Winter Regional Championships: Netherton Equestrian

Congratulations to the latest cohort of regional champions who have earned their NAF Five Star Winter Championship qualification tickets at Netherton Equestrian’s Winter Regional Championships held in Scotland (1-2 March). 

Leading the way as the overall top scorer was Jo Barry from West Lothian, who claimed the victory in the Baileys Novice Freestyle Gold on the exciting six-year-old mare Viva Caledonia (Valverde x Fürstenball). The pair earned an impressive 76.48% which was awarded by judges Les Smith (C), Gillian Rose Parker (E) and Caroline Paterson (M). The duo also secured the Prestige Novice Gold with another excellent score of 72.63%, placing ahead of runners-up Jade Whitelaw and Nancy I on 69.03%. Jo’s outstanding form continued as she partnered with her home-bred 10-year-old mare Karisma II (San Amour x Donnabel) to take the top spot in the Spillers Medium Freestyle Gold on 72.89% and second in the HorseLight Medium Gold on 71.07%. Jo was overjoyed with how her horses performed, especially considering the difficult preparations: “With snow and storms plaguing preparations it was not an easy run up to the Winter Regionals so I was thrilled with how both girls stepped up to the challenge. They are a pleasure to compete and are natural show-offs so my job is much easier!”

Carmen Gammie and her Charmeur-sired gelding Lets Make An Opera M emerged as the highest scoring Silver combination, triumphing in the Spillers Medium Freestyle Silver with a standout score of 72.72%. The pair also claimed a win in the Black Country Saddles Advanced Medium Silver with 70.37%, whilst also securing second in the Nupafeed Advanced Medium Freestyle Silver on 70.22% and finishing third in the HorseLight Medium Silver. Taking to Facebook to reflect on her performances, Carmen said, “We’ve been working really hard over the winter to unleash some extra power and I was delighted we could take it into the ring. A few too many mistakes in the other tests, but hopefully a wild card is coming our way.”

Aberdeenshire’s Michael Whippey rode Genson Blue (by Governor) to victory in the Magic Prix St Georges Silver with a strong score of 67.79% which put them clear of the competition. Reflecting on the weekend via social media, Michael explained how, after placing third in the Advanced Medium the previous day, they returned “much more relaxed” to deliver his first “clean test” at Prix St Georges level. Reflecting on the achievement, Michael expressed his gratitude, saying, “Super proud of this horse and the quality he’s developing! Without Gareth Hughes’ help this wouldn’t be possible so thank you.”

Other notable performances included Jade Whitelaw, who made her mark with seven podium finishes across her two rides, including a win in the Nupafeed Advanced Medium Freestyle Silver with Late Night (Gunner KS x Rousseau) on 71.22%. Eilidh Grant and Samantha Turpitt also delivered strong performances, each returning home as double regional champions. Meanwhile, Robyn Smith also claimed a double victory, winning the HorseHage Preliminary Gold title with her six-year-old mare Serene Fairy Caledonia (Foundation x Sir Donnerhall II) on 71.67%, before partnering with the eight-year-old Oldenburg gelding Gentle Caledonia to top the HorseLight Medium Gold on 73.89%.

Taking to social media after her victories, Robyn reflected on her journey with her talented young horses, expressing her pride in Gentle Caledonia’s progress since she bought him as a foal, before commenting how delighted she was with the young Serene Fairy Caledonia’s attitude. “She’s never been as relaxed going into a warm-up and was completely unfazed by her first prize giving,” with patience and understanding at the core of her training philosophy, the Glasgow-based rider added, “I’m really taking my time with this special mare, I learn more about her every day!”

Congratulations to everyone who took part, especially those who secured their spot at the NAF Five Star Winter Championships next month. Thanks goes to the team at Netherton Equestrian for hosting a successful show to conclude the 2025 Winter Regional Championships. 

Results- Top Three

Saturday 1 March

HorseHage Preliminary Silver
1.    Lynne Wearing and Azgard Go For Gold, 68.00%
2.    Suzanne Muir and Faside Freya, 66.87%
3.    Kate Miller and Tullibards Four Socks, 66.60%
HorseHage Preliminary Gold
1.    Robyn Allana Mcdonald Smith and Serene Fairy Caledonia, 71.67%
2.    Eilidh Grant and Waverley Foxtrot, 68.87%
3.    Sarah Oakden and Culmore Harry, 67.87%
Equi-Trek Elementary Silver
1.    James Duncan Oakden and Koriejannes W, 68.64%
2.    James Duncan Oakden and Cooley Cormint, 66.77%
3.    Angela Joan Lauder and Lambrigg Damario, 66.72%
Equi-Trek Elementary Gold
1.    Samantha Turpitt and Moriarty, 70.46%
2.    Georgina Rachel Chalmers-Gray and Jekaterina, 70.45%
3.    Jade Whitelaw and Nancy I, 67.07%
PDS Saddles Elementary Freestyle Silver
1.    Sarah Rowell and Commodore X, 69.42%
2.    Dawn Elizabeth Harrison and Bathleyhills Justifiable, 67.56%
3.    Alexa Ekin and Kilcorban Blue Brigade, 58.85%
PDS Saddles Elementary Freestyle Gold
1.    Samantha Turpitt and Moriarty, 73.33%
2.    Jessie Clarke and Bunteeichen Nivaro, 71.02%
3.    Lesley Wheatley and Detroit GH, 69.10%
Black Country Saddles Advanced Medium Silver
1.    Carmen Gammie and Lets Make An Opera M, 70.37%
2.    Jade Whitelaw and Late Night, 68.15%
3.    Michael Whippey and Genson Blue, 68.05%
Black Country Saddles Advanced Medium Gold
1.    Eilidh Grant and Lebora, 68.66%
Nupafeed Advanced Medium Freestyle Silver
1.    Jade Whitelaw and Late Night, 71.22%
2.    Carmen Gammie and Lets Make An Opera M, 70.22%
3.    Linda Faulks and Knocknacree Bentley, 67.50%
Nupafeed Advanced Medium Freestyle Gold
1.    Eilidh Grant and Lebora, 72.72%
Superflex Intermediate I Silver
1.    Linda Barnes and First Miss Sunrise AS, 63.77%

Sunday 2 March

Magic Prix St Georges Silver
1.    Michael Whippey and Genson Blue, 67.79%
2.    Joanne Ivimey and Daily Diamond 3, 63.68%
3.    Tracy Thirlwall and Tapaidh Frankie (IRE), 61.08%
HorseLight Medium Gold
1.    Robyn Allana Mcdonald Smith and Gentle Caledonia, 73.89%
2.    Joanna Barry and Karisma II, 71.07%
3.    Jade Whitelaw and Late Night, 69.07%
HorseLight Medium Silver
1.    Karen Dewar and Kianca, 66.99%
2.    Georgina Rachel Chalmers-Gray and Jekaterina, 66.76%
3.    Carmen Gammie and Lets Make An Opera M, 65.79%
Spillers Medium Freestyle Gold
1.    Joanna Barry and Karisma II, 72.89%
2.    Eilidh Grant and Lebora, 70.33%
3.    Jade Whitelaw and Late Night, 70.17%
Spillers Medium Freestyle Silver
1.    Carmen Gammie and Lets Make An Opera M, 72.72%
2.    Karen Dewar and Kianca, 70.44%
3.    Jessie Clarke and Bunteeichen Nivaro, 69.05%
Baileys Novice Freestyle Silver
1.    Honor Casely and Lafforcry, 69.81%
2.    Pippa Burns and WHW Fred (Pickwick), 67.78%
3.    Kate Mcdiarmid and Master Tom (Ziggy), 67.50%
Baileys Novice Freestyle Gold
1.    Joanna Barry and Viva Caledonia, 76.48%
2.    Eilidh Grant and Waverley Foxtrot, 72.78%
3.    Jade Whitelaw and Nancy I, 71.57%
Prestige Novice Gold
1.    Joanna Barry and Viva Caledonia, 72.63%
2.    Jade Whitelaw and Nancy I, 69.03%
3.    Eilidh Grant and Waverley Foxtrot, 68.28%
Prestige Novice Silver
1.    Imogen Casely and King Cotton Legacy, 70.81%
2.    Honor Casely and Lafforcry, 69.46%
3.    Morgan Mccartney and Belisuno, 69.25%

FULL RESULTS

Photo © HKF Photography