It’s been a super busy few weeks; starting the competition season, despite struggling with the weather and a lack of preparation.
Jorge (C. Fatal Attraction) went to the regionals at Myerscough. Although he struggled with tension and nerves after not being out for so long, we managed third in the medium open, and second in the medium freestyle. This resulted in us qualifying for the nationals in the freestyle, and ending up with a late wildcard for the medium open!
Reece (Valerius) and Jorge went to the para winter championships at Vale View. Reece was feeling great during his first outing out, nice and relaxed, winning the grade IV and overall competition with 74%, with Jorge coming second to him with 70%.
I’m so pleased Jorge cracked 70% barrier, and with a bit more relaxation and concentration in the arena, there is plenty more to come. He came third overall at the championship, with Emma Sheardown and Netty coming second.
H&H's dressage blogger is using the winter months to get back to basics with both her horses' training and her
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Natasha Adkinson, who I warm up and Angela also trains, won the 1b and came fourth overall. So Angela had a very good show as a trainer!
Izzy Palmer, who I mentor and Ange trains, was only 2% behind the winner at grade 3, and at only 14 years old, is a great one to watch for the future.
Noki (Pinocchio) had his first international at Addington CDI, competing in the U25 grand prix. He was fantastic and felt much more established in his passage work, which is exciting.
He came second in the grand prix with 65% and fourth in the grand prix freestyle with 68%, which were personal bests at the level, in my last year of under 25 competition. I’m determined to make the most of Noki enjoying himself and building our confidence at the level.
Sophie
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Sophie Wells is a talented young dressage rider who has represented her country in both able-bodied and paralympic championships, winning team gold and two individual Grade IV silver medals at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
