The medium silver freestyle winner credits her famous mount for transforming her riding, while patience pays off for the runner-up at the Winter Dressage Championships 2020
They topped the 21-strong class with 76.44%, one of the highest scores of the championships.
Camille and the 18-year-old Lukas x Bazar gelding are in their first season together, the 25-year-old having inherited the ride from her younger sister Phoebe, who won multiple pony European gold medals with him.
“It was at Hartpury seven years ago that Phoebe had her first big win on him, so to be here and to win this is amazing; I hoped to do well but to actually do it is surreal. I’m so lucky to have the opportunity to ride and learn from him and from Phoebe. I didn’t have much experience of dressage before I started riding him but they’ve transformed my riding and I’m loving every minute,” said Camille who is British Dressage’s marketing and sponsorship officer.
The duo, contesting just their fifth test together, performed their freestyle to music from the Disney Pixar film Ratatouille.
“The music has character just like Lucci does. It’s fun and jazzy and really enjoyable to ride to. We watched the film last night as preparation!” added Camille.
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“I’ve nearly given up on her so many times”
Samantha Turpitt made the 12-hour trip down from Aberdeen (which included breaking down near Glasgow) worthwhile. She took medium silver freestyle second aboard the nine-year-old Bali Dancer, by Barclay, with 73.88%.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think we’d end up coming second. She’s never been the easiest horse; she has all the ability but she’s nappy and she could never keep it together so I’m speechless to have done so well,” said an emotional Samantha. She bought the chestnut mare, who suffered from laminitis earlier this year, as a two-year-old for £2,500.
“I’ve nearly given up on her so many times but I knew the talent was in there and finally it showed. She was mega today; she went into the arena and grew. It’s the best test she’s ever done. It’s been quite a journey to get here but it makes this result all the more satisfying.”
Elice Willett and Gerento, a nine-year-old son of Sorento, were third with 71.33%.
Keep up with all of the action from the NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships 2020 on the Horse & Hound website via our H&H Plus service with full reports from each winter championship class, plus a gallery of winners from the Petplan Equine Area Festival Championships.
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Working on a freelance basis, Emily has attended a wide range of horse shows and events as Horse & Hound’s onsite reporter, as well as writing features for both the magazine and website since 2004. Emily assisted the British Horse Society with the launch of its national equestrian awards initiative, and also plays a key role in the press teams for major sporting events including Wimbledon and the London Marathon.
