On Tuesday 16th February members of Suffolk showjumping Academy travelled to Bury Farm Equestrian Village to represent their county in the national Academy showjumping Teams competition.
They had to compete over two days and showjumping with points adding to a final result. In the junior section Imogen Milner-Moore rode her 138cm pony Spikeman, Sophie Knight ride her 148cm pony mini marianne, Lucy Spittle rode her 128cm pony Barham maestro and Patrick Thurstonrode his 138cm pony Tynan earl grey.
On the Wednesday they completed on a zero score to take them forward with a good chance in day two- the second day they all completed their round again in a zero score which put them in a fabulous position as the course was tough and the time allowed was shortened to championship time meaning a lot of fellow competitors were gaining time faults. The excitement increased as the round neared its end and there were no other teams on a zero score from both days.
Ann Withey from Copdock Riding Centre was supporting and helping the teams and keeping score and knew they were now in a very good position – The final team was Essex and after a couple of minor mistakes Suffolk realised they had won gold – a fantastic day for the team and Lucy Spittle then jumped off to take individual gold too!
The excitement was not over as Saffron Baker and her horse loulabelle II had also jumped on a zero score on day one in the young riders competition. She continued this on day two to then join a fast jump Off and complete the round in the fastest time to win individual gold for Suffolk too! Ann was thrilled with the day’s results and its great result for Suffolk showjumping! Mia Palles-Clarke who is area representative was thrilled with the news of the result.
