Combined Training Qualifiers: Striding to success

With Red Gorilla Combined Training qualifiers taking place at Alnwick Ford, Allens Hill and Lime Kiln Farm over the past weeks, we spoke to three more talented riders who took part to learn more about their stories, their superstar horses and experiences on the day.

Pictured above Deborah Fisher and Woodline Lady © Happy Hoof Pics 

Deborah Fisher and her own Woodline Lady competed at the Red Gorilla Combined Training Qualifier at Allens Hill (9 March), winning the Preliminary & 80cm class with an incredible 73.69% from the judge and a wonderful clear round showjumping.  

Looking back on her experience Deborah shared, “we were delighted that the sun was shining as we drove up the M5 to the venue. Allens Hill is a nice, relaxing environment, so we were looking forward to the day.” The day was made even more delightful when Deborah her lovely bay mare secured their spot at the Championships, “I was over the moon with the win, I’m so proud of Darcy and all we have achieved together over the years,” Deborah told us.  

Deborah and Darcy have been partners for eleven years now, “I have owned her since she was six and she’s now 17, she did her first BE80 at Broadway six months after I got her, and we’ve never looked back.” Although the two of them had a setback in 2023, “it was an awful year for her with illness and injury,” Deborah explained, making this incredible result an even bigger achievement. “After 18 months of rehabilitation work with my beautiful girl I am so pleased to be able to take her to competitions again,” Deborah said.  

The duo enjoy their dressage Deborah shared, “it continues to be a work in progress,” but the pair also enjoy showjumping and the freedom of riding a cross-country course, “she’s had a few cheeky moments at competitions over the years but I try and learn from it on and on we go.”  

In preparation for their qualifying event Deborah has been having regular dressage lessons throughout the winter in order to keep a hand in, “we’ve also done some dressage competitions and thoroughly enjoyed joining some of our RC clinics.” Darcy only started jumping again in January so Deborah has been working hard with the 17-year-old to build her strength back up, “we have doing lots of pole work, gymnastics jumping and had a couple of jump lessons.” Taking a moment to thank all of those who have supported them on their journey including Mel Norris, Bruno Freire and Bourton Vale Equine, “the support we’ve had from trainers and her vet has been great.”  

Deborah’s favourite moment was coming over that last jump, knowing they had a comfortable clear round on top of their already very impressive dressage score. The duo has also recently started competing with a Quest team, and are looking to making the most of their BD membership, “it’s been great to have the chance to practice both disciplines and have such a nice day out competing.”

Pictured above Kate Henderson and Dunedin McSporran © Jamie Sproates Photography 

Kate Henderson and her superstar gelding Dunedin McSporran did the double at Alnwick Ford’s combined training qualifier. The talented combination won the Introductory & 60cm class with an impressive 71.36% and the Preliminary & 80cm with 71.00%. Despite receiving  four faults in both classes, their incredible dressage scores were enough for them to hold onto the lead.  

“I was delighted to win both classes at Alnwick Ford,” Kate told us, “The venue was very nice and friendly, with quality surfaces and great show jumping courses. The sponsors also being very generous.” The duo achieved these amazing results on their first attempt at any dressage or showjumping event since Kate brought Dudedin McSporran last year, who before this had a very different career Kate explains, “his previous career being in the show ring, dressage and jumping is new to him.”  

Kate has spent the winter schooling him and decided to compete in the Combined Training series knowing it would be a great challenge for them both, “he was very enthusiastic in both dressage and showjumping rounds.”. Otherwise known at home as ‘Spud’, the 13-year-old grey is a pure-bred Highland Pony who Kate describes as a “very generous pony with a lovely personality, he will turn his hoof to anything you ask of him.”  

Pictured above Abi Jacobs and Auld Flame © Fae Loudoun Photography  

Abi Jacobs and her stunning 12-year-old mare Auld Flame, achieved top honours in both the Elementary & 80cm and the Elementary & 90cm at the Combined Training qualifier at Lime Kiln Farm. Having gone to the competition with no expectations, Abi said, “she felt so good in her tests but there were some lovely horses there and I rode like a wally in the 80cm jumping phase.” But having not jumped a course since early October last year and not having ever ridden a test in a short arena, the duo left Lime Kiln Farm with two Championship qualifications!  

Auld Flame, known to her friends as ‘Flame’, has been in Abi’s life for a long time, “I’ve worked with Flame since she was six-years-old and had kept my eye on her for a while on social media as she really caught my eye,” then the stars aligned for the two of them as the family that Abi worked for brought Flame. “About two years ago the family let me have her as she had sadly picked up an injury,” Abi explained, “after a lot of rehab and patience she has come back to competitive life well.”  

The combination are now also enjoying showing, competing in  lightweight hunter classes as well as competing at Elementary and Medium level. In the true spirit of an all-rounder, Abi aspires to also have a go at working hunter classes, arena eventing and even try side saddle with Flame! Abi describes the chestnut mare as “the most amazing best friend, she’s not your typical chestnut mare, she is the most amazing loving, gentle soul.” The 16.1hh always gives her everything in all they do, although she loves the opportunity to be cheeky,  “I don’t know where I would be without her, she makes me smile every single day.”