Combined Training Qualifiers: Competition comebacks

With Red Gorilla Combined Training qualifiers taking place across the country over the past weeks, we caught up with three riders who claimed their qualification tickets to the Combined Training Championships to find out more about their experiences and stories of getting back into the competition.

Pictured above: Stacey Donnison and Paddy XX © SBM Photographic

A return to the competition arena was a resounding success for Stacey Donnison and the small but mighty 13.2hh pony Paddy XX as the pair secured victory in the Preliminary & 70cm class at Bury Farm Equestrian. Despite receiving four faults in the show jumping, their incredible dressage score of 73.20% was enough to hold onto the top spot.  

As Director of Riding at a local private school, Stacey is more often found coaching others than competing herself, but a new partnership with the charismatic Paddy provided the perfect opportunity to step back between the boards. "It's been a long time since I actually put myself in a competition environment," she admitted.

“I’ve been training Paddy’s owner for around 18 months now,” explained Stacey. “He’s a bit of a character - very playful and cheeky. His owner was keen for him to get out and gain more experience, so when I had the chance to ride him more regularly, she encouraged me to take him out competing. The Combined Training, whilst not eventing, is a step closer and it would be my ultimate goal to go eventing this summer if I can. As it combines my love for the dressage element and the show jumping, it was the perfect match for me."

Despite not having jumped a course for some time, Stacey and Paddy put in a polished performance to take the win. “I was quite surprised, to be honest! It wasn’t my expectation at all. The aim was just to give him a positive experience and get myself competition-ready, but to come away with the win was a real bonus.”

The day proved to be a confidence boost for both horse and rider. “Paddy can be cheeky at home, especially working around other horses, but on the day he really settled into his job. He worked in beautifully and I was almost in disbelief at how smoothly it all went. There were a few distractions - the café at one end of the arena, the judge’s box at the other - but he took it all in his stride,” Stacey reflected. “Paddy really enjoyed himself and it was fantastic to feel him growing in confidence as we went through the day.”

Coming away from Moreton Morrell with renewed confidence, Stacey decided to also try Combined Training with her gelding Johnny Be Goode WFS and continued her successful streak at the West Wilts qualifier, claiming first place in the Novice 80cm and second in the Elementary 80cm classes. "It was so enjoyable again. Johnny was super, though a little lazy, but you could tell he was also really enjoying it," she said.

With this double success under her belt, Stacey expressed her excitement for the future: “It’s certainly given me the bug again. It’s been a long time since I’ve competed regularly, but Combined Training has been a brilliant way to build confidence and test ourselves. We’ll definitely be back for more!”

 
Pictured above: Kirsten Davies and Genal Marmite © SLR Photography

Over at Beacons Equestrian, Kirsten Davies and her 13-year-old gelding Genal Marmite were another pair making a competition comeback. It was the duo’s first competition since March 2024, before Marmite unfortunately went lame shortly after and needed some time off to recover. Adding to this, the pair hadn’t stepped into the dressage arena since a one-day event in May 2023. “I didn't realise it had been that long since we competed between white boards!” admitted Kirsten.
Despite their time away from competing, the pair delivered a strong performance to claim second place in the Novice & 80cm class with a score of 62% and a lovely clear round.

“The day ran very smoothly,” Kirsten reflected. “Our dressage was a little rusty as it was our first competition out in a while, but Marmite’s show jumping round was great fun! He really enjoys a good leap, but I make sure not to overjump him in training so he stays fresh and enjoys the competitions. He flew through his round for a lovely clear despite tapping a few poles!”

Now in their seventh year as a partnership, Kirsten and Marmite have enjoyed a varied and exciting journey together. With a background in eventing, Kirsten was drawn to the Combined Training series as it provided the perfect opportunity to gain experience and improve. “I love the combination of the two phases - it keeps the horse interested and even if one part doesn’t go quite to plan, there’s always a chance to improve in the next.”

Their training routine reflects this balanced approach. “I like to mix things up! Doing a combination of hacking out, flatwork and mid-week jump lessons has really benefited us over the winter,” explained Kirsten. “My riding club holds regular jump lessons with Andrea Philips, who is extremely enthusiastic and really encouraging, whilst Christy Shaull has been so patient and understanding as Marmite has not been the easiest on the flat, but with her help our flatwork has massively improved, with plenty more to come in the future.”

At home, the 13-year-old gelding is just as full of character, from enjoying “splashing” along Cefn Sidan beach to relaxing to smooth jazz on the weekends. He’s always up for a fuss at the gate or playfully dragging his feed bucket around his stable. “He may be Marmite by name, but everyone seems to love him and how genuine he is. He has his quirks but never does anything nasty,” said Kirsten, affectionately summarising her much-loved equine partner.

Pictured above: Anna Hickling and Kaspier Lad © Top Shots Photography

Anna Hickling and her long-time partner Kaspier Lad shone in the Elementary & 90cm at Solihull Riding Club, taking the win in style with a fantastic score of 76.73% and a clear round. The Northamptonshire-based rider has owned the 17-year-old Irish Sport Horse, known as Sparkie at home, since he was three and their journey together has been a true all-round adventure.

“We’ve been together for quite a while now. Our journey has been a mixture of everything; he’s a real all-rounder, and we’ve explored different disciplines over the years,” Anna explained. “Whilst we primarily focus on dressage now, he still loves his jumping, so I try to keep that in the mix for him and that’s why I enjoy competing in the Combined Training Series.”

With no expectations heading into the competition, Anna took a relaxed approach to the day. “I hadn’t put any pressure on myself as we hadn’t been out for a while, so I didn’t look at my dressage score before I jumped,” she said. “It was a great surprise to find out he had the best dressage score and then had gone on to jump clear to win the class.”

At home, Sparkie enjoys a varied routine at Moulton College, where Anna works. Regularly used by students, he is the perfect horse to learn from at the start of their equestrian careers. “He’s quite laid-back and a real pleasure to have on the yard,” Anna said before adding with a smile, “That being said, he does have one non-negotiable rule - he demands that he gets his breakfast before anyone else on the yard!”