Young talent shines bright at Sheepgate BD Under-25 Championships

Always a highlight of the year for BD Youth members, the 2023 edition of Sheepgate British Dressage Under-25 Championships (21 – 26 August 2023) once again welcomed a wealth of young British talent at the popular Lincolnshire venue, where a fantastic atmosphere, friendly rivalry and great team spirit prevailed.

Advanced Medium Championship
Evelina Shrieve (24) claimed the 2023 Advanced Medium title with her talented KWPN gelding, Insist TC, pictured above. A score of 72.98% gave the Oxfordshire combination a convincing lead, with Isabelle Maughan and Si Sento (69.87%) and Georgie Nicholls with Briarwood Notorious (69.39%) securing second and third place on the podium.

“It was fantastic - he was so mega!” commented a delighted Evelina about her Apache x Gribaldi 10-year-old who, as well as taking the Advanced Medium Championship honours, successfully stepped up a level at the show, winning his debut PSG classes with scores of 69.3% and 71.6%. “I bought him as an eight-year-old, but he hadn’t done a lot,” explained Evelina. “We’ve gone from Novice to Prix St Georges, going up the ranks together, which is really special.”

Evelina is based with the Thurman-Baker family at Turville Valley Stud where she works as a rider, having decided to pursue a career with horses two years ago. She trains with Samantha Thurman-Pickett and started competing in British Dressage competition just two years ago.

“He’s my first proper horse,” commented Evelina. “He was quite sharp when I first got him, but we’ve adapted to that, and he lives out 24/7 which really suits him. He’s only small at 16hh, but he’s a small horse with a big presence. I couldn’t ask for a better horse to start my BD journey.

“He’s short-coupled and tidy and gives a great feeling,” she continued. “We’re hoping to have our debut at Premier League PSG next year. I’m really looking forward to the future with him.”

Medium Championship
Molly-Rowan Sharples (22) was on winning form taking both first and second spot in the race for Medium Championship honours. Riding to the win with 70.09% aboard David Pincus’s Sheepcote Jackson, a 10-year-old Johnson x Don Primero gelding, Molly-Rowan also finished second partnered by her own 11-year-old Irish grey mare, Breamormore Silver (68.02%).

Molly-Rowan took to social media to say; “Sheepcote Jackson, first in both his Medium Freestyle with 74% on the first day and the Under-25 Medium Championship with 70.09% on the second day – although he got a little tired bless him and still tried his best.

“Always an absolute pleasure to ride this horse, thank you David Pincus – owner, trainer and driver, and to Maddison Georgiades who was the best groom and physio, taking care of every little thing and making the horse changeovers go smoothly. I would have been useless without you both!”

Elementary Championship
In a close-fought Elementary contest, it was locally-based 20-year-old, Ellie Roberts who enjoyed the win after piloting her KWPN seven-year-old, Lyon HK (Trafalgar x United), pictured below, to the top of the leader board with a super score of 70.05%, while Charlotte Calvert and Woodlander Frampton finished hot on their heels on 70.00%.

Ellie, who contested several classes with ‘Lyon’, closing their week with a fantastic win in the Elementary Championship, commented; “We didn’t have the best start to the week as he can be quite spooky, but he got better and better, gaining confidence as the week went on. For the Elementary Championship he just got on with it despite the rain and thunder. We were really chuffed with him, and winning was the icing on the cake.”

Ellie has owned Lyon for two years and is coached by Hampshire-based rider Jezz Palmer, using modern technology to train online. “He (Lyon) hasn’t been an easy horse - he’s not the most straightforward,” added Ellie. “But he’s the nicest horse I’ve had. I was so pleased with him.”

Novice Championship
The on-form combination of Sophie Isaacs (22) and her seven-year-old gelding Donaigo Ace added the Sheepgate Novice Championship title to their recent Novice individual victory at the Youth Home Nations. Posting 72.78%, Sophie and German-bred ‘Hugo’ braved hail and thunder to take the class ahead of Alice Begg with Nalique (71.04%) and Mollie Pettigrew with Jelke Fan Breuningswyck (70.28%).

“I am so proud and totally amazed by him,” said Northumberland-based Sophie on social media. “He is increasing in confidence at these shows, and with that and strength, his rideability is still growing to produce work more similar to at home and in training.

“He’s only been competing a year and the CV he has built in that time is outstanding. Of course, none of this would be possible without my amazing home team but a particular shout out to my trainers, Samantha Brown, Wendy Murray and Hannah Esberger-Hancock, who helped warm me up.”

Preliminary Championship
Megan Lane (21), who hails from Guernsey, presented the winning ride in the Preliminary Championship, taking the title with 70.00% aboard her seven-year-old KWPN mare, Lyralinde-H (Johnson x Ferro), pictured below. Completing the top three was Daniella Johnston with Tiger Two (69.86%) and Martha Jones with Just Rebel (69.86%).

“I was delighted with her, as she was calm and she listened to me well,” commented Megan, who relocated to the mainland for university and is now based at Hannah Esberger-Hancock’s yard in South Yorkshire, where she trains with both Hannah herself and Gill Liggins.

Megan bought Lyrande-H as an unbacked three-year-old and they are in their second year of BD competition together. “Linde is a lovely horse. She has definitely got her quirks, so I’ve had to learn to manage them, but it’s now really paying off. Next up for the talented duo is the LeMieux National Championships where they will contest the Preliminary Silver Championship.

Grand Prix 16-25 Championship
While her win was uncontested, Ruth Hole (24) achieved a very pleasing 68.33% in the FEI Grand Prix 16-25 with her mother Rachel Murray’s 14-year-old gelding, Easy VZ (Maestro x Rhodium). The duo, who are based at Manor Farm Stud near Newmarket, where Ruth combines her dressage career with eventing and producing young horses, were winners here last year, and have enjoyed a super 2023 so far, including a win at Addington CDI in March.

Ruth, who trains with Jill Day, took to social media to say; “Eazy VZ just gets better and better. He scored just under 70% in the Inter II and won the U25 Grand Prix Championship class with over 68! He is the gift that keeps on giving and still continues to improve. Legend of a pony. He has qualified for the Inter II at the Nationals so let’s hope he keeps his enthusiasm!”

Intermediate I Championship and Young Rider Championship
The Warwickshire-based combination of Megan Field (17) and Bright Time FST, pictured below, are no strangers to the Sheepgate Under-25 Championships, having won the Advanced Medium title at this show last year. Cementing their progression through the levels, Megan and her 16-year-old Oldenburg Breitling W-sired gelding claimed the Inter I title with a creditable 64.12%, ahead of runners-up Rose Foley and Duque L (61.69%).

Megan and ‘Harley’ (Bright Time FST) also claimed the Young Rider Championship title on 65.34%, ahead of Emily Coller who finished second and third with Flabbergasted II and Ashley on scores of 63.78% and 63.73% respectively.

During their two years together, Megan and Harley have progressed from Elementary level to representing Great Britain at Junior level and made their PSG debut in November of last year.

Junior Championship
The 2023 Junior title was won in convincing style by BD National Academy athlete, Morgan Haerr with 17-year-old Floran (by Florestant) on a score of 67.83%; with Daisy Willmott and Diamond Sun II (66.62%) and Demi Howard-Cartwright and Newton Astro Nascente (65.16%) completing the podium.

“What can I say… This week at Sheepgate Equestrian has been amazing!” said Morgan on social media. “‘Herbie’ has made me so incredibly proud. We were on the podium in every class. We did our first PSG here too, coming second and third in the classes! We danced to first place in the Advanced Medium Freestyle with 73% and we won the Juniors with 67.8%. This pony keeps on getting better and better and I can’t be more thankful to have him in my life.”

Morgan and her sister Madi train with Laura Parks and Rui Campeão, and they each won individual titles at the recent Youth Home Nations.

Pony Championship
The Pony Championship was won in style by 15-year-old Cambridgeshire rider Daisy Bullman with her seven-year-old British-bred stallion, Godrics Dionysus (Danger 36 x Donnerwetter), pictured below, on a score of 69.81%. Bracken Parkhouse and Bathleyhills Vue Parfaite and Madi Haerr with Rosewater Rockstar completed the top three on scores of 66.14% and 65.38% respectively.

Godrics Dionysus, aka Haymitch, was bred by Beverley and Samantha Brown of Godrics Stud, and has represented GBR at Addington, Hickstead and Wellington CDIs this year.

Children on Horses Championship
The sole combination in the Children on Horses Championship was Martha Jones and Just Rebel who came away with a super score of 67.58%. Martha (13), from Conwy in Wales, and her 15-year-old British-bred gelding have been competing together since April of this year, and were well-placed in the Prelim Silver at Kelsall Hill’s Summer Regional Championships in July.

Congratulations to all the winning riders and owners, and to everyone who took part. Thanks go to organiser Sarah Payne and the entire team at Sheepgate Equestrian for hosting a fantastic show.

Results - top three placings
Individual Championships
Advanced Medium
1. Evelina Shrieve and Insist TC, 72.98%
2. Isabelle Maughan and Si Sento, 69.87%
3. Georgie Nicholls and Briarwood Notorious 69.39%
Headcollar generously donated to the winner by the Worshipful Company of Saddlers

Medium Championship
1. Molly-Rowan Sharples and Sheepcote Jackson, 70.09%
2. Molly-Rowan Sharples and Breamormore Silver, 68.02%
3. Bracken Parkhouse with Bathleyhills Vue Parfaite 67.30%
Medium Cup – Molly-Rowan Sharples
Headcollar generously donated to the winner by the Worshipful Company of Saddlers

Elementary Championship
1. Ellie Roberts with Lyon HK, 70.05%
2. Charlotte Calvert with Woodlander Frampton, 70.00%
3. Hannah Macmillan with Brookborough Lad, 69.68%
Headcollar generously donated to the winner by the Worshipful Company of Saddlers

Novice Championship
1. Sophie Isaacs with Donaigo Ace, 72.78%
2. Alice Begg with Nalique 71.04%
3. Mollie Pettigrew with Jelke Fan Breuningswyck, 70.28%

Rainbow Plate (Highest placed 17 and under) – Holly Simpson
Gunnerby Galivanter Trophy (Highest Placed Pony) – Windover Billy & Samantha Topping
Dawson Plate (Most deserving unplaced rider) – Issy Bayley
Headcollar generously donated to the winner by the Worshipful Company of Saddlers

Preliminary Championship
1. Megan Lane with Lyralinde-H, 70.00%
2. Daniella Johnston with Tiger Two, 69.86%
3. Martha Jones with Just Rebel, 69.86%
Headcollar generously donated to the winner by the Worshipful Company of Saddlers
For Certain Cup (Highest Placed Fledgling Rider (to the end of the calendar year of 11th Birthday) - Rose Cassapi Paskins riding Westfirle Golden Oriele

Grand Prix 16-25 Championship
1. Ruth Hole with Easy VZ 68.33%

Intermediate I Championship
1. Megan Field with Bright Time FST, 64.12%
2. Rose Foley with Duque L, 61.69%

Young Rider Championship
1. Megan Field with Bright Time FST, 65.34%
2. Emily Coller with Flabbergasted II, 63.78%
3. Emily Coller with Ashley, 63.73%

Junior Championship
1. Morgan Haerr with Floran, 67.83%
2. Daisy Willmott with Diamond Sun II, 66.62%
3. Demi Howard-Cartwright riding Newton Astro Nascente, 65.16%

Pony Championship
1. Daisy Bullman with Godrics Dionysus, 69.81%
2. Bracken Parkhouse with Bathleyhills Vue Parfaite, 66.14%
3. Madi Mai Haerr with Rosewater Rockstar, 65.38%

Children on Horses Championship
1. Martha Jones with Just Rebel, 67.58%

Team Championships
Elementary Team Championship
1. North and East Amner Hall
Catherine Chalkly with Bradwell Dun Deal
Hannah Macmillan with Brookborough Lad
Charlotte Lawson with Chonta
Tabitha Leicester with Eires Rock

2. Harlequin Pegasus
Ava Porter with Mikkers Magiske Ehnjorning (S&W)
Charlotte Calvert with Woodlander Frampton (N&W)
Shona Leckie with Lyrical Dancer (Scotland)
Rachel Evans with Greenburns Dvorak (Scotland)

3rd South and East
Ella Fraser with Brouershavens Viceroy
Sophia Summers with Woodcroft Leopart
Daisy Hills with Taurmore Buster

Individual Placings
1. Hannah Macmillan with Brookborough Lad
2. Tabitha Leicester with Eires Rock
3. Charlotte Calvert with Woodlander Frampton

Novice Team Championship
1. North and East Clarence House
Sophie Isaacs with Donaigo Ace
Freya Percival with Happy Vemma
Jessica Wood with UDO SZ

2. Harlequin Athena
Chloe Dunn with Towerhill Shamie (S&W)
Penny Smith with Penhill All Dun Up (S&W)
Charlotte Dance with Linsford Theo (N&E)
Georgie Morgan with Jacodis Bos Barclay (N&W)

3. Scotland
Elise Cunningham with Natntllesg
Nicola Young with Texas Girl
Zoe Florence with Sweet Madness

Individual Placings
1. Sophie Isaacs with Donaigo Ace
2. Freya Percival with Happy Vemma
3. Jessica Wood with UDO SZ

Preliminary Team Championship
1. North and East Sandringham
Megan Lane with Lyralinde-H
Millie Oxtoby with Gobell Billy
Meghan Waring with Fenjay Olympus
Elizabeth Britton with Delphdale Alice

=2. Wales
Martha Jones with Just Rebel
Millie McLardie with SM Fine and Dandy
Beth Howatson with Wellntyne
Chloe Duncalf with Paddy’s Delight

=2. North and East Holyrood
Lexie Howe with Godric’s Mr Bojangles
Sadie Campin with Dior Delight
Ellen Jewson with Cobra Girl
Freya Percival with Happy Vemma

3. North and East Windsor Castle
Delilah Esberger Hancock with Stan Three
Eva Herbert with Glyncoch Red Rascal
Sophia Sutton with Stockham Nicolai
Sadie-May Feehan with Cwmhir Sparkle

Individual
1. Martha Jones with Just Rebel
2. Eva Herbert with Glyncoch Red Rascal
3. Freya Percival with Happy Vemma

VIEW FULL RESULTS

Photo © Hoof Prints Photos