BRC National Championships 2008
Saturday, September 13, 2008
After many months of hard work and hectic qualifiers, the British Riding Clubs National Championships took place at Lincolnshire Show Ground.
This event is the largest in the Riding Clubs calendar and saw over eighteen hundred entries. Despite the never-ending mud and rain, the arenas remained in remarkable condition, enabling finalists to give the competition their best shot.
The event was once again sponsored by NAF and British Riding Clubs are grateful for their continued support. Each competitor received a NAF goody bag and a Loyalty Passport with exclusive free gifts for all competitors.
Saturday kicked off with the Senior Novice, Intermediate and Open Show Jumping. The Novice Team title was won by Polnoon Castle who comprised Claire Higgins, Yashi; Lesley Mcullogh, Compact Gold; Kirsty Macgillvray, Tommy Too II; and Lisa Grant with Sinatra V. Hazel Simmons riding Billy Whizz II took the Individual honours for Worlington RC.
The Intermediate Show Jumping Team Champions were Shrewsbury and District RC represented by Simone Cooper, Dylan; Vicki Cliffe, Tilly; Beryl Matthews, Boela; and Heather Tate, Taranaki. The Individual title was awarded to Lorna Simpson and Charlie Tee from Tendring Hundred RC.
Rochdale and District RC were victorious in the Open Show Jumping. The winning team comprised Dan Warburton, MJ Kismet; Carly Woolley, Hugo Boss; Stephanie Sloane, Maartje; and Harriet Williams, Hugo. The Individual Champion was Catherine Nicholas riding Rattisborn from Wilmslow RC.
The Style Jumping competition winners were Worcester and District RC represented by Vicki Hancox, Lady of Athenrye; Liz Warner, Go With the Flow; Elizabeth Evans, Baileys Luck; and Rebecca Harris, Maid by Design. The Individual honours were awarded to Natalie Schofield and Johnny Hero representing East Cheshire RC.
The ever victorious New Forest Pony Enthusiasts were delighted to win the Senior Riding Test. The team comprised Caroline Saker’ Wayland Loganberry; Sally Anne Pierson, Jackpot II; Dawn Vear, Kilncopse Fly By Night; and Vicky Palmer, Farriers Fair Impression. Rugby RC claimed the Individual title represented by Gemma Carmen and Bolgoed Golly Gosh.
It was a good weekend for the New Forest team, who also celebrated a win for Rachel Capper, Farriers Fingerprint and Helen Campbell, Farriers Foxglove in the Pairs Dressage.
The club also triumphed in the Open Team Dressage competition represented by Natasha Smith, Wayland Crescendo; Helen Campbell, Farriers Fingerprint; Caroline Saker, Wayland Loganberry; and Adele Etheridge, Brock Buckingham. The Individual honours in the Open Dressage Championship were awarded to Caroline Steward riding Master Ferdinand from Finn Valley.
Berkshire County secured a win in the Novice Team Dressage represented by Anna Young, Star; Sarah Vousden, Medwyn; Sarah Hitchcox, Super Ted; and Claire Devereux; Flutterby. Emma Cartledge and About Time III claimed the Overall Individual title.
Penny Jann commanded Elstead RC to victory in the Rural Riders Championship. The team comprised Jenny Dutton, Jamambo; Annie Denton, Malingold Mercury; Nikki Harridge, Red Fox; Tracy Negus, Ashling; Sarah Anning, Leybourne Patrick; and Miranda Hodge, The Snowman.
This year saw the introduction of a new Teams of Four Dressage competition. Elstead RC were delighted to take this title represented by Annie Denton, Malingold Mercury; Wendy Ducker, Moccachino; Jenny Dutton, Jamambo; and Heidi Reed, The Merchant of Venice.
Sunday saw the turn of the Juniors. Due to the level of rain experienced on the Saturday the show jumping competitions were reduced to one round and then a jump off. Despite this last minute change Downshire RC pulled out all the stops to secure victory in the Novice Show Jumping. The individual honours in both arenas went to Taunston RC, represented by Emily Cossy, Tasmanian Devil and Steven May, Rainbow Jesters Moon.
Cropthorne and Evesham Vale won the Junior Open Show Jumping represented by Natalie Clarke, Angel Lead; Amy Furness, Kilarney; Victoria Knight, Chocolate; and Abi Stock, Bake Burn Piper. The Individual title was awarded to Rachel Willetts and Trefeinon Galaxy from Bewdley.
Helen Heath and Brandy successfully defended their title in the Evergreen Pony class. Brandy also won the Oldest Equine Award at the grand old age of 30! The Evergreen Horse title was won by Glynn Jones and Red Monarch, who went on to win the overall Evergreen Championship for Hereford and District RC.
In the Junior Dressage the Pairs Class was won by Beatrice Payne on VIP and Amy Croxton riding Blue Boy for Atherstone and District. Beatrice also took the Individual title.
Rochdale and District were the team winners in the Riding Test represented by Samantha Dewhurst, Sicily Bronwyn; Megan Lewis, Brynfa Superman; Victoria Leeson, Hopwoods Silk; and Emma Hartley, Memphis Girl.
Julia Hall and Orlando from Frampton Family won the Individual Riding Test.
This year’s Junior Style Jumping competition was won by Huntingdon and District RC. The team comprised Clementine Higgins, Pixie; Katie Larman, Sky Prospect; Bridget Hipwell, Cool Blue Rue; and Verity Hart, Indian Sueno.
The Individual title was won by Lauren Faulkner and Picasso from Rugby RC.
