Emma Crawford and King Louie III Surpass Expectations to take the First Redpost Equestrian Senior Foxhunter Second Round Win of 2024
Monday 29 April 2024
.jpg "Emma Crawford and King Louie III Surpass Expectations to take the First Redpost Equestrian Senior Foxhunter Second Round Win of 2024")
Second Round competitions are now in full swing, as British Showjumping members travel the breadth of the country vying for qualification in our coveted Championship Finals, and the Redpost Equestrian Senior Foxhunter is certainly no exception. With the past winners roll reading as a who’s who of showjumping, it is no surprise that this title is one of the most sought after in National Showjumping.
The Redpost Equestrian Senior Foxhunter Second Round competitions were kicked off this weekend at Stainsby Grange, and true to form, a fantastic 50 horse-and-rider combinations stepped into the ring to tackle the first of three rounds. To progress to the second round is no mean feat, but a determined 20 combinations did just this, with 11 horses advancing onto the jump off.
Of these 11 horses, only two left the arena with the wanted triple clear. Stephen Crossby and Vagalenco GF crossed the finish line in a time of 40.05 seconds, but it was Emma Crawford and John and Anne Grieve’s King Louie III who shaved valuable split seconds off the clock, to finish in a winning time of 39.22 seconds.
Reflecting on her win Emma said: “We weren’t expecting to win, I’m still sat here in slight disbelief! I am just over the moon, he jumped incredibly, but he always does. He jumps out of his skin over every fence, he’s probably the most talented horse I have ever sat on. His attitude towards showjumping is incredible, he just absolutely loves it, and would be lost without it. He’s a huge attention seeker; we call him Monkey at home and I’ve never known a horse to suit his name so well, so cheeky and out for attention wherever he can get it.
“I was weirdly more nervous jumping in the Newcomers than I was the Foxhunter. He’s been jumping 1.40 over the Winter so we know he can do it, so it’s more pressure. The Foxhunter was less pressure; it’s bigger, more technical and we had no expectations, as we had nothing to prove. The last fence was 1.50m, I knew he had the ability and if I just sat quiet, he could clear it.”
No stranger to the Championship arena, this qualification for the Redpost Equestrian Senior Foxhunter Championship final marks the 12th consecutive year that Emma has qualified for Horse of the Years Show, her fourth in this Championship to date. This does, however, mark the first time owners John and Anne Grieve will have a horse at the prestigious show. On talking about John and Anne, Emma said: “They are the most genuine, loyal owners who treat me like one of their own children. I don’t think there is a bigger showjumping fan out there than John, he watches ClipMyHorse.TV at every show, and goes to all the local shows from 7am to finish!”
Redpost Equestrian have supported the Championship Final for many years, this year they extend their support to the entire series. As the leading equestrian retailer, they believe equestrianism is not just a sport or activity, it is a lifestyle. We are delighted to work with them throughout the season. Head to redpostequestrian.co.uk or use their easy mobile app to kit you and your horse out with the best brands in the industry.
Stainsby Grange – Sundayy, 28 April 2024
Redpost Equestrian Senior Foxhunter Second Round
1st – Emma Crawford & King Louie III 0/0/ 39.22
2nd – Stephen Crossby & Vagalenco GF 0/0/0 40.05
3rd – Danielle Ryder & Careful Touched Numo Z 0/0/4 38.78
NB: Results pending official grading.
Image: Kevin Owens - DigitalWorks
