UK National Championships, Arena UK, Lincs
A SERIES of sparkling, foot perfect performances at the very end of this new and groundbreaking show brought supreme success for locally based producer Lucy Glover with Charlotte Read’s new intermediate hunter Carnsdale Wise Guy.
The show, the brainchild of Scott Dixon, drew the great and the good from across the country and although the weather gods frowned on the grand finale, delivering a torrential downpour accompanied by thunder and lightning, an exceptionally high class field of 16 – comprising both ponies and horses – competed for £500 and the magnificent Rory Gilsenan memorial trophy.
After an initial go-round in small groups, each champion performed an individual show, with three judges marking skating-style. Only two sets of marks were publicly displayed, though, while the third judge’s scores were relayed directly to the commentator. This proved a popular tactic as the totals remained a mystery until the final combination had completed.
Then, tension built as it emerged that four pairs had achieved equal marks and it was decided that Rory Gilsenan’s widow and daughter, Vanessa and Katie Gilsenan, would make the final decision. After a further go round – including another gallop – and conformation assessment of the quartet, the champion and reserve were called forward.
Guy, a striking six-year-old, had caught the eye from the moment he entered the ring at a powerful, swinging walk, and his smooth, soft, unhurried paces and seamless, balanced transitions could barely be faulted.
This story is from the August 20, 2020 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 20, 2020 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
New competition and classification to mean dressage will be for all
The new partnerships with British Dressage will provide opportunities for riders with intellectual disabilities
Pressure grows on the FEI to tackle concerns in dressage
A leading judge has made some recommendations he believes will help support the sport's future
Aidan Coleman
Just a week after he announced his enforced retirement with a career-ending injury, Aidan Coleman talks through his raw emotions with Kate Johnson as he ponders life outside the weighing room
Badminton groundsman
Phil Cole on flawless going for cross-country, perfecting his craft on polo pitches and being at the mercy of the weather
Pulling power
Carriage-driving horses have a very specific job, and with that can come specific injury risks. Rosie Mould MRCVS explains
'Plenty to get your teeth into'
This year's Badminton track is testing, but fair, says Nicola Wilson, the 2021 European champion who finished in the top 10 at this five-star four times
Townend leads British domination
The world number one spearheads a British clean sweep of the podium as he contests his 100th five-star
Birch is back in the big time
A former Olympic reserve rider scores her first international win in four years, while Kelsall specialists make their mark again
Comeback queens reign
Rehab work pays off for Anna Ross as she makes a winning return, while a pair of young riders' birthday wishes come true
Pender keeps it in the family
Ireland's Mikey Pender begins a remarkable grand prix winning double and it all comes together in the ring for a \"special character\"