Cavago Associated Championships: Veteran Horses Shine

Veteran Horses showcased their experience and class on the third day of the Cavago Associated Championships at Onley Grounds Equestrian (22 October 2024).

Veteran Horse Champions 20+ 

Juliet Penwarden and the 20-year-old gelding Decorum (Hofrat x Wilhelmina), pictured above, were crowned the Veteran Horse 20+ Medium overall champions with a score of 66.76% whilst also placing seventh in the Veteran Rider Medium on 64.63%, making it a successful show across two categories.

“It was lovely to be able to aim Decorum at a championship where he could compete with other horses of his age,” said Juliet, summarising why she and Decorum loved the event before adding, “Although a veteran, he very much enjoys his work and competing and does not give me the impression that he is ready to retire. In fact, he is peaking later in life!”  

The pair's journey together over the last 16 years has not always been plain-sailing as  Juliet recounted that “the early years were rather hair-raising,” describing their first Area Festival where the pair “spectacularly parted company.” This mishap left Juliet with a fractured back, whilst on their next attempt, she ended up with three broken ribs! However, she persevered and the duo now have an unbreakable bond: “Despite suggestions I should sell him, we stuck together and now he is a total pleasure and a great friend.” 

Carys Clark and her 21-year-old chestnut mare, Lady Evelyn, were crowned the Veteran Horse 20+ Novice overall champions with a score of 67.96%. Sharing how she felt after realising she was at the top of the Novice leaderboard, Carys said, “I was both over the moon and shocked.” 
She was thrilled to be able to share her winning moment with her dancing partner, saying, “My horse of a lifetime, Vee, loved showing off to the judges and felt amazing. It was so special to see her dressed up in her sashes and she knew she deserved them!”

“The atmosphere for the whole show was just fantastic,” Carys concluded, reflecting on her experience at the Championships, highlighting how friendly her fellow competitors were and how “encouraging and enthusiastic” the stewards were even after a long day outside.

Denbighshire’s Maddie Maher and Willoway Chicago (Willoway Minstral x Mercury Amy) were crowned the Veteran Horse 20+ Prelim overall champions with an impressive score of 70.00%. Additionally, she took the British Native Pony Prelim overall champion title with another outstanding score of 70.23%. 

Mark Walters also secured multiple wins across the Championships, claiming the Veteran 20+ Prix St Georges overall champion title with a score of 69.34% riding Iceblue Valentino (Harlem x Rimea) as well as the Lusitano Medium overall champion title riding Maestro Mourinho.

Veteran Horse Champions 15-19 years

Laura Cooper, from Leicestershire, and her 16-year-old mare Woodlander Roxanne (Woodlander Rockstar x Trenda) finished top of the leaderboard in the Veteran Horse Championship with an outstanding overall highest score of 72.11%, making them the Veteran Horse 15 - 19 years Elementary overall champions. 
Laura was overjoyed with their achievement and posting on Facebook she said, “She is just the best and my total horse of a lifetime.”
After undergoing abdominal surgery and breaking her hand earlier this year, which meant she had to re-learn and adapt how she holds her reins, this win was even more special for Laura as she explained, “I really didn’t expect anything, so this exceeds my wildest expectations.”

17-year-old Jemima Brown and Abi Scott’s 15-year-old gelding, Camarnaint Rambler (Minyffordd Democrat x Greigiau Copper Tornador) claimed the Veteran Horse 15 - 19 years Advanced Medium overall champion title with an outstanding score of 69.67%. Posting on Facebook after her test, Jemima said, “Barney was on top form and I was so pleased with our test, with eights for some of the changes and medium trot.”

Another standout pair were Ainslie Aitken and 16-year-old Sebastian I (Blue Hors Rush Hour X Blue Hors Don Schufro), who took both the Veteran Horse 15 -19 years Novice and Elementary overall champion titles on 71.48% and 66.17%, respectively. Lizzie Webb and WS Montpellier (Monte Carlo x Vernal beacon light) also came away with two overall champion titles. The duo were crowned the Veteran 15-19 years Medium overall champions on 69.39% and also the Part-Bred British Native Pony Medium overall champions on an impressive 70.74%.

Congratulations to all our competitors and their veteran horses. Thanks go to title sponsors Cavago and host venue Onley Grounds for their support in making this event one to remember. 

Results (Bronze, Silver and Gold Champions)

Veteran Horse Champions 20+ 

Veteran 20+ Introductory
Nicola Stephenson and Ravenside Kirkby (B)*, 69.67%

Veteran 20+ Preliminary
Lindsay Hancock and Meacham Metz (G), 66.04%    
Laura Fowler and Cherokee (S), 68.54%    
Maddie Maher and Willoway Chicago (B)*, 70.00%

Veteran 20+ Novice
Amelia Ward and Tireve What’s Wanted (S), 65.83%    
Carys Clark and Lady Evelyn (B)*, 67.96% 

Veteran 20+ Elementary
Molly Rose and Wantsley (S)*, 70.23%    
Lucy Boynton and Jecca (B), 65.78%    

Veteran 20+ Medium
Juliet Penwarden and Decorum (S)*, 66.76%    
Eleanor Jackson-Wall and Knabbhall Symphony (B), 64.12%

Veteran 20+ Advanced Medium
Ellie Roberts and Zante (G)*, 66.12%
Rose Foley and Duque L (S), 61.78%
Julia Brightwell and E Equals MC Squared (B), 62.43%    

Veteran 20+  Prix St Georges
Mark Walters and IceBlue Valentino (G)*, 69.34%
Rose Foley and Duque L (S), 65.07%    
Sue Lanz and Wellshead Foxt (B), 61.76%

Veteran Horse Champions 15-19 years 

Veteran 15-19 years Introductory
Isla Needham and Newtonhill Prince Phillip (B)*, 68.04%    

Veteran 15-19 years Preliminary
Janet Zaldats and Crookus Gill (G), 67.40%    
Oliver Lawery and Seiont Glesyn (S)*, 71.04%    
Amy Thomas and Rocky XXVI (B), 68.65%    

Veteran 15-19 years Novice
Ainslie Aitken and Sebastian I (G)*, 71.48%
Andrea Sparkes and Kazan (S), 70.93%
Elena Newton and Rittersporn (B), 68.52%    

Veteran 15-19 years Elementary
Ainslie Aitken and Sebastian I (G), 66.17%
Laura Cooper and Woodlander Roxanne (S), 72.11%    
Jane Hendy and Cefnbangor Rob Roy (B), 65.47%    

Veteran 15-19 years Medium
Lizzie Webb and WS Montpellier (G)*, 69.39%
Erin George and Diamond Rmbeartino (S), 67.23%
Abi Dean and The Finding Nemo (B), 65.95%

Veteran 15-19 Years Advanced Medium
Sondra Rutter and Sirocco (G), 67.30%
Dawn Goody and Rough Lee So Schufro (S), 65.72%    
Jemima Brown and Camarnaint Rambler (B)*, 69.67%    

Veteran 15-19 Years  Prix St Georges
Sue Brougham and Amazing VY (G)*, 67.87%    
Olivia Wrennall and Disneyland (S), 65.96%    
Clare Ashley and Regal Hit (B), 65.96%    

*Overall champion 

VIEW FULL RESULTS

Photos © KB Photography