Emma-Jo Slater and Louise McDonald top the NAF Bronze and Silver League Qualifiers at Weston Lawns
Monday 10 June 2024
.jpg "Emma-Jo Slater and Louise McDonald top the NAF Bronze and Silver League Qualifiers at Weston Lawns")
The NAF Bronze and Silver League Qualifiers at Weston Lawns played host to British Showjumping Members vying for a spot in the Semi-Finals and ultimately, the prestigious Horse of the Year Show.
NAF Bronze League Direct Qualifier
An impressive 118 riders competed in the NAF Bronze League Direct Qualifier. The first round saw 41 riders clear the course, with 17 of them maintaining their faultless performance in the second round to progress to the jump-off.
In a highly competitive jump-off, Louise McDonald clinched victory riding Fanta-Astic, finishing with a clear round in a swift 32.36 seconds. Following closely in second place was Timothy Craggs on Carrickadawson Candy, who completed the course in 34.60 seconds. Donna Anderson secured third place aboard Edarousi Vd Tojopehoeve Z with a time of 35.17 seconds. These top three riders have now qualified for the Semi-Finals, moving one step closer to competing at the Horse of the Year Show.
Commenting on her horse, Louise said: “He was my first horse off of ponies. I’ve have had him since 2020, he’s 14 now. He is a massive weirdo, he’s like a big dog, a pet. He’s a really funny character who just loves treats.
“He’s a very careful horse; quick at landing from a jump and moving off, and good at turning. He can get me out of bad situations, I can give him no stride into a jump, and he will always take off.”
Louise and Fanta-Astic are no stranger to the NAF Bronze League Final, as they hope to make 2024 the fourth year they have qualified to compete.
NAF Silver League Qualifier
The NAF Silver League Qualifier saw 55 riders start the competition, with 10 managing to jump clear through both the first and second rounds to advance to the jump-off.
Emma-Jo Slater dominated this category, finishing first and second with Freule TN and Kimba Time respectively, both horses owned by Kim Barzilay. Slater's exceptional skill was evident as she rode two of the six triple clear rounds achieved in this class. Freule TN completed the jump-off in 38.15 seconds, while Kimba Time followed with a time of 40.66 seconds. Katie Louise Robinson claimed the final qualification spot for the Semi-Final with Mervs Thanks a Million II, finishing in 41.61 seconds.
Emma-Jo Slater’s performance was particularly notable as she was riding three of the 10 horses that made it to the jump-off, demonstrating her remarkable proficiency in the sport.
Riders still have three more opportunities to qualify their horses via the direct qualification route at head to britishshowjumping.co.uk to find out more.
Weston Lawns Equestrian Centre - Saturday, 8 June 2024
NAF Bronze League Qualifier
1st - Louise McDonald and Fanta-Astic - 0/0/0/32.36
2nd - Timothy Craggs and Carrickadawson Candy - 0/0/0 34.60
3rd - Donna Anderson and Edarousi Vd Tojopehoeve Z - 0/0/0 35.17
Weston Lawns Equestrian Centre - Sunday, 9 June 2024
NAF Silver League Qualifier
1st - Emma-Jo Slater and Freule TN - 0/0/0 38.15
2nd - Emma-Jo Slater and Kimba Time - 0/0/0 40.66
3rd - Katie Louise Robinson and Mervs Thanks A Million II - 0/0/0 41.61
NB: Results pending official grading.
Image: Simon Coates Photography
.jpg "Florence Newstead from Cambridgeshire is the latest NAF Shining Star")
