Spencer Wilton returned to the fore with Dolendo at the Blue Waters National Dressage Championship, taking the Easibed Grand Prix on 70.67% at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire (15 September). The horse had time off with injury earlier in the year and has only contested Hartpury and Hickstead CDIs since.
Today, Dolendo felt the best hes ever felt, said Spencer of Carl Hester and Ann Coreys 13-year-old son of Donnerhall. Its the first time hes gone straight in the arena and been completely confident, like he knew what he was doing.
Judy Harvey added to her intermediaire II title with a Bates Intermediaire I Freestyle win. Gareth Hughes, who won the intermediaire I yesterday, dropped to third on an exuberant Sandman who stood bolt upright in one pirouette.
Judy said: I didnt know how Gareth had gone before I went in, so I just rode for myself. We had one sticky moment in our pirouette, but Fitzcerraldo is much more consistent with those now.
Peter Storr won the Biotal Equine Gold Medium Open on Hermione Blacks Cocofino, who has taken a long time to mature according to Peter.
Policewoman Lesley Tysoe took the Dodson & Horrell Novice Restricted on DHI Aqua Majestic, saying: Hes only five and is still a big baby, but he coped well once we were in the arena. Im not a professional and just fit the riding in when I can, but hes a super horse and Im delighted by how much hes achieved here.
the full report and pictures from the national dressage championships, dont miss Horse & Hound magazine 20 September issue