Badminton success for Equestrian Direct riders [Promotion]

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The Equestrian Direct team are celebrating after a very successful Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials 2015.

Equestrian Direct company director Jocelyn Riley and her beautiful chestnut gelding, Direct Rock On, competed in the Mitsubishi Motors Grassroots Championships in the BE100 section. After qualifying for three consecutive years, Jocelyn finally took the plunge and all the long hours running a business while keeping her horses fit paid off.

Jocelyn finished the dressage phase with a score of 32.1 and picked up an unfortunate four penalties in the show jumping phase. The pair finished with a fantastic bold clear round in the cross-country.

Jocelyn and Direct Rock On finished in 26^th place, a very credible placing from a field of more than 80 horse and rider combinations and it was their first time at Badminton. Jocelyn now has her eye on taking the top prize in 2016!

In the CCI4*, Izzy Taylor completed the cross-country phase with both her rides, KBIS Briarlands Matilda and Thistledown Poposki. Although not quite repeating 2014’s success, Izzy oozed confidence and style with both rides proving bold and agile across country.

Badminton final scores

Badminton first timer Ben Way and his advanced horse Galley Light, jointly owned by Elizabeth Collins and Ben, completed the four-star event finishing in 32^nd place.

Ben and Galley Light climbed up an incredible 38 places on the leader board after a very impressive clear round in the cross-country phase with just 6.8 time penalties to add.

On the final day in the showjumping phase, two fences down prevented them from finishing any higher, but for a first time ride around Badminton there were proud smiles all round.

Ben received the Laurence Rook Trophy for the best British rider not to have previously competed at Badminton.

Equestrian Direct manufacture and supply a range of all-weather arena surfaces to suit all disciplines and budgets. Ben and Izzy both train at home on the Flexiride surface.

For more information contact Equestrian Direct Ltd on 01564 794020 or visit www.equestriandirectltd.com

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