Halstead-based rider Sammie Gualtieri (22) was deemed the winner of the BYRDS A Squad Final which took place at Hartpury College on Saturday 6 July as part of the Hartpury Festival of Dressage.
Sammie (pictured), from the Eastern region, was one of nine young riders selected from the previous weekend’s BYRDS Inter-Regional competition for a place at the Final which is focused purely on the talent of the rider – particularly their effectiveness, tact, feel and empathy with the horse.
During the first stages of the Final, the nine riders’ skill and adaptability was put to the test as they swapped rides to show their ability to adjust to different horses. The top three: Gualtieri, plus Amy Blount from the Southern region and Ellie Jolleys from the North-West, were selected to go forwards to the gala evening where they rode a unique test written specifically for this competition – the A Squad Final Test (2012).
Sammie impressed the judge, international rider Anna Ross-Davies, with her stylish riding and was duly awarded first place and a £500 training grant. Second went to Amy Blount and third to Ellie Jolleys.
Many thanks go to event organiser Philip Cheetham, event secretary Rachel Moss and Hartpury College for hosting the final and allowing the ride-off to take place during the gala evening. Also, thanks must go to Janet Horswill and Moira Lafferty for co-ordinating the day and ensuring that all ran smoothly, and Geoff Simpson for stewarding.
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BYRDS A Squad Final: Gualtieri gains the edge
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