News
NAF Five Star Winter Championships 25: day one
- Written By: British Dressage
- Published: Thu, 17 Apr 2025 09:22
Returning to Addington Equestrian for the second year running, the NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships got underway in style on Wednesday 16 April, with nine titles rewarded, three of which belonged to Sadie Smith who recorded a career-highlight day in the NAF arena.
HorseHage Prelim Gold
Winner: Sadie Smith and River Rise Pizzazz, 75%
Beginning her week in emphatic fashion, Sadie Smith claimed the HorseHage Prelim Gold with Sarah Tyler-Evans' outstanding five-year-old River Rise Pizzazz. In front of Keri Bates (H), Claire Ballantyne (C) and Ann Bostock (B), the duo scored 75% to take the win ahead of Amy Woodhead with MSJ Vienna in second and Ryan Todd with Mericanto SLF in third.
“I was really pleased with him, because to be honest I never expected him to win! That’s the best test he’s ever done in his life, he really tried and he dug deep. He can be quite nervous and spooky, he’s only five and he’s not done loads of shows so I just thought I’d bring him to see how it goes. I was absolutely chuffed to bits with him.”
River Rise Pizzazz (Valverde x Lord Leatherdale) is out of River Rise Escala, a former winner of the Magic Prix St Georges title at the Winter Championships: “I won a lot on her at the beginning of my career before she went onto Small Tour. He’s her oldest born son and he’s an absolute spitting image of her; he’s not as brave, I wondered if he would live up to her but he’s coming good. He’s a funny character with a lot of promise for the future!”
Sadie’s week is a busy one with four horses and plenty of classes to get stuck into, “Coming to these shows is a great experience whether you win or come last, with the amount that goes on with the stands and the atmosphere. The team have done a great job here and I love coming to this show,” the Hampshire-based rider concluded about returning to the NAF Five Star Winter Championships.
Petplan Medium Silver
Winner: Rose Punchard and Spot Awole, 68.833%
Derbyshire’s talented young rider Rose Punchard and her 22-year-old pony Spot Awole (No Limit x Steinperle II) claimed the top spot in the Petplan Medium Silver Area Festival Championship with a score of 68.833%. Tina Hillman-Green from Kent followed closely behind to take the runner-up spot on her 11-year-old mare Blakeney Night with 68%, whilst Beth Miller completed the top three riding Pamela Murphy’s seven-year-old gelding Ramanos to a score of 67.667%.
“It just felt great,” said Rose, reacting to her winning performance. “He was listening to me the whole test and it felt like he was just all together. I'd say my highlight would be my half passes and my walk pirouettes.”
The 14-year-old rider trains with Lily and Sue Carson and credited them for their role in helping her prepare for a successful Championships: “We’ve been preparing for a few weeks, making sure he’s on top form, going through the tests, finding my mistakes and correcting them, ironing them all out.”
Known as Nemo at home, Spot Awole started his career as an eventer before transitioning to dressage, and Rose took over the reins in 2022. Since then, the pair have gone from strength to strength, working up the levels from Preliminary and making appearances at the 2023 Petplan Equine Summer Area Festival Championships, LeMieux National Dressage Championships and Youth Home Nations. However, this latest success is the pair’s first champion title win at a national competition.
The combination continues to build momentum and having stepped up to Ponies last year their next stop is set to be Addington CDI in May.
Baileys Horse Feeds Novice Freestyle
Winner: Sadie Smith and River Rise Onassis, 79.815%
Sadie claims her second title of the week, this time in the Baileys Horse Feeds Novice Freestyle with the stunning 6-year-old River Rise Onassis, scoring 79.815%. Dannie Morgan followed closely behind claiming second and third, with Verity I and Empathic.
Known as Sassy at home, she’s described to us as “a lovely mare, she’s by Glamourdale out of an Amsterdam mare, and was bred by Sarah Tyler Evans, now owned by Sue Garrard. Her mother was a grey mare and has produced some other really nice horses.”
Speaking on their partnership together so far, “I’ve ridden her for the last 2 years when Sue bought her and we’ve just taken our time, she’s quite a tall, elegant mare and I’ve got her stronger until she felt ready.”
The duo competed at a few Novice’s to qualify for today, “this is her first championship, she’s loved being here and that’s so nice, it makes such a difference when they’re happy and relaxed, it makes my job so much easier!
Sadie is no stranger to the Novice Freestyle, having won the class 3 times so far with the same music and same floor plan as well as winning the Inter I in 2024 with the same music. Speaking of the process of making the music work for different levels. “Tony at Equidance sorted the music, they’re so clever and made it work. I had the same trot and walk and modified the canter.”
“Originally back in the day, I searched for all the tracks I wanted so it’s quite personal to me. The trot is Curse of the Ice Cream, the walk is from Snow White and the Hunstman and the canter is Jo Blankenburg.” Sadie told us about her song choices.
When asked if Sadie would recommend a Freestyle, “it’s so much fun for everybody, I didn’t know if River Rise Onassis would be spooky and green, but if I can’t get in a corner, I can just cut it off a bit. If you’ve got enough time to change it, you can adapt to how you want it. I think it’s just nice to do something different, the atmosphere, and the music playing.”
Equi-Trek Elementary Silver
Winner: Samantha Jimmison & Lillinghall Moment in Time, 69.848%
It was an incredible first Winter Championship title win for Samantha Jimmison and 16.2hh Hanoverian Lillinghall Moment in Time, who took the top spot in the Equi-Trek Elementary Silver with an impressive score of, 69.848%.
Talking us through her experience today with the young horse Samatha shared, “I had a dream ride from start to finish from the moment of getting on him, he gave me the best ride.” Despite having a little blip in the shoulder in, the test produced a wonderful score from judges, Les Smith (E), Jane Howard (C) and Jane Lavington (M). “When I heard the wind this morning I was worried that the flags would unsettle him, he is only six and he hasn’t had huge exposure, but he went in and was a total professional.” Samatha explained.
The beautiful six-year-old gelding is otherwise known as Higgins’, Samatha describes as “quite a character” he was bred by owner Olwyn Coope and produced by Samatha, “we know everything about him from a foal and have done everything with him we are enjoying the journey.” Reflecting on their journey so far Samatha shares, “He is a very easy horse, he is bright, sharp and clever and he wants to please you, he only gets his knickers in a twist if he can’t please you enough. He is just a very nice horse to have around, I am lucky to have him.”
It was has been a special to day for everyone involved, “It is amazing, I feel like I should just retire now” Samatha exclaims! “When I first sat on him as a four-year-old I remember saying jokingly he is going to be the horse that I win my first National title on, and he has been that horse.”
Samatha and Higgins’ have a really amazing partnership that has developed over the years, “I can read him like a book, I know when he is in a good mood, or a worried mood and I think when you are going into a test like today, you need to know everything about them to get the best out of them.”
“I produce young horses, so I have been very lucky to have absolutely amazing ones in all three disciplines. But generally they get to seven or eight years old and it is time for them to go, I really enjoy watching them go on” Samatha shares how important it is to have the right people around you, “we really enjoy it, I have got a really good team, you couldn’t do something like this without a massive team behind you, everybody plays their part and it makes all the long hours, late nights in the rain and snow all worthwhile and it is special to all of us.”
Joe Roome and Acqua Marina Della Caccia, with a score of 69.243% and in third place with an incredibly close score was Hayley Colwell riding Magnetic who received a score of 69.242%.
Petplan Prix St Georges Bronze
Winner: Helen Beaton and Frankisse II, 67.157%
Claiming first place on the podium in the Petplan Prix St Georges Bronze Area Festival Championship is Helen Beaton and Frankisse II with a great score of 67.157%. Closely followed by Madison Eagle with Royalty II, scoring 67.010 to put them in second place and Tess Wilson with Hyatt in third.
“He warmed up really well, felt really good, he was calm, cool as a cucumber throughout the whole thing and just allowed me to ride every movement which that’s what I think did it for us.” A delighted Helen told us.
Speaking on their highlights and training, “personally for us, highlights would be the pirouettes, because he struggles with those, to score a 7 for him is fantastic. I don’t think I’ve ever got above a 5.5 so to get that today, I was thrilled! The training is clearly paying off.”
With a pause in their training due to Frank fracturing his femar two years ago, the duo began their partnership 4 years ago where he was working at Novice and have since progressed up, “he just takes it, he goes ‘yes ok mum, I’ll try my hardest for you’.”
“Here with me today I have my friend Jackie Dyer, she’s amazing, comes with me everywhere, she’s amazing support, I couldn’t do it without her.” Helen tells us.
Helen and Frank return to the Winter Championships tomorrow where they’re competing in the Inter I. “After today, I’m very much looking forward to tomorrow!”
Magic Prix St Georges Gold
Winner: Becky Moody and Lancelot B.S., 70.392%
Becky Moody made a triumphant return to the NAF Five Star Winter Championships aboard Lancelot B.S., topping the leaderboard in the Magic Prix St Georges Gold with a score of 70.392%.
“It’s only his fourth Prix St Georges and the first time he’s been in an arena like that,” said Becky, reflecting on her test. “He has been a little bit spooky and a little bit sharp at times in the past, so for him to go into that arena and actually feel better in there than he did in the warm-up - I was so, so proud of him.”
The nine-year-old gelding, by Dreamboy out of a Lancet mare, was bred by Becky’s long-time supporter Julie Lockie and bought as a foal by Joe Cooper and Becky’s mum, Anne. He has been with the Moody team ever since and has been carefully produced. “Anna Burns, my stable rider, rode him a little bit to start with, and then I took over the ride about three years ago,” explained Becky. “We’ve spent a lot of that time at home just training, strengthening and developing him, so he’s very lightly competed. I think he’s just starting to come into his own, so it’s really exciting.”
Becky is keeping an open mind when it comes to Lance’s future but shared her excitement about his natural talent. “He’s got a really cool piaffe, so there’s definitely potential there, but we’ll just see where it takes us,” said the Sheffield-based rider as she added with a smile that his natural tendency to “show off” hints at exciting things to come.
Speaking about why she loves returning to the Winter Championships, Becky added, “I actually really love having the Area Festival here as well, because there’s such a brilliant, diverse collection of horses and it’s so lovely to watch. And the sun is shining at the moment, so that makes it all good!”
Gracie Catling joined Becky in the top three, claiming second place on 69.853% with Julia Catling’s Quarterback-sired gelding Qwinton, closely followed by India Durman-Mills and Verity Saul’s Jazz-sired Escade, who completed the podium with 69.569%.
Petplan Prix St Georges Silver
Winner: Mia Smith and Dutch Discovery, 69.990%
Mia Smith made a debut visit to the top step of the Championship podium in the Petplan Prix St Georges Silver, scoring 67.990% with her own Dutch Discover to take the Area Festival title.
“I didn’t expect to win, I expected to do alright but didn’t even think I’d make the top three,” a delighted Mia said after her lap of honour. “His extended canter felt amazing, we’ve been working on improving the difference, today he waited and let me ask when I wanted to, then came back really well. We’ve been looking for the calm button and he really found it today,” Mia reflected on her performance with her dancing partner of two years.
“He’s very affectionate in the stables, he’ll stand in front of you and want cuddles all the time,” she continued about ‘DJ’, “he’s 17 but he doesn’t act it, he plays like a three year old in the field and loves to groom his friends over the fences!” The duo came together after a search for an FEI partner for Mia, who’s set to make her international debut at Addington in just a few weeks' time.
Having only taken up dressage properly just three years ago, hard work has resulted in a great climb through the levels and success in the arena, “he was on the market for a while and we thought we’d give it a go and he was just perfect. He’s taken me to High Profiles, Premier Leagues, an International next up and here at the moment, he’s amazing.”
Mia trains with Helen Dutton and is currently studying Equine Performance and Rehabilitation at University, “I spend a lot of time at the yard with my other horses too but I like artistic things, I like to bake, paint and sculpt! Sciences and arts are my hobby and horses are life.”
The remaining podium places were claimed by former title winners, with Daisy Hills and Midtgaards Gijon in second on 67.304% and Lucy Mills with MSL Saltarello Hit scoring 67.010% for third.
Petplan Medium Bronze
Winner: Anna Wheeldon and Jackie - Bertha R
Anna Wheeldon and her own Jackie – Bertha R were deserved winners of the last Petplan class on day one, taking home the Medium Bronze Area Festival title
“It’s amazing,” Anna said, “It feels so good, we’ve worked really hard and it’s been a tricky journey but I’m so proud of her – she's a good horse and I thought whatever happens today I’m proud of her, I love her so much.”
“She’s a typical mare,” she continued speaking about her, “she likes her own way but when she goes well and she’s in a good mood she works really nicely. She’s the kindest horse.”
Anna trains with Jess Dunn who was by her side for her test on the big day, giving her confidence and support: “Jess said to me ‘to ride it like you’re going to win it, you’ve got to give it everything you’ve got’. I went in and really gave it everything I had, I put my leg on and went for it and it gives her so much confidence when I’m so certain too. It worked really well for her!”
The Greater Manchester rider is a Dental Nurse working in a specialist practice on orthodontics, “I work long shifts and in between I ride, it’s hard work but you get weeks like this where you have to rearrange your life around but it’s nice to have a nice reward!”
Annabelle Wesley and Vanir Kamira, the former Badminton winner enjoying a second career, took second with 67.556%, whilst Susan Bill earned third with her own Flamenco Princess.
PDS Saddles Elementary Freestyle Gold
Winner: Sadie Smith and Times Oddjob, 73.846%
Sadie Smith is enjoying a Championships to remember, and in the final class of the day collected her third title, winning the PDS Saddles Elementary Freestyle Gold on board Peter Belshaw’s Times Oddjob. Their winning score was 73.846%, rewarded by Lotte Olsen (H), Mary Robins (C) and James Rooney (B).
“I don’t think he could’ve gone much better,” a delighted Sadie said, “I’ve just had a day where they’ve really tried and it’s all come off. He’s a lovely horse and he never let’s you down, he’s very level-headed. He was actually so excited when we got here, like he was excited to be about, but he calmed down and he’s got such a trainable temperament.”
“I came expecting not to win anything, and then I won one... after that you start to really want to win the next one. I thought three would be amazing but I just would’ve been pleased if he’d gone well. I’m thrilled to be honest.”
Oddjob, by Vitalis and out of a Damon Hill-sired mare, is owned and bred by Peter Belshaw, “I’ve got five of them who are all related in some way. Peter is a very supportive owner, I’m really pleased for him.”
“I just feel really lucky,” Sadie said, reflecting also on her third placing with Times Nika (72.693%), “she’s a totally different horse, she’s big and she’s needed more time to get stronger. She can be insecure but I was so proud of her, she held it together today – she's very talented and I’m pleased with how she took everything on today.”
Splitting Sadie’s two horses on the podium was Gracie Catling with Gaynor Morris’ Fraithwens Wytske fan ter Lune, the spectacular Friesian mare looked a picture throughout her test and earned 73.718%; her performance captured the spirit of freestyle dressage with perfectly matched beats and a precisely ridden floorplan.
