Emily Ward (16 years) from Neston, Cheshire with Doobally a 12 year-old bay mare owned by Michael Whitaker took on the role of pathfinder. A fence down in each round saw her pick up 4 penalties in each however a brilliant clear in the jump-off played a pivotal role greatly assisted in delivering a 1st place finish for the team.
Scarlett Charles (15 years) from Alton, Hampshire with Sacree Du Rouet a 10 year-old bay mare owned by Peter Charles couldn’t have performed any better when she posted a phenomenal clear across all three rounds; the only rider to do so.
Katinka Brogaard (17 years) from Devizes, Wiltshire with Belfast a 10 year-old dark bay gelding owned by Annabelle Bowman-Shaw was the third member of the team to come forward. For Katinka it was a 16 penalty finish in the first round and 22 penalties in the second to become the drop score in each round however a marked improvement in the jump-off saw them pick up 5 penalties in this final round.
Leonie Aitkenhead (18 years) from Gainsborough, Lincolnshire with Clane K a 9 year-old bay mare owned by Beverley Aitkenhead had the unenviable role of anchor. A foot-perfect clear in the first round saw them deliver a zero penalty score for GB in the first but an unfortunate pole down in the second round saw 4 penalties accrued in the second.
British Showjumping’s Young Riders finish 4th in Opglabbeek Nations Cup
The British Showjumping Young Rider team finished 4th in their respective Nations Cup in Opglabbeek, Belgium this evening.
Finishing on a total score of 16 penalties, they were three fences behind winners Belgium who finished on 4 penalties and Netherlands on 9 penalties in 2nd place along with the Swiss who finished on 10 penalties in 3rd place.
Theo Simpson (aged 19 years) from Buckhurst Hill, Essex with Touch of Chilli a 12 year-old chestnut gelding owned by David Simpson delivered a first round clear shortly followed by Chelsea Skelton (19 years) from Gainsborough, Lincolnshire with Caramba a 9 year-old bay gelding owned by Janet Elvin who also jumped clear.
Callum Tusler (19 years) from Horsham, West Sussex with the 9 year-old liver chestnut gelding Convinced I Am owned by Fiona Tusler was the third rider to go for the team, but their 9 penalties saw them become the drop score when Amy Inglis (19 years) from Haywards Heath, West Sussex with Samayava Ar Park a 10 year-old chestnut owned by Geoff Shingles also jumped clear.
Going into the second round on zero penalties, the team looked to be in a strong position. However, despite another clear delivered by Chelsea and Caramba faults were accrued by the remaining riders in the team to see a 16 penalty overall finish score accumulated to relegate them into 4th position.
Further information on the show, and full results can be found by visiting www.sentowerpark.com.
British Showjumping would like to thank their consortium of Business Partners who assist in supporting the Youth Squads.
