Iberian horses took centre stage last Sunday at Keysoe in Bedfordshire for the GBPRE and Lusitano Championships supported by Allen & Page (5 November 2017).
One competitor, Nika Vorster, topped off a successful year by taking top honours in not one, but two classes - the Lusitano Elementary and the Lusitano Medium aboard Luisa Collins’ 10-year-old Portuguese-born gelding, Curioso (pictured).
Nika (28), an equine and canine McTimoney Manipulator and Sports Massage therapist, works alongside Irish international rider Alice Hurley at Premier PRE Dressage in Oxfordshire. She and Curioso have enjoyed a fabulous year culminating in them representing Great Britain at the Masters Du Cheval Ibérique (MCI) Championships in Paris last month where they were reserve champions in the Golega (Elementary level) test.
Taking to Facebook to talk about her achievements at Keysoe, Nika said; “Another unbelievable day at the office yesterday, making the 4.30am start well worth the trip! Curioso (Q) smashed both championship tests yesterday at Keysoe BD GB PRE and Luso Championships with a 71+% in Elementary 59 and a 66+% in Medium 75! I know I have said this before, but I am so proud of this horse, he has come such a long way and has taught me so much. What a way to end 2017 and bring on 2018!
Rosie Coulson, who lives locally to Keysoe, also enjoyed a good show earning a personal best score to win the GBPRE Elementary Championship. With her good-looking 14-year-old Spanish gelding, Remador XIII, she was awarded just shy of 70% by judges Pamela Bushell at C and Diane Harvey at E.
At the advanced levels, Frazer Ball’s nine-year-old PRE breeding stallion, Aquilino MK, took the GBPRE Prix St Georges expertly piloted by Emma Thomas. They scored 65.59%. Meanwhile the 2016 Advanced Medium winners, Jade Clark and Espirito, returned this time to win the Lusitano PSG with a super 68.62%. Espirito, an eight-year-old Portuguese gelding by Spartacus, has made a successful transition to the level, and remains unbeaten so far.
Jade is a director at Brennan Equestrian where she produces and competes horses under the direction of trainer Sue Brennan. “Another late night yesterday but was totally worth it,” said Jade on the Brennan Equestrian Facebook page. “Espirito won the PSG Lusitano Championship overall with 68% and was 3% ahead. Such a special horse! Thank you Helen [Dolisznyj] for the opportunity with him and to Sue with all the help and support.”
British Dressage thanks Simon Bates and the team at Keysoe for another successful Championships as well as event sponsor Allen & Page for their outstanding support. Congratulations to all winners and those who took part.
The Champions:
GBPRE Prelim
Rachel Walbeoff with Monteno III, 68.96%
GBPRE Novice
Sammy Harrison with Angelito II, 68.37%
GBPRE Elementary
Rosie Coulson with Remador XIII, 69.77%
GBPRE Medium
Rebecca Brennand with Albero LXXX, 67.91%
GBPRE Advanced Medium
Sara Malpass with Pitingo II, 62.50%
GBPRE Prix St Georges
Emma Thomas with Aquilino MK, 65.59%
Lusitano Novice
Rui Campeao with Garibaldi Di D’Atera, 63.94%
Lusitano Elementary
Nika Vorster with Curioso, 71.72%
Lusitano Medium
Nika Vorster with Curioso, 66.55%
Lusitano Advanced Medium
Emma Pewter with San Rafael, 66.45%
Lusitano Prix St Georges
Jade Clark with Espirito, 68.62%
For ful results click here.
Photo from Nika Vorster Facebook