Children’s team come third, and dominate the Grand Prix

 

This week saw the GBR Children’s team compete at Bonheiden (Belgium).  The team consisted of twelve year old Emily Ward from Cheshire, riding her fathers (Nick) eight dark brown mare Witch. Fourteen year old Carmen Edwards riding Susan Edward’s seven year old chestnut mare R Candy. Fourteen year old Charlotte Smet, based in Belgium, riding Colin Keelings eight year old bay mare Wietske and thirteen year old Kirstin Deakin from Newcastle upon Tyne riding her mother’s (Felicity) twelve year old bay mare Sunsole.

 

All four combinations jumped well finishing on five faults in the first round this put them in a strong position with only Belgium finishing on a clear. The second round caused a few problems for all teams and saw Belgium and Italy finishing on eight faults and having to jump off for first and second. The British Team finished on thirteen faults after the second round which was good enough to hold on to third place.

 

Sunday played host to the Children’s Grand Prix which Britain’s riders took by storm. With twenty two combinations jumping clear in the first round the competition was fierce. It was Kerstin Deakin that took the top spot riding her mother’s (Flelicity) Sunsole. Kerstin put in a brilliant clear in an unbeatable time of 35.43 seconds. Close behind her was Emily Ward riding fathers (Nick) fourteen year old bay gelding Leonardo 590, also jumping clear but just 0.53 seconds behind Kerstin.

 

Emily Ward riding Witch

Carmen Edwards riding R Candy

Charlotte Smet riding Wietske

Kirsten Deaken riding Sunsole