Day 6: British Showjumping National Championships
Sunday 16 August 2015
The sun was shining with not a cloud in the sky today as the British Showjumping National Championships and Stoneleigh Horse Show drew to a climatic end. The Andrews Bowen Indoor Arena showcased a wide variation of talents, skills and abilities today as the finals taking place were all entirely unique from each other.
An extremely captivating start to the day was provided by the Pony Discovery Championship which saw Anna Sumner and her superb companion Our Dun taking the win. Following this was the Connelly’s RED MILLS Senior Newcomers Masters in which the top four ranking competitors qualified for HOYS 2015 and received the prestigious purple tickets, Jessica Botham with Danny V ranked first in this qualifying round.
The National U18 Championship final also took place as the penultimate class in the Andrews Bowen Indoor Arena. This category is producing some incredible talent. With riders becoming more experienced and established as they enter the world of adult showjumping. After an enthralling first round which saw 6 clear rounds moving through to the jump off, it was Amy Inglis who produced the fastest double clear and claimed the title as well as sixth place with
The National 1.15m members Cup Championship Final had a staggering 30 entries with 13 riders achieving a clear round and moving through to the jump off. Tensions rose in the collecting ring as the crowd willed on the successful combinations. In the end it was Ruby Pointer with Dusty Van Het Het who reigned victorious and walked away with the title.
An array of consolation finals were carried out in the All Weather Arena one, as competitors fought hard for a top ranking position. The day began with the Pony Restricted Rider 1.00m Championship in which Sophie Lewns took the top spot with Rutland Red Alert. The Pony Discovery Championship Consolation Final followed this with a superb battle for first place. The winner who earned their spot was the fabulous George Cowley and his speedy pony Charity IV.
The Pony Silver League Finals commenced with the 128cm, 138cm and 148cm taking place respectively. With jump heights progressing with the level of rider, this ring presented an exciting display of gifted combinations. Katie Wood with Picketspride Country Squire, clinched the title for the 128cm class after an impressive final round. The following winner was Ms Francesca Young riding Jackdaw who took home the 138cm title, leaving behind twenty one other competitors. The final Championship title of the Pony Silver League was awarded to Daisy Mckinlay who jumped in the 148cm class. This rider demonstrated an enormous amount of skill in the jump off and emerged the clear victor. Millie Dickinson riding Ron Burgundy was awarded Highest Placed Pony Club rider of the year award.
The Grand Ring was a hive of excitement today as spectators were treated to a delightful assortment of show jumping. The day kicked off with the Retraining of Racehorses class which showcased retired racehorses’ abilities in a whole new discipline. The winner of this class was Charlotte Kerton riding Nettis. This class brought a smile to the faces of spectators as it provides a heart- warming new career for these wonderful horses.
Carron Nicol riding Moonraker reigned victorious today in the National 4 Year Old Championship Final after a stunning jump off round. Carron showed excellent control and discipline in the ring and demonstrated the attributes necessary for such a successful combination.
All British Showjumping National Championships and Stoneleigh Horse Show 2015 is hosted at the National Agricultural and Exhibition Centre (NAEC), Stoneleigh, Warwickshire during the 11th-16th August. For further information, please visit www.bsnationalchampionships.co.uk
1weon0iftwu19.jpg "Scott Brash makes a long-awaited Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix win in Shanghai")
