
WHAT a bumper year of medals for our junior and young rider teams, and what talent we have showing in the pony division, too. I was able to watch all of the junior and young rider European Championship tests and what a good impression the Brits’ riding made on me. They’ve come such a long way.
It was not only good riding but also lovely horses that caught my eye. With all our riders scoring around the magic 70% mark, and some above, everyone contributed to the success and it can’t be said it was down to one rider.
One tends to forget how difficult these levels are, requiring skills, technique and – another magic word – self-carriage. And in these age groups riders are not only coping with training and competition pressures, but also schoolwork and exams too.
Although the pony riders narrowly missed out on a medal there were some strong performances. Abigail Gray and George Clooney, in their first year together, stood out as a partnership with real talent and promise. They could claim an individual medal next year.
Esta historia es de la edición August 24, 2023 de Horse & Hound.
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Esta historia es de la edición August 24, 2023 de Horse & Hound.
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Townend takes two
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Last-minute dash ends in triumph
A change of plan leads to victory and a home-bred star proves that talent runs in the family

William's the Lad
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Saving Britain's in-hand show tradition
Kim Wilson investigates how Sport Horse Breeding of Great Britain is tackling the decline of in-hand classes and working to secure the future of youngstock

'This unspoilt hunting heaven
A visit by the RS Surtees Society to Northumberland provides a showcase for the Percy hounds and their hunting country

Local hero is all heart
A Borders team lifts Scotland's richest hurdle for the second year with a gutsy six-year-old and a £1,000 purchase richly rewards a patient owner

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The former farrier is sending his strongest team of Cheltenham Festival runners yet. Jennifer Donald meets the team behind a remarkable success story

Saffron Cresswell
The young event rider, who suffered a serious spinal injury in a fall last year, talks to Pippa Roome about her journey so far and what the future holds

Daphne
This contrary mare may spin like a top and be uncatchable in the summer, but she's \"terrifyingly brave\" and absolutely brilliant in the hunting field