Cavago Associated Championships: Stunning Side Saddle

Side Saddle competitors brought a stunning display of sophistication at the Cavago Associated Championships, hosted by Onley Grounds Equestrian (25 October 2024).

Oxfordshire’s Gemma Whitworth and Elevated XL (Uphill x Nanin) (pictured above) were a standout combination at this year’s Side Saddle Associated Championships, taking both the overall Novice and Elementary champion titles with fantastic scores of 68.54% and 66.40% respectively.

“I was thrilled with how our tests went. He was a lot more forward than he usually is and quite excited to be in a different arena. He felt really good,” said Gemma, praising the 15-year-old chestnut gelding's performance.

Having competed in dressage for many years, Gemma began riding side saddle three years ago being inspired to give it a go after watching the A Bit on the Side Saddle Display Team at the Burghley Horse Trials: “I watched them there and I thought, why not? It was during COVID, so it became my lockdown learning activity and I loved it from the first time I got on!”

For Gemma, riding side saddle was not just a fun activity, it also offered her a new way to enjoy dressage and a new challenge that served as an alternative to simply trying to progress up the levels riding astride. She explained, “it was just another way to do more dressage and challenge myself.  It allows me to stay at the same level but develop a bit more skill and different techniques.”

Kerry Davey and her 17hh gelding Bob IX were another impressive combination; they excelled in the spotlight as they claimed the Side Saddle Intro overall championship title, after only beginning to ride aside in April of this year.

Describing the magical memory, Kerry said, “It was dark when we started our test, so the arena was floodlit. However, Bob loves the spotlight so I knew he would show off and try his best. Plus, as he’s black, the lights really suit him!”

Drawn in by its elegance, Kerry had been interested in riding side saddle for some time;  Bob was the push she needed to finally give it a go and despite never having carried a side saddle before he took to it perfectly. “I’d never had a horse that would be suitable before, but he’s such a dependable and kind horse that I knew he wouldn’t mind,” she explained.

Kerry’s relationship with Bob has been strong from the very beginning and he has given her the confidence that she really needed to get out and compete: “I bought Bob from a friend after losing a horse and having a big confidence knock. I cried when I got on him because he was just so fantastic and I knew he was going to look after me.”

Since beginning her side saddle journey, Kerry has enjoyed competing within such a supportive community. She decided to aim for the Associated Championships because it’s one of the few competitions with designated side saddle classes where they can compete against each other.

Harriet Mitchell, from East Sussex, was in disbelief after being crowned the Side Saddle Prelim overall champion aboard MIH Dunbeggan Freckles (Dunbeggan Grey Mist x Ballinvella). The following day she posted on Facebook saying, “Wow, yesterday just doesn’t seem real.”

The Associated Championships were Harriet's first time competing against other side saddle riders and despite feeling “incredibly nervous” before heading down the centre line, the pair delivered an outstanding performance which was rewarded with a score of 71.98%. The combination also had success in the Novice class, securing second place overall with a score of 68.13%, placing them less than 0.05% behind the winner.

Congratulations to all our side saddle competitors and their incredible horses. Thanks go to title sponsors Cavago for their invaluable support and to Onley Grounds for hosting this unforgettable event.

Side Saddle Champions

Side Saddle Introductory
Kerry Davey and Bob (B)*, 63.59%     

Side Saddle Preliminary
Harriet Mitchell and MIH Dunbeggan Freckles (S)*, 71.98%     
Claire King and Eager Heart III (B), 71.12%     

Side Saddle Novice
Gemma Whitworth and Elevated XL (G)*, 68.54%     
Laura Wright and Next Days Harlequin (S), 66.56%     
Harriet Mitchell and MIH Dunbeggan Freckles (B), 68.13% 

Side Saddle Elementary
Gemma Whitworth and Elevated XL (S)*, 66.40%     

*Overall champion 

VIEW FULL RESULTS

Photos © KB Photography