Abi Kerry Speeds to Victory in the STX-UK Pony British Novice Second Round Competition at Forest Edge.
Monday 29 April 2024
The STX-UK Pony British Novice Second Round competitions are well and truly underway, as this weekend saw the fourth qualifier take place at Forest Edge in Norfolk.
As a Table A8 class, competitors must jump clear in two rounds, before taking to the jump off in a bid to stop the clock at the fastest time of the day to clinch the win. This Sunday it was Abi Kerry aboard Adam Kerry’s Cois NA Habhainn Little Bobby who posted the fastest jump off time.
Second last to go, Abi successfully navigated the first two rounds in style, but saved the best until last, flying around the jump off to finish a full 5.71 seconds faster than that that of second place. It should come as no surprise that 14-year-old Abi is quick off the mark, as she recently earned a spot at the British Racing School on their 2 year flexible learning programme and has already gained her Level 1, 2 and 3.
Although ponies have been part of Abi’s life since she was just 3 years old, affiliated showjumping is new to this combination, who started jumping together just 10 months ago. After four months working hard together, Abi and her family made the decision to become affiliated members, to see what they were capable of together. Speaking proudly of his daughter’s success, Adam Kerry, Abi’s Father said: “We are just so proud of her. She works unbelievably hard training and looking after her ponies. We’re new to the sport so leave Abi to it. We can see how much she loves it and how dedicated she is so we just want to support her in any way that we can. I’m a tough cookie, but I get emotional seeing the effort and work she puts in up the yard with her ponies every day."
Adam continued “Abi’s instructor’s at Ten Oaks Equestrian Centre have been a huge part in her riding career so far. She doesn’t just love competing, she loves looking after the ponies just as much. We always said when she was born that we wanted her to have a pet to look after, and she’s just taken that love for animals to whole new level.”
This weekend was doubly successful for Abi as she jumped her first 1m class, the highest she has jumped to date, and finished fourth. “So far we have just loved watching Abi enjoy competing so much, we’ve been to quite a lot of venues, and they’ve all been great” added Adam.
Abi and Cois NA Habhainn Little Bobby fought off tough competition in the STX-UK Pony British Novice Second Round jump-off in Nancy Haffendon and Little Woods, who claimed second place in a time of 37.95 seconds.
Now a third of the way through the second-round competitions, the list of ponies already qualified for their chance to compete for the title of STX-UK Pony British Novice Champion at the British Showjumping National Championships, Stoneleigh in August, is getting longer. See full list at https://www.britishshowjumping.co.uk/shows_qualifying_dates_venues.cfm?type=J&class=BNOVJF
A huge thank you to STX-UK, for their sponsorship and support of this series. When compromise is not an option, STX-UK’s safe, stylish, and functional trucks are your first and last choice within the UK, and across the globe.
Forest Edge Arena – Saturday, 27 April 2024
STX-UK Pony British Novice Second Round
1st – Abi Kerry & Cois NA Habhainn Little Bobby 0/0/ 32.34
2nd – Nancy Haffendon & Little Woods 0/0/0 37.95
3rd – Alice Ridley & Your Deal 0/0/0 38.54
NB: Results pending official grading.
Image: Shelley G Photography
1sy9ny7stdf5l.jpg "Applications for British Equestrian’s Young Professionals Programme to open on 1 August 2024")
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