Festival Focus - Forest Edge

Norfolk was the next place for riders to head to, where Forest Edge Arena, 9 – 11 February welcomed qualified combinations down the centre line.

Petplan’s picks! 

Previous event rider Rebecca Page, who has now turned full time to dressage after an accident a few years ago is pleased to be heading to Addington with Nbe Jerico, “I fell and broke both legs requiring extensive surgery, so very lucky to be back riding!” They took the win in the Elementary Silver with 71.18%, she was also second on another horse Kippure Silver Dollar.

Rebeccea, who Is a freelance rider based in Somersham lives and breaths horses every day but has a special love for Jimmy, “I started riding him three years ago, was supposed to be for six weeks to help bring him on as young horse but we developed such a great relationship, his wonderful owner Brenda Standen allowed me to keep the ride on him and we’ve never looked back.”

Having been to a big championship shows before, they’re taking it all in their stride but would like better preparation this time, “It didn’t quite go to plan as we hadn’t actually had an outing since last year but he tried his absolute heart out for me in the white boards.” Talking about her test she went on to say, “He’s just a dream to ride and he just hit every marker, I knew we had done our best! He’s such a consistent horse and you can always rely on him on a test.” Training with Natalie Tsuchiya they are looking forward to April.

Another event rider who has turned her hand to dressage is Sophie Reason, “I have previously evented up to 2* and competed Buddy up to BE100.” In only their first year her fifteen year old gelding, Ballygriffin Buddy topped the podium at Forest Edge in the Novice Silver with 70.97%. “I brought him as a four year old from Austin O’Connor and he’s just the best.”

Working full time as a housing officer, she fits horses around work and told us her preparation in the run up to the event wasn’t as smooth as she’d have liked, “Our lorry was in the mechanics since the beginning of December and we didn’t get it home until the day before the show so Buddy hadn’t been out to a party since November.” Mentioning that he can be quite spooky she didn’t know how the day would go, “He was so well behaved, it took me by surprise, maybe that should be my preparation for every event now!”

Sophie was a proud rider once they had finished their test, “He felt amazing and to win on 70% was incredible. Lottie Olsen came up to me afterwards and said my centre lines were amazingly straight. Always a bonus when you please a judge.” They also came third in the Elementary Bronze, which is a new level for the pair.

“Peter and I have had the best year together, after making it to the Area Festival Championships at Prelim Bronze last year,” Laura Percy told us, who were winners of the Prelim Silver. Attending various eventing championships as well as British Connemara Pony Society competitions, they are now back between the white boards again to hopefully gain a title. Conobola Cascade is certainly on a high, after winning every dressage class they attended during the winter, scoring over 70% each time.

“We had a great day at Forest Edge, having never competed there before, he did a hoof perfect test,” Laura told us, which was awarded 72.15%. They are now looking forward to the Championships in April as well as having a go at Summer Regionals.  

Forest Edge Winners  

Petplan Winter Preliminary Bronze

Sydney Hockney and Nonstop Lightning UKZ, 69.93 %

Petplan Winter Preliminary Silver 

Laura Percy and Conobola Cascade, 72.15 %

Petplan Winter Novice Bronze

Ishta Taylor and Koda (Troy), 70.90 %

Petplan Winter Novice Silver 

Sophie Reason and Ballygriffin Buddy, 70.97 %   

Petplan Winter Elementary Bronze

Philippa King and Madermus PP, 71.18 %

Petplan Winter Elementary Silver   

Rebecca Page and Nbe Jerico, 71.18 %   

Petplan Winter Medium Bronze 

Fiona Gordon-Clarke and Tinnakill Golden Star, 66.72 %

Petplan Winter Medium Silver

Sarah Hillier and Winnetou Apache, 68.53 %

Petplan Winter Advanced Medium Bronze 

Sarah Hillier and Winnetou Apache, 66.37 %

Petplan Winter Advanced Medium Silver

Sophie Chatwin and Katharine-Trix US, 65.73 %

Petplan Winter Prix St Georges Bronze

Charlotte Bell and Arabian Night, 66.42 %

Petplan Winter Prix St Georges Silver

Claire Knowles and Singing Skyjacker, 70.39 %

Petplan Winter Intermediate I Bronze 

Laura Green and Ireldo L, 64.31 %

Petplan Winter Intermediate I Silver

Michelle Smith and GDH Florestans Fire, 66.62 %