Amelia Keen and Scarlett Turner are victorious in the NAF Bronze and Silver League Qualifiers at Pyecombe
Monday 17 June 2024
.jpg "Amelia Keen and Scarlett Turner are victorious in the NAF Bronze and Silver League Qualifiers at Pyecombe")
This weekend saw Pyecombe Equestrian host a NAF Bronze and Silver League Championships Direct Qualifier, where riders aimed to secure a spot in the Final at Horse of the Year Show.
First up were riders contending the Bronze League qualifiers as a starting field of 64 took on Keith Bristow’s 1.05m course. Over half the field posted initial clears, these further reduced to 23 who would advance to the jump-off. With seven horse and rider combinations returning a completely clean sheet, the results would be decided by the clock.
In the competitive jump-off, it was 16-year-old Amelia Keen who took top spot riding Danny Keen’s 14-year-old Forked Lightning, the pair crossing the finish in a time of 35.15 seconds. Sorhca Gamble finished tantalisingly close behind in second place with RS My Sina VD Kalevallei, just 0.34 seconds off the pace, whilst Chloe Dawson slotted Sussex Caretino into third.
Pyecombe Equestrian Centre - Sunday, 16 June 2024
NAF Bronze League Qualifier
1st – Amelia Keen and Forked Lightning – 0/0/0 35.15
2nd – Sorcha Gamble and RS My Sina VD Kalevallei – 0/0/0 35.49
3rd – Chloe Dawson and Sussex Caretino – 0/0/0 36.20
With the Bronze League qualifier concluded, all eyes were on the Silver League riders, 31 of which stepped up to take on course designer Keith Bristow’s 1.15m track. 15 combinations managed to jump clear through both the first and second round to advance to the jump-off, nine successfully navigating their way to the all-important treble clear.
Seventeen-year-old Scarlett Turner dominated this category with Chankar Mail, former ride of John Whitaker and Trevor Breen, as she guided the 12-year-old stallion around the course in a time of 35.88 seconds to secure the win. Clare Miller rode Helrite into second, 0.77 seconds in arrears whilst Summer Tanner picked up third with Billy Colman.
“The class went really well. We weren’t planning on jumping it originally but thought we would give it a go,” commented Scarlett. “I’ve only had him since October, he’s my first horse, so this is our first big win together, and I’m looking forward to trying to qualify for HOYS together.
“He’s a stallion, so he’s very playful but me and my mum adore him. He has a very cheeky side, but he has been incredible for me and I’m very grateful to have him.”
Pyecombe Equestrian Centre - Sunday, 16 June 2024
NAF Silver League Qualifier
1st – Scarlett Turner and Chankar Mail – 0/0/0 35.88
2nd – Clare Miller and Helrite – 0/0/0 36.65
3rd – Summer Tanner and Billy Colman – 0/0/0 38.07
NB: Results pending official grading.
Image: Spidge Photography
