Nettex Arab Horse Associated Championships

Taking place at Solihull Riding Club last weekend, the Nettex Arab Horse Associated Championships were a highlight in the BD calendar for all riders and fans of this magnificent breed (20 October 2018).

The highest score of the show belonged to star youth rider Ruby Gumbley (13) who produced a phenomenal test in the Prelim part-bred Championships with her own Mickey May. Despite only being a partnership for four months, the pint-sized duo blew the competition away earning 75.14% from the judges panel consisting of Islay Auty and Jill Price.

Proud mum Suzanne said, “Her test was beautiful to watch and we can’t believe the score, it’s almost embarrassing! One of the judges even left a comment on Ruby’s Facebook to say how harmonious the test was. Ruby’s come off a very cheeky Dartmoor pony and onto Mickey; it’s been a huge learning curve over the last four months. We had a great day out at the [Nettex Arab Horse Associated] Championships, Ruby just wanted to get out and do a bit so we qualified for this show due to Mickey’s Arab bloodlines on his dam’s side.”

Ruby and Mickey (pictured) have qualified for the Winter Regionals at Prelim level and are currently working towards completing their Novice qualification. “Ruby’s aiming to ride her first Elementary before Christmas and then keep progressing on to Medium. It’s her dream to make it on to the Pony Squads with this pony so that’s our goal for next year,” Suzanne concluded.

Tamsin O’Connor enjoyed great results at this year’s Championships with her own and Jackie Hutchings Mellway Silver Sheen, heading home to Devon with the Prelim pure-bred title and the reserve title in the Novice Championships. Their winning score in the Prelim class was 69.16% which was enough to land them the top spot ahead of Ceri Phipps-Hewitt with Hurstpark Tikkaboo and Kelly Britton with Dhamma Fielen who took second and third respectively. Speaking fondly about ‘Sheen’ on Facebook Tamsin said, “What a fantastic day with Mellway Silver Sheen at the Nettex Arab Horse Associated Championships! This horse so deserves a sash!”

Perhaps the most eye-catching winner of the day was the part-bred Prescoed Soloman, a stunning spotted gelding owned by Islay Auty and rider Jen Smithson. ‘Soli’ and Jen claimed the Elementary part-bred Championships in style, earning 69.92% for their immaculate test. A win at the Nettex Associated Championships marks a fitting conclusion to a wonderful year for the duo; their strong results have stretched far and wide with top placings at shows from Royal Windsor to the BD Senior Home International and Petplan Equine Area Festivals.

Pauline Taylor and Trixie Belden were the eventual winners of the Novice part-bred Championships whilst Jo Retallack and PS Aurora Silk delivered a sublime performance in the Novice pure-bred competition. The six-year-old mare, owned by Natalie Tindall of Moonlight Arabians, is developing a great record at this show having placed with her owner and former rider in 2017’s Prelim Championships. With Jo in the saddle this year, their winning score was a super 69.19%.

David Froggatt made the journey from Lancashire worthwhile with a win in the Elementary pure-bred Championships on board his own Sharrinah and Rebecca Gant was crowned the first winner of the day in the Introductory pure-bred Championships with the eye-catching grey, Binley Silver Spark.

Thanks go to generous Championship sponsors Nettex, Solihull Riding Club and the Arab Horse Society for another successful running of this prestigious event.

Winners

Introductory Pure-bred Champions
Rebecca Gant with Binley Silver Spark, 62.93%

Prelim Pure-bred Champions
Tamsin O’Connor with Mellway Silver Sheen, 69.16%

Prelim Part-bred Champions
Ruby Gumbley with Mickey May, 75.14%

Novice Pure-bred Champions
Jo Retallack with PS Aurora Silk, 69.19%

Novice Part-bred Champions
Pauline Taylor with Trixie Belden, 65.64%

Elementary Pure-bred Champions
David Froggatt with Sharrinah, 63.52%

Elementary Part-bred Champions
Jen Smithson with Prescoed Soloman, 69.92%