Thirty-eight teams from all over the UK took up the challenge of representing their region at this year’s Senior Home International at Hartpury, Glos.
In a tightly fought competition which took place over three days, it was the North West Faisans team which took top honours scoring 28 points, ahead of runners-up Eastern Grey Goose on 36 and Wales Usk in third place finishing on 51.87.
This win also gave the North West region, who were runners-up in 2013 and third in this competition last year, a double reason to celebrate, having also won the BYRDS Home International last month.
North West RDO Lou Jones was ecstatic and praised the riders and supporters of all of the region’s five teams: “We have been knocking at the door for the past three years, so the stage was set for us to take the title home,” said Lou. “We were all hungry for it and especially wanted to do it for our fantastic rider rep Sue Harcombe, who steps down this year after eight years in the role. I am immensely proud of all our ‘North Westies’ -- they are amazing team players and supported each other throughout the competition.
“A huge thank you as well to Kate Cowell, our team trainer, who played a huge part in preparing the riders at our team building day and kept them focused before their tests over the weekend,” said Lou.
The North West Faisans team -- Sarah Horrocks, Tori Peter, Alison Calvert and Darcas Lever – pulled out all the stops to take home the trophy, with 24-year-old Darcas and her 13-year-old KWPN gelding Valentijn WG clocking up an impressive third consecutive Home International win at prix st georges level.
In a touching tribute to Sue Harcombe, all the North West teams were named after the rider rep’s favourite horses and dogs, past and present – with the Faisans team taking its name from Sue’s beloved seven-year-old Spanish PRE, who was sadly put down 18 months ago due to cancer in the jaw.
“This was a great result and extra special, both personally and professionally,” said Sue, a List 5 judge, who will be much missed by her region. “The organisation at Hartpury was fantastic and everything ran smoothly which meant everyone enjoyed a super-friendly and encouraging weekend.
“These team competitions are a great way for members to make new friends and the support everyone gives each other is invaluable – I’ve loved every minute of my eight years in this role!”
North West Faisans team member, 43-year-old Alison Calvert, enjoyed a weekend to remember, winning not only the team competition, but the overall medium title as well with her eight-year-old German-bred gelding Sir Schnappi UDH (by Sir Oldenburg).
“This was our fourth year on our Home Internationals team – winning this time was the icing on the cake,” said Alison, a mother of two from Rossendale, Lancs, who works as a freelance dressage trainer and peak performance sports coach. “I’ve owned Schnaps since I bought him as a three-year-old from my good friend Sam Cawkwell of Ultimate Dressage Horses, who tragically died last month – I hope that Sam would have been proud of us”
Alison, who trains with former Olympian Joanna Jackson and has been a BD member for 20 years, describes her 16.2hh gelding as “quite introverted”, but they have qualified for the regionals at every level from novice to medium and are aiming to finish their advanced medium qualifications for the winter regionals before moving on to contest prix st georges tests next year.
“I was really proud of Schnaps at Hartpury because he came alive in the arena and tried his heart out every day – he felt so amazing that on the last day I came out of the arena and burst into tears of pure joy!”
Fellow team member Sarah Horrocks, who made her team debut riding her own 11-year-old Irish/Warmblood gelding Bowland Heartbreaker (Rudi) at novice level, was also justly proud of their achievements.
“Although I’ve been riding most of my life, I’m not the most confident person, so my trainer Nicky Saynor thought it would be good for me to try out for the team and I’m so glad she did!”, said Sarah, a mother of four, who also works as a PA for property company Eventus Properties Ltd. “I’ve been a member of BD for the past three years and initially started dressage training to help improve Rudi’s flatwork as I also compete him in middleweight hunter classes. It’s definitely helped as many of the ride judges now comment on how nice Rudi is to ride and how flexible and responsive he feels!”
Sarah says she believes that her riding has also benefitted from being part of the Home Internationals team this year and she would love to be selected again next year: “It’s been a really positive, enjoyable experience and I’ve picked up some great tips from the other members by just watching them and chatting. Everyone has been so supportive and friendly – it was great to have our team trainer, Kate Cowell, there as well to help us warm up (she reminded me to keep breathing!). I would definitely recommend everyone to have a go at team selection – you come away having learned a lot and it’s also inspired me to keep going and move on up the levels!”
Team Results:
1st North West Faisans 28 points
Sarah Horrocks with Bowland Heartbreaker
Tori Peters with I-Jewels Indigo
Alison Calvert with Sir Schnappi UDH
Darcas Lever with Valentijn WG
2nd Eastern Grey Goose 36 points
Kate Rowland with Erasamus 1
Amanda Edwards Sutton with Donnerscon
Sarah Carmichael with Belle Amie
Megan Broady with Lady Di
3rd Wales Usk 51.97 points
Julia Morris with Willis
Brendan Tegg with Polos Pikasso
Mari O’Connor with Siglan Oberon
Helen Dutton with Rowangarth Rhydian
For full results: click here
No comments:
Post a Comment