Equestrian
Time: Thursday 11am
Location: Snainton Riding Centre
Points: York 6
York produced an impressive victory in the mixed Equestrian, the first event of Roses 2007.
There was an air of dignity to the event on Thursday, as both sides were decked out in their smart matching team gilets and jackets.
The event started with dressage, with all 16 riders rotating in order for a member of both the A and the B team from Lancaster and York to have a chance at riding the same horse.
Heather Stevens of York A provided a strong start on Matilda, a Hanovarian roan, and set the standard for the rest of the competition.
Despite some problems on Primrose, an Anglo-Arab horse who played up for riders from both York and Lancaster, there were also some fantastic tests from Sophie Hudson from York and Lancaster’s Amelia Markey.
The jumping, which followed the dressage, started off on the wrong foot with a Lancaster rider being disqualified for a wrong course start after the bell had been rung.
Rules were firmly stuck to, and the fairness of the judging was proved after York rider, Heather Stevens, jumped the entire course perfectly, only to be told she too was disqualified because someone had forgotten to ring the bell first. Her dressage score was still allowed to count for team points, but she was not allowed to compete for individual placing.
The rest of the event went smoothly despite a long pause when Toni Newman’s horse, Percy, got far too over-enthusiastic and refused to be controlled. Despite this, she went on to jump the course without fault.
York came out unequivocal winners of the event; 5th and 6th place individual performance rosettes went to Lancaster riders, and 4th place went to Lizzie Jordan, a last minute competitor.
3rd and 2nd place were equally shared between York’s Kat Boyd and Rebecca Harris, and 1st place was awarded to York’s Sophie Hudson.
Team victories abounded too, as York A accrued only 8 penalty points compared to 17 gained by Lancaster A. York B secured a hearty victory with a brilliant 14 points against Lancaster B’s 47.
Harris, York B’s captain, said of their victory: “Our team is delighted with the Roses result, it is just what we had hoped for after months of training and pre-Roses preparation.
“I couldn’t ask for a more dedicated team, including those who weren’t able to compete today.”
Katie Smith, York A’s captain, said: “It was a brilliant day. Everyone rose to the occasion and this was clearly reflected in the result.”
Lancaster’s captain, however, remarked in a moment of poor spirit that they treated Roses as only a “fun event, not like BUSA.”
Special mention should be made to Gemma Johnson and Kat Johnson who were unable to partake due to illness and exams, but who both made the Nationals.
Mum
Well done Amelia!
Horse Fan
Looking forward to the “return match” in 2008.
btw Beautiful horse in the top photo
Equestrian
Great post! A very comprehensive detail of what took place during the event. It’s like watching it on tv. nice pictures too! although it would be much appreciated if you have posted more pictures of the event. thanks!
– stephen