Iwan Carpenter seizes victory in the Under 25 British Championship Qualifier at Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre
Monday 04 November 2024
Iwan Carpenter is London International Horse Show at Excel bound following victory in the Under 25 British Championship qualifier on Starido I at Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre’s Winter Classic in Cheshire.
A large entry of 42 came forward over lead course designer Shaun Sands and assistant course designer John Bedford’s 1.40/1.45m track, the 12-fence, 15-effort course reducing them to 12 for the jump-off.
“It was a strong, technical track and quite a challenge for Starido, he’s a new horse for me, but he coped with the challenges and atmosphere well,” said Iwan, who spotted the German-bred horse by chance jumping 1.20/1.30m with an amateur and subsequently bought him in June.
Clear rounds were scarce second time out and only two achieved their aim, Iwan’s target setting tactics paying off with a 0.26 second win on the Stolzenberg x Raphael nine-year-old.
“This was only our third show jumping 1.40m indoors and I didn’t want to turn him upside down against the clock. Chris Smith has been helping me recently and he told me to be sensible but just do enough to put the pressure on,” explained Iwan. “And he [Starido] pulled it out of the bag.”
Kelsall Hill gained praise all round for the smooth running of the show.
“It’s a great local show for us with great facilities and friendly staff, and they go the extra mile to recognise the connections behind the scenes,” said Iwan’s mum Amanda, who was delighted and emotional to receive a glass trophy for the winning owner.
Iwan, 20, returned to his North Wales home three months ago after spending a year based with Richard Howley in Wetherby, Yorkshire.
“I had some of my own horses with me while Mum kept others ticking over at home and I learnt so much in my time there. Now I’m running the yard myself at home, bringing on the youngsters and slowly building up the team,” said Iwan, who has future plans in mind.
“I’m gearing up to take five horses to MET III in Oliva, Spain. Starido is improving all the time and I’m hoping to jump a 3* Grand Prix with him towards the end of the tour, then aim for the Young Rider European Championships next year. But all this is down to my team at home, without my Mum and Dad [David] and my late grandfather John – who took me to every pony show – none of this would be possible. I can’t thank them enough.”
Charley Hamilton made the journey from Scotland worthwhile, claiming the second London Excel place with the eight-year-old Loretta Blue MFS and the third and final qualifying ticket went to the fastest four-faulter Lottie Tutt on the eight-year-old Billy Dash.
Under 25 British Championship Qualifier
Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre Winter Classic – 2 November 2024
1st Iwan Carpenter & Starido I – 0/0 - 37.10
2nd Charley Hamilton & Loretta Blue MFS – 0/0 - 37.36
3rd Lottie Tutt & Billy Dash – 0/4 - 35.48
NB Results pending final grading
Image: KT Equine Photography
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