Saffron Walden RC based in Essex became the 2014 British Riding Clubs SEIB Quadrille Champions at Olympia, the London International Horse Show, on Sunday (21 December).
It is not the first time that Saffron Walden RC has lifted the coveted trophy, having enjoyed several previous successes in this unique Championship. The club has become well-known for producing an extremely accurate, innovative and exciting routine, which is packed full of energy. Their use of memorable music and a carefully choreographed floor plan in this year’s ‘The Seven Dwarfs’ themed routine delighted the audience, with many singing and whistling along as the ponies left the arena.
This year’s judges, Richard Baldwin, Alan Hiscox and Natasha Baker MBE, were incredibly impressed with the overall high standard and attention to detail shown by the riders. All four teams produced spectacular performances, with West Oxfordshire RC challenging the winners all the way with their exciting ‘Red Arrows Equine Display Team’.
“All four teams have really stepped up to the mark and prepared thoroughly for the challenge of Olympia this year,” said Alan Hiscox, BHS National Development Director.
“The teams must be congratulated on their overall standard and the quality of both their turnout presentations and the performances that we have seen today. The marks were so close between the top two teams, with less than two percent separating them.”
The Quadrille competition is judged in three sections. Marks are awarded firstly for Turnout (maximum 20 marks), Content and Performance (maximum 40 marks) and General Artistic Impression (maximum 40 marks).
Nicolina MacKenzie from South Essex Insurance Brokers was on hand once again, in front of a packed Olympia crowd, to present the prizes to Saffron Walden RC. The team was then given the nod for their lap of honour around the famous festively decked arena.
