Excitement Builds at Gransha Dressage
A sample of the breathtaking photography captured by Chris Semple. One lucky winner will receive a £350 voucher which equates to a 2hr photography shoot on location, a cinema-style ordering consultation and a 24×20 inch wall art.
Competitors had one final chance to impress the judges at the last qualifying round of dressage on Sunday 22nd February. The open class got the day off to a great start with Courtney Stuart putting in two solid performances in both the PSG and the Inter 1. Judge Lucy Adams awarded Courtney a score of 65% in both tests. Elaine Morrow rode Ardenza Gem to 3rd & 4th slots in medium 73 and advanced medium 94 with scores of 62.94% and 61.76%. Taking 5th place was Caroline Herron with her own Clantara Midnight Classic. While these riders stayed dry in the Antwerp Arena poor Andrew Robinson and the senior prelim riders got a soaking as they competed in the derby arena. Not put off by the rain Andrew and his lovely coloured pony ‘Flight of the Phoenix’ scored a respectable 65.20% in front of judge David Patterson. Coming out on top in the senior prelim category was Heather McMillan on Herbie, closely followed by Sharon McGimpsey on Knockarama Gypsy and in 3rd was Laura Wilson riding Sunday.
The two novice classes proved to be very competitive with Jasmin Vollands and Mo Chara Nua winning the DI N26 and Raven Craig and Burrenbridge II winning BD novice 23.
The clear winner in the elementary class was the very consistent Rosemary Paterson with her own ‘Homegrown Rolex.’ This pair notched up a 66.77% putting them ahead of Vicky Dobbin with Impy on a score of 63.87%. Emily Morris and Florida Bud were a close 3rd with 63.54% putting Claire Hunter and ‘Spice up the News’ into 4th with 61.77%.
Sidesaddle riders on the day were Stella Black on Greaghnacross Dusty Moon and Sharon McGimpsey on Knockarama Gypsy. Judge Alison Kirpatrick awarded Stella 76.32% and Sharon 75.26%. Stella went on to gain a 68.42% winning the BD prelim 1 class.
A good entry in the senior prelim 1 class saw a win for Leah Jackson riding Gemily. Joint 2nd went to Sharon McGimpsey and Debbie Rush with Archie. Equal 4th went to Raven Craig and Karen Jeffrey riding Junior. Sixth was Joanne Stuart on Bobby’s Girl and 7th was Beverley Williams on Rocca.
Rounding the day off was the Intro class. Lachlan Henry and Zara Wood have been competitors in this class since the league began back in September and have shown real improvement over the months leading up to our final in March. Zara got a 73.91% with Ballymac Girl to win the class while Lachlan and Rusty achieved a great score of 68.26% to take 2nd place. Another of Sylvia Henry’s pupils, this time senior intro rider Louise Sullivan kept up her winning streak piloting Rolo to 1st place in the large senior section. Sarah Eccles and her new mount ‘Babbling Brook Rocky’ came away with 2nd place while 3rd was awarded to Ruth Hendry riding Walter. Another of our regular combinations was Carol Regan and Clover who took 4th place. Fifth went to Anna Dunlop with Ardara Blackberry while Charlotte Fell and Ted were awarded 6th. Seventh place went to Sharon Regan riding Rua.
All of the team at Gransha look forward to welcoming you back on Sunday 22nd March for our grand final. Check out the website for all the details.
