National Para Equestrian Championship
Friday 10 August 2018
The crowd were treated to an impressive display of teamwork by all horse and rider combinations competing in the National Para Equestrian Championship this afternoon, which took place centre stage in the Porsche Centre Solihull Championship Arena 2. The Championship consisted of five titles which were awarded to the various grades. The grading system ranges from Grade I, II, III, IV with grades representative of the competitor’s level of disability.
The first Championship was 90cm Grade III won by reigning Champion, Toby Bevins. Toby left everyone in his wake with his speedy grey, Baloe V and also came fourth with his second horse Askan Van Overis. “I’ve only had Baloe for just over a year and we are still working on our partnership but I am trying to do 1.10m able-bodied classes with him too. Both of my horses are very nice and kind, they know what to do when I have a problem,” explained Toby.
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Flossie England, aged 13, made good of her invitation to compete at BSNC by taking the Grade III 80cm Junior Championship with her 22 year old pony, Glad Your Mine, which she also competed with in the Pony Bronze League 138cm & Under Championship yesterday. “I’ve had Ricky for three years now and we do showjumping and cross-country together, both in para and able-bodied classes. It’s my third time at BSNC and I really enjoy it. Last year I won this class with Ardcarrig Snowball.”
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The Grade II 80cm Championship was won by Matthew Dalley with his own Wimbledon II. The pair posted a fast clear in 35.20 seconds despite Paul Urch’s and Amy Sanford’s best efforts who had to settle for second and third place respectively. Having put so much effort to live up to expectations, Matthew was ecstatic with his performance and fellow competitors were quick to congratulate him as he came out of the Porsche Centre Solihull Championship Arena 2.
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Mark Jones and Whisper XXI bettered their second place from last year and won the Grade I 70cm after posting a great round. The pair have only been competing together for just over a year and have already got several good results to their name including a first place in the Grade I at the Scope Festival 2017.
In the Grade IV 70cm, Chloe Chadwick took the top prize with Tracey Fletcher’s Inosent Flight, showing an evident partnership.
“He is a nine year old Irish Sport Horse that Eddie Moloney bred, but he got kicked in the face when he was a foal and ended up with a dish in his face, which is probably why we were able to buy him!” explained Chloe’s mum.
“His stable name is ‘Flipper’ because he does have his moments but he has behaved really well here. It’s our first time at the Championships and he is not used to these big arenas and the atmosphere so I wasn’t sure how he was going to cope, but he has been brilliant,” explained Chloe.
Chloe arrived at Stoneleigh from the Isle of Man after taking the boat on Wednesday night and driving for three hours.
“Transport to competitions can often be tricky because there isn’t always space on the boat leaving the Isle of Man,” she added, “But Flipper and I do eventing, showjumping and also para-dressage; I’ve ridden since I was eight year old and I love it.”
In the Grade IV Junior 60cm, Ronnie Robinson and the 24 year old Ardcarrig Snowball wowed spectators with a beautifully smooth round to take the Grade IV Junior 60cm. The 13 year old from Norfolk is a known figure at the Championships, after having competed here three times and is a regular at showjumping competitions.
“My sisters all rode and I really wanted to try it but mum wasn’t sure. I ended up asking my consultant if I could, in order to convince mum to let me ride! I like everything about my pony,” smiled Ronnie. “Snowball has been in our family for 12 years; he was actually quite naughty when the girls rode him but he has been the perfect pony for Ronnie,” explained Ronnie’s mother.
For full results visit www.bsnationalchampionships.com
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