Arena UK High Profile concludes season on a high

Despite Storm Darragh, the final High Profile of the year hosted by Arena UK in Lincolnshire (5 - 8 December 2024) had a wonderful festive atmosphere and plenty of worthy winter winners. 

Hampshire’s Sara-Jane Lanning (pictured above) delivered several outstanding performances throughout the competition, securing multiple top placings. Together with her own and  Nicola Seale’s Hawtins Lirica (Lemony's Nicket x Dimaggio), she won both Friday and Saturday’s Intermediate I classes, scoring 70.049% and 70.147%, respectively. The pair also claimed a victory in Saturday’s Prix St Georges with a class-topping score of 71.127%. Reflecting on her success Sara said, “It’s always got to be nice to finish the season on a high to go into the next year looking forward to what you can do.”

Sara has produced the British-bred mare up through the levels from Elementary and explained, “I struggled in the past with the connection; she tended to sort of curl behind the contact. On the first day, she was very spooky, and we were last, but she got better and better, and in that final test, she felt amazing. So that was the highlight for me - the feeling down the rein, the connection and how she developed in her confidence.”

An important part of Sara’s success has been finding a coach who understands her and Lirica: “I've come from training over the years with Rafael Soto, the Spanish Olympian, and he just totally gets to understand her chestnut mare brain.”

Sara also placed second with her own Sigurd (Richman x Tamitta) in the Grand Prix Freestyle with another impressive score of 69.292%, riding to music by Micheal Jackson. Having built a strong partnership with the 18-year-old gelding, who she bought the day before the first COVID-19 Lockdown, she noted, “It was the icing on the cake to come second with my own horse. It was just a nice way to end after the win on Lirica; I could just go and have fun as I love doing freestyle … I think music is my thing.”

Amy Woodhead was another standout competitor, securing an impressive trio of first-place finishes as well as the highest Small Tour score of the competition on 73.284%. Riding Sarah Wood’s Mount St John Furstin Fugger (Furst Heinrich x Piroschka), she claimed victory in Thursday’s Prix St Georges with an incredible score of 73.284%. She was also the Inter I runner-up on 70.588%, after Harriette Williams and her 14-year-old mare Creto took the win on 71.765%.

Amy continued to have outstanding success on Friday, taking the top spot in the Medium class aboard MSJ Viva Dannebrog (Vitalis x Don Schufro) with 71.666% and achieved another  Prix St Georges win riding Emma Blundell’s 10-year-old  mare Mount St John Jazz Dance (Jazz x Lantana V), scoring 71.275%. Additionally, she earned runner-up positions with Sarah Wood’s Keep in Mind in the PSG (71.225%) and with six-year-old MSJ Secret Lady (Secret x Donnerhall) in the Elementary (70.808%).

Danish rider Anders Dahl and Angela Jones’s Esquire (Valeron x Nimmerdor) claimed victory in both the Grand Prix Special and Grand Prix, scoring 67.553% and 67.500%; whilst Dorset’s Anna Jesty (25) secured the runner-up position in the Grand Prix with her own Commodore Platinum (Clapton x Voltaire) on 66.848%, before going on to deliver a standout performance in the Grand Prix Freestyle taking the top spot on 69.750%. Anna also earned third place in the same class riding Bronte Watson’s 13-year-old gelding Grolschstar with a score of 68.417% for only their second freestyle together. Posting on Facebook, Anna said, “I’m super happy with the ride they both gave me! As always lots to take away and work on, but it’s such fun having the opportunity to compete at this level with these two.”

In Thursday’s Para Dressage classes, Alice Begg delivered consistent results and three strong performances aboard her two promising young horses. Aboard the nine-year-old mare Kiolita, Alice secured the win in the Grade 5 Intermediate and Grand Prix on 68.215% and 67.368%. Additionally, she placed second in the Grade 5 Intermediate aboard six-year-old Nalique with 67.738%. Nicola Naylor and her seven-year-old Moulin Rouge (Ferdinand x Dorado) were another strong combination, placing first in the Grade 4 Grand Prix with the highest score of the para classes, 70.946%, as well as placing second in Thursday’s Medium with another strong score of 70.444%. Nicola also placed first in Friday and Saturday's Prix St Georges Silver with Humberto L (Cachet x Haarlem) on 66.715% and 69.902%.

The youth classes over the weekend featured some of the highest scores in the competition, showcasing the incredible talent of the next generation. 13-year-old Lillian Waller McSweeney from Greater Manchester and Willingapark Sky Diamond (Sir Donnerhall x Don Schufro) delivered an exceptional performance in the Children on Horses Team test, earning the highest score of the event with an impressive 74.350%, marking a new personal best for Lillian. Another standout youth talent from this competition was Ruby Hughes (17), who delivered an eye-catching performance in the Junior Team test, earning her and Claire Wyatt’s seven-year-old Fire Kracka (Fidertanz x Diamond Hit) the second-highest score of the event on an impressive 73.485%. The pair also claimed victory in the Junior Individual test, where Ruby also secured second place aboard Shirley Rixon’s seven-year-old Penhaligon Freigeist (Frieschtz x Furst Romancier).

Congratulations to all the riders, owners, grooms and everyone who took part. Thank you to the  team at Arena UK for hosting such a successful BD High Profile Show, ending 2024 on a high note.

Results -top three

Thursday 5 December 

FEI Pony Freestyle 
1.    Ella Fraser and Brouwershaven’s Viceroy, 69.750%

Equissage Pulse Grade 5 Bronze and Silver Freestyle
1.    Sarah Oram and Tamrik Captain Jack Sparrow, 68.167%

Equissage Pulse Grade 5 Intermediate 
1.    Alice Begg and Kiolita, 68.215%
2.    Alice Begg and Nalique, 67.738%
3.    Sarah Oram and Tamrik Captain Jack Sparrow, 62.678%

Equissage Pulse Grade 4 Grand Prix
1.    Nicola Naylor and Moulin Rouge, 70.946%
2.    Katie Radzik and Showkia, 67.702%

Equissage Pulse Grade 5 Grand Prix 
1.    Alice Begg and Kiolita, 67.368%

Equissage Pulse Grade 3 
1.    Janet Cummings and Rhonderful Dorrells, 67.389%
2.    Vicky Earnshaw and Midline Rioja, 65.167%

Equissage Pulse Grade 3 Grand Prix 
1.    Vicky Earnshaw and Midline Rioja, 66.800%

Equi-Trek Elementary Gold
1.    Lara Edwards and Beaumont Franziska, 70.261%
2.    Emma Littlewood and Woodcroft Nolan, 67.865%
3.    Natalie Widdowson and Nelson Van De Gathe, 67.812%

Equi-Trek Elementary Silver
1.    Amy-lauren Fillingham and Lincoln LDS, 66.094%

HorseLight Medium Gold
1.     Natalie Widdowson and Nelson Van De Gathe, 66.823%

HorseLight Medium Silver
1.    Laura Woodcock and Lightning Texel W, 69.531%
2.    Emma Littlewood and Woodcroft Nolan, 68.854%
3.    Bracken Samantha Parkhouse and Bathleyhills vue parfait, 64.323%

Black Country Advanced Medium Gold
1.    Matthew Burnett and Enzo Vincenzo, 64.956%

Black Country Advanced Medium Silver
1.    Emma Littlewood and Camacho, 66.886%
2.    Heidi Hutchinson and Florida of Westoak, 65.483%
3.    Heidi Hutchinson and First Sebastien, 65.483%

NAF Magic  FEI Prix St Georges Gold
1.    Amy Woodhead and Mount St John Furstin Fugger, 73.284%
2.    Darren Hicks and Sir Robinson, 71.471%
3.    Kate Cowell and Final Reign, 70.098%

NAF Magic  FEI Prix St Georges  Silver
1.    Judy Hancock and Just Dance BH 67.794%
2.    Heidi Hutchinson and First Sebastien 65.000%
3.    Harry Corkett and Destino H 64.853%

NAF Superflex FEI Intermediate I 
1.    Harriette Williams and Creto, 71.765%
2.    Amy Woodhead and Mount St John Furstin Fugger, 70.588%
3.    Kate Cowell and Final Reign, 68.823%

FEI Grand Prix 
1.    Anders Dahl and Esquire, 67.500% (DEN)
2.    Anna Jesty and Commadore Platinum, 66.848%
3.    Darren Hicks and Tramontana Tiger Feet, 65.543%

Friday 6 December

Elementary Gold
1.    Alison Calvert and Woodlander Frampton, 70.808%
2.    Amy Woodhead and MSJ Secret Lady, 70.808%
3.    Emma Littlewood and Woodcroft Nolan, 66.869%

Elementary Silver
1.    Amy-lauren Fillingham and Lincoln LDS, 67.424%
2.    Emma Openshaw and Lyzando, 66.869%
3.    Freya Percival and Happy Vemma, 64.697%

HorseLight Medium Gold
1.    Amy Woodhead and MSJ Viva Dannebrog, 71.666%
2.    Nicola Naylor and Moulin Rouge, 70.444%
3.    Natalie Widdowson and Nelson Van De Gathe, 63.278%

HorseLight Medium Silver
1.    Alison Calvert and Woodlander Frampton, 68.056%
2.    Bracken Samantha Parkhouse and Bathleyhills vue parfaite, 65.889%
3.    Emma Openshaw and Lyzando, 64.833%

Black Country Saddles Advanced Medium Gold
1.    Matthew Burnett and Enzo Vincenzo, 65.088%
2.    Sacha Hamilton and Netstutteriets Nero, 64.211%

Black Country Saddles Advanced Medium Silver
1.    Heidi Hutchinson and First Sebastien, 66.360%
2.    Emma Littlewood and Camacho, 65.833%
3.    Yasmine Chaffer and Heavenly Kiss, BS 64.562%

NAF Magic FEI Prix St Georges Gold
1.    Amy Woodhead and Mount St John Jazz Dance, 71.275%
2.    Amy Woodhead and Keep in Mind, 71.225%
3.    Jenny Martell and Integro, 70.539%

NAF Magic FEI Prix St Georges Silver
1.    Nicola Naylor and Humberto L, 66.715%
2.    Heidi Hutchinson and First Sebastien, 65.686%
3.    Emma Littlewood and Camacho, 65.441%

NAF Superflex FEI Intermediate I Gold
1.    Sara-Jane Lanning and Hawtins Lirica, 70.049%
2.    Jenny Martell and Integro, 69.412%
3.    Sarah Stewart and DJoe Dimaggio, 67.843%

NAF Superflex FEI Intermediate I Silver
1.    Anna Bates and Gitina, 66.176%
2.    Belinda Spence and Sonnen Prinz 3, 62.500%
3.    Jo Gummer and Classic Ruby, 60.343%

FEI Grand Prix Special
1.    Anders Dahl and Esquire, 67.553% (DEN)
2.    Steph Croxford and Mr Jurist, 64.007%
3.    Jenny Martell and MVL Esquadra, 61.950%

Saturday 7 December

NAF Magic FEI Prix St Georges Gold
1.    Sara-Jane Lanning and Hawtins Lirica, 71.127%
2.    Sarah Higgins and Kenzo US, 66.569%
3.    Emily Coller and Ashley, 64.314%

NAF Magic FEI Prix St Georges Silver
1.    Nicola Naylor and Humberto L, 69.902%
2.    Jessica Parr and Juvat FCS, 66.863%
3.    Sacha Hamilton and Netstutteriets Nero, 64.510%

NAF Superflex FEI Intermediate I Gold
1.    Sara-Jane Lanning and Hawtins Lirica, 70.147%

NAF Superflex FEI Intermediate I Silver
1.    Daisy Hills and Midtgaards Gijon, 67.500%
2.    Anna Bates and Gitina, 66.324%
3.    Nicole Turner and J’Eton Hit LDS, 64.265%

FEI Children on Horses Individual Test
1.    Oriana McNamara and Guarantee-Gee, 72.593%
2.    Melissa Hargreaves and Lagerfeld W, 63.829%

FEI Pony Individual Test
1.    Ella Fraser and Brouwershaven’s viceroy, 68.559%
2.    Lexie Howe and Rosewater Rockstar, 68.424%
3.    Sophia Longworth and Don de Luxe, 67.793%

FEI Junior Individual Test
1.    Ruby Hughes and Fire Kracka, 72.794%
2.    Ruby Hughes and Penhaligon Freigeist, 70.784%
3.    Madi Haerr and Floran, 69.314%

FEI Young Rider Individual Test
1.    Tabitha Leicester and Eires Rock, 67.794%
2.    Megan Field and Bright Time, 66.912%
3.    Megan Field and Dargun, 64.422%

Medium Freestyle Gold
1.    Ellie Roberts and Lyon HK, 68.556%
2.    Natalie Widdowson and Nelson Van De Gathe, 66.223%

Medium Freestyle Silver
1.    Charlotte Calvert and Woodlander Frampton, 71.834%
2.    Charlotte Calvert and Quando, 67.278%

Advanced Medium Freestyle Gold
1.    Sacha Hamilton and Netstutteriets Nero, 67.667%
2.    Marie-Ayesha Barilits-Gupta and Rob Roy, 67.112%

Advanced Medium Freestyle Silver
1.    Ellie Roberts and Lyon HK, 69.112%
2.    Isabella Caldwell and Don Geniro, 68.501%
3.    Marie-Ayesha Barilits-Gupta and Waverley Furst Dance, 65.111%

NAF Superflex Intermediate I Freestyle Gold
1.    Sam Whyley and Daybreak Dancer, 68.917%

NAF Superflex Intermediate I Freestyle Silver
1.    Nicole Turner and J’Eton Hit LDS 65.167%

FEI Grand Prix Freestyle
1.    Anna Jesty and Commadore Platinum, 69.750%
2.    Sara-Jane Lanning and Sigurd, 69.292%
3.    Anna Jesty and Grolschstar, 68.417%

Sunday 8 December 

FEI Intermediate II 
1.    Sarah Higgins and Samuel, 70.392%
2.    Sarah Higgins and Netzo, 69.755%
3.    Jenny Martell and MVL Esquadra, 67.892%

FEI Pony Team Test
1.    Molly Powell and Mr Diego, 69.905%
2.    Darcey Blaze Marcus and Tackmann’s Dark Deluxe, 69.333%
3.    Queenie Moule and Amden supreme golden dancer, 68.619%

FEI Junior Team Test
1.    Ruby Hughes and Fire Kracka, 73.485%
2.    Madi Haerr and FLORAN, 69.394%
3.    Isabella Caldwell and Don Geniro, 68.889%

FEI Children on Horses Team Test 
1.    Lillian Waller McSweeney and Willingapark Sky Diamond, 74.350%
2.    Oriana McNamara and Guarantee-Gee, 71.025%
3.    Melissa Hargreaves and Lagerfeld W, 69.625%

FEI Young Rider Team Test
1.    Tabitha Leicester and Eires Rock, 67.941%
2.    Madison Eagle and Royalty, 66.323%
3.    Megan Field and Dargun, 65.931%

HorseLight Medium 
1.    Ellie Roberts and Lyon HK, 67.268%
2.    Hannah MacMillan and Brookeborough Lad, 65.417%

Black Country Saddles Advanced Medium

1.    Ellie Roberts and Lyon HK, 67.963%

VIEW FULL RESULTS

Photo © ATG Photography