The first Regional Arena Eventing Qualifier of the new year attracted over 300 entries to Bury Farm in Buckinghamshire last Saturday. The level of competition was phenomenally high and Cranleigh riders had their work cut out in every class; the courses were not only up to height but extremely technical and the judges were there to be impressed.
Will Millard made his first appearance in a Cranleigh team, and along with Freddy Moore, Issy Hollidge and Jess Edwards they are going to be a Mini team to watch over the next few months despite being out of the placings on this occasion. The Novice competition involved 27 teams (with over 120 riders in total taking on this course) so to finish 2nd and gain a National qualification was a very pleasing result for our A team of Lila Millard; Katie Legister; Jess Edwards and Amy Scheijde. An individual 7th place for Lila was outstanding too. The Intermediate team of Josh Moore; Caileigh Faure; Ailsa Wates and Sophie Miller came in 7th out of the 23 teams that started their competition and the Opens were beaten out of a qualifying place into 3rd by just 0.5 of a mark, the equivalent of a photo finish on the race track! Josh Moore is the first Prep School rider to ride at this level for our teams and proved he is ready for the challenge alongside senior members Caileigh Faure; Ailsa Wates and Sophie Miller. There were very good performances by those riders not in placed teams too: Charlotte Livingstone; Felicity Bull; Chantelle Phillips and Daisy Roberts.
The Surrey Dressage and Show Jumping Championships take place next month and Cranleigh will be hoping to put up a good show at this event.
Chris Allison
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