Services Personnel shine bright
Report by British Dressage, read the full report on British Dressage
Dedicated to riders in HM Forces, Government Services, Public Services and their dependents, the Forces Equine Championships returned to Moreton Morrell EC with the Warwickshire venue playing host to an exciting weekend of competition (14 – 15 October 2017).
The star of the show scoring two Championship titles was without doubt Nicola Dodson with her own San Salvador (pictured). 'Kaiser' scored 70.96% to win the Novice class before going on to win the Elementary with 64.67%.
Kaiser and Nicola have grown into a fabulous combination despite a height difference which many people might have steered away from; persistence has certainly paid off for Nicola who has been receiving help from U25s Team rider Ryan Todd. Speaking proudly about his pupil on Facebook Ryan said, "Massive congrats to Nicola today who is now the Forces Novice and Elementary champion! Nicola is a long-standing client of mine riding her own Kaiser. It's not always been easy, she has put so much into him and now starting to get the reward they deserve."
The Forces Equine Preliminary Championship proved a close affair with two riders ending up on exactly the same score resulting in a joint win. David Mills with Belleisle Thistledown and Emily Lees with Kilcoran Dancer were both awarded an impressive 71.5%% from judge John Robinson. Enthusing about his win on social media David said, "12 months ago l would never have thought l would get this far, still onwards and upwards to see what the next 12 months bring!" David bought his Championship winning partner 'Nuala' from just a photograph after being introduced to her by a friend; the 15.3hh Irish mare is a true all rounder and loves her jumping as well as being a star inside the white boards.
Completing the Championship winners were Laura Stirling with Daring Dragon (Intro B) and Susan Williams with Shadylady (Medium 71).
Congratulations to all competitors who qualified and took part in the Championships. British Dressage thanks Moreton Morrell EC and Forces Equine for another successful event.
The winners:
Forces Equine Intro Championship
1st Laura Stirling with Daring Dragon, 63.04%
Forces Equine Preliminary Championship
= 1st David Mills with Belleisle Thistledown, 71.55%
= 1st Emily Lees with Kilcoran Dancer, 71.55%
Forces Equine Novice Championship
1st Nicola Dodson with San Salvador, 70.96%
Forces Equine Elementary Championship
1st Nicola Dodson with San Salvador, 64.67%
Forces Equine Medium Championship
1st Susan Williams with Shadylady, 63.23%
