North & East outstanding at Senior Home International

The North & East region is celebrating after taking home the team title at the Senior Home International hosted by Vale View Equestrian in Leicestershire (03 – 05 September 2021). A total of 123 combinations and 32 teams contested this year’s instalment of this flagship event for senior regional riders.

The winning North & East Wenlock quartet of Jessica Griffiths, Alison Timmins, Lesley Wheatley and Clare Hinchliffe took home the coveted Senior Home International team trophy with a grand total mark of 414.14 after two days of incredibly close fought competition, with the team podium completed by North & East Maraitowa (412.98) and North & West Handsome Hester (410.22).

A weekend to remember for the North & East, whose teams were named after Olympic mascots dating back to Seoul, they not only won the team event but also fielded six of the top ten ranked teams.

Riders representing North & East also landed two of the individual titles on offer to top off a memorable weekend. Winning team and Lincolnshire rider Jessica Griffiths and RS Fürst Love, her Fürst Romancier-sired six-year-old, won the Novice title whilst Claire Johnston from Leicestershire and her 11-year-old mare Sensation (Sir Oldenburg x Don Frederico), from North & East Miraitowa, claimed Advanced Medium individual honours.

Surrey rider Hiedi Marcus and her British-bred 10-year-old mare, Hawtins Fiorella (by Fürstenball), did the South & East region proud with a convincing win in the Elementary. The duo, from team South & East Mint, posted 69.90% on Saturday, 70.10% on Sunday for a combined total mark of 140.00.

The overall Medium title belonged to Lauren Williamson from Cheshire and nine-year-old KWPN gelding Vancouver LG, a former working stallion. The pairing, from the North & West Handsome Hester team, achieved a super combined score of 141.11 (72.01% and 69.10%).

Eight competitors from across the regions came forward for the Prix St Georges Championship, which is testament to the training and commitment of riders within the regions working at this level. After two days of competition, Rachel Lade and Royal Diamont, from team South West Tavvy, emerged the winners after posting solid scores of 68.66% and 67.98%. Rachel, from Gloucestershire, and her 12-year-old Royal Diamond gelding are on a roll this year with wins in the silver section of both the Prix St Georges and Intermediate I at Sparsholt Summer Regional Championships.   

“I was delighted with the performance of the region,” commented North & East Development Officer, Jo Byrne. “Chef d’Equipe Sarah Farrand did a fabulous job looking after 31 riders and I was so proud of how all the riders were behind each other over the weekend. They each supported those who went on to be placed whilst also achieving their own goals. It was fantastic, and the win really is a win for the region.

“We credit the large number of applications and more riders from across the region coming forward to our Flexi Training and Performance Camps – getting our coaches more involved in encouraging them to come forward for teams,” says Jo, talking about the development and success of the region’s riders. “We currently have 42 BD Coaches involved and had two of them at the event Amy and Tracy Woodhead helping the team.” 

Sponsored by Kevin Sparrow Photography, with very generous prizes from onsite equestrian store Nags Essentials and rosettes and sashes sponsored by Yarnundyed, the weekend was enjoyed by all. Vale View did a fabulous job, using all of the arenas over the three days including the Andrews Bowen Grand Prix Arena giving the whole event a true international feel. They also kindly provided a prosecco and canapé reception after the opening ceremony and a hog roast and quiz on the Saturday night.

Results – top three
Team
1. North & East Wenlock, 414.14
Jessica Griffiths and RS Fürst Love (Novice)
Alison Timmins and Johnny Fletch (Elementary)
Lesley Wheatley and Fürst Lazlo (Medium
Clare Hinchliffe and Cascento (Advanced Medium)

2. North & East Maraitowa, 412.98
Jennifer Martell and DHI Black Magic (Novice)
Francesca Segalov and Nigrasine Rain (Elementary)
Lucy Lloyd and Glensensaw Sweet Girl (Medium)
Claire Johnston and Sensation (Advanced Medium

3. North & West Handsome Hester, 410.22
Alison Calvert and Woodlander Frampton (Novice)
Sue Kirkpatrick and Woodlander Buddy Holly (Elementary)
Lauren Williamson and Vancouver LG (Medium
Jessica Sanders and Gershwin FH (Advanced Medium)

Individual
Novice
1. Jessica Griffiths and RS Fürst Love (North & East Wenlock), 70.97% and 71.67% (142.64)
2. Alison Calvert and Woodlander Frampton (North & West Handsome Hester), 68.33% and 69.88% (138.21)
3. Amy Foster and Kimberley SHR (Wales Afanc), 68.75% and 68.40% (137.15)

Elementary
1. Hiedi Marcus and Hawtins Fiorella (South & East Mint), 69.90% and 70.10% (140.00)
2. Francesca Segalov and Nigrasine Rain (North & East Miraitowa), 68.53% and 69.74% (138.27)
3. Shirley Hart and Der Diamant (North & East Millie), 67.30% and 69.53% (136.83)

Medium
1. Lauren Williamson and Vancouver LG (North & West Handsome Hester), 72.01% and 69.10% (141.11)
2. Amy Peters and Glanhayl Rendition (North & East Jingling), 69.80% and 69.37% (139.17)
3. Lucy Lloyd and Glensensaw Sweet Girl (North & East Miraitowa), 70.29% and 68.20% (138.49)

Advanced Medium
1. Claire Johnston and Sensation (North & East Miraitowa), 67.69% and 68.16% (135.85)
2. Susie White and Seventh Heaven II (North & East Vinicious), 67.26% and 66.23% (133.49)
3. Angela Fenn and Dun-Lin (South & East Basil), 65.77% and 66.93% (132.70)

Prix St Georges
1. Rachel Lade and Royal Diamont (South & West Tavvy), 68.66% and 67.98% (136.64)
2. Emma Holmes and Westhills Watermark (North & East Millie), 66.39% and 66.23% (132.62)
3. Sian Nash and Woodcroft Dream Boy (North & West Wonderful Wilson), 64.26% and 64.12% (128.38)

Photo © Kevin Sparrow