With our riders entered in all disciplines at the regional qualifiers – showjumping, dressage and countryside challenge – it was an early start from the stables for Diesel – his first outing with us, Kiera, Jessie and Marco.
Arriving at Stourport Riding Centre, there were some tense moments as Diesel’s passport was checked then all the ponies were disembarked. As usual, our ponies were a credit to the Group – they quickly settled and got on with their job.
Pat and Puffin showed our riders round the Countryside Challenge, familiarising them with the course in an attempt to calm nerves, especially for our first-timers Kathryn, Arthur & Leah.
These classes are popular and very competitive, however, our practising beforehand paid off. Our riders all rode with confidence and skill, despite our ponies’ occasional lapses in concentration when calling for their friends!
Well done to Ellis & Jules, who remained focussed and positive, and kept encouraging Jessie. It was her first time doing the competition and both riders gave her lots of confidence to complete the course. Ellis was rightly very proud of himself when he finished, giving a huge salute and smile. Their good work was recognised by the judges who commented “good verbal encouragement”.
Arthur, Leah and Kathryn all rose to the occasion and rode with focus and determination to qualify for the National Championships at Hartpury – a huge achievement at their first attempt! Sophie progressed to the Independent class, which she won convincingly, scoring a perfect 10 at the apples. Especially impressive as she doesn’t ride Diesel regularly. Lewis on Marco completed an accurate, active round scoring over 80% and also qualifying.
In the dressage an immaculately turned out Charlotte, riding Kiera, was really focussed and produced a fluent active test, winning the class and qualifying for the championships.
Our riders all gained rosettes in the showjumping classes & it was great to see Sophie & Charlotte completing the course independently.
Isabella had a busy and highly successful day, qualifying on two ponies; Hobbs in the showjumping class and Rita in the dressage tests, also winning the Charley Dargie award for the best Warwickshire dressage score of 67.8% and the Regional Showjumping shield for the highest qualifying score. Amazing results, especially riding loaned ponies. We hope Cookie is back in action very soon.
Overall a hugely successful day for the Group and it was lovely to receive several compliments regarding the smart appearance of our riders and the turn out of our ponies. Most importantly our riders had fun and enjoyed the experience.
It wasn’t just in the arena where we had such success. Our Group collage and Archie’s artwork both won prizes in the Arts and Craft competition and will enter the National competition at Hartpury.
As part of the RDA’s 50th anniversary, the Region ran a video “Pairs dressage” class. Our performance, featuring Anna on Alfie and Kathryn riding Diesel, was awarded 3rd place. A very creditable result, as we had limited opportunities to practise. Thankyou to everyone involved in producing the video. Another great way for our riders to take part, without having to travel.
None of it would be possible without our team of dedicated, skilled & supportive helpers.
With 8 riders competing in 15 classes at the qualifiers it was a full-on day. It’s not just on the day but also all the practising in the weeks beforehand, shifting countryside challenge equipment, tack cleaning, washing ponies, collating artwork, video-ing tests etc.
Thankyou everyone for all your effort & giving our riders the best experiences ever! KA May 2019
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