A magical Final to a unique competition
The British Horse Society Equitation Competition for riding
school clients
Tuesday 13 April saw almost sixty children complete with
horses, ponies, an army of volunteers, and a Royal Princess
descend on a tranquil corner of Warwickshire. The reason?
The seventh Final of the British Horse Society (BHS) Equitation
Competition, sponsored by the Elise Pilkington Trust.
Children qualified for the competition at BHS Approved Riding
Establishments, including one centre in Hong Kong! To be eligible
for the competition, children had to be riding school clients
who did not own a horse or pony. Success at the qualifiers
earned them a place at the final, held at Warwickshire College,
in either the 13 years and under, or 17 years and under class.
On Tuesday the children demonstrated their skills and abilities
in a short dressage test, over a course of show jumps, and
in a half hour written theory test, containing questions on
horse care and welfare. The Society's President, HRH The Princess
Royal attended the day and spent time watching the classes
and chatting to competitors. Her Royal Highness then presented
training vouchers, sashes and awards to the winning riders
and their instructors. Also in attendance was Caroline Doulton,
Chairman of Trustees of the Elise Pilkinton Trust. Caroline
helped The Princess Royal hand out prizes, and spent time
getting to know the children who have benefited so much from
the Trust's support.
Winner of the 17 years and under class, Bethany Clench, said
"I am very excited to have won my class although it was
extremely nerve wracking! The pony I was riding, Native Splash,
went really well, especially since she gets as nervous as
me during competitions. " Bethany travelled all the way
from St Veep Riding School in Lostwithiel, Cornwall, with
her riding instructor, Josephine Baron, and riding school
pony Native Splash. Josephine said "This is the second
time Bethany has been successful at the BHS Equitation Competition
Final. Back in 2002 she won the 13 years and under class,
and it is just fantastic that she has won in the higher age
group. Watching Bethany ride the dressage test brought a tear
to my eye, and I am sure I was more nervous then she was!"
Owner of St Veep, Ilene Barron, said "It was a brilliant,
well organised day, and having HRH The Princess Royal there
was just magical."
Winner of the 13 years and under class was Katie Cowan, from
Penewin Stables, Saltash, Cornwall. Katie was accompanied
on the day by her instructor, Helen Moore, and riding school
pony May Sunday. Katie said of the day "It was great
fun. I am glad I got to bring May Sunday with me. She was
really good and I think she is brilliant." Proud instructor,
Helen Moore, said "The competition was really exciting.
This is the first year Penewin Stables entered and we just
couldn't believe it when Katie qualified. She has only been
riding for three years but definitely has natural talent.
We are looking forward to the 2005 competition already!"
BHS Chairman, Mrs Pat Campbell, commented "The day ran
like clockwork and was a credit to the hard work of staff
at the BHS. The aim of the competition is to encourage non-horse
owning children to progress with their riding, and this has
certainly proved the case today. All competitors should be
proud of their achievements, and their riding instructors
deserve praise too."
The British Horse Society would like to thank everyone who
took part in the Final; the competitors, instructors, judges
and everyone who provided horses and ponies on the day. A
special thank you must go to the Elise Pilkington Trust, for
their continued sponsorship of the event, Warwickshire College,
staff at the BHS, and HRH The Princess Royal, for adding a
touch of magic.
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