THE sun shone for the last of the Summer Dressage Series at Foxholm Livery Yard. It was a close run for the points Championship, with most of the placings depending on the results from the September Competition. Perfect Ponies Equestrian Photography was in attendance to take photos of the competitors and the Championship Prize Giving. The day kicked off with competition Secretary Competing H.C. in the Intro test on young pony Tequila Sunrise, gaining their personal best score of over 75%. This pair was followed by Julie Tippey on her Thoroughbred mare Annie B, who did their Prelim tests ahead of the rest in order to take over the catering for the day. Julie achieved the award for the highest placed livery over the Summer Series. With Julia Warden and Honey in Reserve.

The only clear winner of the series, before the final competition, was 15 year old Emily Inglis who was the Junior Champion in the Novice/Elementary Pick a Test class. Emily, who was also last year’s Junior Champion, was riding her father’s ex-driving horse Gucci who is a 13 year old Fresian cross Cob Mare. Emily has had a successful few years on the mare and secured sponsorship from Ross Wright Ltd and the Co-op. Senior Pick a Test Champion was Olivia Enderwick on 7 year old Piebald, Copperhall Freddy, who she has owned for 3 years. Her first place in the final competition with a score of 69.58% secured her place as Champion. Olivia and Freddy were also reserve Champions in the Prelim class. It was neck and neck for the Pick a Test Reserve Champion position. After a final 3rd place with over 66% this went to Janet Ford on her Fresian Cross Andalusian Gelding Moon Shadow. They were just 1 point ahead of Melanie Ridley and her coloured mare Meg, who unfortunately also just missed the Prelim Reserve Champion position – despite a progressively successful season.

Senior Prelim Champion was regular Foxholm competitor Rebecca Adamson on Deegan. This was the first year the pair had reached the Championship as Rebecca jointly owns 8 year old Deegan with her sister Catherine. This year Catherine has had the ride on Corky owned by Nicola Jennings, which gave Rebecca the chance to ride more tests on Deegan. The sisters were often in close competition with each other and at the September competition they were equal 3rd in one class and then placed 1st and 2nd in the other Prelim class.

Senior Intro Champion was Clare Peachey on her 9 year old Welsh Cob, Shadow. It was the first year that Clare had competed Shadow at dressage and he had time off last winter due to lameness issues.

Junior Intro Champions were Jessica Evans riding the smallest pony in all the competitions – Henry. Henry is a 10 year old Shetland Cross. He has been owned by Sarah Peckett (who also competes at the Foxholm Dressage series on her own horse Freddie) since he was 2 years old. Jess only started riding and competing Henry last year after starting her riding experiences at a Riding school. Although very cute to look at, Henry is not always and easy ride for Jessica and can be very cheeky.

Reserve Champion in the Intro Class was Susan Grecian on her piebald cob, Joey. Susan has owned Joey since he was born as an unexpected arrival from her daughter’s pony. Sue was last year’s Reserve Prelim Champion on her other horse Shayna.

The competitions could not be a success without all the people behind the scenes. All the Judges over the Summer Series, Yard owner Colin Davidson who prepares the arenas, caterer Marjorie Hoggarth who provides hot cooked food and refreshments, steward, Jo Rickards who keeps everyone relaxed and running on time and Helen Pitt who provides the schedules and writes for the judges. The competitors all love the friendly relaxed atmosphere and look forward to both the Winter Competitions and then the 2019 Summer Series.