Elizabeth Rogers claims the Side-Saddle Association rider of the year award for the third time
Elizabeth Rogers captured the Side Saddle Association rider of the year title at the National Side-Saddle Championships at The College EC, Keysoe, Beds riding her New Zealand-bred horse, Peak Royale.
“He doesn’t really like big occasions, but he went well today,” said Liz.
The four best aggregate scores from the Langston and Caldene equitation and equitation jumping went forward to a ride-off. Each rider had 90sec to show their skill, with marks given skating style by four judges.
Clarissa Dawson, took the reserve slot. Donna Clayton competing in the ride-off for the first time joined the other finalist, Sarah Beetson, riding Articulate.
Donna rode her own coloured horse, Running Bear, to take the amateur championship and reserve was American rider Rhonda Watts, who had flown in to ride Roger Philpot’s experienced Houghton’s Ruby.
Joanna Gilbert with Royal Flush III took the junior riders’ championship. Reserve to Joanna was 12-year-old Emma Boxall with Parklands Cassandra.
Emma Nettleton, 14, won the junior dressage to music and the junior equitation jumping with Lukie Pebbles, a horse originally bought for her mother to ride.
Emma also won the M&M class and the novice WH with the Connemara, Banrioghan Baun. Emma has wanted to ride side-saddle since she was very young, and has been having lessons with Sarah Sherwin.
In the working hunter, Marion Chanin with Kelly’s Charm, had to be content with second place this year behind Emma Brown and her team chase ride Rustic Craft.
Jennifer Church notched up wins with Lechlade Maple in the part-bred M&M and SHclasses.
The costume classes are a fitting finale to the second day of competition. Champion again was Rayna Mathews with Barbarella with Reserve going to Claire Lewis.
Geoffrey Hutton sponsored the Hutton and Rostron Top Hat and Jockey Cap Stakes to encourage riders to take part in show jumping. These classes were well supported and keenly fought out against the clock.
For full report see Horse & Hound magazine issue dated 23 September. Click here to subscribe online to Horse & Hound magazine at a reduced rate.
