THE CHILDREN BRING ANOTHER MEDAL BACK FROM THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

 

This was all the more impressive when you consider that Great Britain secured their medal winning position with just three horses going forward to the jump off when 12year old Emily Ward’s horse Witch (jointly owned by Nick Ward and Michael Whitaker) appeared sore after the first round. Having jumped with 8 faults in the first round, which wasn’t in keeping with the 8 year old dark brown mare’s usual performance a decision was then made not to jump her in the second round.

 

Next to go was 14year old Charlotte Smet from Belgium with Fiona Johnstone’s 8 year old grey mare Wietske II. A stop at one of the fences resulted in Charlotte picking up 4faults plus 2time faults leaving them on a score of 6penalties. Their second round however saw a foot perfect round with them coming home clear.

 

13year old Kerstin Deakin from Tyne & Wear with Felicity Deakin’s 12 year old bay mare Sunsolde were the third member of the team to compete and showed what an asset they were by producing one of the few double clears of the competition.

 

A performance that was mirrored by 13year old Millie Allen from Stockton-on-Tees with Rachel Steels 11year old bay mare Trueleva. As backstop member of the team, Millie showed maturity beyond her years carrying the pressure that being the fourth member brings with it. Producing a copy book double secured the team Bronze Medal in addition to illustrating to the rest of Europe what a depth of talent Great Britain has at this level by being the only team producing two double clear rounds.

 

 

The British Showjumping Teams are strongly supported by the UK Sport Lottery funded BEF World Class Programme.