Finn Valley Riding Club 

On the 18th April we had a good turn out from members with two senior teams and several individuals.

 

I think there must have been something in the air at Topthorn as there was some excitement in the dressage! Lots of horses feeling very fresh and excitable, despite this some good scores were recorded. A new competition for most meant lots of nerves in the early part of the day. The morning started with the Prelim 7 dressage followed by jumping 75cm. Joe Mace & Rosie were first up and once the dressage markers were put into the correct place Joe posted a very good score of 69.8%.

 

New member Lucy Gooderham produced a great score on her impressive grey of 63%.  Jess Mace riding her big coloured scored 54.5% and Jackie Street having her first experience riding a test on grass had a few disagreements with Licaro! Individual riders; Anne, Ruth, Julia and Joe (on his second ride) were next up and despite some lively tests all completed with some pleasing marks, with Julia Hicks scoring over 60% and Joe scoring 62%. The two Prelim Junior riders Imogen and Charlotte both scored some pleasing marks of 57% and 51% respectively. Next up was the SJ with clear rounds for Lucy, Jackie and Joe and the odd pole down for the others with everyone feeling pleased with their efforts. 

 

A promising start to the team event with the Novice riders still to come in the afternoon. First up was Florence and Danielle both producing good test with Danielle posting over 61.1%. Amy was next with Rough Diamond and performed a pleasing test for 58.9% despite not being in a dressage arena for 2 years! Louise was last for the seniors; I think Loreto would rather have been jumping but never the less a solid test in the bag. So down to the SJ with a clear from Danielle, 4F for Amy and Florence and 8F for Louise meant the team finished 6th out of 13 teams. Last by no means least was Charna Barrable and her pony Hernesbrook Meteor; producing a lovely test and just 4F in the SJ meant they finished 2nd and qualified for the FOTH Championships in May. Joe Mace finished individually 2nd in the Senior team.

 

Another successful day for Finn Valley. Well done all!

Report by Julia Sheppard