A Dressage Extravaganza, the brainchild of British Dressage judge Gloria Leverett, came to life at Hartpury College, Gloucestershire 26th & 27th June 2010.
From the germ of an idea first discussed on the BD website in January the event grew to exceed all expectations, raising clear of £20,000 for their designated charity, The Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital.
Including ringside trainers to help riders work in, a master class hosted by Richard Davidson and a pro/am medium class the show provided something for everyone. Patron Carl Hester claimed victory in the Grand Prix kur with Dolendo on 73.25% and announced the show such a success that he’d like to see it become an annual event. Meanwhile Kate Smith and Darling put their stamp on the small tour music classes winning both the Inter 1 freestyle and the Prix St Georges freestyle with 73% and 75.25% respectively.
David Pincus, who claimed victory in the FEI Grand Prix with Sheepcote Whistle, hosted the Grand Prix Challenge evening entertainment. Professional riders each performed a test movement which was scored not just by the judges but also by the audience. BD member Emma Johansen gave Britain’s Got Talent’s Amanda Holden a run for her money when she donned her most sparkly frock and diamante high heels to write the scores on the board. The combination went down a treat and had everyone in fits of laughter. Though Stef Eardly amazed the crowd by riding bareback one handed one time tempis, it was Jodie Lister and Nicky who shone through to be crowned the eventual winners.
The pro/am class, sponsored by Terry Lihou and Shaun Wallace, proved one of the most popular of the weekend. Susie Cullen and her horse Wind Dance drew show jumper and dealer Ryan Shannon as their professional jockey. To the pair’s amazement they won on a combined score of 68.08%. Jo Barry, who flew down from Scotland especially to ride in this class, came a very worthy second on Charlotte Holes Rockspring while Spencer Wilton pulled up third on Margaret Phezackerley’s Cool Contender.
Other winners included ringside trainer Rosie Moreton-Deaken with Biachu who took the Prix St Georges class (pictured) and Miranda Beaufort and Maurits who won the Inter I. 13 year old Lucy Pincus took two classes in impressive style, winning the Novice 22 with Sheepcote Sandmartin on 73.10% and the Prelim 15 with Rocky on 74.20%.
It was by all accounts a fantastic two days and thanks must go to all the sponsors and everyone who worked so hard to make it a successful event.
Results
- Grand Prix kur – Carl Hester and Dolendo - 73.25%
- Grand Prix challenge – Jodie Lister and Nicky
- Grand Prix – David Pincus and Sheepcote Whistle 63.76%
- PSG - Rosie Moreton-Deaken and Biachu – 65.88%
- PSG Freestyle - Kate Smith and Darling - 75.25%
- FEI Intermediaire 1 – Miranda Beaufort and Maurits – 66.14%
- Inter 1 Freestyle - Kate Smith and Darling - 73%
- Advanced Medium freestyle - Melanie Phillips and Ruxton Whisper - 73.61%
- Advanced Medium 94 – Nick Lawson and Abbey Tiron - 73.92%
- Medium 73 - Hayley Watson-Greaves and WG Don Wimmero – 70.29%
- Medium 69 – Frances Meier and Rockefeller IV – 66.97%
- Pro/Am Medium - Susie Cullen’s Wind Dance partnered by trainer Ryan Shannon - 68.05%.
- Elementary 53 - Margaret Phizacklea on Coole Contender - 71.57%
- Elementary 43 - Lucinda Stockley and Sir Sandra 006 - 70.46%
- Novice 22 – Lucy Pincus and Sheepcote Sandmartin - 73.10%
- Novice 35 - Karen Crago and Artoeska - 72.69%
- Preliminary 19 - Briony Goodwin and Hawtins Floriana - 71.97%.
- Preliminary 15 – Lucy Pincus and Rocky – 74.20%
- Masterclass – Sarah Carmichael and Ciano
Text © British Dressage
Photo © Simon Battram - more pictures of Dressage Extravaganza in his photo gallery
Related Link
Top British Dressage Riders and Judges Organize Dressage Extravaganza