Sophie Savage and her 15-year-old Irish-bred gelding Two Tone Ted scored an emotional win within the Petplan Novice Bronze Winter Space Pageant Championship on 69.23%. Not solely was it her first championship win, but it surely was her first-ever win in British Dressage (BD).
“We’ve at all times been second or decrease down the rankings so I’m delighted, Ted was a star,” mentioned Sophie. “It was a stunning check. He actually went ahead, as I hoped he would, and he was off my leg the entire method spherical.”
In a category of 34 that ran over a number of hours, Sophie and Ted had been fourth to go after which had an agonising wait as mixture after mixture got here and went.
“I’ve been making an attempt to maintain busy all day, mucking out, and doing odd jobs,” added Sophie. “Each check I used to be watching after us I believed ‘oh they’ve accomplished very well – that’s a very nice check’ however there we had been, nonetheless on the prime!”
Sophie’s inspiring story, and journey by the degrees encapsulates the whole lot that’s constructive in regards to the Space Pageant Championships – and there have been various tears as she was conducting interviews.
“I’m a retired nurse, I’ve three sons and 4 grandchildren who had been all watching me compete this morning at 8.15, all in entrance of the iPad. They’re not very outdated however we now have a little bit pony for them at residence and so they’re simply getting going.
“I did eventing in my youthful years after I was a young person however I went 20 years with no horse whereas I introduced up my youngsters – and right here I’m now, how wonderful.”
Sophie discovered Ted in 2021 by a needed advert on Fb, and after some mild encouragement, she entered and gained an unaffiliated dressage competitors at Kings Sedgemoor Equestrian Centre.
“I then joined BD and did Quest in my first yr, then prelim for 18 months and now I’m doing novice. He was solely meant to be a hack, I didn’t suppose we’d be on this dressage journey collectively!
“He’s very secure out hacking, I can take him anyplace alone, which was the explanation for getting him, and he’s simply been a star.”
Sophie now trains with Sally Bell – who she describes as “inspirational” – twice a month and is because of compete once more with Ted on the Inter-County Problem at Bitcon Enviornment and regionals in the summertime.
2024 Winter Space Pageant Championships: “I do know I’m biased, however she’s great”
Natasha Gibbons and her six-year-old mare Penhaligon Soleilette Aimee gained the Petplan Novice Silver Space Pageant Championship on 71.66% – selecting up a number of eights for his or her canter work.
“It’s her first time right here so she was a little bit bit shellshocked when she first went in, however as quickly as she received going she settled actually shortly,” mentioned Natasha. “We had one little mistake in our medium trot however apart from that she was fabulous the entire method by.
“She’s so constant I knew that if she pulled it out of the bag she’d be prime 10, however I didn’t suppose we’d win it.”
Natasha has owned Aimee since she was six months outdated, having purchased her on the Elite Public sale and backed her herself, alongside her uncle and mum.
“I do know I’m biased however I believe she’s so great. She’s very easy to do, ever since we sat on her she’s simply been so good to journey, and he or she loves individuals, I’ve received a little bit two-year-old and he or she nuzzles him – she’s wonderful.”
Reflecting on her championship expertise Natasha added: “The championships have been good, I believe it provides you the massive championship expertise but it surely’s a little bit bit extra laid again, and never at all times as intimidating as it may be getting into with all the massive names – the entire day has been good.”
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Credit score: Kevin Sparrow Pictures
Credit score: Kevin Sparrow Pictures
Credit score: Kevin Sparrow Pictures
Credit score: Future
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