Scotland rules as Emma Crawford and Fraser Reed commandingly claim London International Horse Show finalist places in the Under 25 British Championship Qualifier at Morris Equestrian Centre
Saturday 16 November 2024
Two Scottish riders opted to share first prize in the Under 25 British Championship qualifier after posting the only two clears in the first round at Morris Equestrian Centre’s Winter Classic, Emma Crawford and Fraser Reed claiming the top two London Excel qualifying places.
Emma will be contending her fourth consecutive Under 25 Final at Excel with the ever-reliable Dukes of Hazzard – their best result was third in 2022 – while Fraser makes his second visit to the prestigious London International Horse Show with Westbank Rio.
“Duke is ‘Mr Consistent’, he has the biggest heart, knows every special occasion and always tries his heart out for me – I’d like 10 of him!” said Emma, who won the Major Grand Prix at Arena UK two months earlier with the reliable gelding.
“I don’t mind sharing with a friend and Emma and I grew up together in ponies,” said Fraser.
Seventeen young under 25 riders faced course-designer John Bedford’s 1.40/1.45m track with several unlucky competitors making just one error to be denied a jump-off chance. Emma, who had two horses in round one, posted an early clear on Dukes of Hazzard and remained in the top position for the majority of the class. She was one of the six to come home on four faults on second ride King Louie III, but Fraser proved foot-perfect with Westbank Rio to join her in the elite top spot.
Maisy Williams also lowered just one rail but had the temerity and foresight to up her pace in the latter part of the track to return as the fastest four-faulter on Dalton D’Hoyo to nip into third and nab the final London Excel qualifying place.
“The course was perfect for the number of riders in the class, I thought the course-builder did a really good job and there were a couple that were so unlucky not to jump clear,” said Emma.
“There were a few big oxers and the distances rode as they walked, it was strong enough,” assessed Fraser.
As both Emma and Fraser had achieved their aim, the result was academic, and they opted to withdraw from the jump-off and share first prize.
“Although I do enjoy the pressure of jumping off, it was actually nice to save him for another day and put him away in his stable happy,” said Emma, who bought the Caretino 12-year-old ‘Duke’ as a novice five-year-old, seven years ago. London Excel is definitely my favourite show. It costs a lot to get down there, it’s a 10-11hour journey so that’s £1,000 straight off – but it’s worth it.”
Fraser has ridden the Irish-bred 11-year-old Westbank Rio for the past three and half years.
“He’s been an amazing horse for me, jumping the world ranking classes over the last two years, He’s very easy, quiet and knows his job – I wouldn’t be able to replace him,” said Fraser, who is currently based in Sussex riding for Matt Pike alongside fellow Scot Sandy McLean and made the 10 hour journey back to Scotland especially for the Under 25 British Championship qualifier.
Under 25 British Championship Qualifier
Morris Equestrian Centre Winter Classic – 16 November
1st Emma Crawford & Dukes of Hazzard – 0/WD
1st Fraser Reed & Westbank Rio – 0/WD
3rd Maisy Williams & Dalton D’Hoyo – 4
NB Results pending final grading
Image: Jamie Agnew Photography
