‘Team Stratford’ were awesome at the RDA National Championships

‘Team Stratford’ you were awesome. Another amazing RDA National Championships!  This is such a huge event with over 500 riders, who had all had to qualify to enter, so to have 6 riders from our Group competing kept us busy.  Congratulations to all our riders and their teams of volunteers. A big hug to our ponies who behaved impeccably – well until they spotted real apples in the Countryside Challenge tree!

Isabella, became our first National Champion after winning her showjumping class on the Friday and continued to add to her rosettes by achieving 2nd in her Dressage class on Saturday with only 1/2 a mark between her and the winner.   She also represented RDA West Mercia Region in the 50th Anniversary Parade flanked by Britt and Jill, after having given a dressage demonstration in front of HRH The Princess Royal.  What an accolade!  She then went on to enter the Showing class and Horse Care & Knowledge.  A very busy young lady!

First-timers, Arthur, Leah and Kathryn loved taking part and rode well…, with Leah not wanting to leave for home. Arthur’s smile was infectious as Diesel tried to eat the apple and Kathryn rode beautifully and should be so thrilled with being placed 2nd. Both Sophie and Lewis have both been before so knew the competition was going to be tough. Sophie went well on Diesel, who was enjoying his outing.  The riders also entered the Best Turned out with Arthur coming 6th, helped by our grooms and some entered the Horse Care & Knowledge competition.

After waiting so patiently for the last class in the Countryside challenge, Lewis entered the arena concentrating really well and rode beautifully.  His highlight was being presented his red 1st rosette. Our second National Champion! What stars Marco and he were! What a way to end the day!

All our riders received a commemorative RDA 50th rosette for taking part.   Our Artists also had entries in the National Competition.  Archie with his painted pony and a collage made by many of our riders and put together by Anna.  They helped to make a lovely display although not placed. 

A truly memorable day. Well done to all who took part and a big thank you to our coaches and volunteers behind the scenes who scrubbed, fed, and watered the ponies.  We also would like to thank all the event volunteers who helped to create a happy and well organised Championships especially the many who were from our Group.