DAWN GRUNDY and Waverley Florisgold, a 12-year-old mare whom Dawn bought lightly backed at the age of four, were crowned overall medium/advanced medium dressage to music champions, having scored 75.17% for their advanced medium test.
“She’s alert and sensitive so the key is to keep her relaxed. If she’s relaxed – and I’m relaxed as she picks up so much from me – then she can perform,” explained the Northern Dressage Group member. “I do most of her warm-up in walk and when she blows then I know she’s ready to listen.
“She was a superstar today. I was most pleased with her transitions – they were seamless and her neck hardly moved. It’s the best score we’ve ever had.”
Northern Dressage Group were also in the money in the mixed pairs after Hilary Secker on Pinecroft Blaze and Alan Goodenough with Chief’s Looking Glass reigned supreme on 80.36%.
“The test felt amazing, it was the best we’ve ever done,” said Hilary. “We got a 10 for our harmony – we riders love riding together and the horses love being together too so it works really well.”
Mandy Sall made the 13-hour trip from Aberdeen worthwhile with a win in the senior novice with points class. Her winning partner was Worsenden Liberty, a 12-year-old coloured mare, whom Mandy’s been riding for two years.
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
Gemirande provides 24-carat magic
Venetia Williams sparkles again in the December Gold Cup and jockey brothers dead-heat
‘Happy hunting, everyone'
“The season for talks, dinners and parties has finally arrived for Tessa Waugh, whose distress about the snags of middle age fades away with some rousing festive spirits
'Monaco deserved this victory
Seemingly destined always to play the bridesmaid’s role, Harrie Smolders’ great partner Monaco finally tops an incidentpacked Rolex grand prix
'It had to end sometime'
The closure of beloved Hampshire saddlery Calcutt Sons is a loss to the hunting and wider equestrian worlds, as Octavia Pollock reports
'You couldn't want for more
The Ludlow's peaceful country makes for a day in \"hunting paradise\"
The greatest gift of all
Christmas is fast approaching and while we all like a bit of tinsel, the festive season is also a perfect time for giving to a horse charity. Niki Hinman finds out some of the options
Winter him well
A horse's winter routine can differ dramatically from his summer structure but what’s the knock-on effect? Ellie Hughes asks vets how to optimise routine management for the season
Neat feet
Excellent hoof care is a year-round concern but the winter months present their own problems. Richard Stephenson MRCVS explains the seasonal challenges afoot and how to stay one step ahead
In bygone days
Modern vets have much scientific knowledge behind them, but what about their forebears? Kieran O’Brien MRCVS opens up the world of Victorian vets in London
'When I joined the Pony Club it was just two boys and 48 girls'
Pepsi Kohler on being delightfully outnumbered by girls in the Pony Club, a leg-up from a royal and the H&H advert that changed his life
