Cavago Associated Championships: Victorious Veteran Riders

Veteran riders and their equine dancing partners showcased exceptional talent at the Cavago Associated Championships at Onley Grounds Equestrian (25 October 2024).

Claire Ballantyne, a List 1 Judge from Staffordshire, celebrated an impressive victory in the Veteran Rider Prix St Georges with a score of 70.88%, riding her 10-year-old home-bred Dvorak (De Niro x Florestan). “It was a real pleasure…he was so sensitive and so with me, which made it a wonderful experience,” said Claire reflecting on this memorable test.

Dvorak’s journey is particularly personal for Claire, who bred him herself after falling in love with his dam. “His mother was a lovely ride, so we decided to put her in foal, and we got two lovely foals currently performing very well at Inter I level with the potential to move up to harder levels,” she explained.

Noting how competing at this level “is not easy and takes quite a lot of training,” Claire credited her trainer Calum Whitworth for their success, explaining that “without Calum’s help, we wouldn’t be where we are.”

Perfectly summarising how, as a veteran rider, she considers it a privilege to remain active in the sport with a horse of Dvorak’s quality, Claire said, “It’s not just fun—it’s an absolute pleasure and honour to compete at this level with such a wonderful horse in this environment.”

Caroline Ellis and James Fletch (Negro x Eydon) delivered two standout performances, clinching victory in the Prelim with the highest score of the Veteran Rider Championships, 72.59%, as well as the Novice with another strong score of 69.79%.

Following her success at the Championships, Caroline said, “I’m thrilled! I can safely say these were the best tests we’ve ever done."

However, the journey to this success has taken time, and explaining how their partnership has developed, Caroline said, “I’ve had him for just over two years, but it took a while for me to really ride him effectively. This summer, I changed trainers and started working with Emma Roche, who has been a significant influence on his performance. She truly understands him and has given me the confidence to ride him. I’m incredibly grateful.”

Having competed at the Associated Championships with her daughter’s outgrown Pony Club pony after they couldn't bring themselves to sell him a few years ago, Caroline shared why she was keen to return: “Of course, people are competitive, but the atmosphere is always so friendly. The organisers always go out of their way to make you feel special, and all the staff were amazing.”

Surrey’s Krystyna Monks claimed the Veteran Rider Advanced Medium overall champion title, scoring 65.71% aboard Dubai. Reflecting on her unexpected win Krystyna said, “He was on fire - cheeky but lovely because I had something to work with. I did better than I thought and was absolutely thrilled.”

Dubai, sired by World Championship show jumper Berlin, has defied expectations by finding his calling in dressage after Krystyna bought him as a four-year-old. “We’ve learned everything together,” she explained.

This victory is not only about titles for Krystyna but also about how her love of the sport helped her through a difficult time, as she shared, “We [myself and my husband] lost both our mothers at the start of October, so preparations were tricky. But focusing on the Championship gave me a goal.”

Krystyna credited her husband’s unwavering support as central to her success, saying, “He’s always there for me, cheering me on and helping make it all possible.”

With the pair having a combined age of 84, Krystyna shared why she feels this championship is important for her and other veteran riders: “Life doesn’t stop at 55. It's great that there is this opportunity for older riders to compete against their peers in a friendly environment. It’s less pressure than other championships and more about enjoying your horse and the community.”

Berkshire’s Gillian Peckham and Hero (Huroos) (Brookeborough Flash Jack x Marvel) impressed in the Veteran Rider Medium, taking the victory with an impressive score of 68.60%, while in the Elementary, Sandie Gibbs and Dascha (De Niro x Donnerschlag) took the top spot on 68.01%. Additionally, the Intro overall title went to Jan Cardwell and her 16-year-old mare Little Miss Dooley.

Congratulations to all our wonderful Veteran Riders and their dancing partners. Thanks to title sponsor Cavago and host venue Onley Grounds for supporting this unforgettable event.

Veteran Rider Champions

Veteran Rider Introductory
Jan Cardwell and Little Miss Dooley (B)*, 65.65%    

Veteran Rider Preliminary
Rob Lovatt and Fullwoods Fashionable (G), 67.16%
Caroline Elliss and James Fletch (S)*, 72.59%    
Christine Oldham and Acer II (B), 72.07%    

Veteran Rider Novice
Tim Downes and Bruno the Buggane (G), 72.07%    
Caroline Elliss and James Fletch (S)*, 69.79%    
Mialee Blair and Thistledown Great Gatsby (B), 68.75%    

Veteran Rider Elementary
Tim Downes and Bruno the Buggane (G), 67.79%    
Sandie Gibbs and Dascha (S)*, 68.01%    
Jo Payne and Ballyadam Val (B), 66.10%    

Veteran Rider Medium
Gillian Peckham and Hero (Huroos) (S)*, 68.60%    
Angelika Raith and Crush Sow (B), 64.78%

Veteran Rider Advanced Medium
Krystyna Monks and Dubai (S)*, 65.71%    
Katherine McNamara and Bentley XII (B), 65.13%    

Veteran Rider Prix St Georges
Sue Brougham and Amazing VY (G), 65.07%    
Claire Ballantyne and Dvorak (S)*, 70.88%
Nicola North and Baptista-Ra (B), 66.47%

*Overall champion 

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Photos © KB Photography