Festival Focus - Prestige Equestrian

Riders from Wales and the South West were out in force at Prestige Equestrian (2 – 5 February), battling it out to be on top of the podium! With plenty of top scores see who will be making their way to Hartpury in April. 

Petplan’s picks! 

It was first place for Rosie and Carrick Aldato Girl in the Advanced Medium Bronze “I was so pleased to have won, especially at Prestige as the year before we won the Novice Silver so it was very special!” Rosie currently studies at Hartpury, so will be a homecoming for the pair, “I am really looking forward to the Championships, we both know the atmosphere so it’ll be a little less nerve racking.” 

The chestnut mare has only been competing between the white boards for just over a year with Rosie, as they had previously evented, “I bought Cabbage to event but mares being mares they are very particular so unfortunately we didn't 'click' when jumping so decided to switch discipline to dressage.” Within a year they have progressed through the levels, attended two Championships together and are on the Hartpury Elite Development Academy. Rosie wanted to thank all of her support team, “Hartpury Dressage Academy have been fantastic in preparing us for the show, also Lizzel Winter and her team for ensuring we were fully polished up and confident before going into the white boards.” 

“I watched the winning test from Rosie McDermott and knew it was a beautiful test. It gave me a lot of focus for mine as the bar had been set high,” Jayne Noblet told us, who came second next to Rosie, “This was our first attempt at a Pet Plan Festival at this level, so I am super chuffed to be heading to Hartbury in April.” It’ll be amateur rider, Jayne’s first championships experience after only starting dressage with Aphrodisiac just over two years ago after a ten year break, “The Petplan Area Festivals are a great option and focus for me. I actually stand a chance if I train hard! Ultimately though, I compete to have fun and the team at Prestige made it a super fun day.” 

Known at home as Pluto, the gelding also has an eventing background to 4* but due to a fall when he was fifteen was sold to his previous owner for a quieter life Jayne told us. “I inherited him after his owner sadly died and left the task of finding him a new home to Coral in her will. I knew from the moment I sat on him he was perfect for me.” Having only done a handful of Prelim tests before Jayne picked up the reins the pair have come a long way together, “He may not have the biggest paces and is not bred for dressage, but it was clear he tries his heart out and is a born overachiever. He puts his all into pleasing me and absolutely loves his work. I adore him.”

Pluto turned twenty on Valentines day this year and Jayne is looking forward to their future, “We’re stepping up to Prix St Georges this summer, because Pluto is so willing and so well trained in the basics, he has given me the confidence to try the more advanced work that I have always hoped to do.” With the help of their trainer Sophie Dickinson and Adam Kemp we’re sure they’ll keep moving up the levels. “I am one lucky lady to have him and to have a second chance at fulfilling my dressage dreams.” 

Prestige Equestrian Winners  

Petplan Equine Winter Preliminary Bronze

Jade Plummer and High Country, 74.24 % & Holly Jessett and Lombard Lad, 73.26 % 

Petplan Equine Winter Preliminary Silver 

Fiona Fischer and Tarka, 72.29 % 

Petplan Equine Winter Novice Bronze

Jane Hendy and Cefnbangor Rob Roy, 70.00 %  & Emma Palmer and Tysini, 67.99 % 

Petplan Equine Winter Novice Silver 

Ben James and Clapton Banks Primadonna, 72.64 % 

Petplan Equine Winter Elementary Bronze

Scott Williams and Sapphire Blue, 70.49 %

Petplan Equine Winter Elementary Silver   

Emma Louise Dunkley and Stanley Grange Heir Supreme, 72.16 %

Petplan Equine Winter Medium Bronze 

Victoria Archer and Swanmore Fine Romance, 68.73 %   

Petplan Equine Winter Medium Silver

Ella Glennon and Amden Supreme Golden Dancer, 68.87 % 

Petplan Equine Winter Advanced Medium Bronze 

Rosie McDermott and Carrick Aldato Girl, 68.97 % 

Petplan Equine Winter Advanced Medium Silver

Emily Dove and Jaguar DHI, 66.88 % 

Petplan Equine Winter Prix St Georges Bronze

Sara Squires and Laetitius C, 67.89 % 

Petplan Equine Winter Prix St Georges Silver

Roisin Henry and Habil, 68.04 %

Petplan Equine Winter Intermediate I Bronze 

Bryony Jones and Northcliff Samantha, 63.87 % 

Petplan Equine Winter Intermediate I Silver

Georgina Tapner and Bugatti II, 69.07 %