Festival Focus - Aintree International
It was a showstopper event at Aintree International, 31 January – 4 February for their Winter Area Festival. Riders trotted down the centre line in their indoor arena to impress the judges.
Petplan’s picks!
In the lead from the start of the class, Jennifer Williams and The Little Dote had a long wait to find out they had won the Medium Bronze with 66.57%, “We had a wonderful day but it was an agonising wait watching all the following competitors scores going up.”
“It was barely a minute between finding out I had won and going in for the prize giving so it hadn’t really sunk it.” They had an aim of being placed in the top ten but superseded that on the day. “I was supported by my husband and our wonderful two year old daughter, who was so patient waiting for mummy to get her sash!” Jennifer told us. Working as a lecturing equine vet at Harper Keele vet school, she juggles motherhood and riding, “I’m very lucky to have a very supportive family to enable me to do what I do.”
Known at home as Wiggy, the dun mare has been with Jennifer for nine years and have quite the partnership, “She is so willing, and we have known each other for so long now. She may be small at 14.2hh, but she is mighty! I have every confidence in her.” Pleased to have success at this level after previously attending the Championships in 2018 at Prelim, then again in 2022 in the Elementary and finally last year in the Medium Freestyle.
Training with Nicky Lickley they haven’t found winter training the easiest, “As it is for everyone competing in the Winter is tough. Wiggy is barely ridden 2-3 times per week and spends most of her time covered in mud!” Continuing to move up the levels, they started riding Advanced Medium tests a few weeks ago with the dream of putting on her tails and entering a Prix St Georges when they’re ready.
Four years ago, Isabel Coombes and Abou Ben Adham came together four years ago and have been inseparable ever since, “we have bonded and is my world.” Currently undertaking an equine apprenticeship at S & G Equine Ltd, where she started riding at six years old, dressage is what they love to do, “I have done many things with him including BRC Horse trials and BRC dressage championships.”
They headed to Aintree and won the Novice Bronze with Isabel having this to say, “A lovely venue, very friendly and welcoming.” Continuing on to say this about her test, “He worked in lovely and went down the centre line like a dream and he produced a lovely test. He always tries his best for me.” Having only just started at this level they were delighted with the outcome. They now want to get their scores for the Summer Regionals with the aim of heading to the National Championships. Also just starting their BD Youth journey they have a busy year ahead.
The 13hh Traditional Gypsy Cob, that was brought for £1 six years ago is loving his dressage life, “Charlie is built like a tank and is home produced. His education hasn't been rushed and he is now a good all-rounder, nothing phases him.” Owner Suzanne Bowe told us all about their experience in their second year together at dressage, “He loves his work, and is a very quick learner, so easy to train. This was a very special moment as my parents attended. In the summer we came 9th at Kingswood and 5th at Field House. The festivals are so amazing and well organised. I had high expectations this time at Aintree and I did feel we could win it but I was nervous at the same time.”
And win they did in the Prelim Bronze with 68.06%, “I felt it had gone well, especially our circles!” With Charlie being her first horse to own, Suzanne is proud of their journey together, “I'm going to enjoy every moment of it. I am honoured to have Charlie in my life, he makes me smile and laugh and I love him with all my heart.”
With over half of the combinations still left to go, it was a wait for them to find out they’d be going home with a place at the Championships, “He was on his toes when we were presented with his rosette and sash. It was like he knew he had won and was so pleased with himself. The photographer took a photo of a lovely moment when I was holding my dad's hand, I am so lucky to have him in my life, and he said he was so proud of me, well my tears came then.”
The pair are very excited to be heading to Addington for their first Championships, “I still can't believe we are going, he is a superstar.”
Aintree International Winners
Petplan Winter Preliminary Bronze
Alex Heaton and Cosmopolitan Du Rouet, 70.31 %
Suzanne Bowe and Charles, 68.06 %
Petplan Winter Preliminary Silver
Alison Thompson and Killea Gambler, 71.88 %
Petplan Winter Novice Bronze
Isabel Coombes and Abou Ben Adhem, 70.28 %
Petplan Winter Novice Silver
Rachael Mosey and Isle Valena, 70.76 %
Petplan Winter Elementary Bronze
Julia Case and Dylasau Dai Harris, 67.75 %
Petplan Winter Elementary Silver
Bethany Edginton and Nelson HD, 74.07 %
Petplan Winter Medium Bronze
Jennifer Williams and The Little Dote, 66.57 %
Petplan Winter Medium Silver
Caroline of Derby and Hawtins Fianello, 66.47 %
Petplan Winter Advanced Medium Bronze
Emily Sheldon and Wadacre’s Wee Pocket Rocket, 67.01 %
Petplan Winter Advanced Medium Silver
Margaret Anita Jones and Dimagic, 67.56 %
Petplan Winter Prix St Georges Bronze
Ines Dearman and Ernesto, 63.38 %
Petplan Winter Prix St Georges Silver
Dawn Karen Grundy and Waverley Florisgold, 65.69 %
Petplan Winter Intermediate I Bronze
Dawn Karen Grundy and Waverley Florisgold, 63.82 %
Petplan Winter Intermediate I Silver
Lucinda Bellis and Windhover II, 63.43 %