National Dressage Championships day four round-up

On the final day of the 2022 LeMieux National Dressage Championships, the ever-popular young horse classes showcased the next generation of dressage stars, young riders battled it out for the U21 titles and an Olympian won the crown he’d been missing. Find out exactly who took home one of the coveted sashes on National Dressage Championships day three:

With only one horse at this year’s nationals, Sonnar Murray-Brown returned home with a 100% strike rate as he headed an ultra-strong Equitop elementary gold class aboard Michelle Dawson’s lovely home-bred mare Stolen Secret.

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Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the showing scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show and Olympia and has first-hand knowledge of the current issues in the showing world as well as the horses, ponies and riders who compete in the sport. Alex joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor, cementing its place as the leading equestrian publication for both showing reports and current showing news in the UK. She moved on in October 2024 to pursue other opportunities, but continues to write for us on a freelance basis.

National Dressage Championships day four round-up: Sonnar Murray-Brown, Gareth Hughes and Holly Woodhead among riders in the Somerford spotlight

The Eutopia six-year-old has been with Sonnar since she was a three-year-old. This was the mare’s first summer nationals.

“She did last year’s winters at novice level,” explained Sonnar. “She’s always so professional and intelligent. She’s a sweetheart and is a real girly girl.”

“I was delighted with how relaxed she was in there,” said Sonnar. “The freestyle started [while we were in the arena] and it was getting louder and louder, but Secret was such a pro. I gave her my aids and she answered. I sat back and let her cruise around. She was a joy.”

“I’m so lucky that I get to train with Carl [Hester] as much as I can,” added Sonnar. “He’s such a great help.”

The elementary gold was a battle to be fought, with the top 20 riders all scoring 70% or above:

“I didn’t look at the scores; I never do,” said Sonnar. “I like to do what I can and if it’s not good enough then so be it. I was super proud that the judges rewarded Secret, and it’s even better that she’s done it in such good company.”

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