RIDERS who once experienced the pizzazz of collecting titles and medals early on in their careers showed their class once again and enjoyed a stranglehold on both three-star classes at this popular West Country fixture.
Former pony European champion Finn Healy, 18, became British young rider national champion after leading the Chatham young rider CCI3*-L from pillar to post aboard the 17hh bay mare Treamble (Amble). He secured the £1,000 first prize in part thanks to leaving every one of the 11 showjumps in their cups despite a heart-stopping moment in the treble.
“She jumped in too positively and made up too much distance,” Finn said of the moment that left even members of the early morning crowd – the reverse-order final phase for this class kicked off at 10am – shouting “whoa”.
“The showjumping used to be her weaker phase, but she’s getting better and I’ve had help from Alan Fazakerley.”
Derbyshire-based Finn described Helen West’s hilly 22-fence cross-country course as “very tough, but we didn’t have any blips. Amble was cool the whole way round”.
Finn is currently on a gap year before he heads to the University of Manchester to study history.
“I’ll always work with horses, but my degree is my back-up plan,” he said, going on to explain that the horse’s owner Amy Hawley had once phoned him out of the blue after seeing him in action, offering him the ride on a showjumper, with the arrangement eventually leading to him taking on Treamble, a Grafenstolz offspring.
“Amble’s based with Amy, but I drive to her place a few times a week to ride,” said Finn.
Barnie Brotherton’s mount DHI King Nelson exceeded the former Bicton three-star winner’s expectations.
Denne historien er fra June 01, 2023-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.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra June 01, 2023-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.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'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
