Schoolgirl Daisy Cross jumped to the top of the overnight standings in the 100cm class after a polished cross-country round today (28 May) at the Horse & Hound Grassroots Eventing Championships.
The 16-year-old from Scotland partnered her 14.2hh pony Ebony to finish within the time across country and remain on their impressive dressage score of 27.25.
“She’s a very consistent pony and is good in all three phases,” said Daisy, who has ridden the 14-year-old for three years.
It is extremely tight at the top in the 100cm class, with a mere 0.9 of a penalty separating the top three overnight — with showjumping taking place tomorrow (29 May).
The cross-country saw 15 combinations go clear from 26 starters.
Dressage leaders Paula Jane Holden and Falco II settled for third overnight after picking up 2.4 time-penalties for going too fast across country.
Katherine Peden and Rufus currently hold the runner-up spot going into the final day.
Sixteen-year-old Daisy is in the middle of sitting her GCSE-equivalent exams and flew down from her home in Perth to the H&H Championships on Friday — having sat her geography exam in the afternoon.
“Mum drove Ebony down on Friday and it took her eight hours, then I joined her later,” explained Daisy. “We’ve both really enjoyed being here at the H&H Championships.”
Daisy and Ebony have competed consistently at affiliated BE100 level in under-18 classes and is aiming to do a novice this season.
“She can be grumpy in her stable but is a very nice pony to ride and is straightforward,” added Daisy, who also affiliates the mare in British Dressage at elementary.
The young rider plans to carry on eventing when she finishes school and has just started riding her first horse, who she plans to event too.
Although Daisy will soon grow out of her pony, Ebony is set to stay within the family as Daisy’s younger sister will take over the ride.
