A seven-hour trip from Cornwall to Yorkshire paid off for Emily Tamblyn who was today crowned the NAF Five Star BE80 National Champion at Braham International Horse Trials.
Having sat in the lead over night, Emily and her 15-year-old, 18.1hh Irish Sport Horse gelding Knockenpower Rory, added just 2.4-time penalties to their 29.3 dressage for a total score of 31.7, which was just enough to remain in the top spot.
“We did a really good dressage test but I get really nervous in the showjumping, so I went in all guns blazing and I did miss a few, but luckily he looked after me and we kept them all up,” said Emily. “Cross-country is our strongest phase and he loves it, but I did take the alternative at fence 11 because he’s a big horse and I didn’t want to risk the distance. It nearly cost us the win as we did pick up a few time penalties, but we managed to hold on by the skin of our teeth.
“It was an amazing feeling and to do the prize-giving in the international arena was extra special. Rory is very happy and thinks stay away shows are the best. He’ll have a good night’s sleep and then we’ll set off on our journey home to Cornwall tomorrow.”
The team at Bramham had done a super job of designing and building both jumping courses, dressing them beautifully and ensuring the going was as good as it could be. With some of the best grassroots riders contending for the top spot, having qualified at BE events around the country, the last three days of competition have certainly been action-packed.
Runners-up after dressage Amy Bevans and Annas Delight, added nothing to their 31.8 dressage to retain their position, while Carys Waligora and Fisherhill Pearl followed suit with a foot-perfect double clear to stay in third with 32.1.
British Eventing would like to take this opportunity to thank all competitors that took part for their support and making it a great competition. We would also like to express our thanks to the team at Bramham who have worked hard to deliver a top-class event for our members. And of course, huge thanks to our valued sponsor NAF who have so generously supported the championship for the second year.
Full results available here.
For more details of how you can qualify for the 2024 NAF Five Star BE80 Championships at Bramham, click here.
