The second running of the Draught Horse Championships supported by Allen & Page took place at The College EC, Keysoe in Bedfordshire last weekend (Saturday 4 November 2017).
The leading combination of the show, with an incredible two titles to their name, was Kirstie Clarke with the gorgeous grey Irish Draught Hawklands Argento Amore (Avanti Amorous Archie x Silver Jasper). Kirstie (18) and the seven-year-old gelding won both the Preliminary and Novice Championships for pure-bred draught horses with scores of 72.91% and 69.03% respectively.
“We are so thrilled with him,” said owner Charlotte Gilston. “None of us ever expected this. He’s really exceeded all our expectations!”
‘Gento’, a much-loved family horse, already has accolades in the show ring with Charlotte’s daughter Floriann but it was a twist of fate that led to this foray into dressage.
“Both Floriann and Kirstie, who are good friends, had recently passed their driving tests. Kirstie drove round to ours for a cup of coffee and to show us her first car, and it was then that she first clapped eyes on Gento. Kirstie, who normally rides warmbloods, straightaway thought he was talented and agreed to ride him for us. So it went from a cup of coffee to winning two championships!”
“Kirstie has won a lot on him including her class at the British Riding Clubs National Championships. He moves like a warmblood and Kirstie loves his temperament. He squeals and gets excited when learning new things and smiles once on the centre line!”
In the show ring Gento has successfully competed in middleweight hunter classes with Floriann, including qualifying for this year’s Royal International Horse Show. “He’ll continue his showing career. It’s been suggested by judges that we show him as a maxi cob and we also hope to show him under side saddle.”
Halesowen rider Amy Parkes (31) and her Haflinger stallion Stagsden Amaretto (by Oxenead Aristocrat) - pictured - also enjoyed a successful show. Amy, who works as yard manager at the Sivretta Stud in Romsley, reigned supreme in the Elementary for pure-breds winning the class with 67.34%.
“Wow, what a day! Never in my wildest dreams did I expect this!” said Amy via her Facebook page. “[We] managed to win the first test (E57) which made my day and then I went into the championship test and had no expectations. He went really well and felt amazing doing a really consistent test. [I] had a cuppa and then went to check scores and I couldn't believe we had won! He really is one amazing horse which I owe so much to. He is my rock and my best friend. One very special moment.”
British Dressage thanks The College EC at Keysoe for another great Championships as well as event sponsor Allen & Page for their outstanding support. Congratulations to all winners and those who took part.
The Champions:
Intro for Pure-Breds
Danielle Ashford with Kessy Van De Honesch, 64.02%
Intro B for Part-Breds
Eleanor Bruce with Gold Dust, 61.52%
Prelim for Pure-Breds
Kirstie Clarke with Hawklands Argento Amore, 72.91%
Prelim for Part-Breds
Helen Delagaudio with Ballycoog Silver Bells, 71.14%
Novice for Pure-Breds
Kirstie Clarke with Hawklands Argento Amore, 69.03%
Novice for Part-Breds
Liz Driver with Millthyme Lovejoy, 71.15%
Elementary for Pure-Breds
Amy Parkes with Stagsden Amaretto, 67.34%
Elementary for Part-Breds
Shelagh Morley with Badgerhill Gringo, 67.66%
For full results click here.