Grundy has the golden touch

There are winners ranging from 13 to 77 years old; as well as converts from eventing, showing and even pointing

- EMILY BEVAN

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.