British Riding Clubs Horse Trials Championships 2008
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Heavy rain was unable to dampen the spirits of competitors who had travelled from all over Great Britain for the British Riding Clubs’ Horse Trial Championships sponsored by SEIB Insurance.
This is the tenth year running that SEIB have sponsored the event, which was held at the fabulous Offchurch Bury Estate near Leamington Spa, and British Riding Clubs are grateful for their continued support.
Nicky Mackenzie from SEIB said: “South Essex Insurance Brokers are delighted to be involved with the BRC Horse Trials. It is such a well run, happy event and even the bad weather couldn't spoil the atmosphere or take the edge off the competitors’ team spirit. As usual the competition was a great success”.
Mr Goodrich, from the Worshipful Company of Saddlers, was also on hand to present the competitors with their rosettes and trophies along with bridles to the individual winner of each section.
There was hot competition in the Junior Classes on Friday with the overall individual title taken by Sophia Henderson and Jack the Lad from Wilmslow RC. The team champions were Frampton Family RC, who were also awarded the All Four Scores to Count trophy. The team comprised Gabrielle Withers, Take a Rain Check; Francesca Pearce, Seamus; Jamie Carter, River Owl; and Hannah Merrett, Cloughback Dreamer.
The Two Day Senior Novice Competition saw more entries than ever. Despite the persistent rain Amy Dixon riding Maid in Holland battled on to take the overall individual title along with the Arena Five honours for Lakes RC. Amy also took home the Alexa King Trophy for the leading under 25’s Novice Rider.
Team Champions were Horsham and District RC comprising Maggie Whatford, Ross the Boss; Elizabeth Pellett, Zak; Jo Radford-Smith, Minita Greenstone; and Jane Silcoch, Forever Hopeful. The winners of the All to Count title were Tivvyside RC represented by Jason James, Chardonnay; Dawn Hodgson, Supreme Suzie; Louise Granville, Amelie; and Petra James, Class Act.
The Intermediate class ran as a Three Day Event for the first time this year and proved a resounding success. Georgina Bell and Norton Renee took the Overall Individual title for Beccles and Bungay RC. The champions in the team competition were Newlands Corner RC represented by Caroline Brougham, Le Buccaneer; Rebecca Riiser, Geronimo Elm; Angela Medland, Valitas Bay; and Lisa Smith, Ringfort Respect. The All Four Scores to Count trophy was won by Swindon and District RC comprising Kerrie Fleming, Polanski Mill; Monica Howarth, Baile Dare; Gill Horton, Pendragon Vi; and Vicky Cronin, Missi Lee.
The Open class saw the worst of the rain on Saturday afternoon during the Speed and Endurance phases but were undeterred in their quest for glory. The Individual Championship was won by Lauren West and Royal Highness from North Lincs RC. The Carefree Memorial Trophy for the highest placed home-bred horse, donated by Linda Rose in memory of a much loved mare, was awarded to Linda Shortt and Autumn Thyme from South Oxfordshire RC.
The Open Team honours went to Holme Valley RC represented by Christine Barber, Rucarlo; Clair Tomlinson, Tyersal Pie Marly; James Crosland, Thornwick Ring of Kerry; and Abigail Muscroft, Lyley Star Elm. The All Four Scores to Count trophy was won by the Stoneleigh RC team comprising Helen Forster, Naphtalia De Lyne; Sarah Nunn, Cool Deal; Claire Marston, Lord Penfold; and Lucy Bell, Gerry Pepper.
