Cavago Associated Championships: Retrained Racehorses on show

Retrained Racehorses put their best hoof forward on the second day of the Cavago Associated Championships at Onley Grounds Equestrian (23 October 2024).

Judy Bradwell patting the chestnut gelding Burrows Light at the end of their test139B-PSD72762.JPG

Proving that her talents do not stop with a pencil and paper, Katy Ferrari, an animal artist from Leicestershire, achieved remarkable success at the Cavago Associated Championships aboard Julie Routledge-Martin’s Sirius Chesnut (Domedriver x Cadeaux Genereux). The pair not only secured the titles of RoR Medium and Advanced Medium overall champions with scores of 64.49% and 62.37%, respectively, but they also took the Thoroughbred Medium overall title on 65.81% and Advanced Medium Bronze champion title on 62.57%.

Katy first discovered the Associated Championships in 2017 after she joined a Quest team and achieved her qualifying scores through competing at Quest competitions. Since then, she has returned every year. Reflecting on her experience this year, where she walked away with seven sashes and eleven rosettes, Katy said, “It was something I never expected.” She added, “Right now, they’re piled on my coffee table. I’m not sure what to do with so many of them; I was considering turning them into a cushion cover!”

Katy discovered her love for dressage thanks to the 16-year-old gelding. She explained, “I actually hated dressage. I used to focus on eventing, seeing it as just the way to get to cross country. However, I went and did an Intro with him, and we won his first ever dressage test on 72% so that was that.”

Since that first success, the pair have advanced through the levels. Over their nine and a half years together, with the support of her coach Kate Cowell, Katy has transformed Sirius Chesnut from being unable to canter more than three strides on a 20 meter circle to competing at Advanced Medium level.

Judy Bradwell (pictured above) also secured multiple victories, claiming the RoR Novice overall champion title on 68.23% and the RoR Elementary overall champion title on 69.49% aboard Burrows Light (Hunters Light x Mansonnien).

The six-year-old gelding, known as Rupert at home, was just 14 months out of training. Julie explained that he was quite inquisitive and was finding the championship atmosphere a little spooky. However, as they headed into the white boards Judy put this behind her. Coming out of her test Julie was really pleased with Rupert and while she felt confident in their ride, she remarked, "It was still a lovely, pleasant surprise to win.”

Describing her dancing partner, Judy said, “He’s a gentleman. Although he loves himself a bit and is quite a character.” Then elaborating on why she’s drawn to the breed, she explained, “I love thoroughbreds; they just have a place in my heart. They've got a lot of talent when you develop it and I find them very easy to train.”

Competing alongside other RoR and thoroughbred owners at the Associated Championships provides many with a strong sense of community. “They’re such a lovely, friendly group of people. Everyone is there because they love thoroughbreds and horses, and it creates a very nice atmosphere,” she said, perfectly summarising exactly what the Championships are all about.

Judy was also at the Championships the day before to support her client, Gavin Connell, who was competing in the Veteran Horse classes on his chestnut thoroughbred, Champions Peace. "I often help the people I'm coaching on competition days and provide them with support. I went specifically for Gavin that day, but I truly enjoy being there to support my clients, and he's a wonderful person," said Judy.

Charlotte Whitfield and her four-year-old mare Express Yourself (Rajasinghe x Amadeus Wolf) were the Intro overall champions with a score of 67.72%. After Charlotte almost had to make the tough decision to put ‘Kodie’ to sleep the previous winter, this young mare defied the odds to compete at the Cavago Associated Championships. Reflecting on the year leading up to the Championships, Charlotte shared on Facebook, “Even just having her here still makes me so pleased. It’s so easy to forget she’s just four years old. She’s come such a long way from her first show.”

While Charlotte was proud of their achievements and grateful for the fun they had while competing this year, she emphasised her gratitude for simply having Kodie as her four-legged partner: “Putting all results aside, she’s just been the most well-mannered, kind horse anyone could come across!”

Natalie Ross, from Warwickshire, and her horse Another Mouse (Crosspeace x El Conquistador) were crowned the RoR Prelim overall champions with an impressive score of 71.03%. Over the course of two busy days, they competed in five tests and secured the bronze champion title in four classes with scores of 67.08% in the Novice RoR, 70.60% in the Forces Equine Novice representing the West Midlands Fire Service, 68.44% in the Thoroughbred Prelim, and of course 71.03% in the RoR Prelim.

Posting on Facebook, Natalie summarised her experience saying, “Mouse absolutely smashed it. Our hard work and training together the last couple of months has totally paid off.”

Congratulations to all competitors and their amazing RoR horses. A heartfelt thanks once again go to title sponsors Cavago for their invaluable support and to Onley Grounds for hosting this spectacular event.