Leading lights and new partnerships from the world of para dressage converged on the first day of the Vale View High Profile Show, Leics (31 Oct-2 Nov) in a bid to secure their qualifications for the Para Dressage Winter Championships next March.
Buckinghamshire rider Amanda Shirtcliffe, 33, a relative newcomer to the sport, was one of the big scorers. Amanda rode Jon McFarland’s mare, Ruby Rose II (pictured), a 12-year-old British-bred by Royal Diamond, to take the Grade II Novice Restricted Winter Qualifier with a resounding personal best of 75%.
Amanda was diagnosed with the neurological movement disorder Dystonia in 2012, until when, she enjoyed the thrill of riding across country. Para dressage, which she took up in 2013, has provided an exciting outlet for her love of competition.
Experienced international competitor Erin Orford impressed with new ride Brogardens Aragorn, owned by Karen Rawlins. Erin rode the 10-year-old Danish gelding by Blue Hors Don Romantic for a winning score of 69.26% in the Grade II Individual Open qualifier. Erin, who is on the UK Sport-funded World Class Development programme, first competed the attractive chestnut merely weeks ago and has swiftly formed a promising bond.
Another rider to enjoy success was newly-elected BD Marketing Director Julie Frizzell. Julie and her beloved partner DCUK Crazy Diamond, known at home as ‘Stan’, won the Grade IV Novice Restricted with a strong score of 69.06%.
A thrilled Julie said on her Facebook page: “Vale View Autumn High Profile Show, dressage royalty present, some absolutely jaw-dropping horses and riders, British team, Paralympians........and me and Stan! Nothing like keeping it real!
Julie and Stan have had a fantastic 2014, including wins at the BD Para Championships at Hickstead, and their first international call-up for Bishop Burton CPEDI.
Class winners
Grade Ia Novice (restricted) – sponsored by Greenhatch Group Ltd
Emma Wells with Bloxham Sparticus, 65.52%
Grade Ia Individual (open) – sponsored by Ingleton-Beer Associates
Emma Sheardown with Claybank Magnet, 75.21%
Grade II Novice (restricted) – sponsored by Greenhatch Group Ltd
Amanda Shirtcliffe with Ruby Rose II, 75.00%
Grade IV Individual (open) – sponsored by Ingleton-Beer Associates
Sophie Wells with C Fatal Attraction, 67.26%
Grade II Individual – sponsored by Ingleton-Beer Associates
Erin Orford with Brogardens Aragorn, 69.28%
Grade III Novice (restricted) – sponsored by Greenhatch Group Ltd
Julia Horton with Premier Joyful Moon, 68.63%
Grade IV Novice (restricted) – sponsored by Greenhatch Group Ltd
Julie Frizzell with DCUK Crazy Diamond, 69.06%
Grade III Individual (open) – sponsored by Ingleton-Beer Associates
Roberta Sheffield with Double Agent, 68.17%
Vale View High Profile Show provided the 21st of 29 qualifying rounds for the Para Winter Championships. Eight riders achieved their total required qualifying points at Vale View to secure their place at the championships in March. These are:
Restricted Winter Championships
Grade II
Jane Lishman with Lily Delight
Rowan Crosby with Thirkleby Blue Moon
Grade III
Julia Horton with Premier Joyful Moon
Grade IV
Emily Skerett with Woody Allen HF
Open Winter Championships
Grade II
Amanda Shirtcliffe with Ruby Rose II
Emma Douglas with Apart
Erin Orford with Brogardens Aragorn
Grade IV
Sophie Wells with C Fatal Attraction
For full results click here