North Region Championships

Hello again! 

Midnight

I am pleased to be reporting on the success of our brilliant RDA riders at the North Region Championships earlier this month.

The day got off to an early start for staff and volunteers who had to make us look very smart for the competition.

Magic with volunteers Lily and Kirsten

I travelled in the big horse box with Magic and Gilly...

and Domino went with Rusty in the horse trailer.

It was raining when we arrived at Blackdyke in Cumbria. However, it did not dampen the spirits of the thirteen RDA riders who had come along to compete in Dressage and Countryside Challenge classes.

Ryan on Domino

Ryan Gillespie, riding Domino, was placed first in the independent dressage class and is a Championship qualifier. Derek Clemenson, who rode me, also qualified in the senior class for the Countryside Challenge.

Laura with Daniel on Rusty. Derek is behind on Midnight 

Daniel Hayton rode Rusty and came third in the Countryside Challenge.

Daniel on Rusty with (from left), Sam Orde and Laura Winter

Daniel on Rusty competing in Countryside Challenge

And the youngest rider to compete was 3 year old Connor Bamborough. He rode Gilly in Test 2 Novice Dressage and was placed joint third with Oliver Crawshaw, who also rode Gilly. Both young riders were amazing!

Connor on Gilly with (from left), Sophie, Lily and Kirsten

Connor receives a letter to post on the Countryside Challenge course

 

Riders, parents, family and friends all had a wonderful day...

 A very happy Connor holding his rosette

Daniel was delighted to be placed third in his class

Proud mum Lisa looks on as Ryan receives three rosettes

Big smiles from Connor and his mum Lindsey

and so did our fantastic team of staff and young volunteers.

Connor with Kirsten, Lily and Chloe

Every rider received a rosette and six riders from our group achieved the qualification level for the RDA National Championships in July. Congratulations to everyone!


It was a great day despite three small incidents which were all pony related...

1) Gilly and Magic succumbed to the lush green grass and shiny red apples on the Countryside Challenge course. This is understandable, but definitely not acceptable behaviour when competing.


2) Sam had to endure Magic's great big hoof on her toes until his rider completed the task of opening a gate on the course. This is never acceptable behaviour under any circumstances (and especially when the toes belong to the RDA National Chairman!)

3) Domino tried to steal hay from Rusty's net on the return journey to Northumberland.  This is not only unacceptable behaviour, it is totally unforgivable!


Of course as I am a mare, I behaved like a perfect lady, and am sure to have secured my place again at the National Championships in Hartpury!

Midnight at Hartpury in 2014

For full results of all the riders who competed from Morpeth RDA Group please visit our website for details www.thepegasuscentre.org.uk 


Many thanks to Lindsey, Lisa, Brenda and Martin for providing pictures for this post.