Cavago Associated Championships: Terrific Traditional Gypsy Cobs

Traditional Gypsy Cobs brought beauty and power to the second day of the Cavago Associated Championships at Onley Grounds Equestrian (23 October 2024).

12-year-old Theo Charnley and his 7-year-old rescue pony, RSPCA George (pictured above) were quadruple winners at this year’s Associated Championships and were the top scorers in the TGCA Championship with their score of 71.25% making them our Novice Bronze and overall champions. This talented duo also took the TGCA Part-Bred Prelim overall and silver champion titles with another impressive score of 70.60%. The pair furthered their success in the CHAPS classes later in the week, becoming Prelim and Novice overall champions with another top score of 72.67% and 68.96% respectively.

Posting on Facebook, Claire Charnley, Theo’s mum expressed her pride in saying, “To come away from an event with four section and overall championship wins, eight sashes, with all of those 70% plus test results is astounding, and an absolute testament to Theo and George's hard work. We are unbelievably proud of them both!”

 This promising rider certainly has a bright future ahead of him and we are looking forward to seeing the pair being put through their paces by Becky Moody this weekend as a demo rider at our flagship training event BD Presents.

Shellie Beattie and her six-year-old Moore's Jack of Diamonds were our TGCA Prelim overall and silver champions with a score of 68.97%.

Moore's Jack of Diamonds, affectionately known as Axel at home, didn’t start his life necessarily destined for the dressage boards. Shellie explained, “I brought him as a foal at six months old. He was born in troubling times as his mum was a rescue, and they didn't know she was pregnant.”

However, with Shellie’s love and care, Axel thrived and since her son has now grown out of him, and she sadly lost her own mare last year, Shellie decided to take on the ride herself.

Shellie found that Axel loved his work, proving to be “an absolute pleasure to train” and it wasn’t long before she discovered that he was a talented little “showman” inside the white boards. He has gone on to take his first season and stay-away competition in his stride and the Associated Championships promise to be the first of many successes to come for this young pony.

“I loved every minute at Onley and can't wait to go back next year!” said Shellie, as she expressed how much she enjoyed competing with Axel at the Associated Championships and shared her hopes for the future.

Rebecca Lock and Brickell Mr Pickwick (Tucker II x Brickell Georgie) also secured multiple wins. The pair took their spot at the top of the podium as the TGCA Elementary Silver, becoming overall champions with a score of 65.29%; they also made it to the podium again as the Medium Bronze champions with a score of 64.26%, putting them in third place overall.

British Dressage List Four Judge Clare Ashley and Michelle Alford’s Brynn Roger (aka Henry) had a successful competition securing three top ten placings as they were the TGCA Novice overall champions with a score of 69.58%, fourth overall in the Elementary on 64.26% and eighth overall in the Novice Veteran class with a score of 67.96%. Speaking about her experience on Facebook, Clare said she had a “cracking couple of days of competing,” and also mentioned enjoying seeing the outstanding results and achievements of her clients.

Sarah Edmunds claimed the TGCA Novice Bronze champion title for the third year running with her seven-year-old cob, I Should Coco IV (Grandseigneur x Preussenprinz), who she backed and produced from scratch herself after purchasing him as “a fluffy two-year-old”.

Since then, this dazzling combination has built a strong partnership and seen much success: “My real-life Thelwell pony, Coco, consistently exceeds all my expectations. He tries so hard and has taken me to competition success beyond my dreams, but I do wish he wouldn’t use the stretching part of a test to have a good look around at everything!” said Sarah sharing how proud she is of her cheeky dance partner.

“The championships are always so friendly, everyone helps each other,” said Sarah, summarising why the Associated Championships continue to hold a special place in her heart as she returns year after year.

 Congratulations to all competitors and their wonderful TGCA horses and ponies. Thanks go to title sponsors Cavago and host venue Onley Grounds for their support of this spectacular event.

TGCA Champions

TGCA Introductory
Danielle Boot and Lucky Llamedos (B)*, 67.50%    

TGCA Preliminary
Shellie Beattie and Moore's Jack of Diamonds (S)*, 68.97%    
Emma Berry and Mr Blue Sky V (B), 68.53%    

TGCA Novice
Clare Ashley and Henry (BRYNN, ROGER) (S)*, 69.58%    
Sarah Edmunds and I Should Coco lV (B), 66.88%    

TGCA Elementary
Rebecca Lock and Brickell Mr Pickwick (S)*, 65.29%    
Ruby Lewin and CNS Cob Marley (B), 65.29%    

TGCA Medium
Emma Owen and Sir Percy (G), 62.72%    
Sam Gorman and Porridge (S)*, 66.32%    
Rebecca Lock and Brickell Mr Pickwick (B), 64.26%    

TGCA Part Bred Champions

TGCA Part Bred Introductory
Kerry Davey and Bob (B)* 68.04%    

TGCA Part Bred Preliminary
Theo Charnley and RSPCA George (S)*, 70.60%    
Sue Mckechnie and My Boy Oscar (B), 65.26%    

TGCA Part Bred Novice
Theo Charnley and RSPCA George (B)*, 71.25%    
Jennie Medlock and Bric a Brac (S), 70.00%    

TGCA Part Bred Elementary
Jennie Medlock and Bric a Brac (S)*, 65.22%    
Felicity Carter and Queensdown Safari (B), 64.85%

TGCA Part Bred Medium
Alys Matravers and Tiger Mazarati (S)*, 66.76%    

*Overall Champion 

VIEW FULL RESULTS