6 riders qualify for RDA National Championships!

With our riders entered in all disciplines at the regional qualifiers – showjumping,  dressage and countryside challenge –  it was an early start from the stables for Alfie Kiera, Jessie and Marco.  Arriving at Stourport, Alfie was particularly excited to be out and about. After an unsettled start in the dressage, he and Sophie regrouped to perform an outstanding countryside challenge round, including a perfect 10 for the gate, just beating Sasha (also on Alfie) by half a mark!  A Stratford 1,2!  Both rode with tact and focus, giving Alfie lots of reassurance and confidence.  All our practising beforehand paid off as Jules on Kiera and Lewis with Marco, also completed excellent CC rounds to win their classes.  In the indoor arena an immaculately turned out Charlotte, riding Kiera, made their dressage debut.  Showing great concentration and focus they produced a fluent active test, winning the class and qualifying for the championships. Well done to Pat, whose leading skills were assessed by the judge as “perfect – a job well done”. Rookie pony, Jessie, took everything in her stride and produced a lovely showjumping round with Jules. Isabella and Cookie had a busy day, winning both their dressage classes and also qualifying in the showjumping.  Overall a hugely successful day for the Group, with everyone qualifying to go to the championships & Sophie once again winning the Rosemary Stretch trophy for the highest scoring Warwickshire rider together with the trophy for the best score of the day. An amazing team result. It was lovely to receive several compliments regarding the smart appearance of our riders and the turnout of our ponies.

None of it would be possible without our wonderful helpers – not just on the day but also all the practising in the weeks beforehand, shifting countryside challenge equipment, tack cleaning, washing ponies etc. thankyou everyone.  It wasn’t just in the arena where we had such success. Anna and Archie’s artwork both won prizes in the arts and craft sections.  Jo White was awarded the West Mercia Regional  Participant award (senior). This is thoroughly deserved and recognises Jo’s role as Monday ride coordinator and also the support and encouragement she gives other riders within a group.  Isabella was the junior recipient of this award, having raised money for our group by selling cakes at her yard.  A very busy but highly successful day – next stop Hartpury! KA