Dressage at Windsor
Grand Prix Freestyle
Former British dressage team member Richard Davison and Hiscox Artemis were the winners of the Grand Prix Kur, held on the opening day of The Royal Windsor Horse Show. The class sponsored by the World Class Programme and for riders on the programme was a precursor for the Alltech FEI European Dressage Championships to be held at Windsor in August, in conjunction with the European show jumping Championships. “It was a bit of a training exercise for everyone and a great opportunity for the all the riders to come and compete in the atmosphere of the big Castle Arena,” said Richard who with The Countess of Derby’s 10-year-old proved the winners for each of the five judges, scoring no less than 70.00% and a five-judge average of 72.05%. “The winning is not important but his attitude and relaxation in the ring is and that I was delighted with.”
Richard and Artemis headed of Berkshire based amateur rider Sarah-Jane Elmslie and her own Wellington Masterplan who scored 68.65%. The 16-year-old bay, by Miley, was the only British-bred horse selected to compete at Windsor and has been with Sarah-Jane, who works full-time, since a four-year-old. “We started out eventing but during foot and mouth year we did a lot of dressage and he has never looked back,” said Sarah-Jane who received high artistic marks for her music programme of musical show-stoppers put together by Sara Green.
Gemma Green and Showtime were close behind scoring 68% for third place. Despite being a grand prix freestyle debut for the pair, Showtime, a Dutch-bred stallion by Contango and half -brother to World Cup winner Ravel, impressed with expressive off-the-floor and ground covering paces. Gemma, who is based at Headley Stud near Newbury, was delighted with the result. “We made some ‘green’ mistakes but I knew there were good bits and times he felt super – and he’s only 10,” said Gemma, who trains with Jennie Loriston-Clarke.
POTENTIAL INTERNATIONAL DRESSAGE HORSE
Ten combinations from the World Class Programme for potential international horses competed at Prix St Georges level. Valegro and Charlotte Dujardin, seemingly invincible, added yet another win to their impressive CV of young horse and national championships. The seven-year-old, owned by Carl Hester and Roly Luard, was also the youngest horse in the class and competing in his first test at the level. “He is such an amazing horse – he has such a good temperament – he is the same whether at home or in a huge arena like this and I am extremely lucky to have the opportunity to ride such a wonderful horse,” said Charlotte who is based at Carl’s Gloucestershire yard.
Not for the first time Charlotte beat her mentor who had to settle for second with Sasha Stewart’s stallion Uthopia. It was not only a first time at the level for the eight-year-old but also his first competitive outing for two years. “I am wrapped with that,” said Carl. “He has such a good temperament and a lot of talent so I kept him at home training as I didn’t see the need to overshow him and I am thrilled with the way he conducted himself in such a grown-up manner.”
Former show jumper Michael Eilberg took third place with his former show jumper Torino. The pair gave up show jumping two years ago. “It was decided that Torino was too good at dressage to jump and the yard at home is more focussed on dressage so when he switched, I switched,” said Michael, brother to grand prix dressage rider Maria who was unable to be at Windsor due to returning from a successful international outing in Italy.
AMTRUST EQUINE UNAFFILIATED CHAMPIONSHIPS – BRC DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Dartmoor pony Catalan Brooklyn Bomber and his rider 12-year-old Victoria Leabeater lead the lap of honour round The Castle Arena as winners of the junior section of the AmTrust unaffiliated dressage finals. The pair from Hampshire are members of the Isle of Wight Riding Club and Victoria has ridden by Bomber since she was four-years-old. “He does everything and last Sunday was competing in Prince Phillip mounted Games,” said Victoria.
Phoebe Carter and Lucky Jim were second while Rebecca Champion and Mockbeggar Snippet II took third place.
Somerset yard manager Alys Jones received an early wedding present, winning the senior section with 12-year-old Able Access Ski. The pair was up at four thirty this morning. “It was well worth it, especially as that is our last competition before the wedding,” said Alys, a member of the Mid-Somerset. Michelle McDonald and Stanestreet Lady from West Sussex were second. Secondary school maths teacher Dr Cindy Wells, a member of the Cambridge and District Riding Club, took third with Traditional coloured cob Cornelius Fudge.
