Combined Training Qualifiers: Glorious Greys

With just one weekend of Red Gorilla Combined Training qualification left to go, we caught up with three riders who shared their experiences of competing at SNEC, Chard Equestrian and Brook Farm in mid-March. 

Pictured above, Phillipa Maclnnes & Dunguaire Darwin © Kevan Wightman  

Phillipa Maclnnes and her grey Dunguaire Darwin, known as Danny, had an incredible time at their Combined Training Qualifer at the Scottish National Equine Centre, not only competing in two classes but impressively winning both as well.  

Reflecting on her successful day in the competition arena Phillipa shared, “competing in Combined Training is pretty full on, moving from the dressage arena to the show jumping arena fairly quickly, but that did mean on the positive side there was less time for the jumping nerves to kick in!” The venue ran an amazing event Phillipa said, “the team at SNEC were super organised and welcoming, with quick communication if anyone had any queries which is so helpful.” Known for always having a friendly and supportive atmosphere among fellow competitors, everyone enjoyed their time at the competition.  

“We trained with Robyn Smith in the lead up to the competition, which is really what has helped us to be the best we can be and achieve progress in our dressage scores.” Phillipa and Danny ‘play around’ with show jumping, but don’t do a huge amount of series/serious (?) practice work she explained, “working full time makes it tricky to do all the training we would like. Although the most effort pre-show comes in trying to get Danny clean! The bathing and plaiting prep for SNEC took five hours, having a grey is not for the faint hearted!”  

Not only winning the Novice & 80cm but also winning the Elementary & 80cm, Phillipa told us how rewarding this result feels, “I was absolutely over the moon with our results, and especially delighted with our dressage scores.” This was only the third time that the duo had attempted an Elementary test, so to score so well only adds to the impressive achievement. “To win two classes was unexpected,” she said, “I was really super chuffed and excited to have scored both qualifications for the championships.”  

Phillipa brought Danny as a rising four-year-old, and over the past six years the pair have enjoyed success in Heritage Working Hunter Pony as well as Petplan Area Festivals and Regionals: “We mainly compete in arena eventing, dressage and combined training and love going on the BHS Scotland Ride Outs with my sister and her horse. We have been to Culzean Castle, Dumfries House and even Balmoral Castle for the Jubilee celebrations.”  

The Connemara pony’s stable name ‘Danny’ is a nod to him being bred in County Galway in Ireland, Phillipa describes him as “the sweetest pony, who loves being groomed and even stops eating to fully appreciate the experience.” He is known for wanting to be a part of any chat taking place around him, wanting to be in the circle, and is known for being a “people’s pony through and through.”  

The Combined Training series allows riders the opportunity to compete across disciplines. This helps combinations to gain experience and improve their dressage and showjumping skills, Phillipa explained, “I enjoy the opportunity to compete in BD competitions as the access to accredited judges reliably helps indicate progress and identify area for improvement.” Phillipa concluded on why she chose to compete in the series, “the dynamic of adding the second phase of showjumping makes championship competition more accessible for partnerships like Danny and I, more so than dressage alone, so that is an added bonus.”  

Pictured above, Bella Hughes & Courtney An Luir © ESP-Photographic  

Bella Hughes and her gorgeous mare, Courtney An Luir, achieved an impressive win in the Introductory & 60cm at Chard Equestrian’s Combined Training Qualifier, with a score of 68.64% from the judges and a wonderful clear round.  

Speaking about her experience on the day Bella said, “Chard is one of our favourite venues, with such stunning and professional facilities, it is always a great, fun place to compete.” Visiting such a fantastic venue only helped Bella on the day, as this was her first BD competition with Courtney An Luir, whose stable name is Inca. “I particularly enjoy the Combined Training series because I love doing both the elements together. The Dressage warm up at Chard was really spacious and right next to the arena so that gave Inca and I lots of confidence” Bella explained. The showjumping course was also nice to ride Bella described, “it was really flowing and Inca flew round.”  

The day was only made even more unforgettable when the duo finished top of the results, Bella shared how she felt at the time: “We were so thrilled to have done so well, I have competed in the Combined Training series before with my last pony, but never managed to qualify for the Championships, it was my first ever lap of honour!” 

Bella is currently in year nine at school and manages to ride and compete Inca alongside being in school full time, “it has been much easier in this nicer weather” she explained. “My mum helps me a lot and we love going on fun rides together. I am a member of South and West Wilts pony club and part of the NSEA school team. I also love cricket and play for the school and the local village team” Bella told us. “I am hoping to be a vet so have a busy time ahead of me but will definitely be doing the CT series each year as it is so much fun.” 

The pair have only been a partnership for just six months and Inca has very little competition experience Bella explained, “that day was the first time she felt much more confident being in the arenas.” Describing the 14.3hh grey Bella told us, “she’s a super mare with the nicest temperament, she is so friendly and kind.” Reflecting on their short time together Bella continued, “she has come on so much recently and we are looking forward to the Combined training Championships.” With plenty to look forward to, Bella also plans to compete at more BD competitions and ODEs with superstar Inca.  

Pictured above, Yasmin Hughes & Ludden Cross © SMR Photography  

Brook Farm hosted their Combined Training Qualifier on 22 March, where the fantastic combination of Yasmin Hughes and Ludden Cross, took a double win. Winning both the Preliminary & 80cm and the Novice & 80cm in style! 

Yasmin and Ludden Cross,  otherwise known as George to his friends, have an inspiring journey together,  “I have owned George since he was three-years-old and backed him myself.” The now six-year-old Irish Draft is known to be an “absolute gentleman and a pleasure to handle” Yasmin told us, “he does have a cheeky side, and has a nickname, the carousel horse.”  

Yasmin had not competed at Brook Farm prior to the Combined Training Qualifer she explained, “I was a little apprehensive about it but George just took everything in his stride.” Reflecting on her experience at a new venue Yasmin said, “Brook Farm was a very well-ran establishment and everyone was very friendly and helpful.”  

Looking back on their incredible results from the day, Yasmin described how she feels about how well they did, “proud is an understatement, to not just win one class but both, I was elated.” Despite being a last-minute decision to give the series a go, it couldn’t have gone any better, “I was not expecting to get placed let alone qualify for the Championships.” 

Away from Combined Training, the pair’s main focus is dressage , “however George always tries his best in everything and we have also done some showjumping and eventing.” Yasmin works as a full-time groom at Woodruffe Stables in Epsom, balancing work life on the yard, with caring for and competing George as well as brining on her other young Irish Draft horse, Finn.