It was all about the Edwardses in the Bolesworth international arena on Friday of the national championships. H&H spoke to both the evening’s winners
Will Edwards won the British Showjumping national under-21 final in superb style aboard Shw Candies B at Bolesworth yesterday (7 August).
The combination jumped the only double clear of 15 starters to take the class, which as a “viewing class” is one watched by seldctors and taken into account for teams, with Robert Murphy on Elan V second and Olivia Poole on Quality in third.
Will said that as had been the case with all the day’s courses, the track was more challenging than it may have appeared, and that some of the wings are so eye-catching, the fences can appear smaller, “but when you ride up to them, they’re big”.
Will has ridden Candies B since she was a three-year-old; she is out of one of the family’s mares and was bred by close friend Michelle Rowles. He has since taken her through the ranks, with results in young horse and world ranking classes.
“She’s really consistent,” he said. “A bit quirky, and she has her own way, but as long as you know how to manage it, she does everything for you. She’s the most kind, quiet, bravest horse; she’ll walk, trot canter, then as soon as she’s into canter, she loves to take it on.”
Mark Edwards and the homebred Montreuxs Tale retained their national 1.40cm title with victory in a highly competitive seven-combination jump-off.
The 10-year-old gelding does not look the speediest but uses his huge stride to best advantage.
“He probably takes one stride to two of everyone else’s,” said Mark, who enjoyed perhaps a moment of good fortune when a touch on the third-last set the pole rolling in its cups for seconds after he had landed. “He’s very quick against the clock but very level-headed, which is what you want. They have to have the right brain, and he’s been a super horse for me
“I was worried about Adam [Ellery, on Fairway, who was last to go and notched up four faults] because he can be really fast but anyone could have won it.”
Mark had planned to jump Montreuxs in Belgium next week but has had to change his plans owing to the announcement that anyone travelling there will now have to quarantine on their return.
“The plan for this year had been to try to get him on a few three-star teams but that’s all gone to pot now,” he said. “I’ll keep him ticking over and hope for a more normal year next year.”
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