Siddorn and Goode in the ribbons at Arena UK High Profile

Arena UK High Profile Show (06 – 09 December 2022) saw significant personal achievements for Grand Prix winners, Kim Siddorn and Tom Goode, despite freezing temperatures at the Lincolnshire venue.

Kim Siddorn and her own and Sam Dyer’s Dutch Class (Jazz) notched up their first High Profile Grand Prix wins in the Special and Freestyle. Kim has produced the 14-year-old Jazz gelding (pictured above) for many years, apart from a three-year gap when she had her first child.

It’s been quite a journey for the super-sensitive ‘Jazz’ and Kim has been working with Claire Gallimore over the last year to help him overcome his nerves in the arena. The management plan seems to be working as Jazz coped with the freezing weather, Christmas trees and tinsel in the arena as well as the heaters keeping the judges’ toes toasty. “I’ve taken him to Christmas High Profiles before and he’s had a complete meltdown. This year he seemed to be coping with life.”

The Grand Prix level is new to both Jazz and Kim this year and Kim credits Carl Hester with helping them both to become a Grand Prix combination. “Carl has been magic for us, teaching me to be a better rider,” she commented. “We’ve had to think outside the box in how we manage him.

“In the Special he was a little bit scared at the start but settled when he started the canter work He got 8.5 for his one-time changes! I was thrilled how he relaxed as he went round and took a breath – that’s a massive win for me.”

Kim’s freestyle programme was put together with the help of Gaynor Colbourn the week before and so Kim didn’t have a lot of time to practice. “It was our first Grand Prix freestyle and I was so pleased it all came off.”

Tom Goode, head rider for Emile Faurie, has been riding Samantha Geddes’ Dior III (Gribaldi x Goodtimes) since the 14-year-old was just five. The powerful chestnut (pictured above) picked up a small injury earlier in the year, so this was his first outing since Le Mans in April. The pair won the Grand Prix class, ahead of Annabella Pidgley who made a promising first appearance with the World team gold medallist, Vamos Amigos.

“He’s fresh and fit now – and very happy to be out!” commented Tom who had to put up with some exuberance in the canter work. “He gave me a great feeling. He’s a very exciting horse and I’m grateful to Samantha and Emile for giving me the opportunity to see it through from young horse classes to Grand Prix. He learned all the grand prix work very early, it seemed natural to him.”

Talented international young rider Anna Jesty won both the Inter II and Inter I Freestyle classes with Commodore Platinum (Woodlander Clapton x Voltaire). It was only their third attempt at Inter II level. She has owned ‘Olly’ since he was six months old and describes him as her ‘secret weapon’.

“He had problems as a foal so was started a year late,” she explained. “It took longer to build up his strength, so he didn’t compete until he was six. He made some green mistakes but he gives you a great feeling. He tries so hard sometimes he gets it wrong and he doesn’t like it when he gets things wrong!”

Anna will be heading to Vale View High Profile in the new year to do another Inter II and her goal is to compete in the Under 25 classes next year, with a long-term ambition of senior Grand Prix.

Emma Jablonski and Higgins Van De Uilenhoek were among the show’s top scorers with a 72.45% in one of the Superflex Inter I classes.

Emma has owned the Connoisseur 10-year-old since he was first backed and has trained him up the levels. He has winter and summer regional titles at Inter I.

“He hasn’t been to Arena UK before so I was thankful he just went in and did his job. He’s 10 now so I plan to start training on the Inter II stuff. He’ll stay at small tour most of next year and I hope to do an Inter II by the end of the year. He’s one to keep and I hope to get him to Grand Prix.”

Emma trains with Amy Woodhead and has had some extra help from Becky Moody while Amy is on maternity duties.

Becky Edwards is fortunate enough to have two talented 10-year-old horses at Small Tour level. Laerke Stensvang (Blue Hors Zack x Blue Hors Don Schufro) won the Magic Prix St Georges (PSG) and Dita Von Teese (Dimaggio x Conteur) one of the Superflex Inter I classes.

“They’ve both been quite tricky and taken a while to get their confidence in the arena,” explained Becky. “I’ve taken my time and not put them under too much pressure.”

“Lark took a long time to learn her changes and they were so big and flamboyant. Since she’s moved up to PSG she’s come on in leaps and bounds. This was only her third PSG test.

“Deeta is very sassy! She’s been easy to train but struggled to take it into the arena. Sometimes we struggled to get into the arena! I took part in a demonstration with my trainer Carl Hester in front of 1200 people and she just had to get over it. Since then she’s been better. She’s already learning the higher movements – she did 17 one-time changes the other day! I hope to do an Inter II at the beginning of next year.”

Maddy Frewin was also an Inter I winner, with 15-year-old Blue Hors Dexter, owned by Mark Philpot and Nigel Sibley. He was previously ridden by Andrew Gould and came to Maddy last year.

“He’s only done of a handful of Inter Is so I was super happy with him. He had a lot of energy which I’ve sometimes struggled to create and he really performed. Our partnership is definitely growing and we’ve had a really good year together.

“He knows the tricks so is teaching me a lot. He loves the work and the more he can do, the better.”

Young talent Ruby Hughes claimed a Magic Prix St Georges and the Junior Team Test with scores of over 72% with 16-year-old World Exclusive (pictured above), who is owned by Grand Prix rider, Kate Lister.

Although she has only been riding him since September, they have struck up a great partnership. Her Junior test win came on her 15th birthday – belated Happy Birthday, Ruby.

“Wex really loves shows and perks up when he knows he’s going out,” said Ruby’s mum, Rebecca. “Ruby made a small mistake in the PSG but the quality was really good.”

Gemma Owen was the other Prix St Georges winner, with her own Sirius Black. After a break to participate in Love Island, on TV, Gemma has had three PSG wins in a row in December.

India Durman-Mills aced the Young Rider Team and Individual tests with 12-year-old Jazz gelding, Escade. India has just moved up to the Young Rider classes after successfully representing Britain at the Junior Europeans.

“This was our first Young Rider competition, although we’ve competed PSG a handful of times. I had a lesson with my trainer Gareth Hughes to practice the pirouettes. He has lovely changes so I knew they would be fine. We’ll go out in the new year and continue building on what we’ve got.”

India is based at Witham Villa, run by her aunt Verity Saul.

Lauren Geraghty made her last pony competition outing on WS Jackson count with a win in the Pony Team Test and a close second on collectives to Myles Graham and Dresscode Cocktail in the Pony Individual Test.

“He’s so special it’s difficult to let him go, but Lauren is out of ponies now,” explained her mum, Julie. “He’s a big moving pony with a fabulous temperament and makes us smile every day. Lauren was really happy with his tests. It’s great to finish on a high score.”

Ella Glennon and Amden Supreme Golden Dancer had a great win in the Pony Freestyle as the handsome palomino pony danced his way to a 72.58% score. Her mum Debbie commented on social media that this is still a relatively new partnership and thanked Claire Deithrick for help with the music and floor plan.

Congratulations to all the winning riders and owners, and to everyone who took part. Thanks go to organiser Lauren Fogg and the entire team at Arena UK for hosting the event. 

Results – top three
Tuesday 6 December
HorseLight Medium 73 Gold
1. Jessica Thompson and Midtgaards Gijon, 71.08%

HorseLight Medium 73 Silver
1. Bert Sheffield and Fairuza, 67.11%
2. Tracy Morgan and Opius M, 66.67%
3. Sarah Payne and Woodlander Wild Romance, 66.62%

Equitex Advanced Medium 92 Gold
1. Jessica Dunn and Dan Its Carson 71.26%
2. Jessica Thompson and Midtgaards Gijon 69.86%
3. Emma Bond and Diamond Harlequin, 65.32%

Equitex Advanced Medium Silver
1. Alison Timmins and Johnny Fletch, 67.25
2. Andrew Wright and Sonnenschein OLD, 65.09%
3. Bert Sheffield and Fairuza, 65.05%

Magic Prix St Georges Gold
1. Becky Edwards and Laerke Stensvang, 69.90%
2. Becky Moody and James Bond II, 69.56%
3. Becky Moody and Gracia Du Rona, 69.02%

Magic Prix St Georges Silver
1. Heidi Hutchinson and Ellison, 63.28%
2. Amelie Villeneuve-Moore and Lawente Z, 57.79%

Superflex Intermediate I Gold
1. Emma Jablonski and Higgens Van De Uilenhoek, 72.45%
2. Becky Moody and James Bond II, 72.01%
3. Becky Edwards and Dita Von Teese, 69.85%

Superflex Intermediate I Silver
1. Antonia Brown and SJL Duuk, 65.40%
2. Sarah Fitton and Florenciana 4, 65.20%
3. Heidi Hutchinson and Ellison 64.80%

Grand Prix
1. Tom Goode and Dior III, 69.75%
2. Annabella Pidgley and Vamos Amigos, 68.77%
3. Daniel Watson and Aster Berlin, 67.90%

Wednesday 7 December
HorseLight Medium 75 Gold
1. Jessica Thompson and Midtgaards Gijon, 71.17%

HorseLight Medium 75 Silver
1. Tracy Morgan and Opus M, 67.07%
2. Sam Whyley and Daybreak Dancer, 64.91%
3. Alina Kozersky and Tandridge Diplomat, 6374%

Equitex Advanced Medium 98 Gold
1. Jess Dunn and Dan Its Carston, 71.18%
2. Jess Thomson and Midtgaards Gijon, 70.18%
3. Jess Dunn and Hokita, 69.74%

Equitex Advanced Medium 98 Silver
1. Andrew Wright and Sonnenschein Old, 69.21%
2. Claire Knowles and Singing Skyjacker, 68.38%
3. Judy Hancock and Just Dance BH, 67.94%

Magic Prix St Georges Gold
1. Ruby Hughes and World Exclusive, 72.01%
2. Becky Edwards and Laerke Stensvang, 71.62%
3. Mia Mordecai-Smith and Innocent, 70.54%

Magic Prix St Georges Silver
1. Antonia Brown and SJL Jackson, 67.40%
2. Heidi Hutchinson and Ellison, 67.25%
3. Andrew Wright and Sonnenschein OLD, 66.86%

Superflex Intermediate I Gold
1. Becky Edwards and Dita Von Teese, 70.29%
2. Paul Hayler and Suhara Jubilee, 69.07%
3. Lara Edwards and Florence PFB, 67.84%

Superflex Intermediate I Silver
1. Georgina Howard and Capri, 67.30%
2. Okke Krooi and Aldsvir Bese, 66.86%
3. Emily Perry and Dondersteen, 66.81%

Grand Prix Special
1. Kimberley Siddorn and Dutch Class, 67.38%
2. Lara Edwards and Jazzed Up, 66.74%
3. Henrietta Cheetham and Schattentanzerin, 66.38%

Thursday 8 December
HorseLight Medium 76 Gold
1. Tyler Bradshaw and Mexx, 65.81%

HorseLight Medium 76 Silver
1. James Mister and Graigueaverne Forester, 66.16%
2. Sam Whyley and Daybreak Dancer, 63.69%
3. Josie-May Reynolds and Ducos I, 62.17%

Equitex Advanced Medium 96 Gold
1. Paul Friday and Ferguson Himself, 68.51%
2. Anna Jesty and Newton Flexi Time, 66.84%

Equitex Advanced Medium 98 Silver
1. Jessica Parr and Foxcroft Juvat, 67.41%
2. Rachael Liddle and Orions Wish, 60.04%

Magic Prix St Georges Gold
1. Gemma Owen and Sirius Black III, 69.56%
2. Paul Friday and Darwin, 68.14%
3. The Hon Avery Maude and Double Agent, 66.81%

Superflex Intermediate I Gold
1. Maddy Frewin and Blue Hors Dexter, 69.56%
2. Sarah Stewart and DJoe Dimaggio, 67.89%
3. Ruth Edge and Jolene, 67.70%

Superflex Intermediate I Silver
1. Antonia Brown and SJL Duuk, 66.52%
2. Georgina Howard and Capri, 65.58%

Intermediate II
1. Anna Jesty and Commodore Platinum, 67.99%
2. Sarah Stewart and Newho Philharmonic, 67.01%
3. Jennifer Folman and Favory Gazdag, 63.58%

Children on Horses
1. Ella-Grace Dovey and Flaviano, 69,82%
2. Ella-Grace Dovey and Ode To Shannon, 68.61%
3. Mimi Kempster and Che Bello, 67.41%

Pony Individual Test
1. Myles Graham and Dresscode Cocktail, 69.28%
2. Lauren Geraghty and WS Jackson, 69.28%
3. Ella Glennon and Amden Supreme Golden Dancer, 67,70%

Junior Individual Test
1. Morgan Haerr and Floran, 69.36%
2. Matilda Jackson-Clutton and Royalty II, 67.65%
3. Megan Field and Bright Time 66.44%

Grand Prix Under-25
1. Bridget Tate and Daltrey, 66.71%
2. Melissa Dawes and Bodyguard Moorland, 66.50%

Young Rider Individual Test
1. India Durman-Mills and Escade, 70.15%
2. Jessica Hickey and Eagle Nouvelle, 67.21%
3. Oliver Gould and Feiner Stern II, 66.13%

Grand Prix Freestyle
1. Kim Siddorn and Dutch Class, 69,63%

Friday 9 December
HorseLight Medium 75 Silver
1. Samantha Gorman and Porridge II, 63.78%

Equitex Advanced Medium 98 Silver
1. Rachael Liddle and Orions Wish, 63.07%

Children on Horses Team Test
1. Darcey Marcus and Tackmann’s Dark Deluxe, 69.43%
2. Mimi Kempster and Che Bello, 68.65%
3. Madi Haerr and Don Schumeister, 66.4%

Pony Team Test
1. Lauren Geraghty and WS Jackson, 70.19%
2. Abigail Gray and George Clooney B.S., 69.86%
3. Fi Grabham and Zoethen’s Dance Lady, 67.43%

Junior Team Test
1. Ruby Hughes and World Exclusive, 72.63%
2. Myles Graham and Nibeley Union Hit, 72.37%
3. Megan Field and Bright Time, 67.73%

Young Rider Team Test
1. India Durman-Mills and Escade, 72.60%
2. Jessica Hickey and Eagle Nouvelle, 68.87%
3. Oliver Gould and Feiner Stern II, 68.63%

Medium Freestyle Gold
1. Tyler Bradshaw and Mexx, 71.39%

Medium Freestyle Silver
1. Sarah Payne and Woodlander Wild Romance, 73.89%
2. Molly Esberger-Shepherd and Magic Heidehof’s Dylano, 67.94%

Advanced Medium Freestyle Gold
1. Sarah Stewart and DJoe Dimaggio, 74.00%
2. Anna Jesty and Newton Flexi Time, 68.83%

Advanced Medium Freestyle Silver
1. Joanne Gummer and Classic Ruby, 68.83%
2. Rachael Liddle and Orions Wish, 65.06%

Intermediate I Freestyle Gold
1. Anna Jesty and Commodore Platinum, 74.46%
2. Joseph Bright and Fame III, 67.58%
3. Sarah Stewart and Newho Philharmonic, 65.50%

Intermediate I Freestyle Silver
1. Emily Perry and Dondersteen, 69.67%
2. The Hon Avery Maude and Double Agent, 67.50%

Pony Freestyle
1. Ella Glennon and Amden Supreme Golden Dancer, 72.58%
2. Fi Grabham and Zothen’s Dance Lady, 69.00%
3. Bracken Parkhouse and Bathleyhills Vue Parfaite, 67.88%

Junior Freestyle
1. Megan Field and Bright Time, 70.33%

VIEW FULL RESULTS

Photo © A.T.G Photography