AMY WOODHEAD stole the show and booked two tickets to the winter championships with Branduardi, convincingly winning both the prix st georges (PSG) and the inter I.
The imposing Breitling W stallion, owned by Victoria Wright and Sir John Peace, is called ‘My Little Pony’ at home, but here he showed how much he has grown in confidence, stamping his authority on both classes.
“He has a varied life at home, jumping and going to the beach; on Christmas Day I dressed up as a Christmas pudding and rode him bareback in a headcollar,” said Amy, 25, who took on the ride last summer when she was setting up her own yard. “It’s all part of keeping him happy and developing our partnership.”
The 12-year-old was nearly foot perfect, apart from a cheeky moment in the PSG, from which Amy quickly recovered, and he used his power to good effect.
“It’s the first time I’ve felt able to ride him without having to hold his hand all the time, and in the second test he performed better again,” added Amy, who is still riding Branduardi in a snaffle.
She trains with her mother, Tracy, and Carl Hester, and plans to do a couple of international outings at small tour before moving up to grand prix.
Denne historien er fra February 22, 2018-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra February 22, 2018-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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'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
