Festival Features: Winter Triumphs

The Petplan Winter Area Festivals have already showcased countless remarkable combinations, each stepping confidently down the centre line to achieve personal best scores, impress the judges, and embrace the vibrant atmosphere of an event they’ve worked hard to qualify for. 

Pictured above, Cheryl Tuff & Remy © Spidge Photography  

Cheryl Tuff and the gorgeous Ritter Sport, otherwise known as Remy, attended our first Petplan Winter Area Festival of 2025 at Addington Equestrian and achieved an incredible third place in the Advanced Medium Bronze. The duo enjoyed the lap of honour after achieving a score of 65.61% from the judges in a competitive class, “finishing third was the icing on the cake, taking part in the mounted presentation was a dream come true” shares Cheryl.  

Despite not having a lot of preparation due to the cold weather and everything being frozen, the combination put their best foot forward on the day, “as always Addington was a fantastic venue, well organised and friendly, with an atmosphere that makes you feel really special” Cherly tells us. Although the pair are new to this level Cheryl explains, “I thought why not give it a go and I was just excited to ride in the prestigious international arena.”  

“I went into the test with no expectations” Cheryl discloses, “Remy felt great and gave me a beautiful test. I know we still have a lot to improve on but that is my goal for this year.” The combination train with Claire Knowles , “we tried to be accurate and remember everything we’ve been taught, my instructors voice was in my head!” Reflecting on the highlights of their test she said, “there were five flying changes in our test, out of the 15 marks from the three judges he achieved a seven for 13 of them, this was a highlight from our test together, along with that feeling of elation when we came down the final centre line knowing Remy had given me his best.”  

Remy is an 18-year-old Hanoverian gelding who Cheryl has owned for an incredible 12 years, the two of them have worked their way up levels from Prelim all the way to Advanced Medium, “the Petplan Area Festival Championships are our goal each season and we have been lucky enough to obtain a direct qualification or wildcard most years to have the privilege of competing at some top venues” Cheryl explains. “Remy was a very green six-year-old when I purchased him, he had only been lightly backed and used to take flight at the slightest thing. I knew if we could survive the warm-up without him spinning around at every horse that came towards him, we had a chance of producing a nice test.”  

Whilst at home “Remy has such an adorable nature and doesn’t have a bad bone in him,” Cheryl describes, “he’s always willing to please & still enjoys learning new moves at 18. He absolutely loves his chest being rubbed and will stop anyone for a cuddle.” 

Over the years the handsome gelding has grown in confidence Cheryl reveals, “the Petplan Area Festival series has given us the opportunity to progress up through the levels, which has been really rewarding.” Looking back on her experience over the years, “the shows are always so friendly, well organised and a great opportunity to make new friends and share the experience with existing ones.” Cheryl extends her thanks to our title sponsors, “thank you Petplan for the opportunity in making the everyday rider like me, who has their one and only special horse feel on top of the world.”  

Pictured above India MacDougal & Cascadura © Majestic Media 

India MacDougal and Cascadura stepped up to Novice level at the Winter Area Festivals for the first time, and the talented duo finished a very impressive twelfth place in a highly contested class of 40 competitors! The combination achieved a great score of 66.83% from the three judges and India tells us, “we got our first 8.0 score for our free walk, I was so happy.” India has found the step to Novice “really rewarding” as she explains, “I have loved learning new skills, for example Cassie has a lovely balanced counter canter and has made riding that super easy!”  

The Area Festival excitement was amplified by the fantastic facilities at Aintree International Equestrian Centre India shares, “we love Aintree and everyone was very friendly and helpful. I also loved wearing my new dressage colours” - India showcased a new beautiful jacket for the big event. Reflecting on her experience competing in the Area Festival series she added, “I absolutely love the friendly and supportive atmosphere, as well as meeting new people.”  

In preparation for the big day, India has been looking back on her previous tests and taking on board the judges’ comments, “leading up to the Area Festival, as well as test riding, we go on many hacks, as that is Cassie’s favourite thing to do.” It all paid off on the day, with the duo coming away with an amazing result at their first attempt at Novice, “my favourite moment was coming down the centre line at the end of the test with big smiles and Cassie always gives a little rush of excitement, maybe just because she knows she is going to get her banana mash afterwards.”  

Cascadura, or otherwise known as Cassie to her field pals, is a 14.1hh German Riding Pony, who India tells us will be 19-years-old this year, “she’s just amazing, she loves her job and bananas and looks after me so well.” The duo’s journey together started on Christmas Eve 2023, when India’s mom snuck Cassie onto the yard as a surprise... “the best Christmas present ever!”  

Cassie has helped India through the tough time of losing her show pony last February, and their partnership keeps going from strength to strength, “I genuinely wouldn’t change her for the world, I really feel our partnership has developed massively over the last couple of months.” This special pony enjoys her dressage as well as hacking and are also working on Elementary movements at home, “this is very cool, I have music freestyle goals on my summer list” India shares.  

The incredible atmosphere and talent showcased at the Petplan Winter Area Festivals has continued into 2025, with riders like Cheryl Tuff and India MacDougal sharing their inspiring journeys and triumphs. Their success not only celebrates their hard work but also motivates others, whether they are just beginning their dressage journey or striving to reach the next level. Keep an eye out for our next Festival Feature!