Cornbury House, Oxfordshire
JUMPING came to the fore in the CCI3*-S at the inaugural Cornbury House, with winners Georgie Spence and Uppercourt Cooley being one of only five combinations from 97 starters to finish on their dressage score.
“Finishing in the top three was my ultimate aim, but when EquiRatings made us a combination to watch for the event, I thought that we might be cursed,” joked Georgie, who completed on her 31.4 dressage, which placed them eighth after the first phase.
“We’ve been doing in-house dressage competitions at home during lockdown, with my mum judging, and all of my horses have come out of it better. Plus I’ve been training with Laura Tomlinson for the past three years, working mostly on my confidence, which I’ve historically lacked in this phase, and I feel like she’s finally starting to crack me!”
“Bueno”, who is owned by Molly Fisher, Lucy Fleming, Nicky Cooper and Samantha Wilson, came to Georgie a year ago after he had been produced to four-star level by Emily Baldwin.
“Even if he is giving 50%, he is still 100% better than most horses,” enthused Georgie of the 12-year-old, who now heads to the CCI3*-L at Osberton at Thoresby. “He didn’t understand my way of riding last year, which is very much to let them run and jump, but he was really cool and straight this weekend. I feel like our partnership is coming together.”
Four faults in the showjumping relegated Piggy March and I Diablo Joe from first into eventual second, just 0.4 of a penalty behind Georgie, but Piggy was delighted nonetheless.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
