Two British Eventing (BE) youth riders pulled off impressive performances at the Eventing Spring Carnival, Thoresby Park, which acted as an observation trial for youth selectors.
Junior rider Araminta Spencer-Churchill was the highest placed youth rider in the CCI2*-S riding 11-year-old mare Neds Legacy who finished 11th on a double clear with just a few time penalties show jumping.
Araminta, who is aiming to be selected for Juniors this season, said: “It was a great weekend and we have to say a big thank you to BEDE and the team for making it possible, considering the rain. My horse Neds Legacy was super all weekend. She is small and agile so coped with the conditions well. She is always great for me jumping and produced a super double clear across an exciting atmosphere and brilliant course. I’m very pleased with our results, and having had ‘Lily’ from a young horse, I’m continuously proud of her. I am really looking forward to the season ahead.”
Isabelle Cook, who is on the Tier 3 Talent Pathway for Pony, Junior and Young Rider combinations aiming for European Championships, was the highest placed Young Rider in the CCI3*S riding 10-year-old gelding Espoir Landais. The pair added just one show jumping fence to their 30.5 dressage and a few time penalties across country to finish a commendable fourth in the CCI3*-S.
A 32.2 dressage and double clear with a few time penalties across country also saw Isabelle finish fifth in the CCI2*-S riding seven-year-old mare Emerald Kate.
Isabelle said: “It was a great event and I was pleased with the horses. My dressage tests were a little tense and could have been better, but jumping-wise, the horses are great jumpers. I was really pleased with Espoir Landais finishing fourth in the 3*. He can be strong cross-country but he was very on it and it was a lovely galloping track and strong enough course. I was also very pleased with Emerald Kate who finished fifth in a big 2* class. She jumped a double clear and went very well.”
Darrell Scaife, Head of Youth at British Eventing said: “We’re very grateful to Thoresby for hosting our young members across many different classes and over the Easter weekend. It was a great opportunity for youth selectors to have their first viewing in competition of potential Junior and Young Rider European combinations.”
For further information on British Eventing Youth Eventing, please visit: https://www.britisheventing.com/compete/youth-eventing
