News
Posted on August 18th, 2015
Zoe Moore-Williams and Mr Belstaff take Champion of Champions
The crowds turned out in great numbers for the final evening performance at Equifest on 15th August. The performances have certainly not disappointed and the TopSpec arena was bursting with an electric atmosphere.
Getting the championship classes underway this evening was the Equifest M&M Lead Rein Championship, full of talented young jockeys and endearing ponies. Mynyddtarren Hugo ridden by Lewis Reynolds came out on top after a charming performance. Six-year-old Lewis then went on to win the Haynes Family Supreme Leading Rider Championship.
The first ridden equivalent followed, where Charlotte Kilbey riding Idyllic Spartacus claimed the Equifest M&M First Ridden Championship. Idyllic Spartacus then went on to take the Horsebound Supreme M&M Championship after a dazzling performance.
The Nupafeed Ridden Cob Championship was awarded to Moortown May ridden by Lucinda Tann.
Equifest Intermediate Show Hunter Type was won by nine-year-old bay mare, Pebbly Editor, and Emma Jones.
The driving championships provided a great crowd pleaser for spectators, who watched Brynllwyn Quick Flash, driven by Debbie Charlesworth, claim the title.
BRHHS Ridden Heavy Horse title was taken by Catwg Black Velvet and Stacy Fletcher.
There was great competition in the Equifest Junior Ridden M&M Championship, which resulted in Josh Blythe riding Caebryn Azra being crowned champion.
Equifest Intermediate Show Riding Type Championship went to the stunning Fyrefly and Zoe Nicoll. Zoe Nicoll was then thrilled to take the title of Supreme Non-Native Champion.
Just after 8pm the PRP/RSPCA Rescue Horse/Pony Championship took to the arena with some terribly cruel stories, resulting in very happy endings, which had the audience in tears. This was duly won by Gizmo owned by Catley Cross Veterinary Clinic in Halstead.
Congratulations to Melissa Briggs riding Shalamar Legend and her partner, Georgie Kirk, on winning the Native/Traditional Pairs.
The popular Supreme Riding Club/Pony Club Points Championship was awarded to Gwithian Geraint ridden by Emmy Parkhouse.
Joanne Eldridge and Cayak took the Concours D’Elegance (Rider – 17 years and over) title.
All home-produced winners competed in The Snow Family Supreme Home- Produced Championship, to determine the overall winner. This title was claimed by Yealand Paschel ridden by Savannah Kempley, who had previously won the Novice Championship on the Thursday evening.
The pinnacle of the Equifest competition rounded up proceedings in the form of the Miss Katie Goulding’s Champion of Champions. This top accolade provided a brilliant display of horsemanship, with Zoe Moore-Williams and the handsome black Maxi Cob, Mr Belstaff, called forward as the overall champion. The outstanding six- year-old, who had previously won the Restricted Championship, was foot perfect throughout with extra sparkle to wow the judges and crowd.
Show secretary, Betsy Branyan, commented: “Equifest 2015 has been incredible, the standard has been so high, we hope everyone has enjoyed the event and look forward to next year.”
Posted on August 18th, 2015
Essex’s Hallie Lunn and Norfolk’s India Bussey win GB Team Silver in Austria
Hallie Lunn, aged 14 from Rochford, Essex with her father Richard’s 8 year-old chestnut mare Brookwood Supersonic helped The Children’s Team (on horses) representing Great Britain at their European Championships in Wiener Neustadt, Austria win Team Silver on 13th August alongside her three team mates.
A rub of a pole saw them pick up 4 penalties which needed to be carried forward into round 2, but the combination then returned back into the arena to deliver a perfectly executed clear round within the time allowed.
India Bussey, aged 14 from Norwich, Norfolk with her mother Louise’s 13 year-old chestnut gelding Westwinds Ego were also part of the team.
India and Westwinds Ego acted as the pathfinders for the team. An unfortunate two fences down saw them pick up 8 penalties and become the drop score in the first round but India then returned back into the arena to deliver a perfectly executed clear round within the time allowed.
It was Germany that took pole position having finished with just the one time penalty. The final placings had gone to the wire with it not being until their final rider had jumped for anyone to know whether they had done enough to keep GB in the Silver Medal winning spot rather than Gold.
The Bronze medal saw both Poland and Italy go head to head in a third and final round for the final medal on offer. It was Poland who ended up taking it as theirs joining Germany and GB on the podium pushing Italy into 4th place and just outside the medal placings.
Talking afterwards Chef d’Equipe Alan Fazakerley commented “Each rider contributed brilliantly today and all of them were absolutely fantastic; I really am so proud of them. All four delivered played a major part in them winning Team Silver and they should all be very proud of themselves. Whilst all played a great role in the success of today I really feel that Oliver deserves a mention as he put in a particularly big performance at the incredibly young age of just 12 years with his double clear and he deserves praise for that. It’s been a long day and the way that each of the riders have handled the tension that comes with that when there is such a lengthy break between rounds makes me feel honoured to be representing them”.
Posted on August 18th, 2015
Showing Round Up: Stoneleigh Horse Show
Some excellent showing took place today in the Grand Ring with the Cuddy Working Hunter Horse of the Year Show Qualifier kicking off the show. Claire Langrish’s Blushing Boy gained the highest conformation mark, but an unfortunate pole down in the jumping phase put her back to 6th place. Justine Armstrong Small showcased some superb jumping and, when all marks were collated, clinched the title and the all-important purple ticket for HOYS 2015. Amy Tough received a well-deserved second after a fantastic display in both the ride and conformation section of the competition.
The rich heritage that surrounds driving and harness showing was brought to life today as the Sankey Property Maintenance Ltd Harness Horse and Pony Horse of the Year Qualifier got under way. Drivers formed a smart parade to showcase their traditional carriages lead by their stunning horses and ponies. Winner, Malcolm Salter, battled through the qualifiers to clinch his HOYS ticket.
The Sankey Family Ring also hosted a variation of showing spectaculars today, including several HOYS qualifiers. The day began with the Colosso Family Small and Large Riding Horse Championships, followed by the Riding Horse Championship in which Samantha Coates received eligibility to compete in the evening’s Supreme Horse Championship in the Andrews Bowen Indoor Arena. Samantha went on to take the Reserve Supreme title, behind Adele Hanson riding Whittaker’s Prince. The classes continued with the Intermediate Championships which showcased some exciting potential and wonderful talent, particularly from the winner Kirsty Hodgson and Broadshard Show Girl who earned their qualification for HOYS 2015. The Guy Fawkes III Intermediate Show Hunter HOYS Qualifier was won by the stunning Exploitation, ridden by Ray Colosso.
All British Showjumping National Championships and Stoneleigh Horse Show 2015 is hosted at the National Agricultural and Exhibition Centre (NAEC), Stoneleigh, Warwickshire during the 11th-16th August. For further information, please visit www.bsnationalchampionships.co.uk
Posted on August 18th, 2015
Essex’s young showjumper Tia Squibb takes the win the AGA Pony Bronze League 128cm Final
After an impressive round it was Tia Squibb, from Brentwood, Essex riding the 14 year-old coloured gelding Gorm and Ban owned by Sarah Squibb that took the victory in the recent AGA Pony Bronze League 128cm Final.
The small but mighty ponies thrilled the audience in the Grand Ring yesterday afternoon as the AGA Pony Bronze League 128cm Final was decided. This was the last final of the new pony National Championship which was introduced by British Showjumping earlier this year.
With nineteen pony and rider combinations contesting the title only nine managed the all-important clear round to secure their place in the jump off.
The jump off saw the competition quickly become fierce as Charlotte Bowman from Swansea, West Glamorgan riding her mother Mandy’s 14 year-old liver chestnut Bofarnel Lottery charged into the lead. With a score to beat, competitors stepped up to the plate with progressively improved scores as the competition went on.
Tia and Gorm and Ban emerged victorious, finishing with a time of 38.93. Spectators were captivated by Tia on Gorm and Ban as they expertly demonstrated all qualities of a top pony jumping combination.
This was Tia’s first Championship and she handled the pressure superbly emulating the attitude of a rider far beyond her years. Sarah Squibb, Gorm and Ban’s owner, was extremely pleased with the results: “she did so well, she deserved to win…we are very proud”.
Second place was claimed by Ellie Burrell-Squibb from Brentwood, Essex, riding Patricia Squibb’s 12 year-old grey mare Minnie Mouse II, who delivered an impressive jump off just to be nudged out of first place. Ellie also took 4th place with Rahanane Lady a 23 year-old grey mare also owned by Patricia Squibb, her second ride for the final.
The AGA Pony Bronze League 128cm Final proved an exciting climax to round up the new pony National Championship action.
Photo: 1st Class Images
Posted on August 18th, 2015
Essex’s young showjumper Claudia Moore and Shalom Gigalo triumph in the AGA Pony Bronze League 148cm Final
The sun was shining for the AGA Pony Bronze League 148cm Final which launched the start of the new pony National Championships in the Grand Ring on 12th August. Claudia Moore from Brentwood, Essex with her mother Katrina’s 18 year-old palomino gelding Shalom Gigalo emerged triumphant in a field of forty-five combinations.
The Pony Bronze League is one of two new pony National Championships introduced by British Showjumping in 2015. This league is run across eight counties throughout the country and aims to recognise pony and rider combinations that are competing successfully and consistently at a regional level.
The competition proved intense early on with only a few riders managing to successfully complete the course with no faults. Claudia took an early lead with a time of 40.97 seconds and it seemed, as the class continued, that few could come close to catching her.
However, the last rider of the day, Drew Wainwright from Lowdham, Nottinghamshire riding Michelle Lomax’s 18th bay mare Chocolate Supreme III, put in an impressive round finishing with a time of 40.98 seconds narrowly missing out on first place.
Claudia was delighted with her performance saying “I felt really scared (watching the other riders) but I knew my pony would do it.” Ten year old Claudia has been riding Shalom Gigalo for only one year and already the partnership is proving a force to be reckoned with.
Claudia was surrounded by her family and friends as she left the ring victorious saying “I would like to thank my family”.
Photo: 1st Class Images
Posted on August 17th, 2015
Zoe Moore-Williams and Mr Belstaff Take Restricted Championship at Equifest
Bringing five horses from Devon to one of her favourite shows proved a huge success for Zoe Moore-Williams when heading the SK Wilson Plant Hire Restricted Championship on Mr Belstaff on Friday 14th August.
The handsome black Maxi Cob is now six and went immaculately for Zoe to continue this year’s success.
As well as showing Mr Belstaff is also jumped and hunts to keep his work varied and Zoe was delighted with the fantastic result.
“Mum rides him he is so quiet and she hasn’t really ridden for 20 years he is a great asset to the team and has a temperament to die for.”
Jamie Ryder-Phillips and the attractive chestnut, Morsecode continued their winning run at Equifest to take the Working Hunter Championship at an action packed evening performance.
Joining his yard at Christmas after a tip-off from Emma Wild, the six-year-old came from Helen van Heyningen and they have gone from strength to strength throughout the season.
Having a fantastic Equifest and in unbeatable form, Amy Bosworth and Sharlene Royal Enclosure headed the www.harlequin-horsebox-hire 4,5 and 6-year-old Supreme Championship for another amazing result.
Said Amy: “He is just the consummate showman and gets better and better each night.”
As the third day of competition at Equifest drew to a close, the action again provided great viewing and a fabulous atmosphere.
Kai Wood and the delightful Telynau Quickstep were the winners of the First Ridden Show Pony Championship to a rousing round of applause.
The Hackney sections saw Hayley McNiece with Baldwins A Class Act win the driving championship while Lucinda Haines and Kookabura’s stylish performance was the judges choice in the Hack Championship.
Pilgrim and Amy Hunter were popular winners of the BSPA Piebald / Skewbald In Hand Championship before Rebecca Rawlinson and Penmire Dudley took to centre stage to win the Concoours D’Elegance Traditional Clothing.
The Equifest M&M In Hand Championship saw Danielle Waller and the grey mare, Brynrodyw Boneddiges take the honours.
Gemma Bolt and Whalton Dimity smiled all the way to the Nupafeed Riding Horse Championship while The Hewitt Family Ridden M&M Championship went to Glynwyn The Living Daylights for the Jacksons.
Another fantastic Evening Performance at an action packed Equifest.
Posted on August 17th, 2015
Day 2 at Equifest 2015
After another action packed day on Thursday 13th August at Equifest with several championships titles handed out in this evening’s performance in the TopSpec arena.
Getting proceedings underway was the Signature Communications Show Pony Championships. With a strong field in attendance the judges chose the 138cm Rosamel Dark Prince ridden by Lexi Parker.
The winner of the Jo Brew Small Hunter was Pebbly Editor ridden by Emma Jones.
The M&M WHP championship was next in the ring and produced a popular champion in Dycott Welsh King ridden by Ross Keys.
The Piebald and Skewbald Concours D’Elegance went to Chloe Gregory riding Doylan Yves Saints Laurent.
The Supreme Youngstock Championship and Supreme In Hand Championship went to Freckleton High Flyer and Alasdair Matheson, all the way from Scotland.
The Hood Show Team Maxi Cobs winner was Clantara Shadow Play ridden by Avril Bartolomy.
The eagerly anticipated Fancy Dress saw Gracie Dixon and Galwyn Shadow with Neptune’s Kingdom take the honours.
The popular Arabian Star series provided good viewing for spectators and the championship went to Silver Bugle ridden by Victoria Blake. The 8-year-old by Silver Highwayman gave a sparkling performance to catch the judge’s eye from the outset.
A very elegant Abigail Shaw won the Side Saddle traditional clothing riding Diamond Kitt.
Sophie Moss and Weggs Tanera More captured the Equifest Eventing 133cm. The winner of the Equifest Eventing 143cm was Mollie Harris and Stambrook Miss D Mena.
Setting the arena alight was the BSPA Piebald and Skewbald Championship, with some incredible coloureds on show, the winner was Miss Marple II ridden by Lyndsey Birtwell, who also won the Amateur Piebald and Skewbalds yesterday.
The Equifest HGV Show Hunter Pony Championship was taken by Cool Spirit ridden by Georgina Vail.
The presentation of the M&M Concours D’Elegance went to the stunning Chelsea Brown riding Godebog Issac.
In the Mr & Mrs S A Kydd Ridden Hunters the judges’ choice this evening was Huntlow Ebony ridden to perfection by Cerys Evans.
The top two acts from the Performance to Music entered the TopSpec arena to the delight of the crowd. Reserve Champion Felicity Vaughan and What a Spark performed as Richard III. They were followed by Champions the Weenie Warriors, eight miniature horses doing line dancing.
The winner of the Ridden World Breeds was the grey Shire, Burlington Park Tudor ridden by Emma Green.
The popular Equifest Eventing, saw Philippa King and Cahanagh Prince take the 153cm section with Jade Thompson and Balladeer Maestro winning the over 153cm class.
The evening was rounded off with the prestigious Novice Championships where the honours went to the Show Pony winner Yealand Paschel ridden by Savannah Kempley.
Posted on August 13th, 2015
Day 1 at Equifest 2015
Equifest 2015 kicked off to a great start, with hundreds of fabulous horses and ponies impressing the judges. The day’s events included a wide range of classes from Ridden Hunters to Best Turned Out, Working Hunter and M&M’s.
There were also some very useful training classes to give combinations helpful tips before going under the judges.
Show secretary Betsy Branyan said: “It was a brilliant day all round we couldn’t have asked for more.”
The first Evening Performance of the show created much excitement and anticipation. Proceedings got underway with the Concours D’Elegance Lead Rein and First Ridden championships. The Lead Rein class went to Carylmai Trade Secret ridden by Tia Wynn-Rogerson. The pony went beautifully for her young jockey who looked fantastic in her costume, they then went on to win the championship. The First Ridden equivalent was landed by Maisie Dixon riding Waxwing Rose King. The combination was a joy to watch and thoroughly enjoyed their time in the spotlight.
Following these talented ponies and jockeys came the Amateur Cobs who contested their championship. The title went to Moortown May ridden by Lucinda Tann while Emma Green and Blaze picked up the reserve position after another great performance.
The Amateur Piebald and Skewbalds were the next to enter the championship ring, with several stunning horses in the line up. Miss Marple II ridden by Lyndsey Birtwell was the judges’ choice to take the championship.
The Amateur Hack and Part Bred Championship was claimed by Amy Bosworth aboard Sharlen Royal Enclosure. This beautiful six-year-old bay gelding performed with grace and sparkle to impress the judges.
The Pure Bred Arab Championship went to Oas Plashaal ridden be Claire Doxey, what a beautiful grey.
Champion Amateur Riding Horse was won by the winner of the Small Riding Horse Epic Tale ridden by Kirsty Harris another great performance.
Jennifer Martin and Jonas O’Shannon took the Side Saddle Concours D’Elegance Period Costume Drama title to much applause.
The Amateur Ridden M&M championship provided a fantastic spectaclewith a variety of quality native ponies vying to impress. The red rosette was handed to Calingford Enchantment and Miss L Campion, a stunning Connemara.
Morse Code ridden by Jamie Ryder-Phillips was called forward as the champion Amateur Ridden Hunter to a huge round of applause.
The TSR members waited eagerly to enter the ring to compete for the TSR Members Supreme Championships. To much delight William Parkinson was crowned Champion In Hand with the delightful Ryehall Cheval Noir.
The Amateur Maxi Cob championship was won by the coloured Ballustree Quality Street ridden by Henrietta Spence while April Hall and the Welsh Section C – Dabernon Diva were declared Champion Amateur Ridden Welsh.
A great effort from Eleanor Howes on Kilmannahan Red Rum saw them claim the Amateur Small Hunters before The BSPA Members Supreme Championship saw a fabulous performance from Tom Partridge and the two-year-old Freckleton Real Class.
At around 9.30pm the evening was concluded with the Barley Hill Stables & Hood Hill Farm Supreme Amateur Championship. This eagely awaited class was the culmination of a fantastic days display of amateur combinations and saw Sharlen Royal Enclosure and Amy Bosworth crowned the worthy winner of this brilliant championship.
So after a great first day at Equifest, we look forward to the rest of the week’s competition. Betsy Branyan concluded: “It was an amazing first day at Equifest 2015, with some great championships in the evening performance after a glorious sunny day of showing.”
Posted on August 11th, 2015
GBR Drivers selected for European Championships
British Carriagedriving have selected the squad of three British athletes who will represent GBR at this year’s European Championships hosted in Aachen, Germany (19th – 22nd August 2015).
This year sees a team bringing forward a wealth of experience with all drivers having previously represented Great Britain at past Championships. The selected athletes are (listed in alphabetical order):
- Karen Bassett (51) from Nottinghamshire
- Wilf Bowman-Ripley (46) from Essex
- Dick Lane (53) from Surrey
Horses for the four-in-hand event will be announced at a later date.
Chef d’Equipe for the squad, Zoe Morgan commented on the announcement; “I’ve been out to Aachen to watch the driving and it is a very impressive arena, the competition will be very strong with a big atmosphere and really good crowds. Wilf has had excellent preparation having been competing internationally across Europe with really good placings, so backed up by Karen and Dick we will be hoping for a medal.”
The three drivers will contest the team event, where all three scores count towards the overall team result; all three athletes also compete as individuals at the Championships.
The British teams are very grateful to the support they receive from official Team GBR suppliers Dodson and Horrell, Equi-Trek, Land Rover, NAF, NuuMed, Point Two Equine, Tagg Equestrian and Toggi.
Posted on August 10th, 2015
Local equestriennes feature in Triple Gold for Britain’s Pony Dressage Team
British quartet Phoebe Peters, Isobelle Berrington, Clare Hole and Rebecca Bell have made history at this year’s FEI European Pony Dressage Championships (5th-9th August) by taking our first ever team gold medal in a close fought battle with Germany and Denmark. Held in Malmö, Sweden, the Championships also proved a very happy hunting ground for Phoebe (16) who took two further golds in the individual and freestyle sections riding her mum Tracy’s SL Lucci, giving Great Britain a clean golden sweep of medals.
The competition, for riders aged 14 – 16 on ponies, got underway with the team round on Thursday with debutante Isobel Berrington (15) acting as pathfinder with her pony, DHI Langar, owned by her mum Penny. A score of 70.615% gave the team just the start they wanted by breaking the magic 70% barrier. Second for Britain was Clare Hole (13) from Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, also making her team debut, with Rembrandt, who was in the team in 2011 and ’12 with owner Maisie Scruton. They kept Britain in the medal hunt with an excellent 71.718% to leave us in bronze position overnight.
Day two was over to the ‘veterans’ of the team; headed by Rebecca Bell (15) with mum Caroline’s Valido’s Sunshine who made their third, and final, team appearance. Rebecca put in a polished performance to score 71.077%, bringing a medal a step closer. Then it was down to our anchor-duo, Phoebe and Lucci. With two individual gold medals from 2013, a freestyle silver from 2014 and a bronze and silver team medal, the pairing has a great amount of experience but had set high goals for this, their final pony championships together. With amazing skill and ability, the duo simply blew the competition blew the competition away with a score of 79.974% to promote Britain to gold, overtaking the Danish team. It was down to the final competitor of the class from Germany to know our fate. The calculators were out and they needed a score over 76.4% to snatch victory. 75.769% was the score and gold was Britain’s.
Overnight, Phoebe’s score was amended to 80.077% which made the final winning team margin 0.641% and took the first step to achieving her championship aim of posting three plus 80% scores.
All four riders qualified for the individual test and again scored well to finish top 15; Rebecca was 13th, Clare 14th and Isobel 15th. But the top honours went to Phoebe with a stunning performance to add a fourth gold to her medal collection. The five judges were unanimous in their scoring to end on 81.39%, a new personal best for this test, and the only rider to break the 80% barrier. Another tick off Phoebe’s championship target.
On to the final test, the freestyle. All four British riders qualified but the rules only allow three to compete so sadly, Isobel had to sit it out with Langar. Clare scored 70.278% to finish 14th overall with Rembrandt, a real credit to post three 70% plus scores on a team debut. Riding in her final ever pony championship test, Rebecca threw caution into the wind and scored a fabulous 73.925% with ‘Sunny’, which held the lead for much of the class, to finish eighth. Then the focus turned to Phoebe and Lucci; could they end their three year pony career on a high? Of course they could! Another test, another 80% plus score, another personal best and therefore another record score, and another gold medal. 85.825% was their final score.
The team performed beyond all expectations and the three golds were a great send off for team chef d’equipe Liz Mills from Norfolk, trainer Peter Storr and selector Sarah Pidgely, who are standing down from their roles. British Dressage Chief Executive Jason Brautigam commented; “The team and individual performances were nothing short of spectacular. These four riders met the challenge head on and rode with exceptional skill and flair, all while keeping a cool head and we could not be more proud of them all. Of course behind every performance is a great support team and while the riders have to perform in the arena, a great deal goes on behind the scenes to get them there. I’d like to thank the riders, their families, the grooms, the officials, sponsors and supporters who made this team possible. We’ll be very sad to see Liz and Peter go; their input over the years has helped the pony team to this status and it’s testament to their hard work that the team is now reaping the rewards. They’ll be hard to replace and I’m sure the pony squad will join me in wishing them well in the future.”
Phoebe told British Dressage; “I just can stop smiling! Lucci was absolutely foot perfect all week; any mistakes we had in our three tests were completely mine – he was with me every step of the way. The team atmosphere was the best ever which made such a difference to our confidence. The support team was amazing; the grooms worked so hard and Peter and Liz just kept us focused. It was simply the best week I’ve ever had!”
Equestrian Team GBR is supported by the UK Sport National Lottery funded World Class Programme; the British teams are very grateful to the support they receive from official Team GBR suppliers Dodson & Horrell, Equi-Trek, Land Rover, NAF, NuuMed, Point Two Equine, Tagg Equestrian and Toggi.
Photo: Helen Revington
