WESTERN SOMERSET REGION DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2009
held at Stockland Lovell Manor on Sunday 11 October 2009
REPORT
The eight riding clubs ran qualifying competitions at their shows from February through to late September. The two top placed riders in each qualifying class were eligible for the Championships, and all eight clubs were represented at the Championships. The Preliminary section was ridden in the morning. Prelim 13 was an open class and warm-up for the Preliminary Championship class, Prelim 15, which was ridden in a long arena. There were 22 contestants in the Preliminary Championship and West Somerset Riding Club was represented by Lucy Coppin on Woodley.
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| Lizzie Little (WSRC) riding Soldier in Prelim 13 |
The Novice section was ridden in the afternoon
with Novice 27 as the open and warm-up class, and Novice 37 (again in a long arena) as the Novice Championship class. There were 27 contestants with West Somerset being represented by LIzzie Little on Soldier, Lucy Coppin on Woodley and Anne Hand on Burgundy Boy.
Abi Hughes of Sid &Otter Valley Riding Club won the Preliminary Championship riding her
This competition was instigated by Maggie Robertson of the West Somerset Riding Club with the support of the other local clubs. By offering qualifiers at club events which were already taking place, it was hoped that there would be an increase in entries for the individual clubs and encourage cross club competition and socializing! In addition, it is hoped that this event will encourage more club members to step up to Area competitions.
Positive feedback was received from many of the competitors who appreciated the opportunity to compete at this lovely venue. The atmosphere and organization were excellent, despite the wet and windy day and there was great support for it becoming an annual event.
RESULTS
Preliminary Champion and Runner - up
Photographs: Fiona Crawford |
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| Preliminary Champion: Abi Hughes on Hesta |
Preliminary Runner-up: Sue Lanz on Spot the Fox |
Novice Champion and Runner - up
Photographs: Fiona Crawford |
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| Novice Champion: Jane Roach on Just Ted |
Novice runner-up: Sue Lanz on Friday Morning |
Photographs of all the competitors can be seen on Fiona Crawford's website |
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The Champions received a £60 Training Grant with the trainer of their choice. The runners-up received a £30 Training Grant with the trainer of their choice. The small profit from the championships will be donated to the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance.
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