Image credit to ESP-Photographic.
This weekend, Bicton Arena in Devon hosted a packed three days of Summer Regional Championships competition with high-quality combinations battling it out for titles and tickets to the LeMieux National Championships taking place at Somerford Park in September. The weather was kind and the sun shone on a celebration of all things dressage.
On Friday, the BettaLife Novice Silver class judged by Sue McMahon at C, Sue Petty at E and Nicky DuPlessis at M was won by Bella Balain on Beechwood Joey scoring 68.494%, just edging out Stacey Blunn in second on Diamond Bobby.
“Bicton is one of our favourite venues,” commented Bella after her performance. “Everyone is so friendly, and the stewards are always supportive no matter how your test goes! I am super proud of Beechwood Joey, it’s our first attempt at Novice regionals and he just felt so consistent. He’s always picking up more fans whenever we go out! Very pleased with our result and to be off to Nationals!”
Daisy Hedges and Felicia V made third place by .001 of a percentage point with 67.735%, so it really could not have been a closer class!
On Saturday, another beautiful day dawned, and all eyes turned to the HorseQuest Elementary Silver class. Here, Laura Scott and CEI Summer Days rose like Devon clotted cream to the top of the class with a stunning score of 72.172%.
“It was my first time competing at regionals, I hoped we’d go well but to win was more than I could have expected! CEI Summer Days is a very special horse and I’m really excited about our future together. Bicton is a local venue to me and always such a lovely event, so to win here was brilliant,” enthused Laura.
Lauren Aston riding Free Flo and Abbie Burbidge on Feeling Fantastic took home second and third place respectively.
The TopSpec Medium Silver class started off the proceedings on Sunday, with first place going to Joe Roome and Acqua Marina Della Caccia. Known at home as Molly, Joe was keen to praise her performance. “Molly was an absolute pleasure to ride today. I’ve had her since she was a 5-year-old, she evented for the first two years before I switched disciplines. Bicton is a special venue, I have always enjoyed eventing here, the team and facilities are first class. The ride on Molly was secured for me last year thanks to the support of her generous owners, and we have been focusing on dressage ever since. She is a pleasure to train and always tries her best, and it is a privilege to be able to compete her.”
Lauren Aston took second place on Free Flo and in third was Beth Miller on Ramanos.
Hannah Biggs with nine-year-old Hanoverian chestnut gelding Duitch Harbour H was delighted to be awarded top position in the Brett Wilson Dressage International Advanced Medium Gold class. “I am so thrilled to win today, it means a huge amount after the long journey I’ve been on with him,” she explained.
“I’ve been working hard to find the perfect management and preparation for Dutchie, both on a daily training basis but also at shows. He is a big, sensitive orange boy! Today he had the perfect amount of energy, relaxation and rideability to be able to show off his talent. I do a lot of TRT Groundwork and train with Carl Hester, which both help me get the best out of him.”
“I always love coming to Bicton, it’s so friendly and brilliantly run with good surfaces and lovely big arenas. I used to do Pony Club down in Devon with Helen West when we were kids, so it is great to see her and Andrew in charge of such a fabulous venue.”
Ben James with Clapton Banks Primadonna and Amy Schiessl on Active Sophocles finished off the podium in this class to round out an excellent weekend of sporting action.
For the full results, please click here.
Image credit to ESP-Photographic.
Image credit to ESP-Photographic.
