Future dressage stars spotted
Dressage’s stars of the future were recognised at the 2006 Talent Spotting Final at Addington Manor Equestrian Centre last weekend (21-22 October).
From a stunning line up of top class combinations, a panel of five international judges including Jennie Loriston-Clarke, Chris Porterfield and British Dressage’s Under-21/BYRDS Director Islay Auty chose Rupert Garnsey (young rider), Abbie Hughes (junior) and Bobby Allison (ponies) as winners.
Despite the competitive field, the three young riders stood out as being future world class riders. “Watching from the side, I was in no doubt which rider was going to win in each section,” Islay Auty commented afterwards.
Young rider winner, 18-year-old Rupert Garnsey, was second in the junior section two years ago and now trains full-time with David Rumsey. “I thought Rupert was a talented rider when I saw him in 2004 and was delighted to see him back. He is even more talented now as he has developed and matured,” said Auty.
Devon-based Abbie Hughes impressed Auty greatly: “Abbie shone in the ride off. She found harmony quickly with all the horses she rode.”
Auty described 14-year-old Bobby Allison’s riding as showing ability beyond her years. “Bobby has a good basic position and she is neat, not to mention articulate,” she said.
Grand Prix victory for Roe
Pony European team gold medallist Rebecca Roe took pole position in the Pony Grand Prix in Moorsele, Belguim on Sunday. Riding Arnoldo, Roe shaved 0.44 sec off her nearest rival Frank Schuttert from the Netherlands.
Pippa Allen and Spot the Lady, who charmed the crowds at the Horse of the Year Show, finished fifth. The pair also won the Dunglen 148cm Grand Prix at the BSJA/Scope Festival.
Allen’s European teammate and individual gold medal winner Daniel Neilson finished sixth with Micklow Madness.
Flint crowned pony king
Rhys Flint stormed home in the 148cm final of the Charles Owen Pony Racing Series at Aintree last weekend, winning on Tipsy Flint by a clear 19 lengths.
Rhys, 14, is a member of the Llangeinor branch of the Pony Club, and he and Tipsy Flint won this final for the second year running. The Llangeinor also produced the runner-up — Robbie Llewellyn, riding Sweet Wells.
Clifton-on-Teme branch member Jack Sherwood, 13, won the 138cm final on Irish Joker, beating Georgina Andrews (Clonross Star) by half a length.
For a full report on the talent spotting finals see tomorrow’s Horse & Hound (26 October, ’06) and for the pony racing finals see next week’s Young Rider pages in Horse & Hound (2 November, ’06).
