From comeback to champion

A hard-earned return, championship one-twos and world-stage ambitions feature under the Arena UK spotlights

- By OSCAR WILLIAMS

Equissage Para Winter Dressage Championships, Arena UK, Lincs

WHILE class sizes in several grades were limited, the grade V bronze and silver sections proved among the most competitive, with Loretta Joynson landing a one-two in both.

The imposing Ojengel CVH (Bel Amour x Bojangel) got the better of his more experienced fieldmate, Tresais Lancelot (Lauriston x Lando), in each test, scoring 71.15% to take the bronze before adding the silver on 67.26%.

Loretta, who began competing in para dressage last year after encouragement from her friend Sabrina Johnson, admitted her success hadn't yet sunk in after the long journey home to west Wales.

“I'm absolutely thrilled with my horses,” she said.

Ojengel only started his para career in October and, now seven years old, was one of the least experienced in the field.

“I thought that he had a good chance in the bronze, but I didn't expect him to win.”

Instead, he rose to the occasion. “He was fabulous. He behaved himself and performed fantastically. I'm so proud of how he dealt with the day,” added Loretta.