Blue Chip Novice Restricted Championship
A teenager from Somerset produced one of the stories of the NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships when she won the Blue Chip Novice Restricted Championship with her best friend, a pony called Quarry Hill Minstrel. 17-year-old Harriet Bloxham scored 68.91% with ‘Milo’ as he’s known at home, to beat the horses and adults.
"It all rode perfectly and he really performed to the crowd. Most of the test went to plan but what didn’t feel good to me obviously looked different to the judges!” said Harriet.
Milo is a Quantock Hill Pony and was bought as a wild pony straight off the hills for just £600 and Harriet’s dad Robert broke him in and she’s ridden him ever since. Six years later, the dynamic duo have become a great partnership and are regular eventing competitors but Harriet, wise beyond her years, has recognised the importance of dressage in being successful in jumping. So much so, she joined British Dressage just a year ago and here she is, showing the adults how it’s done.
“I really believe the flatwork is the basis for everything – it’s really improved my show jumping and cross country. Dressage is definitely hard work but all that the feeling during that lap of honour I got makes it all worthwhile!” declared Harriet.
From Combwich near Bridgwater, Harriet clearly loves Milo, saying, “He’s full of character but not always the best to school at home – he’s clever at throwing in the odd buck but gives his all in the arena and that’s what matters.”
Peplan Equine Area Festival Medium Restricted Championship
Winchester rider Nadine Gregory stormed to victory in the Petplan Equine Area Festival Medium Restricted Championship with her own star in the making, Candover Dramatico. The only combination to break the 70% barrier, Nadine and ‘Tico’ secured victory with over 3.5% in hand on 71.82%.
When asked about her test, Nadine said; “I’m thrilled! I thought I’d blown it as I cantered in my first medium trot but maybe that made me relax a bit more. He’s been brilliant all week to be honest as he can be such a worrier. It got better and better as the test went on; my second medium trot was good and I was pleased with his walk.”
Nadine has ridden Tico since he came to her as a youngster for some help but she got on so well with him, she took him on loan before finally securing the ownership herself. He was bred by Eileen Jameson of Candover Stud and the Dimaggio-sired jet black gelding was her first foal. At home they have an established routine which is mainly schooling; not ideal for most horses but Natalie explained; “He loves his schooling – hacking just makes him worry. He’s a proper worrier and he’s happy and content in the school.”
A freelance instructor and groom, Nadine is said to be ‘Hampshire’s best kept secret’ by her support crew owing to her great manner with pupils and encouraging way. She herself trains with Kate Smith and Kate has been texting her regularly saying Nadine has to come home with a rug. “I came here hoping for a rosette and I knew we could achieve that if we performed to our best but never expected a rug! Kate will be pleased with us!”
GFS Elementary Restricted Music Freestyle
Herefordshire dressage rider Ellie Targett and her striking black horse, Ranazotti, a ten-year-old son of Rotspon, topped the leader board in the GFS Elementary Restricted Freestyle with a score of 73.33%.
“I’m speechless!” said Ellie. “I didn’t look at anyone else’s scores as I just wanted to be in my own zone. ‘Rossi’ is such a sweetie and he didn’t put a foot wrong. He never puts a foot wrong.”
Ellie bought Rossi four and a half years ago from Joanna Lloyd-Aylett at Maelor Equestrian Centre, Flintshire. The horse was bred in Germany and bought as a foal by Joanna who backed and started him herself. “He’s been easy all the way through,” said Ellie, who trains with Adam Kemp. “I keep him at home in Leominster with my husband’s horse and take him to Adam’s for lessons. They’re fantastic there and you always feel part of a team. They’re so encouraging.”
Multi-talented Ellie, who spent many years as an actress and radio presenter, is now an after dinner speaker and tells the story of her father Sven who was a prominent member of the Norwegian resistance during World War II. Fittingly, her freestyle routine, choreographed by Kim Warren, is set to a compilation of Norwegian music.
Petplan Equine Novice Open
Dressage rider Julie Beckwith, from Ongar in Essex took top honours today in the Petplan Equine Novice Open Area Festival Championship. Julie rode Keystone Washington, her six-year-old British-bred son of Walentino to post 72.98% in the 30-strong second round of the two-stage competition, whittled down from the 60 first-round starters.
“It feels very surreal,” said Julie, obviously delighted with her victory. “I came here for experience - I didn’t expect or hope to do well so was elated when I saw my score. Our first test was a little tense at times as ‘Garfield’ has never competed at a show like this before, but in the second test he really let go and relaxed. I actually felt sick with nerves before the second test but I needn’t have worried as he was so onside.”
Julie, who trains with Sylvia Coles, has owned the chestnut gelding since he was 15 months old and fits his training around a job in the City. “I start work early so I can finish early to get home to ride. I keep him at a friend, Michelle Snooks’ yard. She and my parents, who are all here today, are very supportive.”
Blue Chip Novice Open
Young Hertfordshire dressage rider Georgina Weedon (19) has secured the Blue Chip Novice Open Championship. Georgina rode Brian Hurst’s seven-year-old British-bred stallion, Romano’s Rafiel (Rubin Star N x De Niro), to win the Blue Chip Novice Open Championship with a score of 71.78%.
“I’m thrilled with him,” said Georgina, obviously delighted. “I knew he’d done a great test. He was lovely and soft. He can be a bit lazy but not today. During the test I just kept thinking ‘keep it together’ and it came off for us.”
Georgina talked about the early days with ‘Raf’: “His owner was looking for a rider to ride a young stallion. Raf had done nothing. They lunged him, I got on, and instantly fell in love. Brian liked the way I rode and a few months later Raf came to me where I’m based with Nikki Crisp who’s trained me for the past five years.
“Getting here has been a bit of a whirlwind. Last year I was injured so Raf had to have some time off,” said Georgina. “I had a torn spleen and a broken pelvis, both sustained in the same year which meant two spells of time-out. After that I’d lost a lot of confidence but Raf was the one I wanted to ride. He’s an absolute angel and I trust him totally.”
“We soon started competing again and winning. The scores got higher, we won at the regionals, and here we are.” He’s coped very well with the atmosphere and all the horses. He can be scared but not today. I really couldn’t ask for more!”
“The plan now is to crack on,” said Georgina. “Raf’s come on so much over the last few months and is more than ready to go do a medium.”
For the full list of results, click here.
To view pictures of our winners, click here.