A day to remember for BHS Equitation Champions Laura and Sam
Monday, June 01, 2009
The grand final of The British Horse Society's National Equitation Competition sponsored by Puffa took place at Warwickshire College, Moreton Morrell on Wednesday 27 May.
Forty young riders came from all corners of the UK to take part in the competition, which is designed to encourage young non-horse owners to ride and compete. The talented finalists had qualified for the Championship through a series of regional qualifiers held at BHS Approved Riding Centres across the UK.
The 13 years and under final was won by Sam Gillespie who rides at Hardwicke Lodge Riding Centre in Leicestershire. He rode a very stylish dressage test on his pony, Paris, achieved full marks in the theory section and excelled in his favourite test - the Show Jumping.
“I was still very nervous before the Show Jumping but quietly confident,” said Sam. “It feels amazing to have won, I really didn’t expect it - I was just trying to beat my own score from the qualifier.”
Sam’s whole family were there to support him, including his Grandma who paid for his first riding lesson. “We thought it might be a one off,” said his mum, Sarah, “but he’s been pestering Jane (proprietor at Hardwicke Lodge) ever since!”
The 17 years and under Champion was Laura Johnston from Newton Hall Equitation Centre in Suffolk. Laura has her heart set on a career with horses and started riding at Newton Hall around eighteen months ago so she could begin training for her BHS exams.
Laura said: “It was fantastic to have the opportunity to compete in a national final. I couldn’t believe it when I won, as it was such a close call after the Dressage. I knew the Show Jumping was our strongest phase so I just went in there to try our best and I knew if I rode well I could win.”
Laura’s dad Mark was thrilled with his daughter’s success: “I think competitions like this really do encourage young people to be focused and gives them something to aim for. It’s really nice that it can be done on riding school horses so they are competing on an equal field. It is a great experience for young riders.”
The generous sponsorship of Puffa, the Trot on Club and the Worshipful Company of Saddlers meant that the winning riders, trainers and establishments received numerous prizes. To make their achievements even more special, Puffa have also arranged for an International Rider to present Sam and Laura with their trophies at the Royal International Horse Show in July.
Tori Tomlin, Puffa’s brand manager said: “We are delighted to again be supporting this fantastic event for young riders. It’s great to be involved in a competition that opens up the sport to non-horse owners and we are proud to have sponsored such a passionately contested trophy.”
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