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‘SOFIA’ THE GAMES ON FOR 2022. by Maria Wynne
Into
Thirteen year old Sofia Games is launching into the 2022 season with gusto. The last twelve months have seen many changes, and much training progression. And as ever, Sofia does not limit her efforts to the sporting, but also extends it to the academic and privately intellectual. One challenge is never enough. This uniquely driven young lady has an innate desire to excel at everything she undertakes. Including teaching herself ‘a few more’ foreign languages with podcasts and audio facilities. How? When asleep? A change of school in September 2021 and a revised and intensified academic study schedule meant that an already tight schedule had to be micro-managed to allow for study time. This meant revising in the car to and from training at Kingswood three times a week, whilst being chauffeur driven by ‘Jo-Jo’. (We still don’t use the term “Granny”, it feels inappropriate for such a driven dynamo of a lady. One that is far, far away from the image of a blue rinse, sensible shoes, and twinset with pearls). Indeed ‘Jo-Jo’ has put more hours into Sofia’s schedule than many a magnificent full time employee worker has done over the past two years. Jo-Jo
has also applied for her HGV Class 1 licence in order to share the driving of the new monster truck (known as Shakallaka Boom Boom) with her daughter Katie. Not your average pastime when most mature ladies have joined the local ‘Knit and Natter’ Group down at the local Village Hall. Sofia has also had to contend with the excruciating dental work that accompanies the passage into teenagehood. The removal of some extremely healthy wisdom teeth, which to be quite frank rivalled the molars of Snow-Po. And the ensuing bloodbath that was equally impressive. Sofia, true to form was a complete stalwart. Apart from having to loosen the harness on her helmet to accommodate the swelling and subsequent ‘Chipmunk cheeks’, she was back in the saddle as soon was feasibly possible, training, training, training. Ending 2021 as the Under 16’s Reserve National Dressage Champion aboard her chunky partner Mister Snowman (SnowPo to the initiated) ambitions continued to soar. And we are now hurtling forward into 2022 with many plans afoot.
As a result Sofia now has another partner with whom to dance. And what a privilege he is. ‘Totti’ has joined the Games family. And Sofia’s mantra of “Be with them, be with them” has paid huge dividends. Their results and the burgeoning partnership is already reaping exceptional rewards. The joy and harmony that they display together is enchanting. And scoring a one, two in the early season results aboard ‘her boys’ is a testimony to her dedication. In February Sofia was competing at Hartpury with both Mister Snowman and Steendieks Cadillac. ‘Cadillac’ is the up and coming prodigy of the Games Team. Sofia and Cadillac had to head up the centre line immediately before the legend that is Charlotte. “Even warming up in the same space was an honour” gasped a slightly wideeyed Sofia. To which the eminently wry Jo-Jo commented “Probably the first and last time you’ll be in front of Charlotte my dear.” However, Sofia did score a 9 for her final movement, so maybe the dream is not impossible. There is an earlier prelude to this encounter though. Charlotte and Cadillac are not strangers. Roughly two years ago ‘Cadi’ was being led up on the Abbey Dressage yard when Charlotte was visiting. Ever curious, Charlotte asked for him to be trotted up, because he reminded her so much of her Olympic Partner and protege. Impressed by what she saw, her verdict was “I’d love to teach Sofia on that one. He looks just like Pumpkin”. The ever decreasing circles will hopefully be intertwining soon. 6th April Diary
Photo by: Kevin Sparrow
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Show Special 2022
2022 has thus far yielded selection for the U21’s International Pathway Squad as one of seven Pony Riders. As a result Sofia enjoyed the cover shot on EuroDressage.com and started 2022 For the latest news visit www.centralhorsenews.co.uk
