Competition Hots Up At Gransha Dressage League
Class 6 – Elementary – Emily Morris – Florida Bud
Sunny weather ensured a great turnout for the fifth round of Gransha Equestrian Centre’s Dressage League sponsored by photographer Chris Semple. Taking place on Sunday 18th January, the event was held across two arenas, the outdoor Derby and the indoor Antwerp Arena.
Class 2B – Prelim – Jenny Smylie – Rory
The day began in the Antwerp arena with the Pick Your Own class. Judge Joanne Jarden awarded first and second prize to Ashleigh Rea, who rode her horse Armani in the BD Medium 75 and FEI Junior Individual. Caroline Herron came third on Clantara Midnight Classic also riding the Medium 75.
First prize in the BD Elementary 45 (2010) class went to Elaine Morrow on Ardenza Gem with a score of 71.3%. She was followed by Vicky Dobbin on Villa Imp and Emily Morris riding Florida Bud.
Class 1B – Intro – Jackie Flynn – Red Chester
The Senior Prelim was next, and made up the largest class of the day with 20 competitors fighting for a place. Raven Craig and Burrenbridge II took home the red rosette with a score of 70.4%, followed closely by Emma Wallace on Milly and Valerie McKie riding Crossowen Penny.
Meanwhile, in the Derby Arena, Lynsey Craig was judging the Dengie Novice. Claire Ireland placed twice. She took first place riding Pyper and third on Going for Gold. Second place went to Zara Wood on Ballymac Girl. The Dengie Open class went to Sophie Williams and Ollie with a stand out score of 73%.
Class 3B – Prelim – Heather McMillan – Herbie
Jazmin Vollands won the Senior BD Novice 28 (2012) class on Mo Chara Nua. Second place went to Emma Wallace on Milly, and Raven Craig came third on Burrenbridge 11. The Junior Intro A class went to Zara Wood on Ballymac Girl, with judging provided by Jacky Reid.
This was followed by another popular class, the Senior Intro A, which was won by Louise Sullivan and Rolo. Jackie Flynn took second place on Red Chester, and Claire Martin came third riding George.
Back in the Antwerp Arena, Courtney Stuart took over as judge for the remaining classes. In the DIP8 class Claire Hunter stormed into first place with a 74.6%. Second placed went to Heather McMillan riding Herbie, and Sharon McGimpsey and Chilly came third. Stella Black won the Junior BD Prelim 4 (2002) class with 75.2% on her pony Creaghacross Dusty Moon.
Class 2B – Prelim – Claire Young – Franklyn
The Young horse class went to Valerie McKie who piloted Crossowen Penny round a 75% test. This was followed by a win for Suzi McClean and Scooby in the Senior Sidesaddle BD Prelim 4 (2002) with 78.6% and a win at 78.4% for Stella Black and Creagnacross Dusty Moon as a junior. Second and third places went to seniors Sharon McGimpsey riding Chilli and Amanda Blackmore on Harry.
The penultimate round of the Chris Semple Dressage League will take place on Sunday 22nd February. Entries need to be in to Kirsty Jackson by Wednesday 18th February. Check out www.granshaequestrian.co.uk for more details.
