Sheepgate Premier League provides personal bests

Never one to disappoint, Sheepgate Equestrian Centre witnessed some fantastic competition and inspiring dressage last week as they played host to their annual Premier League fixture (16–17 June).

Hayley Watson-Greaves continued her good run of form as she, equipped with her own ten year old gelding WG Rubins Nite (pictured), won Tuesday’s grand prix with a strong score – and a personal best – of 68.73%. Achieving their first ever win at grand prix as a combination, Hayley and Rubins Nite have now secured their place in the LeMieux grand prix – along with Samantha Thurman-Baker, who won Monday’s grand prix class – at this year’s LeMieux National Dressage Championships held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.

Second place’s Sophie Wells also had a successful competition as she and Jacqueline Walker’s 17-year-old KWPN gelding, Pinocchio, posted 66.63% in the grand prix – another personal best for the duo. Sophie also claimed two of the medium titles on Charlotte Hogg’s seven-year-old Fidertanz gelding, C Fatal Attraction, with scores of 73.64% on Monday and 71.32% on the Tuesday. Since taking up the ride on the KWPN gelding late last year, Sophie and C Fatal Attraction are unbeaten at medium, making Sheepgate their sixth win out of six.

Also booking their place to the Nationals in September are Becky Moody with Carinsio and Keith Robertson with Boheme Af Sulsted, who will be competing in the Fairfax PSG championship. Julie Hugo with Welcome O and Matthew Hicks with Excalibur have qualified for the Saracen inter I championship. Whilst Sophie Wells and her ride, Pinocchio, have gained their ticket to the TopSpec inter II championship.

Trainee judge and international rider, Mark Mills, attained the accolade of highest percentage of the competition with his mark in the advanced medium. Yet another personal best, Mark and his ride of less than 12-months, David Patrick’s ten-year-old gelding, Zazou II, scored an impressive 75.89% to fend off competition from the likes of Henry Boswell and Daniel Greenwood and take first place.

The youngsters also put in a strong performance at the Lincolnshire venue with fresh and exciting combinations coming to the fore. 13-year-old Emma Bond and her own nine year old Dutch mare, Rober, may have only been together since last winter but already they’re proving to be a dangerous duet taking both pony team test titles on 64.36% and 65.64%. 17-year-old Emily Hodger scored the highest of all the U25s on her own 18-year-old Donnerschlag gelding, O’Donner, with their mark of 69.46% in the junior team test – one more personal best gained at Sheepgate. The pair also notched up another win in the junior individual test the following day with a score of 64.61%.

For full results, please click here.

Photo courtesy of Hayley's Facebook.

Monday

Medium 69

Sophie Wells with C Fatal Attraction, 73.64%

Medium 75

Alice Oppenheimer with Tantoni Sir Socrates, 73.51%

Advanced Medium 85

Mark Mills with Zazou, 75.59%

Advanced Medium 98

Hannah Moody with Madams Miss Maria, 70.53%

PYOA