School leaver Glain Watkin Jones’ Dodson & Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Show win was an emotional milestone moment for the teenager.
North Wales-based Glain, 18, who was born the same year as her “amazing” campaigner Waldemar (Lbh Calvados x Lux), celebrated her first international win on this her CSI* debut.
The pair headed a competitive 1.35m jump-off class and were the quickest out of just two double clears out of 46 starters, to cheers from her strong support team made up of her mum, trainer Tom Lloyd and two best friends.
“I was first to go in the jump off so I had to go and go as quickly as I could to try and win,” said Glain, who stopped the clock in a time of 41.07 seconds.
“I went over the course loads of times, just to make sure I could perfect it as much as I could and I guess it went my way today.
“It was quite a challenging course, I had lots to remember. After the first fence, I got into a big gear, a big rhythm and everything came quite easily then because I was in a good canter. He helped me out over a few fences – he’s just amazing.”
She added that the gelding, who is owned by Hans Christian Jacobsen, makes up time with his long stride.
“I’ve had him a few years now and these last three months he has really been jumping well,” she said, adding they have really “clicked” recently.
“We’ve been training a lot and I think the key with him is to think forward, get a good canter and into a good rhythm then he just does the best he can to help me,” she said.
“He’s so kind, I love him. He’s the sweetest horse we have. To think that he goes from being so nice and gentle and stable to winning a big class is just amazing, I couldn’t get a better horse.”
Georgia Taylor-Jones and Quote Z took second place, crossing the line in 41.80 seconds. Louise Whitaker and Carlina d’Argouges were the fastest of the four-faulters in the jump-off third, posting a speedy time of 40 seconds.
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