Engelmann strikes again

Saffron Walden RC remain the team to beat, while native ponies take top spoils in the junior classes

- EMILY BEVAN

British Riding Clubs TopSpec Arena Eventing Championships, Aston-le-Walls, Northants 

SAFFRON WALDEN RC continued their dominance in the senior 80, claiming top spot in the team event for the third straight year.

Suzannah Engelmann and Joker, 15, have been members of all three winning teams and were joined this year by Lisa Howlett on Knave of Golden Hearts, Rosie Bates with Forrest Dot Com and Nicola Shaw aboard Medrus Gavin Henson. The quartet finished almost six penalties clear of Fawkham RC.

As a result of the inclement weather, the first class of the day – the senior 80 – was moved from the morning until the afternoon, and the senior 90 was cancelled. Any competitors already on site for the latter were able to compete over the 80 course in a separate class.

Suzannah also proved unbeatable in this rescheduled class with 19-year-old Lissin Rocket. She was the only rider in both classes to complete on a score of zero.

“I spend a ridiculous amount of time practising my speeds on both horses so I am chuffed to win with both of them on the same day,” said Suzannah. “Two individual wins on top of the team win is a dream result.”

NELSON’S HALO SHINES

THERE were also multiple victories for the New Forest Pony Enthusiasts who won the junior 80 team event, while club member Charlotte Nelson, 15, claimed the individual spoils in the 70 with new mount Hollybrooke Halo. Charlotte has been riding the 10-year-old for just three weeks.