The penultimate summer regional championships for 2014 was held last week at Fry’s Aike Grange Stud in East Yorkshire, 5 – 7 August.
The first day of the sixth summer regionals of the year got off to a great start with a competitive BackinAction Preliminary. This ‘second round’ of the Preliminary witnessed no fewer than six combinations break the magic 70% barrier, the highest of which was Sheffield rider Angela Smith and her eight-year-old son of Royal Blend, Regency George (pictured). Angela and German gelding ‘George’ reigned supreme with 73.91% to secure their place at The LeMieux National Dressage Championships in September.
“I’m over the moon!” said Angela. “I’ve been trying so hard to get to the Nationals so I’m thrilled to have qualified. It’s definitely one thing ticked off the bucket list!
“We made a big mistake during the test – at one point we cantered in the trot work – but his way of going was very good,” said Angela, who trains with Hannah Esberger. “We have struggled with the contact in the past but it suddenly came together - the contact and throughness was much better.”
Angela, who hails from a point-to point and show jumping background, came to dressage later in life, competing in pure dressage for the first time at the age of 60. She bought George, whom she describes as her ‘best friend’, from Craig Millard in 2011. “George is very laid back in whatever he does. He jumps and is super to ride out. I could ride him through the middle of Sheffield if I had to!”
Laura Newton, 25, enjoyed a successful show with her two rides. The South Yorkshire rider’s campaign got underway with a 70.75% victory in Wednesday’s Fairfax Saddles Prix St Georges riding Urban Hit, Pamela Johnston’s 13-year-old son of Diamond Hit. She also celebrated equal first in the Equilibrium Products Elementary Open with Zebrano, a 10-year-old KWPN gelding by Rubiquil, also owned by Pamela Johnston.
Laura shared her place on the podium with Sarah Payne and Sheepgate Bommel, the combination that won the elementary open winter regional championship at the beginning of the year.
Qualified combinations:
BackinAction Preliminary
Angela Smith and Regency George, 73.91%
Samantha Jimmison and First Caresino, 72.37%
Dodson & Horrell Novice Restricted
Katie Owens and GDH Skyfall, 71.21%
Alison Timmins and Bally Clover Joy, 70.98%
Dodson & Horrell Novice Open
Lara Jarvis and Del-Isla, 70.46%
Rebecca Kingswood and Drees, 69.60%
Harriette Howard and Starholme Amberleigh, 69.31%
Equilibrium Elementary Restricted
Harriette Howard and Starholme Amberleigh, 69.22%
Denise Mitchell and Desperaux68.65%
Equilibrium Elementary Open
Laura Newton and Zebrano, 72.55%
Sarah Payne and Sheepgate Bommel, 72.55%
Melissa Chapman and Disco Fever, 71.67%
Elli Darling and Fix Up, Look Sharp, 69.84%
Dressage Deluxe Medium Restricted
Allison Mercer and Remix, 70.81%
Dressage Deluxe Medium Open
Sarah Higgins and Delicata, 71.58%
Sophie Wells and C Fatal Attraction, 70.95%
Laura Newton and Zebrano, 69.46%
Annette Davis-Green and Woodlander Rapido, 68.51%
Suregrow Fertiliser Advanced Medium Restricted
Craig Millard and Worldly Wise, 68.55%
Heidi Hutchinson and Balero, 67.06%
Suregrow Fertiliser Advanced Medium Open
Charlotte Fry and Z Flemmenco, 71.40%
Sarah Higgins and Delicata, 69.69%
Elspeth Day and My Delilah, 68.51%
Fairfax Saddles Prix St Georges
Laura Newton and Urban Hit, 70.75%
Saracen Horse Feeds Intermediate I
Ryan Todd and Charlex Eskebjerg, 68.86%
For full results click here