Petplan Summer Area Festival Championships and Middle Tour Championships, Arena UK, Lincs
“HE’S made all my dreams come true,” remarked Chelsea Donovan after her 12-year-old, home-bred gelding Frankie Zenturio won both the freestyle elementary silver and freestyle medium bronze Area Festival Summer Championships titles with plus-70%.
Chelsea owns a riding school and is a mother of two, and admits she is new to medium.
“We’ve been working hard on our training, so to get to the finals was a huge achievement,” she said. “To win was incredible – I was gobsmacked.”
Competing at the Home Nations a few weeks earlier helped to keep “Frank” relaxed at Arena UK.
“It definitely helped to prepare him, as sometimes he can be a bit ‘looky’, but we did the arena walks and he did everything I asked – it was quite emotional,” added Chelsea. “He had a little ‘yee-ha’ moment in the medium, so still to get that score was amazing.
“My elementary music is quite dramatic with a Star Wars compilation, and for the medium music we had a violin version of Ed Sheeran and Rihanna, to which I enjoy riding.”
Chelsea’s aim is to do an advanced medium by the end of the year, with the ultimate goal to ride in tailcoats and do a prix St Georges.
Versatile gelding Lotus Key showcased his talent between the whiteboards to land the elementary freestyle bronze on 71.67% with Kate Johnston.
“I bought him from Andrew Saywell as a two-year-old and produced him and brought him on myself,” said Kate.
“He is so stunning that I fell in love with him instantly. He gets bored doing just dressage, so we do a bit of everything – he has qualified for Horse of the Year Show as a working hunter as well as the Blue Chip Showjumping Championships.”
Kate has only recently taken up dressage to music.
Bu hikaye Horse & Hound dergisinin October 17, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Horse & Hound dergisinin October 17, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
'He's a terrier - a very classy terrier'
Jonbon emulates some legendary chasers as a dual Tingle Creek victor, and trainer Dan Skelton scores a seasonal century
Rupert
This beautiful master's horse hates quad bikes and is \"scared of his rug\" but is dearly loved by both Nigel Peel and his son Jamie
London's landmark moments
What makes London so special for dressage fans? Oscar Williams delves into its unique history, speaking to experts about their most treasured memories and the show's remarkable evolution in the sport
Golden oldies take centre stage
The finals at London International are among the most regarded championships on the senior showing circuit. Alex Robinson investigates the finals and what's contributed to their popularity
Winter wrapped up
With the long-range weather forecast suggesting a chilly winter ahead, how can equestrians prepare for the challenges of frost, ice and snow? Stephanie Bateman finds out
Party time
From Whitaker vs Whitaker football matches to a hunting choir roaring carols, top riders know how to let their hair down at Christmastime. Netia Walker unearths the best festive parties
Rocking their world
Rocking horses were once a common fixture in children's playrooms - or a charming trinket on a Christmas tree. Now, some are getting a new lease of life for grown-up enthusiasts, finds Liz Falkingham
Winter watering
Maintaining a horse's water intake is crucial, but can be tricky in the colder months. Karen Coumbe MRCVS explains why, and how to help
Shetland Pony Grand National organiser
Sebastian Garner on whittling down applicants, playing headmaster and the joy of watching Shetlands at full lick
Peder Fredricson
The Swedish flagbearer and four-time Olympic medallist tells Jennifer Donald about 2024's ups and downs, the key to social licence and silver linings
