Winter Regional Championships: Myerscough College

Myerscough’s Winter Regional Championships (12 – 17 February 2022) managed to escape the worst of storm Dudley. There were excellent results for Becky Moody and connections of Moody Dressage, including double wins for Kirstie Clarke and Broomhill Sports Horses’ Powered by Fürst Impression.

Kirstie won both Equi-Trek Elementary Silver and HorseLight Medium Silver regional championships. She originally rode the nine-year-old Fürst Kiss x Dramatic gelding (pictured above) two years ago when the pair were third in the novice silver winter championships in 2020. She took a break while she was in Holland and reunited with him six months ago.

“He’s really cool and talented,” said Kirstie who specialises in training young horses and is based at Astrid Bolton’s yard near Blackpool. “He was really with me in the first test [elementary] but he got worried in the working-in before the second test as there were a couple of mishaps with another horse. So I had to hold his hand in the medium a little. It was only the second medium test we’ve done together.”

Kirstie trains with Becky Moody, who also left with two titles under her belt. She won the Equitex Advanced Medium Gold on Jack Diamond and the Magic Prix St Georges Gold with Jagerbomb.

Jack is a rising eight-year-old by Electron out of a Diamond Hit mare and is owned by Jo Cooper and Pat and David Webster. The pair were medium champions and reserve elementary champions at the National Championships last September. “He’s the most talented horse I’ve ever had in terms of scope and movement but it’s taking time to get him strong enough,” said Becky. “He wasn’t as soft in the contact as he can be and needed a bit more self-carriage but it was mistake-free.” The pair’s score of 75% was the highest of the championships.

Becky’s second ride was her own homebred Jagerbomb (Dante Weltino x Jazz) who scored 73.19% in the Prix St Georges (PSG). “It was one of the best PSGs he’s done,” enthused Becky. “He was really good in the balance and suppleness and found the work very easy. The trot extensions are not quite where they need to be but everything else was a 7.5 or 8. He was very good in the frame and he’s getting sharper as he’s getting stronger.”

The Moody Dressage jockey, Anna Burns, took two tickets in the Prestige Italia Novice Silver class with Magic Dream (Governor x Swarovski) and Lancelot BS (Dreamboy x Lancelot). Magic Dream had a cracking year last year winning the Port Royal summer regional championships and taking the prelim silver title at the National Championships.

Magic Dream (Schroom) is owned by Becky Moody and Jo Cooper and although a little wobbly at times, gave Anna a super ride. “She’s an absolute dreamboat – a really nice five-year-old,” commented Anna. “She’s not done a massive amount of competing – only one competition since last December.”

The Superflex Inter I winner, Full Fusion BS (pictured above) also has a Moody Dressage connection as the Blue Hors Zack mare was bought from Becky two years ago and Charlotte trains with her regularly. ‘Florence’ won the young rider test at the National Championships last year and had good wins at High Profile and Premier League shows.

“I was super-pleased with her as we’re still quite new to the level as a partnership,” said Charlotte. “We’ve been training hard so it’s nice to see it paying off. Training under Becky’s guidance is really beneficial.”

Charlotte hopes to move up to small tour this year with the eventual aim of contesting under-25 Grand Prix classes.

Another Moody client is Rebecca McNair who also trains with Gareth Hughes. She won the Baileys Horse Feeds Novice Freestyle Gold title with her six-year-old Zonik mare, Lolalinja US and also qualified for the novice gold straight class. “She’s an absolute sweetheart,” said Rebecca. “She’s the most trainable horse I’ve ever had. She had a little holiday over Christmas as she’s a big mare – already 17.3hh. This was the first time I’ve run through the programme as I decided to change the floor plan at the last minute. The music arrived on Friday the day before the test!”

Her qualifications for the Winter Championships have presented Rebecca with quite a dilemma as a Covid-rescheduled holiday in Florida will clash with one of the classes. Let’s hope Rebecca can get an early flight home.”

BD Youth Academy rider Jess Finney is the last of our Moody connections. She and FHS Whatalittlemiss (Indy) took home the PDS Saddles Elementary Freestyle Silver title with a score of 73.72%. Their Tom Hunt/Sue Bradshaw programme featured Disney music and according to Jess’ mother, Martine, “tells a story”. “It was a beautiful ride – we were all in tears!” said Martine. “Indy loves her and they have a great bond.”

Jess has been riding since she was three and went to her first regionals when she was seven. So she’s definitely one to watch!

Falcon II justified Nicola Claxton’s faith in him when he won the Equitex Advanced Medium Silver title. She bought the 11-year-old Valeron x Clavacimbel gelding two years ago from her trainer Ruth Edge. “He had a front leg tendon injury so I got him very cheaply. He had a small operation and more box rest followed by walking in hand. It did give us time to get to know each other,” said Nicola who runs a 50-horse livery yard and is a full-time police officer. “We only started competing last May. He’s a genuine people person and I’m so lucky to have him. In the test I couldn’t have asked for more. He was on the aids and did everything I asked of him.”

Ashley Jenkins’ win in the Prestige Italia Novice Gold on Last Gift is a bit of a family saga. He previously won the novice gold on His Highness and Kensington before grabbing this year’s title on ‘Queenie’. All are bred by Cat Austin out of the same mare, Fahrenheydt.

“Last Gift’s a brilliant mare, super-confident,” said Ashley. “She knows when to focus and pull it out of the bag.”

Vikki Pengilly travelled from south Wales to take home the Equi-Trek Elementary Gold title with her own Indianna. She has had the Florencio x Tuschinski mare for two years. “She’s normally hot and spooky but Myerscough really suits her. She relaxed the minute she arrived,” said Vikki who trains with FEI judge Andrew Gardner. “I was pleased with her test because she stayed nice and relaxed.”

Jade Varley had only been riding KBIS Preliminary Gold winner, Gary and Raine Harthern’s Kashmere, for three weeks when they headed to Myerscough and the 18.2hh gelding has only four previous competitions on his record. “He’s absolutely huge but so kind,” explained Jade who is an equine massage therapist and studying Animal Science at Myerscough. “He was incredibly well behaved and I couldn’t fault him whatsoever.”

Siglan Hector nailed the KBIS Prelim Silver regional championship for Manon Roberts with a 73.56% score. Manon has been riding the Welsh section D by Trevallion Demetrius for six months for his owner, Marion Owen. The pair (pictured above) started affiliated competition last October. “He’s very straightforward and knows his job though he’s not a push button ride,” commented Manon. She started dressage last year with an apprenticeship with Greg Sims and Stena Hoerner. “Hector felt really good in the test and the judges seemed to like him.”

Tracy Tomlinson piloted GFH Stud’s Delta Nu (Farrell x De Niro) to a HorseLight Medium Gold title. “Because of Covid, Ellie’s hardly done any competing so she’s quite green in the arena,” commented Tracy. “She got more confident as the test went on. She’s very trainable and tries even if she’s frightened.” This will be Ellie’s first visit to a national championship.

Bridget Tate and Dancing Magic had the highest scores in the freestyle classes, taking the PDS Saddles Elementary Freestyle Gold on 74.10%. ‘Maggie’ is a seven-year-old by Dimaggio who Bridget bought as an unbacked five-year-old from a Danish stud’s closing down auction. “She’s not easy because of her conformation but is lovely when she works with you,” said Bridget who trains with Mike Eilberg. “Although she was nervous she did quite a nice test and I could only fault one simple change.”

Bridget’s mother Rosalind (pictured above) also went home sporting a sash for the Baileys Horse Feeds Novice Freestyle Silver class – a pre-birthday present as she turned 64 the next day. Midsummer Isle Dream (Aramis) is a six-year-old gelding (Lord Leatherdale x Masterpiece), the grandson of a mare Rosalind bought for £425 from Hereford cattle market.

“He has sarcoids so I kept him. He’s very naughty,” said Rosalind who used a Simon and Garfunkel compilation for her music. “But when he’s good he’s very good!”

The Spillers Medium Freestyle Gold was won by Ruby Hughes and Nancy Scott’s lovely Classic Bee Gee on 70.56%. The pair were 2021 Winter Champions in the medium freestyle silver class. ‘Barry’ is another top competition horse who prefers to live out 24/7. Wonder if he likes bananas like his stable mate Classic Briolinca?

The Spillers Medium Freestyle Silver title went to hairdresser and sheep farmer Pamela Lupton who bought 12-year-old Gladiator DHI from her trainer, Ian Woodhead when he was five. The pair were seventh at the Winter Championships last year. “He’d just come off the lorry from Holland when I bought him. He’s turned out to be a superstar and the loveliest little horse for an amateur,” said Pamela who rode to a compilation of Irish dance music. “He did his absolute best. He loves doing music and enjoys the atmosphere at bigger shows which makes my job easier.”

Chrissie Havis’s gamble purchase Beckhouse Piano Blue has paid off as she added the Nupafeed Advanced Medium Freestyle Silver title to his good placings at regional championships in previous years. “I bought him as an unbroken four-year-old off the Pets 4 Homes website so it was a bit of a gamble!” explained Chrissie who trains with Clive Halsall and used a nautical theme for her programme. “The test wasn’t entirely clean but the flying changes were good. He’s carriage horse bred and likes to show off.”

“I hurt my back in December and couldn’t ride and then got Covid in January so our preparation wasn’t ideal. There are a few things I can polish up before the Winters.”

Last, but definitely not least, 18-year-old schoolmaster, Zante, gave sports science student Ellie Roberts a super ride to win the Nupafeed Advanced Medium Freestyle Gold. Previously ridden by Gaby Lucas and Sophie Williams, Zante came to Ellie three years ago to help her to progress from medium to young riders classes. “He used to be naughty when he was a youngster but now he’s good as gold,” said Ellie who trains with Gaby Lucas and Jezz Palmer. “He’s a powerful horse so I use dramatic film music. His flying changes are always a strong point – he loves to skip!”

Congratulations to all competitors and to the team at Myerscough for making the show such a success despite the weather.

Top-three results
KBIS Preliminary Silver
1. Manon Roberts and Siglan Hector, 73.56%
2. Rebecca Holt and Donny Boy Dexter, 71.26%
3. Carolyn Claxton and Seiont Triog, 70.80%

KBIS Preliminary Gold
1. Jade Varley and Kashmere, 72.93%
2. Lindsay Middleton and Galetha, 71.90%
3. Sarah Kingwells and Mooresfort Swatch, 69.54%

Prestige Italia Novice Silver
1. Anna Burns and Magic Dream, 72.28%
2. Anna Burns and Lancelot BS, 69.81%
3. James Wolfenden and Powered by Grand Gesture, 69.07%

Prestige Italia Novice Gold
1. Ashley Jenkins and Last Gift, 71.30%
2. Rebecca McNair and Lolalinja US, 70.68%
3. Sue Carson and SCS Lumiere KH, 70.12%

Equi-Trek Elementary Silver
1. Kirstie Clarke and Powered By Fürst Impressions, 72.23%
2. Alison Calvert and Woodlander Frampton, 69.53%
3. Sarah Edmondson and Kyaro, 68.75%

Equi-Trek Elementary Gold
1. Vikki Pengilly and Indianna, 72.55%
2. Chloe Vell and Royal Rendezvous, 68.85%
3. Darcas Lever and Legacy DZL, 68.49%

HorseLight Medium Silver
1. Kirstie Clarke and Powered By Fürst Impressions, 68.92%
2. Debbie Halstead and Illadorijke, 67.61%
3. Amelia Moncrieff and Littletree J’adore, 67.21%

HorseLight Medium Gold
1. Tracy Tomlinson and Delta Nu, 68.96%
2. Alex Ingoe-Topham and Seagry DonnaDiva, 67.97%
3. Vikki Pengilly and Hot Couture, 67.66%

Equitex Advanced Medium Silver
1. Nicola Claxton and Falcon II, 69.74%
2. Jennifer Harkness and White Sparrow, 69.69%
3. Vicky Johnson and Temujin, 68.25%

Equitex Advanced Medium Gold
1. Becky Moody and Jack Diamond, 75.00%
2. Ryan Todd and Dee Jay Asgard, 65.13%

Magic Prix St Georges Gold
1. Becky Moody and Jagerbomb, 73.19%
2. Lottie Flinn Royal Rebel SH, 67.35%
3. Darcas Lever and Gustav VI, 65.44%

Superflex Intermediate I Gold
1. Charlotte Lutener and Full Fusion BS, 69.36%
2. Sarah Higgins and Easter Bunny II, 63.92%
3. Justine Armitage and Don Soberano, 61.72%

Baileys Horse Feeds Novice Freestyle Silver
1. Rosalind Tate and Midsummer Isle Dream, 72.04%
2. Emma Rarity and Derriamo, 71.48%
3. Hilary Secker and Pinecroft Blaze, 71.11%

Baileys Horse Feeds Novice Freestyle Gold
1. Rebecca McNair and Lolalinja US, 73.61%
2. Sue Carson and SCS Lumiere KH, 71.11%
3. Mark Walters and Wayfield Warrier, 70.09%

PDS Saddles Elementary Freestyle Silver
1. Jessica Finney and FHS Whatalittlemiss, 73.72%
2. Jaine Bailey and Diamond Geezer, 70.45%
3. Rachel Wall and Belissimmo Bede, 68.53%

PDS Saddles Elementary Freestyle Gold
1. Bridget Tate and Dancing Magic, 74.10%
2. Helen Dutton and Farufio, 69.94%
3. Izzy Maughan and Santino Royale, 69.81%

Spillers Medium Freestyle Silver
1. Pamela Lupton and Gladiator DHI, 68.78%
2. Amelia Moncrief and Littletree J’adore, 68.67%
3. Hayley Oglden-Lackey and Goldessa Gin, 67.50%

Spillers Medium Freestyle Gold
1. Ruby Hughes and Classic Bee Gee, 70.56%
2. Nicholas Lawson and L’Aban, 66.39%

Nupafeed Advanced Medium Freestyle Silver
1. Chrissie Havis and Beckhouse Piano Blue, 68.56%
2. Jade Clark and Jemima HH, 67.94%
3. Zara Griffith and Allegro, 67.17%

Nupafeed Advanced Medium Freestyle Gold
1. Ellie Roberts and Zante, 67.83%
2. Bridget Tate and CVS Night Fever, 65.06%

FULL RESULTS

Photo © Becky Swallow Photography