Cavago Associated Championships: Arab Horses Amaze

Arab horses stole the spotlight and dazzled in the dressage arena on the final day of the Cavago Associated Championships at Onley Grounds Equestrian (26 October 2024).

Tamsin O'Connor (pictured above) and Riversides Caballero (Legrande x Sameon Amber Eclipse), affectionately known as Aero Bubble, triumphed in the Arab Horse Part Bred, taking the overall champion title in the Prelim with the highest score of the Arab Horse Championships, an impressive 70.34%. Tamsin was thrilled with the 10-year-old gelding’s performance, saying, "I was really pleased with how it went—no disasters, unlike last year when we had a bit of a meltdown just before trotting up the centre line!"

Warming up for the Novice test later in the day, Aero was slightly unsettled by the darkening environment. However, the pair still managed a brilliant performance, scoring 69.06% to take the win, and Tamsin commented that "it actually felt quite special riding under the lights."

Tamsin discovered their shared passion for dressage after Aero sustained a ligament injury shortly after she purchased him. Following six months of box rest and then rehabilitation, they began competing at Intro level in unaffiliated competitions to gain experience while rebuilding Aero’s strength. "It turns out that dressage is what he enjoys the most and feels confident doing,” said Tamsin, who plans to move up to the Elementary level next year.

Sharing why she loves competing at the Associated Championships, Tamsin explained, “It’s fun to meet other like-minded and friendly people with a passion for the breed.”

Worcestershire’s Sam Turner and Audace Encore were also dual overall champions in this year’s Arab Horse Championships, claiming both the Arab Horse Novice and Elementary titles with 66.77% and 65.29%.

From the very beginning, Audace Encore’s journey has been a team effort. His breeder and owner Rowena Bertram, a close friend of Sam, shared the story behind their success: "Sammy, as we call him, is a second-generation homebred. I bred his mother from my old Arabian endurance mare, and I also own his father, Marcus Aurelius."

The dramatic circumstances surrounding Sammy’s birth are reflected in his registered and stable name, inspired by the misquoted line, “Play it again, Sam!” Recalling the events, Rowena explained, “I agreed to take my elder daughter, Becky, and Marcus [Sammy’s sire] to compete in an FEI 1 endurance ride five hours away. But his mother’s approach to foaling sped up in the days leading up to it.”

With the foaling alarm set and neighbours on standby, the family made it home just in time. “I’d just settled the horses and was halfway through a cup of tea when the alarm went off. I rushed to the barn, followed by Becky and Katherine with dinner in hand,” explained Rowena. “The foaling was eventful, as Sammy got stuck at the shoulders… Fortunately, we were able to help free him, and he arrived—a carbon copy of his sire!”

Despite his endurance lineage, the nine-year-old gelding has found his calling in dressage. Reflecting on Sam and Sammy’s first championships together, Rowena said, “We were all absolutely thrilled with how Sammy performed at his first big show and are excited for what comes next.”

Thirteen-year-old Lucas Patrick Smyth and Yealand Mamzelle (Botingelle Swan Song x Langfield Canth) were stand-out competitors at this year’s Associated Championships. This impressive duo claimed the Arab Horse Part-Bred Intro overall champion title with a score of 68.15% while also coming out on top in the Forces Equine and Part-Bred British Native Pony Intro with 68.48% and 67.93%. 

Cheshire’s Poppy Burgess and GFS Dizzy Rascal (Destello x San Remo) took the Part-Bred Arab Horse Elementary overall champion title with 66.84% and Stephen Ho claimed victory in the Medium aboard Larktonhill Lionheart (Strinesdale Matador x Eywal Laurel). Meanwhile, Amanda Miller from Hertfordshire and her 12-year-old gelding Venus Virtuoso (Marbon Mobago x G Tamim) impressed in the Arab Horse Prelim, taking the overall champion title on 68.19%.

Congratulations to all our amazing competitors and their beautiful Arab horses. Thanks go to title sponsors Cavago and host venue Onley Grounds for their support of this incredible event.

Arab Horse Champions

Arab Horse Preliminary
Isabelle Williams and Handel CS (S), 61.81%    
Amanda Miller and Venus Virtuoso (B)*, 68.19%    

Arab Horse Novice
Sam Turner and Audace Encore (S)*, 66.77%    
Sue Box and HS Emerillon (B), 59.79%    

Arab Horse Elementary
Sam Turner and Audace Encore (S)*, 65.29%    
Nicola Routledge and Summers Place Michka (B), 63.46%    

Arab Horse Part Bred Champions

Arab Horse Part Bred Introductory
Lucas Patrick Smyth and Yealand Mamzelle (B)*, 68.15%    

Arab Horse Part Bred Preliminary
Kate Heap and Murraybrook Fairy Dust (G), 67.24%    
Tamsin OConnor and Riversides Caballero (S)*, 70.34%    
Rebecca Anders and Prestwood Royal Appointment (B), 68.02%    

Arab Horse Part Bred Novice
Anita Sheldon and L. A. Torillo (S), 61.46%
Tamsin OConnor and Riversides Caballero (B)*, 69.06%    

Arab Horse Part Bred Elementary
Emily Cross and Moorfarm Lightning McQueen (S), 64.85%    
Poppy Burgess and GFS Dizzy Rascal (B)*, 66.84%    

Arab Horse Part Bred Medium
Stephen Ho and Larktonhill Lionheart (B)*, 64.04%    

VIEW FULL RESULTS

Photos © KB Photography