January Baxendale takes the first rung on the ladder to HOYS in the NAF Five Star Summer Bronze League qualifier at Felbridge Showground
Monday 15 May 2023
g6o8d7pp163b.JPG "January Baxendale takes the first rung on the ladder to HOYS in the NAF Five Star Summer Bronze League qualifier at Felbridge Showground")
January Baxendale claimed victory in a hotly contended jump-off with Jurioso W in the NAF Five Star Summer Bronze League qualifier at Felbridge Showground.
A large field of 60 competitors initially contended course-designer John Bedford’s 13-fence 1.05m track with 33 posting first round clears with an eventual 14 qualifying for the third and final round against the clock.
January and the nine-year-old Jurioso W (Durango VDL x Manhattan) found the shortest route, but it was tight as they edged ahead by only 0.13 seconds. Louise McDonald and Fanta-Astic filled second place and Hannah Leadbetter claimed third on Rumbolds Take That Dido.
“We know each other better than we know ourselves and he’s the smallest horse with the biggest personality, he’s a diva and loves being the centre of attention. He demands a lot but gives it back in the ring 10-fold. I only popped an 80cm vertical in the warm-up – he can’t show off in there – but as soon as his toes touch the sand in the ring, he brightens up,” said January.
‘Juice’ was spotted with his head over the stable door at Michaela Russell’s yard and the connection was instant and a purchase quickly followed.
“I took a break from horses for 20 years but now my children are older, and it is more financially affordable – if horses can be financially affordable! – I’m back and want to learn from my mistakes of the past,” added Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk-based January.
The pair jumped in the HOYS NAF Five Star Bronze League Final last year.
“We finished fourth but my nerves got the better of me. I’m taking steps to put that to bed, knowing I can do it instead of just wishing are different things. My trainer Mia Palles-Clark helps me riding technical courses and having quicker reactions and it’s helped. I’m also thankful for Academy Training with Mia, Matthew Lanni and Michaela Russell – they all sing from the same hymn sheet,” said January.
Felbridge Showground – Saturday, 13 May 2023
NAF Five Star Summer Bronze League qualifier
1st January Baxendale & Jurioso W – 0/0/0 - 37.90 seconds
2nd Louise McDonald & Fanta-Astic – 0/0/0 - 38.03 seconds
3rd Hannah Leadbetter & Rumbolds Take That Dido – 0/0/0 - 41.90 seconds
NB: Results pending official grading.
Image: Felbridge Photography
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