The final NAF Five Star Summer Bronze and Silver League Direct Qualifiers at Codham Park Equestrian Centre
Monday 22 July 2024
As anticipation builds for the Semi Finals this weekend at Chard Equestrian and Northcote Stud, riders at Codham Park Equestrian Centre had their final opportunity to secure their spot via the NAF Five Star Summer Bronze and Silver League Direct Qualifiers
NAF Five Star Bronze League Qualifier
The Bronze League Qualifier kicked off with 17-year-old Chloe Spencer emerging victorious from a field of 43 competitors. Riding Emma Spencer’s Indian Joe, Chloe achieved a triple clear through the rounds, clinching the win with a final time of 33.86 seconds.
Chloe’s mother, and owner of Indian Joe, expressed her delight: “It was nice for Chloe because she has done a couple of other qualifiers and been so close; the first time she was 5th out of 140, and top four qualified. She enjoys it, Indy is a saint – she’ll go on a long one or a short one, she’ll do anything and is quick in a jump off. She’s just worth her weight in gold.”
“Chloe is doing her A-Levels, and just loves what her and Indy do together. She’s had her about a year; she was with eventer Rosie Fry before. Chloe really wants to qualify and jump this class at HOYS, it’s a fantastic opportunity and has been their aim from the start.”
Michelle Johnston claimed second place, piloting Jack Eames’ 13-year-old Calcourt Clearview around the jump-off in 34.80 seconds, finishing just 0.26 seconds ahead of Amy Stannard and her own Esprit Dometa, who took third.
NAF Five Star Summer Silver League Qualifier
Following the Bronze League, the Silver League Qualifier saw Caitlin True and her own Brownheath Collateral take the win. Caitlin and her 8-year-old gelding were third to go in the jump-off, posting a final winning time of 44.96 seconds. Delighted with her win, Caitlin shared: “Brownheath Collateral is actually my only horse! I have produced him myself from buying him as an unbroken 4-year-old to where he is now.
“He jumped a lovely first two rounds and then I saw there were only 5 that got into the third and final jump-off round, so I knew I didn’t need to go mad, but I also didn’t want to end up 4th or 5th! I was third to go in the jump-off, so I just went for it without doing anything too crazy, kept the turns tight and the pace up slightly. He is super careful, so you can move him on and turn up tight to the fences.
“Me and my mum couldn’t quite believe it when we heard I had won; I think we were in shock. We know he is more than capable, but I am still learning to go fast on him!”
Caitlin was one of three riders to achieve a triple clear in the class. Richard Barton on Christal du Chene secured second place with a final jump-off time of 46.28 seconds, edging out Lara Antonia Abraham and Quitender Denfer by 0.8 seconds, who finished in third.
With the qualifiers now complete, attention turns to the NAF Five Star Summer Bronze and Silver Semi-Finals at Chard Equestrian and Northcote Stud this coming weekend. Successful riders from these semi-finals will then compete at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show in October.
For a full list of qualified members, visit: British Showjumping - Qualifying Dates & Venues.
NAF Five Star Summer Bronze League Qualifier
Codham Park Equestrian Centre
1st Chloe Spencer and Indian Joe 0/0/0 33.86
2nd Michelle Johnston and Calcourt Clearview 0/0/0 34.80
3rd Amy Stannard and Esprit Dometa 0/0/0 35.06
NAF Five Star Summer Silver League Qualifier
Codham Park Equestrian Centre
1st Caitlin True and Brownheath Collateral 0/0/0 44.96
2nd Richard Barton and Christal du Chene 0/0/0 46.28
3rd Lara Antonia Abraham and Quitender Denfer 0/0/0 47.08
NB: Results pending official grading.
Image: Harry Beckingsale
