JULIA WALKER and her 19-year-old mare Rodhea are no strangers to championships, having come second in the inter I freestyle at last year’s Summer Area Festival Championships.
Here they went one better, winning the inter I silver on 66.02%, just ahead of Nichola Harrison and Lobke Van Het Urnenveld on 65.93%.
“We call her princess,” said Julia, who works for John and Charlotte Lassetter. “I was so pleased with her performance and that we didn’t make any mistakes in the changes.
“She came to the UK as a five-year-old from Lithuania and was going to be for Char but she wasn’t quite big enough, so I bought and backed her.”
International event rider Sara Squires – who won the CIC3* (now CCI4*–S) at Bramham Horse Trials in 2013 and still competes at two-star level – scooped the inter I bronze title on Laetitius C with 68.62%.
When asked if she gets the same buzz from dressage, she said: “I love the training and discipline in dressage. I’ve had to push myself as a rider because you have to work so hard to get your horse to perform this stuff.
“In the end, it all comes down to your partnership with the horse – they’ve got to trust you in the arena just as much as they would if you were jumping into the water out eventing.”
Fiona Newall may as well have been eventing as she overcame downpours and strong winds to win the prix st georges (PSG) bronze on her 14-year-old mare Fendy VCG (Don Schufro x Ferro).
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
