The top two lots at the 2011 British Equestrian Federation (BEF) Futurity at Arena UK were awarded Elite Premiums, both in the dressage section. There were several Higher First Premiums awarded across the disciplines.
Top score of the day (9.04) went to Mark Masarella’s two year old dressage colt, Dark De Niro (pictured, photo by Kevin Sparrow). This son of De Niro was described by evaluator Lynne Crowden as having a “harmonious and pleasing frame with a ‘look at me’ attitude.” His dam is the thoroughbred Royal Fontaine, by Royal Academy.
Dressage Sports Pony Bathleyhills Sea Spray took the other Elite with a score of 9. Owner and breeder Penny Walster said: “We are thrilled to achieve Elite status.” This three-year-old mare is by Chateau De Brion out of Loveden Sea Swallow by Gigman Jacana.
The top scoring potential eventer at Arena UK was colt foal, Cosmic Charm, by Future Illusion out of Jill Fantail, a Jumbo mare. He came home with a Higher First Premium of 8.82 and was bred by Lesley Prince and is now owned by Tilly Bartlett.
Filly foal Celine was the best scoring show jumper with a Higher First of 8.68. She is by Cendy out of St Pr St Fantasia V, her damsire is the Westphalian Fleurop. She was bred and is owned by Joan Gray.
Other notable entries included colt foal Don Dari by Don Ricoss, out of a KWPN Samber mare. He scored a Higher First of 8.96 and was best dressage foal for owner Mandy Luesley. Eventing foal Milners Premiere Lady was another high scorer (8.79) for owner Adrian Buzzard. She is by Primitive Proposal out of a Limborat mare.
As well as the Futurity series this year, the British Bred Sport Horse (BBSH) is running a series of breeding roadshows.
The first of many such BBSH regional roadshows will be held at Solihull RC at 7pm on Thursday 11 August. Tickets on the door are £5.
The roadshow will cover:
Breeding for a purpose – have a career path in mind for your foal
Critically assessing your mare and selecting a stallion to complement her attributes
Preparing and handling youngstock for assessment and grading
The Equine Bridge – an evolving concept
The adult competition horse – following Farouche’s career from stable to podium with Farouche herself as model
For further information on the BEF Futurity Evaluations, visit www.britishbreeding.org
