Exciting Equine Finale to Countryside Live 2014
Three exciting equine finals ensured Countryside Live drew to a thrilling climax after a weekend of exciting classes and competitions (Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 October).
The ‘Search for a Talented Showjumper’ competition, the North Show Cross Grand Finals and the Mountain and Moorland championship (an Olympia qualifier) all drew the crowds at the two-day rural showcase.
The event is the little sister of the annual Great Yorkshire Show and takes place at Harrogate, North Yorkshire and includes competitive classes for livestock, horses and farriery, as well as displays and demonstrations.
After a closely fought finale, showjumping experts Graham and Tina Fletcher crowned 12-year-old Lara Gorse, riding Covenham Jade, the winner in the X-Factor style competition. Heats took place over the weekend to select the best young showjumper of the future. The youngster, from Loughborough, who started riding when she was five years old, was delighted with her success. Graham Fletcher said there had been a very strong field of competitors, but Lara stood out for her willingness to learn, and her stylish riding.
In the show classes, Emma Boardman was delighted after her four-year-old Welsh Section D Gelding ‘Dyffryngwy Sir Picasso’ qualified for Olympia on his first outing, winning the Supreme Championship, Ridden Mountain and Moorland.
Emma, of Preston, Lancashire, has won the same class at Countryside Live for the past two years on a different horse but it was the first time that she managed to clinch the top title.
“This was his first time in the ring”, she said. “We bought him as a cob exactly four years ago this weekend. I’m delighted and can’t quite believe it,” said Emma, who first rode at Olympia when she was 10-years-old.
The Northern Show Cross individual and Inter Team Relay finals drew the crowds on both days – all competing for a prize fund of £1,500. Riders have been competing for points over the summer in order to ride at Harrogate.
Teams included pony clubs, riding clubs and individual teams from the North of England and Scottish Borders in particular. Members of the Jack Thomas Watson Horse Sales Team from Newcastle came out victorious in the Senior Inter Team Relay event. Kaylie Ritson, of Morpeth riding Krafted Miracle, Samantha McNicholas, of Darlington, on Vayrann and Hollie Davison, Durham, riding Dalina proved a winning combination. In addition Samantha collected the 70cm senior title.
It was a case of third time lucky for North Yorkshire rider Grace Addyman who took the trophy in the Northern Show Cross senior 90cm section.
The technical trainer, has entered the Show Cross event for the past two years – but won this year for the first time, on her 15-year-old Irish sports horse, King.
“He’s got a really long stride and jumped a clear round,” said Grace, who also entered her 26-year-old semi retired thoroughbred cross Arab in the 80cm class. Anna Aldred, of Darlington, Co Durham took the 80cm title.
Meanwhile, members of the Darlington-based Alan Scott Team, Shauna Carman, 14, Georgia Garnett, 13, and Rachel Proudley, 9, won the Junior Inter Relay championship title.
Shauna, from Langley Moor, Durham, also went on to take the 90cm junior title, while Lilia Schaible from Darlington took the honours in the 80cm class with her 8-year-old Connemara pony, Knock Boy Lad, while 11-year-old Katy McFadyen from Kelso, Roxburghshire, won the 70cm championship riding Bounty II.
The Northern Show Cross Finals are orgnaised by Janice Mewse and Ian Brown. It is the third year of the popular series.
It was certainly a case of keeping it in the family for sisters Marie and Kimberley Dyson who both had a hand in taking home the Coloured Championship in the equine section.
Five year old Subtle Affair (Peggy) is owned by Marie and was ridden by her younger sibling; it proved a winning combination with the Brighouse based sisters taking the honours. It was Peggy’s first year under saddle and her best success to date.
ENDS
20 October 2014
Media contact: Judy Thompson, PR Manager 01423 546215 or judyt@yas.co.uk
YORKSHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY:
The Yorkshire Agricultural Society was formed in 1837 and is a charity dedicated to supporting the farming industry and rural life. The Society is the organiser of the annual farming and country showcase, the Great Yorkshire Show and its sister event, Countryside Live. Both take place at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, North Yorkshire and are flagship events for agriculture and rural life. Dates for the 2015 Great Yorkshire Show are Tuesday 14 – Thursday 16 July, and Countryside Live takes place Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October, 2015.
Tags:
