Two The Howden Way Young Horse classes were hosted by Wellington International Horse Trials, with six- and seven-year-old titles on offer. The age classes give riders a platform in which to showcase their talented six- and seven-year-old event horses.
Tim Cheffings took the six-year-old victory on his and Ros Fisher-Smith’s gelding, Hearsay Lark Rising, on a double clear score of 30.5.
The six-year-old by Cevin Z out of Mythical Lark has enjoyed a consistent season, with seven top-10 finishes, including two wins, from eight starts.
Tim said of his win: “Hearsay Lark Rising gave me a fabulous spin around the educational track at Wellington Horse trials to take the win in the six-year-old class, having won only a few weeks ago at Bicton. He was bred locally here in Devon, so I’m thrilled for all his connections. He is a very exciting horse for the future!”
Indiana Limpus and Ballylennon Je Suis were second with 34.5, while Caroline Harris took third riding Isington Girl Power on a score of 35.6.
7yo class
Alicia Wilkinson headed the seven-year-old class riding Sue Helliwell’s FJK Over and Out for a double clear on a score of 28.2. The Irish gelding by Shannondale Sarco St Ghyvan and out of Painters Pearl, has enjoyed nine top 20 finishes up to IN level.
Alicia said of her victory: “We got FJK Over and Out, also known as Rambo at home, at the beginning of his five-year-old year, and since then he has been fantastic. He is spooky at home but as soon as he gets to an event, he knows his job, and at Wellington he was superb.
“He did a lovely test and jumped exceptionally well and then cruised round the cross-country which was the same track as the 3*. Wellington had prepared the ground so well that I went for the time and was two seconds inside.
“I have never won an Intermediate before, so was thrilled that we pulled it off. Sue was there so it was extra special. I’m looking forward to his next run which is Cornbury Young Horse Championship.”
Runner up spot went to Flora Harris and Just A Jolly on 30.1 and third was awarded to Tommy Greengard and That’s Me Z on 33.
The series, supported by The Howden Way, is an ideal opportunity for riders to expose their up-and-coming eventers to the atmosphere of bigger venues, while competing against other horses of the same age. The classes offer recognition for the highest performing horses in these classes.
The Young Horse classes take place throughout the spring and summer in some of BE’s most stunning venues with the 6-year-old classes running at novice level, and the 7-year-old classes running at intermediate level.
The top three in each class receive an additional £250, £150, £100 respectively on top of the prize money already generated and awarded by the prize money calculator.
For dates of the young horse classes this year, please click here
Alongside these classes, the performance of young horses competing with British Eventing is acknowledged within The Howden Way Young Horse Leagues which can be found here. There are four leagues which cover the ages of 5 years, 6 years, 7 years and then the ages of 8 & 9 combined. The leagues display the average of a horse’s three best finishing scores via a Power Based Average score which highlights the ability to repeatedly finish on a low score.
The 2024 Young Horse Championships take place at Cornbury House Horse Trials in Oxfordshire between 12-15 September. The classes will also benefit those aiming their young horses at the FEI World Breeding Championships at Le Lion d’Angers between 17-20 October, which hosts a CCI2*-L World Championship for six-year-olds and a CCI3*-L World Championship for seven-year-olds.
Images courtesy of Charlotte Bury Photography
