Rachel Arnott and Thomas Pritchard Share Victory in SEIB Winter Novice Championship at South View Equestrian
Tuesday 20 February 2024
1irhsknlfmt9.jpg "Rachel Arnott and Thomas Pritchard Share Victory in SEIB Winter Novice Championship at South View Equestrian")
At South View Equestrian, the SEIB Winter Novice Qualifier witnessed fierce competition as 50 horse and rider combinations contended for coveted qualification spots at the Agria Royal International Horse Show. Course builder Gillian Milner crafted a 12-fence track, resulting in an impressive 25 horses jumping clear in the first round to go through to the jump off.
Out of the 25 competitors, nine successfully completed with double clears. However, an unexpected turn of events saw two riders achieving the exact time of 28.57 seconds, resulting in a rare joint victory. Rachel Arnott, riding Martin Arnott’s Quick Pleasure Van De Nachte – Gaele, and Tom Pritchard, aboard Julian Mincher and Double M Stud’s Double M Extrovert, clinched the top spot.
Reflecting on her win, Rachel Arnott expressed her determination as she narrowly missed out on qualification at Kelsall earlier in the year, stating, “She’s a special horse and great fun to ride, naturally quick across the ground. I took her to Kelsall Hill for the same class, where she went into the jump off and beat the winning round by 3 secs but rubbed a fence to have it down. I think this made me more determined going to South View, to get that qualification."
On Quick Pleasure’s performance she added “She did the turns that were there to be done and she was quick enough across the ground, so it all worked out.”
Transitioning from predominantly eventing over the past five years, Rachel has redirected her focus towards showjumping, citing enjoyable experiences and supportive ownership as contributing factors: “I’ve been fortunate this year to have really smart horses with good owners, so we’re doing more showjumping and really enjoying it. The shows have a really good atmosphere with busy classes for these young, inexperienced horses, I think it’s a good experience for them."
Joining Arnott atop the podium, Tom Pritchard, with Double M Sensation, secured his second qualification for the final, following a previous second-place finish at Onley Grounds Equestrian earlier in the year. Tom expressed gratitude towards the support of his owners, emphasising Double M Extravert's talent “I was relaxed going into the jump off, in order to keep the horse relaxed, and happy. He’s a really talented horse, who can be quite sensitive. I’ve really enjoyed riding him and am so grateful for the support of his owners Julian Mincher and Suzanne Fowler for all their help and support”.
Heading to the SEIB Winter Novice Final at the Royal International Horse Show, Tom will debut at Hickstead with Double M Extrovert and Double M Sensation.
The Winter Classic Shows conclude at Addington Equestrian Centre from February 29th to March 3rd, promising further excitement and competition.
South View Equestrian Centre – Saturday, 17 February 2024
SEIB Winter Novice qualifier
1st Rachel Arnott & Quick Pleasure Van De Nachte – Gaele – 0/0 28.57 seconds
1st Tom Pritchard & Double M Extrovert – 0/0 28.57 seconds
3rd James Ingham & Altesse 2 VN Z – 0/0 29.21 seconds
NB: Results pending official grading.
Image: Phil Hillier / Landscape and Horses Photography
SEIB Insurance Brokers provides specialist equestrian insurance throughout the UK and internationally. With over 50 years of experience, SEIB offers a range of equestrian insurance from horses to horseboxes, trailers, stables, cars, home, farriers and other specialist equestrian trades plus riding schools and livery yards. The SEIB Winter Novice Championship is a popular series made up of ten national qualifying rounds which are held ahead of the Championship Final, which will once again be run during the prestigious Longines Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead (24 - 18 July 2024). For more details, visit hickstead.co.uk
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