Pics by LRG Photography
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
Sir Lee Pearson and Smart Like Valentino
Para Reining in Kent
P
ara Riders raised the roof over the Bank Holiday weekend at the first ever Para Reining competition in the UK, held at Bodiam International in Kent. Riding horses they hardly knew, in a new discipline in front of a huge crowd, the riders demonstrated their exceptional skills producing fluent and accurate patterns. On day one Fiona Durston, a 3* dressage rider from Kent, who is registered blind, took the top place ahead of former Team GBR Dressage member and individual Paralympic Silver medallist Ricky Balshaw. A delighted Fiona said: “I have had a whirlwind week, a crash course in a new sport and I have loved every second of it! I could never have imagined winning on the first day, and am really excited to be trying to qualify for Holland. I can’t wait to see what the future might bring.” Balshaw, back in the saddle for the first time after retiring from dressage exactly a year ago, placed second, after just two
Ricky Balshaw and Yelena My Way
days of practice. Sir Lee Pearson, 11 time Paralympic Gold medallist came in third, finding the change of saddles to be quite the challenge, whilst swapping 17 hand Olympic Champion Zion to a 15 hand quarter horse mare. Pearson said: “What a wonderful introduction to the Para Reining. Great atmosphere, great competition, and most of all great horses.” Day two and the challenge was on, not just for the riders to beat each other, but also to post high enough scores to qualify for the Para Reining World Championships in Holland this July. With only four days left before the entry deadline the riders had no room for error. This time it was Pearson who set the bar, pulling an exceptional run out of the bag on a new horse, Smart Like Valentino. Balshaw, providing the audience with an exceptional sliding stop was a mere half a point behind, the smallest margin in a competition judged by three International Judges. Durston banked a safe run on Big
Bruce Almighty
Step Moonlight, ensuring her qualification for Holland. Balshaw said: “I feel privileged and honoured to have been part of the first ever Para Reining Competition in the UK. I am very excited to be qualified for the World Para Reining in Holland and can’t wait to compete in another World Championship in a new sport.” Organiser Francesca Sternberg was completely delighted at the success of the event, noting the large crowd that it attracted, as well as an overwhelming interest online and throughout the social media network. “These riders have showcased their exceptional talents in an outstanding demonstration that proves Reining and horses can open doors for so many people with disabilities. I look forward to seeing the competition at the Para World Reining event in five weeks and feel confident that our riders will be very competitive and as always a huge credit to Great Britain.”
I’ve waited six years for that…!
Nigel Pike pictured with 10-year-old Bruce Almighty, a Clydesdale cross warmblood with Blagdon markings. Bruce Almighty won the Most Handsome Gelding class at the White Horse Show on 21st May.
Mary Howden and Ellie, winners of the Large Breeds Mountain & Moorland class at the Surrey Spring Show
Mary and Ellie in the Working Hunter class at the Horley Lions Show
Mary Howden said she had waited six years to win a Mountain & Moorland class in good company on her Welsh section C, Ellie. Mary has owned the now 13-year-old Ellie for seven years and said it has taken time and patience along the way. This year Mary decided to enter some jumping and working hunter classes with Ellie. Mary said: “I’ve been fortunate to be having lessons from a fab instructor called Louise Lucas, who encourages us without pushing us too far, as we want our jumping experience to be an enjoyable one. Ellie is enjoying her jumping, there is still lots to learn, but she is trying her best. I think it must be about 30 years since I last competed in any jumping classes and I never thought I would be doing it again, but I am really enjoying it.” Their first experience was at the Horley Lions Show and whilst it didn’t all go to plan, they jumped round clear in the clear round ring. They are looking forward to putting in lots of practise before their next show at the end of July.
Pics by Felbridge Photography
Fiona Durston and Big Step Moonlight
32 Localrider JULY/AUGUST 2017
30-40-rrup2-lrjuly17.indd 3
23/6/17 23:56:16