Last weekend (Saturday 2 May), the inaugural Scotland round of the Para-Equestrian Development proved an exciting development for the future of para dressage in Scotland.
The day, hosted by Ingliston Country Club, Bishopton, Renfrewshire which generously donated the use of its facilities, provided an ideal opportunity for newcomers to put their skills to the test in a professional yet friendly environment. Kindly supported by NAF, the British Dressage Supporters Club (BDSC) and Para Dressage Training Trust (PDTT), the day offered a valuable intro to para dressage competitions, with an emphasis on the rider’s training and development.
Entrants took part in test riding with judge feedback sessions, a 20-minute training session with a para coach where they were marked on ability and response to training and advice, and a Q&A education session based on a written test paper to help underpin knowledge about the sport and to help develop technical ability.
Grade III rider, Alison Cate Walker (pictured) from Cupar, Fife impressed the judges to become the first ever winner of the Scotland Para Rider Development. Cate, 28, who trains with Sara Smith and Erik Mackechnie, was rewarded for her effective, stylish riding to take top honours with an overall mark of 81.30%. She is no stranger to the competition arena having enjoyed success with the now retired Loftus Imp, an Irish-bred former event horse, including an appearance at Bishop Burton CPEDI1* in 2012.
Cate rode a borrowed horse, Frankie, for the Rider Development, though she has a smart youngster waiting in the wings at home in the form of Tonto, a six-year-old by Fidertanz whom she bought earlier this year. “We’re currently developing a partnership with the aim of competing in para dressage later this year,” says Cate, who’s looking forward to redeeming her prize. “I cannot wait to use the PDTT voucher tomorrow when I have my lesson. I’d like to say a massive thank you to all of the sponsors.”
The recipient of training vouchers for the highest-placed BDSC member was Audrey Barnett from Balloch, Inverness. Audrey was awarded with sixth place in the Rider Development with an overall mark of 71.20%, riding Laura Hamilton’s gelding, Blue.
“I’m delighted with what I came home with yesterday,” said Audrey. “It was a great day catching up with old friends and meeting new ones, as well as the riding and fantastic tuition. Huge thanks to all involved.”
Alongside the Rider Development was a ‘Pick Your Own’ competition, where riders opted to ride their test of choice, regardless of grade. The victor was Margaret Lupton from Annan, Dumfries & Galloway. Margaret scored 71.30% riding the Novice Grade 1a test aboard Sparky, an appaloosa gelding provided by www.equibuddy.com
Margaret has a background in RDA dressage and Para Driving and, with Sparky, she won at the Scottish RDA Dressage Championships in 2014.
NAF provided goody-bags for each rider and representatives from NAF were available to answer questions on horse nutrition; the PDTT provided a raining voucher of £70 for the winner and the BDSC provided a training voucher of £100 to the highest placed BDSC member.
Scotland Para Rep Clare Molyneux was delighted with the day: “To all riders, spectators, coaches, physios, grooms, parents and assorted hangers-on! May I say a huge well done! Today has been the start of the future in para riding in Scotland supported by British Dressage. I hope you all got home safely and are putting your feet up – it is so well-deserved. I have to say to Ingliston and all the staff, a massive thank you!
Results
Scotland Para Rider Development
1st Alison Cate Walker, 81.30%
2nd Ciara Roulston, 76.80%
3rd Fraser Mathieson, 76.60%
4th Lisa Howarth, 74.60%
5th Margaret Lupton, 73.60%
6th Audrey Barnett, 71.20%
7th Ruth White, 70%
8th Joanne Picken, 68.50%
9th Richard Howard, 64%
PYO Test
1st Margaret Lupton (Novice Grade 1a), 71.30%
2nd Alison Cate Walker (Test 31), 61.80%
3rd Richard Howard, 60.60%
4th Audrey Barnett, 59.50%