The sun shone for an action-packed day at Aspen Cooling Limited Osberton International Horse and Driving Trials.
Project Pony CCIP2*-S
Tough competition in the Project Pony CCIP2*-S see’s 14-year-old superstar Florence Drewitt holding the fort in both 1st and 3rd place on Helen Drewitt’s Battlestown Delight and her own Crossgales Into The Blu respectively.
Florence said, “He’s [Battlestown Delight] just come to us this year, we did our first few events, it’s only our third pony 2* and he’s always just been such a delight. He’s only 8 so he’s just taking time at the moment. We were really happy with his dressage of 29.6, I was in second after that and he was just amazing cross country, did a really lovely clear inside the time.”
Showjumping will provide the exciting conclusion to the Pony 2* and Pony Championship and gets underway in the main arena over lunchtime.
Bede Events CCI2*-S
The Bede Events CCI2*-S proved a challenge but leading the way is Australian Sammi Birch and her aptly, autumnally named mount Parkfield Pumpkin. The pair sit on their impressive dressage score of 24.3 with nothing to add in the cross country. Ahead of the showjumping.
Sammi commented, “I had a great day both of mine were really green and I thought the course was very strong and so I was a little bit nervous but they both came to the party and I had a great ride on my first one, had 5 time and my second horse was super, he was clear and under time and into the lead so very happy.”
Sitting pretty in second is multiple 5* champion Piggy March and Brookfield Danny De Muze owned by Mrs Alison Swinburn and John and Chloe Perry. With nothing to add in the cross country and a dressage score of 26.9 they are ones to watch heading into the showjumping phase on Saturday morning.
Arena Saddles CCI2*-L and Rathbones CCI3*-L
The autumnal sunshine and beautiful Osberton Estate created the perfect backdrop for a dressage filled day.
Leading the Arena Saddles CCI2*-L is Florence Wiles and Shadow Lad owned by Mrs Anna Wiles. Florence leads on a respectable 27.6 but hot on her heels is Alannah Dunstan on 28.8 who will be looking to contend as the cross-country excitement unfolds tomorrow.
Of the lead Florence commented, “He did a very smart test this afternoon which I’m very excited about. I’m very very pleased with the score, not expected but I’m glad that the dressage people agreed of how he felt under saddle. This is my first 2* long format and I’m really looking forward to cross country it’s a very nice course out there but I’m a bit nervous so hopefully he will look after me. Thank you very much Osberton.”
Piggy March and Brookfield Innocent, also owned by Mrs Alison Swinburn and John and Chloe Perry are top of the Rathbones CCI3*-L. Piggy said, “It’s just lovely to have him back out and all I want is him to have a happy week.”
Imogen Moon Photography Arena Eventing
The morning kicked off with an exciting offering of brand-new Imogen Moon Photography Arena Eventing in the Bennington Arena. This fierce competition saw near on 100 horse and rider combinations tackle an exciting course consisting of a mixture of show jumps and cross-country fences and concluding with a more challenging, joker fence set at 10cm higher. Compulsory to jump but if knocked, an expensive 6 penalties added.
The cross-country was subject to a several delays and as such the organisers have opted to move the CCI1* cross-country to Sunday morning to give horses and riders better conditions to compete in safely. Of the move Stuart Buntine commented:
“We got the situation today were going to run out of daylight today, so had a quick riders meeting with the 1* riders and decided we’re going to reschedule the cross-country to Sunday morning. They can showjumping tomorrow and run cross-country on Sunday.
We’ve had some amazing volunteers who’ve already come forward to help, but if anyone would like to join us please do get in touch. We’re really looking forward to getting the 1* riders out and about.”
Saturday is anticipated to be another exciting day with the cross country for the Arena Saddles CCI2*-L and Rathbones CCI3*-L and the start of the Driving trials. A thrilling test of horses and drivers who tackle the cones in the Bennington Arena.
Thornberry Animal Sanctuary are hosting their dog show and fun dog agility over the weekend- classes such as Waggiest Tail and Best Junior Handler ensure that there is a class for everyone to join in with.
The beautiful shire horses will be strutting their stuff and showcasing their strength parading in the main arena both Saturday and Sunday.
To attend the event simply book Car Parking which includes entry to all occupants. Tickets are available from £15 per car via www.bede-events.co.uk/tickets
Release supplied by event.
