Winter dressage championship hat-trick for Jo Barry and Vivaldi

Jo Barry took her championship title haul to three at the winter dressage championships at Hartpury College, Glos, on Sunday afternoon, picking up the Albion medium open title riding her own and Lady Hope’s Vivaldi V.

“He was tired today, it’s been a long show,” said Jo. “But he always gives it his all; he always tries his hardest for you.”

The pair will concentrate on training now with the aim of being back at these championships next year at advanced medium and prix st georges levels.

Matt Frost, who has been well placed all week at the show, finally enjoyed a win in the Nupafeed advanced medium music championship riding Usual Suspect, despite a glitch with his music.

His CD was damaged about a minute in to the test, meaning he had to start again with the grey.

“He’s been a bit lively here this week, it was good for him to get back in an arena like that and get used to the atmosphere,” said Matt.

Christine Cockerton topped the SEIB elementary restricted riding her eight-year-old bay gelding Fiji Reef. Christine and her husband Ian bought the horse as a two-year-old in Germany and Christine backed him herself.

“He was very easy to do,” she said. “Although as he got older he found his strength and has been more difficult.”

It was touch and go whether they would make the championship at all as Fiji Reef spent time at Rossdales before Christmas having a fractured tooth removed.

For all the news analysis and pictures from the winter dressage championships, don’t miss Horse & Hound 15 April issue.

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