News
Equissage Pulse Para Winter Championships 2025
- Written By: British Dressage
- Published: Fri, 04 Apr 2025 17:30
The Equissage Pulse Para Winter Championships hosted at Arena UK (27 - 30 March) showcased outstanding partnerships across the Bronze, Silver, Gold and Virtus categories.
Gold Championships
The Gold category featured some of the highest scores of the championships. Among the top competitors was Mari Durward-Akhurst (pictured above), who expertly piloted her Paris 2024 medal winning partner Athene Lindebjerg (Gribaldi x Diamant), owned by Diane Redfern, to the top of the Grade I Grand Prix Test B. Their exceptional performance secured the highest score of the Equissage Pulse Para Winter Championships - a superb 74.722% awarded by judges Mary Robins (C), Gwyneth Lewis (E) and Joyce Head (M). Reflecting on her victory, Mari shared on social media: "First competition since Paris with Athene! It felt so good to be back inside the white boards; we both enjoyed every minute of it. It’s great to see our hard work over the winter has paid off."
Another top scoring combination was Jemima Green and her promising young gelding Fantabulous, who were not only victorious in the Grade II Grand Prix Test B but also posted the highest Grade II score of the Championships of 72.278%. The Hampshire-based rider took to Facebook, reflecting on the growth in her partnership with the seven-year-old gelding: “Fanta really started to feel like he’s staying with me in the arena and is managing to maintain his rhythm. He is such a lovely horse to ride and gave me some lovely work that I really feel like we can build on. I’m super proud that he came away winning both his classes and being crowned national para winter champion again.”
15-year-old Elan Williams from Gwynedd in Wales also impressed, taking home a win with another score over 70%. The talented young rider took top honours with an impressive 72.500% for her beautifully ridden Grade I Grand Prix Freestyle test aboard her Hilkens Black Delight-sired pony, Brandini.
Meanwhile, another standout young rider was Katie Reilly (17), who, riding Impulz W (Wynton x Rubinstein I), topped the Grade III Grand Prix Test B on 68.111% as well as taking a second spot on the podium with Lymepark Riggelett becoming reserve champion on 67.167%. Discussing her championship strategy, Katie said, "We've been trying new techniques with Ruddy, and he definitely needs his arena time to relax and chill, so we used the first day to get him relaxed. Ruddy was on form and worked in incredibly well. He was super in the warm-up and went into the ring feeling amazing. I kept a lid on it and did a nice, safe round, which earned him the Winter Para Champion title. Even with him going at only half engine, he still got two 8s from an international judge – I’m super proud of him."
Elsewhere in the Gold Championships, Fiona Maynard and Denver IX (Dresmann x Hauptstutbuch Ziara) topped the Grade IV Grand Prix Test B with 68.198%, whilst Alice Begg dominated Grade V, securing both first and second places with Nalique (69.298%) and Kiolita (68.991%), respectively. She also claimed the Grade V Intermediate Test A Silver with Kiolita on 69.703% and the Grade V Grand Prix Freestyle Gold with Nalique on 72.917%, the highest Grade V score of the Championships. Summing up her success, Alice shared, "Another great day with two brilliant scores at Grand Prix level, with so much to work on still! … I’m so proud of them both."
Silver Championships
The Silver category also delivered thrilling performances. Grade III combination Laura Tennant and Judith Bennett’s Legato II (Libro x Doc Marten) secured first place in the Freestyle Silver with 70.056%, whilst Leonie Saffy from North Wales and Forrests Blackdiamond (Moorhey Tomahawk x Indoctro) won the Grade III Intermediate Test A Silver on 70.952%. This score not only marks a new personal best for the duo but also makes them the top-scoring Grade III champions, an impressive feat considering the 22-year-old rider only recently moved to Grade III: "This was our Grade III debut at a national level, and we have only competed at this grade for six months, so I very much went into these championships with the mindset of wanting to improve on our current top score in this test! Trotting down that last centre line, I felt unbelievably happy knowing we’d just produced our best test to date."
Alisha Robbins and her Irish-bred gelding Framsham Fella excelled across her classes. The 19-year-old rider triumphed in both the Grade I Freestyle Silver and Grade I Intermediate Test A Silver, with scores of 69.889% and 68.021%. Lacey Ohara and Blue Diamond (by Comberton Cadet) also clinched multiple victories, winning the Grade II Freestyle Silver and Intermediate Test A with 68.612% and 66.491%. Looking back on her first outing of the year, Lacey said, "I surprised myself by getting two personal bests. This is down to lots of training, both off and on the pony, along with my excellent coach Sophie Wells, who really puts me through my paces week after week. She believes in me even when I just don’t seem to get the test. I am so proud of my pony (stable name Skippy). He really looks after me and works so hard to help me produce a great test."
In the Grade V Freestyle Silver, the top spot on the podium was shared by Helen Geddes with Her Ladyshipp and Donna West on Hio Lookswell, who each earned a score of 68.334%.
Bronze Championships
The Bronze category saw equally impressive results. Lincolnshire’s Flossie England and her San Amour-sired gelding Sankro (pictured above) delivered the top score of the Bronze levels, winning the Grade V Intro Bronze with a score of 70.833% ahead of Loen Groom and Dalito VH Trichelhof, who finished second on 69.103% and Harriet Williamson with King D II in third. Flossie also took second in the Grade V Intermediate Test A, Silver, just a fraction behind Alice Begg. Delighted with their performance Flossie commented, "This was our first para championships as I only got Dougie (Sankro) in April last year. We went in just hoping for clean tests and feedback from the judges to help us develop further, as our partnership is still very much growing. So, to come away with a win in the Grade V Bronze Championship and a very close second in the Silver is more than I could have ever hoped for!"
In the Grade V Bronze Freestyle, Sarah Oram from East Sussex made a double podium appearance, claiming the top spot aboard Tamrik Captain Jack Sparrow with a score of 69.723% as well as third with Mylano behind Mark Colvin and Knocknacree Bertie in second place. Meanwhile, the Grade III Intro Bronze champions were Alexandra Stewart and Beau VIII, who topped the leader board with an impressive 69.917%, followed by Chelsea Butcher and Howen Phillip in second on 68.583%. Following her win, Alexandra reflected and shared her excitement: "I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the Championships. Beau was amazing and I loved competing her. I’m so excited for future competitions together and to progress as a Grade III rider."
Lesley McNaughton-Wells and her part-bred Dales pony Roandale Saxon dominated across their Championship classes, securing the Bronze Grade IV Intro, Bronze Grade IV Freestyle and Silver Intermediate titles, including an outstanding score of 70.397% in the intro test. After taking home three Championship wins, plus two wins in the non-championship classes at the show, Lesley expressed her delight with the nine-year-old gelding exclaiming, "What more can you ask of this adorable lad? We even managed to increase our percentages. It was his first attempt at the Silver championship and I’m grateful for the judge’s feedback, which I’ve already taken on board."
Virtus Classes
The Virtus categories for riders with an intellectual impairment added another layer to this year’s Para Winter Championships, made possible through the collaboration with Sport Excel UK in developing the Virtus class and pathway.
Danielle Curzon (pictured above) was on unbeatable form in the II3 Performance categories, not only winning both the Grade IV Novice A and Intermediate A with Dizzy Rascal on 70.000% and 73.200% but also claiming double reserve national champion titles with Tysilio Arwr. Reacting to her double victories Danielle posted on social media, saying “I am absolutely blown away and emotionally numb.”
Joining Danielle on the podium in the Virtus II3 Performance Grade IV Novice A was Nia Harmes and JB, scoring 66.000%. Then in the Virtus II3 Performance Grade IV Intermediate A Danielle was joined by Chloe Bush and Urano Msuay, who posted 67.600%. This talented 14-year-old is one to watch for the future as she sets her sights on the World Championships at Sparsholt this summer. Reflecting on her first championship experience with the nine-year-old Spanish-bred gelding, Chloe shared on social media, “I was over the moon with him as he has only been out to a show a couple of times, and to go and experience such a big show was a lot for him to take in.”
Chris Bradley and MBF Harley Rebel also showcased their skill, winning both the Virtus II1 Performance Grade IV Novice A and Intermediate A, scoring two very respectable scores of 66.750% and 68.400%. Chris is another rider aiming for Sparsholt this summer.
With a wealth of outstanding performances across the four days of competition, the event celebrated the dedication and talent of riders and their horses. Congratulations to everybody who competed and thank you to Arena UK for running a super show, as well as to title sponsors Equissage Pulse. Thanks also go to all the judges, stewards, scorers and helpers who made it a great experience for everybody involved.
Results - top three
Bronze Para Winter Championship
Grade I Intro
1. Francesca Bratt-Martin and Sandhill Sam, 62.544%
Grade III Intro
1. Alexandra Stewart and Beau VIII, 69.917%
2. Chelsea Butcher and Howen Phillip, 68.583%
Grade IV Intro
1. Lesley McNaughton-Wells and Roandale Saxon, 70.397%
2. Amy Mayho and August Roque, 66.190%
3. Shirley Hart and Der Diamant, 65.000%
Grade V Intro
1. Flossie England and Sankro, 70.833%
2. Loen Groom and Dalito VH Trichelhof, 69.103%
3. Harriet Williamson and King D II, 68.718%
Grade IV Freestyle
1. Lesley McNaughton-Wells and Roandale Saxon, 67.389%
Grade V Freestyle
1. Sarah Oram and Tamrik Captain Jack Sparrow, 69.723%
2. Mark Colvin and Knocknacree Bertie, 68.056%
3. Sarah Oram and Mylano, 66.945%
Silver Para Winter Championship
Grade I Intermediate Test A
1. Alisha Robbins and Framsham Fella, 68.021%
2. Francesca Bratt-Martin and Sandhill Sam, 60.833%
Grade II Intermediate Test A
1. Lacey Ohara and Blue Diamond, 66.491%
Grade III Intermediate Test A
1. Leonie Saffy and Forrests Blackdiamond, 70.952%
2. Isabella Benfield and Lamborghini III, 69.365%
3. Vicky Earnshaw and Prince Pepe, 68.175%
Grade V Bronze and Silver Freestyle
1. Helen Geddes and Her Ladyshipp, 68.334%
2. Donna West and Hio Lookswell, 68.334%
Grade IV Intermediate Test A
1. Lesley McNaughton-Wells and Roandale Saxon, 68.133%
2. Frankie Buxton and Hera, 66.467%
Grade V Intermediate Test A
1. Alice Begg and Kiolita, 69.703%
2. Flossie England and Sankro, 69.643%
3. Donna West and Hio Lookswell, 66.905%
Grade I Freestyle
1. Alisha Robbins and Framsham Fella, 69.889%
2. Francesca Bratt-Martin and Sandhill Sam, 64.112%
Grade II Freestyle
1. Lacey Ohara and Blue Diamond, 68.612%
Grade III Freestyle
1. Laura Tennant and Legato II, 70.056%
2. Anna Morris and Godington Toccata, 67.223%
Gold Para Winter Championship
Grade I Grand Prix Test B
1. Mari Durward-Akhurst and Athene Lindebjerg, 74.722%
2. Susanna Wade and Premier Royal Mint, 70.625%
3. Gabriella Blake and Strong Beau, 69.306%
Grade II Grand Prix Test B
1. Jemima Green and Fantabulous, 72.278%
2. Georgia Wilson and Faside Got The Love, 68.722%
3. Jemima Green and Foxy Donna de Fontaine, 66.889%
Grade III Grand Prix Test B
1. Katie Reilly and Impulz W, 68.111%
2. Katie Reilly and Lymepark Riggeletto, 67.167%
3. Vicky Earnshaw and Midline Rioja, 66.500%
Grade IV Grand Prix Test B
1. Fiona Maynard and Denver IX, 68.198%
2. Izzy Palmer and Last Gift, 68.063%
3. Laura Scott and CEI Summer Days, 67.433%
Grade V Grand Prix Test B
1. Alice Begg and Nalique, 69.298%
2. Alice Begg and Kiolita, 68.991%
3. Liz McBurney and Bangalore C, 67.105%
Grade I Grand Prix Freestyle
1. Elan Williams and Brandini, 72.500%
Grade III Grand Prix Freestyle
1. Vicky Earnshaw and Midline Rioja, 68.334%
Grade V Grand Prix Freestyle
1. Alice Begg and Nalique, 72.917%
Grade IV Grand Prix Freestyle
1. Sara Bates and Solo Hit 2, 64.875%
Para Winter Championships – Virtus classes
Virtus II1 Performance Grade IV Novice A
1. Christopher Bradley and MBF Harley Rebel, 66.750%
2. Daisy Britnell and Dakota Snow Chief, 59.750%
Virtus II1 Performance Grade IV Intermediate A
1. Christopher Bradley and MBF Harley Rebel, 68.400%
Virtus II3 Performance Grade IV Novice A
1. Danielle Curzon and Dizzy Rascal, 70.000%
2. Danielle Curzon and Tysilio Arwr, 69.750%
3. Nia Harmes and JB, 66.000%
Virtus II3 Performance Grade IV Intermediate A
1. Danielle Curzon and Dizzy Rascal, 73.200%
2. Danielle Curzon and Tysilio Arwr, 70.400%
3. Chloe Bush and Urano Msuay, 67.600%
Virtus Development II1, II2, II3
1. Jessica Limb and HLV Caretino Mayfair, 74.063%
2. Cybill Watkins and One Rose, 67.188%
3. Megan Wilcox and Carless Outlaw, 66.250%
Non championship para classes
Bronze
Grade I Intro Test
1. Francesca Bratt-Martin and Sandhill Sam, 59.737%
Grade III Intro Test
1. Alexandra Stewart and Beau VIII, 68.000%
2. Chelsea Butcher and Howen Phillip, 67.500%
Grade IV Intro Test
1. Lesley McNaughton-Wells and Roandale Saxon, 72.619%
2. Amy Mayho and August Roque, 68.095%
3. Emma Saul and Ronteza, 58.571%
Grade V Intro Test
1. Cybill Watkins and One Rose, 65.962%
2. Mark Colvin and Knocknacree Bertie, 65.769%
3. Hattie Spurling and Mary "S", 65.000%
Grade I Freestyle
1. Francesca Bratt-Martin and Sandhill Sam, 64.834%
Grade V Freestyle Test
1. Sarah Oram and Mylano, 67.667%
2. Mark Colvin and Knocknacree Bertie, 67.167%
3. Sarah Oram and Tamrik Captain Jack Sparrow, 64.334%
Silver
Grade II Freestyle
1. Lacey Ohara and Blue Diamond, 70.500%
Grade V Freestyle Test
1. Helen Geddes and Her Ladyship, 68.667%
Grade IV Intermediate Test A
1. Lesley McNaughton-Wells and Roandale Saxon, 69.600%
2. Amy Mayho and August Roque, 69.200%
3. Frankie Buxton and Hera, 66.600%
3. Shirley Hart and Der Diamant, 66.600%
Grade V Intermediate Test A
1. Julie Frizzell and Namibian, 67.857%
2. Helen Geddes and Her Ladyship, 67.500%
3. Joanne Dagley-Cleworth and Optimistic, 66.786%
Grade I Intermediate Test A
1. Elan Williams and Temple Ogue, 65.625%
Grade II Intermediate Test A
1. Lacey Ohara and Blue Diamond, 64.474%
Grade III Intermediate Test A
1. Alexandra Stewart and Beau VIII, 69.762%
2. Kyla Mantilla Ross and Libgate Spirit, 69.286%
3. Kyla Mantilla Ross and Logantemple Blackjack, 67.381%
Gold
Grade I Grand Prix Test Freestyle
1. Gabriella Blake and Strong Beau, 77.167%
2. Elan Williams and Brandini, 68.334%
Grade III Grand Prix Freestyle
1. Janet Cummings and Rhonderful Dorrells, 65.667%
2. Isabella Benfield and Cookies and Cream, 63.667%
Grade IV Grand Prix Freestyle
1. Sara Bates and Tango VII, 69.875%
2. Sara Bates and Solo Hit 2, RET
Grade V Grand Prix Freestyle
1. Liz McBurney and Bangalore C, 67.500%
Grade I Grand Prix Test B
1. Elan Williams and Brandini, 70.833%
2. Susanna Wade and Premier Royal Mint, 68.750%
3. Elan Williams and Temple Ogue, 67.708%
Grade II Grand Prix Test B
1. Jemima Green and Fantabulous, 71.833%
2. Sarah Suddaby and Hit Song, 69.333%
3. Georgia Wilson and Faside Got The Love, 68.333%
Grade III Grand Prix Test B
1. Katie Reilly and Lymepark Riggeletto, 67.833%
2. Janet Cummings and Rhonderful Dorrells, 64.333%
3. Isabella Benfield and Cookies and Cream, 64.000%
3. Katie Reilly and Impulz W, 64.00%
Grade I Grand Prix Test A
1. Mari Durward-Akhurst and Athene Lindebjerg, 74.792%
Grade II Grand Prix Test A
1. Georgia Wilson and Faside Got The Love, 68.966%
Grade IV Grand Prix Test B
1. Izzy Palmer and Last Gift, 69.865%
2. Laura Scott and CEI Summer Days, 67.432%
3. Sara Bates and Tango 7, 67.297%
Grade V Grand Prix Test B
1. Charlotte Cundall and First Pitch, 71.184%
2. Alice Begg and Kiolita, 68.158%
3. Liz McBurney and Bangalore C, 63.421%
Grade IV Grand Prix Test A
1. Izzy Palmer and Last Gift, 69.722%
2. Laura Scott and CEI Summer Days, 65.333%
Grade V Grand Prix Test A
1. Sophie Wells and LJT Egebjerggards Samoa, 73.718%
Photos © Kevin Sparrow
Photo of Danielle Curzon © ATG Photography
