News
2024 LeMieux Quest Champions crowned
- Written By: British Dressage | Anna Chadfield
- Published: Mon, 18 Nov 2024 16:13
Team spirit and top test riding were on display as individual and team superstars enjoyed their moment in the spotlight at the LeMieux Quest Championships (8 - 10 November 2024) hosted at Arena UK.
The camaraderie and team spirit among the riders and supporters at the LeMieux Quest Championships always create an incredible atmosphere, and this year was no different. Everyone had fun and supported one another, making this inclusive and supportive championship one to remember.
Team Quest Open Championship
The team formed two years ago and this is their first full season of competing together. Sharing why they decided to join the team, Emma Townend who rode her Skewbald Tobiano CHAPS gelding Newhunt Bobby Soxs, explained with a smile: “Rachel posted on Facebook in our local riders group that she was looking for team members and in a rash moment, probably after a glass of wine, I decided I'm going to do that!”
Rachel Garvey added, “I think we knew that Quest would be a really good entry level for people who weren't used to competing to get out, have some fun, meet some new people, and give it a go with some support, rather than going on your own.”
Rachel, who rode Ghepardo (Havana Gold x Royal Applause), then shared how amazing it was to win the Prelim class of 37 on Friday and come back with a score of 69.616% for her team, “It was a highlight to win out of such a big group and she just felt settled and took it in her stride.”
The youngest member of the team, 12-year-old Lilly Davies and her pony Holyoake Galaxy (Holyoake Fire Sprite x Twycross Cavalier) also came out on top in Saturday’s Team Quest Prelim class with an incredible score of 71.154%. “It just felt like everything was right,” said Lilly, summarising the feeling before her winning test.
Emma contributed to the team's winning score with 67.463% for her Intro test on Saturday. With the Quest Championships being their first stay-away competition, Emma was fighting away tears of happiness after her tests. “I’m just chuffed to even be here,” she explained, “Bob’s just given it his all, and he's just been an all-round top horse.”
Completing the team, Laura Pope and Seodoir (Ross Fear Bui x Jack's Promise), who contributed to the team's win with a score of 67.244% for her Prelim test on Friday, echoed her teammates' sentiments: “I was just really proud of him, I think especially yesterday, taking it all in this stride.”
Summarising the team’s experience and what it has meant to them, Rachel shared that what she loves about the Quest Championships is, “being here with my friends and feeling that even if I wasn't brilliant at my test, there were three other people who could get a good score.”
“I think probably my favourite thing was winning!” She added, before explaining, “To get to the end after eight months of tests, trying to get a team, working out who’s free and then to see it all come together over the weekend, it’s been absolutely amazing.”
In a tightly contested top three, the runners up in second place were Wiltshire’s Prancing Queens with a score of 408.752, which just put them ahead of The Rosevidiots on a score of 408.084.
Team Quest U21 Championship
The Soho Juniors LDN W1D also from Buckinghamshire were the resounding Team Quest U21 Champions with a score of 434.104.
Despite only forming a Quest team recently, the four girls making up the winning team have known each other for a long time – the three sisters, Amy (14), Millie (14) and Olivia Parry (16) decided to join forces with their friend May Mooney (16) to take on Team Quest in March this year, and despite the odds being slightly against them, the team came out on top.
Millie’s horse Berlin XXX (Couterro U x Wolfgang), who was bought as a show jumper, is new to dressage and hadn’t stepped inside the white boards until they started their Quest journey. Despite this, the pair seem to have a talent for dressage contributing two strong scores of 71.305% and 73.261% to the team’s winning total for their Intro tests.
May's ride, Lockwoods Little Friend, had a year and a half off due to a deep digital flexor injury before they brought him back into work and started aiming towards Quest. So being at the Quest Championships, now fully recovered and performing comfortably in such a big environment, was a real highlight for May who scored 70.769% and 68.910% for her Prelim tests.
Amy and Olivia shared the ride on DHI Mojo (Aiko Van De Kapel x NC Clover Lambada) due to Amy’s horse, Charlie, being currently out of work. However, both the girls and DHI Mojo rose to the challenge to produce four fantastic tests all over 70%. Amy even produced an incredible personal best with a score of 75.652% for her Intro test on Sunday.
Summarising why her and the team love Team Quest May explained, “It’s just nice to do something all together which suits different levels”
Helen Parry, Amy, Millie and Olvia’s mum added, “It's just so great they can be at a different level and on the same team. It’s lovely for them all to be able to come together. That’s why we do Quest.”
Helen also shared how Quest has given the girls the opportunity to really feel like they have a goal that’s not out of reach for them: “It’s just nice to have something to work towards that’s potentially achievable.”
Our runners up in second place were Buckinghamshire’s Jennings Juniors with a score of 417.113 and North & East’s Mum's Money Pitt claimed third place with a score of 416.943.
My Quest Introductory Championship
“It's such a big venue for her and a massive atmosphere for her to take in, being such a baby,” said Janine, explaining why every moment was such a highlight for her. “She's only really been to local shows. It's her first year competing for BD, she’s just an absolute superstar and I’m so immensely proud.”
Janine decided to have a go at Quest after one of her friends encouraged her to join and experience the team element. “It’s been really good and the camaraderie is brilliant! We just have an absolute ball and the more fun you have the better she [La Loca] is,” explained Janine, summarising what taking part in Quest has meant to her.
Two other young horses shined in the Intro class: Farrah Cook and her six-year-old King Jackie Boy placed second with 68.623%, closely followed by Helen Stephenson and her eight-year-old The Bomb who came in third with 68.333%
My Quest Preliminary Championship
Sharing what the next year has in store for them, Jess explained she would like to focus on showing and hopes to do some HOYS qualifiers with him, however, she also hopes to have a go at the Petplan Area Festivals.
Claire Jones and Owl House Rebel claimed second place in the My Quest Prelim with a score of 69.166% while Brittney McClary and Lestowder Black Knight came in third on 68.269%.
My Quest Novice Championship
Starting out the competition Chloe shared that Irish Buck felt quite sharp and was tense with anticipation due to the environment. However, reflecting on her test she explained, “I think because of how nervous we were, I could feel it myself, but actually on the outside, it looked quite good! I was really pleased with him”
Chloe has had Irish Buck since he was a five-year-old and has done everything with him from hunting, to showing to dressage. The pair previously competed in the 2022 Quest final at Prelim level, but unfortunately, the handsome gelding injured his check ligament so had to take some time off. However, following a successful recovery the pair were delighted to return for the Novice this year.
Summarising why she loves the Quest Championships, Chloe said, “We do the team Quest as well, so we are with all our friends. It’s really nice and friendly, and it’s very encouraging. Everyone was here today cheering us on,”
Sophie Taylor and her Toberpatrick Dorito claimed second place with a score of 70.000% whilst Abbie Richards and Brandy Boy came in close third with a score of 69.703%.
My Quest U21 Introductory & Preliminary Championship
Lilly and Holyoake Galaxy have been together for just over three years. Expressing how much she values her bond and partnership with her 23-year-old pony Lilly said, “My favourite thing [about his test] was when I was entering the arena as he really felt like he was on my side.”
The pair began competing with British Dressage just under two years ago and have taken to it like ducks to water: “he's really fun, and he was an ex-show pony, so he's kind of built for this, which is really nice,” explained Lilly.
They originally started Quest as they wanted to try something new. Sharing how she’s enjoyed her experience and the Quest Championship atmosphere Lilly said, “It's been really good. It's quite nerve-wracking, but then when you go in, it's really exciting.”
When asked about her favourite moment Lilly replied, “Probably everything I've done this weekend,” perfectly summarising how fun and unforgettable the Quest Championships are inside and outside of the arena.
The amazing U21 Intro runners up were, members of our winning U21 Team, The Soho Juniors LDN W1D, Amy Parry (14) and DHI Mojo with a score of 69.565%, closely followed by Somerset's Tilly Batten (11) and Tilly XIV with a score of 69.275%.
In another incredibly tightly contested competition, the dazzling U21 Prelim runners up were Hampshire's Ellie Davis (10) and Fenmere Dominic on 70.000%, closely followed by Caitlin Evans-Simpson (11) and Thorngate Crusader from South Yorkshire with a score of 69.936%.
My Quest U21 Novice Championship
“It’s the first time we’ve done anything like this, it went really well,” exclaimed Grace following her successful weekend.
The combination has already formed a strong partnership, and Grace described her 17hh mare as, “really lovey with a sweet temperament”. The pair are still fairly new to each other so Quest has been the perfect experience for them as they get to know each other before moving up the levels: “I’ve had her for just under a year and started competing a few months ago. I'm hopefully going to do some elementary next year,” explained Grace talking about what’s next for them.
Grace also came first in both of her Team Quest U21 tests, once again with scores over 70%, and summarising her experience at the championships as a competitor and a teammate she said, “It's really good and everyone's really helpful so it's really nice, there’s a lot of spirit”
Buckinghamshire’s Holly Torrome Adams (15) and her seven-year-old mare, Killadeer Lily came second with 70.833% just ahead of Cydney Gilbert (18) and Quel surprise from Kent with a score of 70.238%.
Unmounted Fun
In the name of friendly competition and Quest spirit, our Questers showcased their talents out of the saddle and battled it out for the title of Best Decorated Stable and Best Selfie.
Congratulations to all of this year's competitors! We would also like to say a huge thank you to our judges, stewards and volunteers, as well as Arena UK, for running such an incredible event and for giving such a warm welcome to our Questers. Also, a special thank you goes to our new Quest title sponsor LeMieux for their dedicated support.
Results (Top Three)
Team Quest Open
1. The Buckaroos, 412.528
2. Prancing Queens, 408.752
3. The Rosevidiots, 408.084
Team Quest U21
1. Soho Juniors LDN W1D, 434.104
2. Jennings Juniors, 417.113
3. Mum's Money Pitt, 416.943
My Quest Open Introductory
1. Janine Wright and La Loca, 70.435%
2. Farrah Cook and King Jackie boy, 68.623%
3. Helen Stephenson and The Bomb, 68.333%
My Quest Open Preliminary
1. Jess Hardiman and Comberton Upbeat, 70.833%
2. Claire Jones and Owl House Rebel, 69.166%
3. Brittney McClary and Lestowder Black Knight, 68.269%
My Quest Open Novice
1. Chloe Stiley and Irish Buck, 71.429%
2. Sophie Taylor and Toberpatrick Dorito, 70.000%
3. Abbie Richards and Brandy Boy, 69.703%
My Quest U21 Introductory
1. Lilly Davies and Holyoake Galaxy, 69.638%
2. Amy Parry and DHI Mojo, 69.565%
3. Tilly Batten and Tilly XIV, 69.275%
My Quest U21 Preliminary
1. Lilly Davies and Holyoake Galaxy, 70.962%
2. Ellie Davis and Fenmere Dominic, 70.000%
3. Caitlin Evans-Simpson and Thorngate Crusader, 69.936%
My Quest U21 Novice
1. Grace England and Giselle, 71.012%
2. Holly Torrome Adams and Killadeer Lily, 70.833%
3. Cydney Gilbert and Quel surprise, 70.238%
Photo © Kevin Sparrow
