant repeat performance from last year’s championship when the Bexley foursome also took the top award.
The team was made up of Shannon Buckley riding He’s As Good As Gold, Ellie Cannaford with Cheenos Little Cruise, Mia Vazquez riding Kinard All Star and Kirsty Warner with Eastern Whisper.
As well as winning in 2013, the team also captured last summer’s Novice Showjumping at the National Championships at Lincoln.
This will be the last year the team can compete together as two will be moving up to senior teams next year.
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