Ride to Victory: Samantha Jimmison and Her One-of-a-Kind Horse Dominate the Nupafeed Senior Discovery Second Round
Tuesday 07 May 2024
.jpg "Ride to Victory: Samantha Jimmison and Her One-of-a-Kind Horse Dominate the Nupafeed Senior Discovery Second Round")
This past weekend witnessed the third Nupafeed Senior Discovery Second Round competition, where riders contested for popular spots in the British Showjumping Nationals Championships.
A total of 35 horses embarked on the first round at Harrogate Riding Centre, with 23 delivering clear rounds to advance to the second. From there, 17 pairs soared through the course with clear rounds, setting the stage for an exciting jump-off.
In a display of skill and speed, Samantha Jimmison emerged as the triumphant victor. Piloting her own and Judy Bradwell’s Is A Bell, Jimmison cleared both rounds before tackling the jump-off, completing it in a 35.60 seconds— 6.57 seconds faster than the runner-up.
Reflecting on her remarkable journey with her horse, Jimmison shared: “She’s an interesting story. Unless you know Bell, you cannot understand her. I’ve had her for about two and a half years, co-owning her with Judy Bradwell. She came to me for eventing but proved too wild, too fussy, and too crazy for dressage. So, we shifted our focus to show jumping.".jpg)
Describing Bell fondly Jimmison explained their unique bond: "Nobody wants her because she is so wild and free. I should sell her, but I can’t bear the possibility of her going to the wrong home. She may seem wild to the outside world, but she is just the sweetest, kindest thing."
Sharing insights into Bell’s riding style, Jimmison revealed, "The rule when riding her is pull and turn. If you don’t turn her, you won’t be able to stop. You’re perfectly safe; she’ll just go really fast. We either win or have a fence down—there’s no in-between!”
Jimmison also highlighted their shared journey with her stable jockey, Jaz: "I don’t normally ride the horses like Bell, she’s not my type at all, but when you have one like her you just have to go jumping. Me and Jaz share her, it’s nice to have a horse that we can both go in the ring with and have a nice time."
Despite Bell not fitting Jimmison’s typical preferences, she expressed an undeniable affection for her: "She is the funniest horse I have ever had. After just the last six months, I have thought to myself, I don’t know if I can part with her. She is so endearing I just don’t think I can sell her."
Looking ahead to the finals, Jimmison expressed excitement: "She is a one-off horse; because she has been produced to event, she is older and wiser than a lot of these horses, so it will be really cool to have a crack at the final on my one-of-a-kind pony!"
2024 marks the ninth year of Nupafeed Supplement’s unwavering support for the Senior Discovery Championships. Providing unique, highly targeted nutritional supplements for your horse, their expert and friendly team are always on hand for advice. Visit Nupafeed.co.uk to find out more.
To view an up-to-date list of horses qualified for the Nupafeed Senior Discovery Championship Final head to https://www.britishshowjumping.co.uk/shows_qualifying_dates_venues.cfm?type=S&class=DF
Harrogate Riding Centre – Sunday 5 May, 2024
Nupafeed Supplements Senior Discovery Championship Second Round
1st – Samantha Jimmison & Is A Bell 0/0/0 35.60
2nd – Abigail Leadbetter & Navigator Scais 0/0/0 41.03
3rd – Sarah Froggett & Michigan DN 0/0/0 41.70
NB: Results pending official grading.
Image: Harrogate Riding Centre
