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Find out all about this weeks winners, their horses, their plans for the season and inspirations as well as learning what will be in their celebration ‘Chicken Dinner’.
If you have a win this week, we’ll help you shout it from the roof tops so get in touch at events@thegaitpost.com to be featured or tweet us @thegaitpost using the tag #TGPwinnerwinnerchickendinner
All disciplines welcome.
© 1st class images
© 1st class images
Livvy Nile
What are your aims for 2017 for this horse?
He’s being aimed at CCI2* for this season.
Is this your first time at this event, or are you a regular? If a regular, what keeps you coming back? If a first timer, will you be back?
I’m a regular at Aldon – at both ends of the season! It’s a great event which is brilliantly organised, friendly and the ground is always spot on which is a big plus at this time of year!
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
My biggest influence are the supporters I have, and the people who encourage me to keep going when things aren’t going quite to plan. Although my Mum, Sue, needs a mention here – she was the one who started me off with the riding, so without her I probably wouldn’t be eventing at all!
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
It’s hard to choose one, but probably my sister Rika. For the past two seasons she has groomed for me and pretty much been my PA/secretary! Even between juggling her final year at uni and other grooming commitments, she still helps me as much as she can. However, my owners, Janet, Peter and Sue (Mum!), have been instrumental to my success and I wouldn’t be eventing without them.
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
How expensive it is!
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
I’ve been quite lucky and not really had too many embarrassing moments, although Zac (Zefron) did nearly buck me off in the dressage warm up at Aldon which definitely would have left me red faced!
Which is your favourite event & why?
Barbury International – It’s a beautiful venue, is always so well organised, and has a great atmosphere. I’ve had my ups and downs at the event, but it’s one I will always return to.
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
Being the pinnacle of health that I am, probably something easy (and cheap!) like a pot noodle, followed by a chocolate milkshake!
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
Sweet Home Alabama is a regular on the way to events.
Amelia Walker
What are your aims for 2017 for this horse?
I’m hoping to take him 2* this season and go from there really, he’s quite sensitive and lost his confidence a bit last season so I’m trying not to rush things. Trying to keep him happy and confident which he definitely seems to be so far!
Is this your first time at this event, or are you a regular? If a regular, what keeps you coming back? If a first timer, will you be back?
It’s the first time I’ve been to Lincoln, but I loved it! I don’t think I’ve ever been anywhere so flat and windy but everything was done so well, and it all rode really nicely. I’ll definitely be coming back in the future!
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
The biggest influence would probably be the first horse I evented Quinte Z, who really made me get the bug because he had so much talent. I’ve always loved watching Badminton as well which has always inspired and motivated my eventing with the aim to get there one day.
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
It has to be my dad! He comes to nearly all of the events with me, he has absolutely no idea about horses but he puts the studs in and videos or takes photos, and he’s actually become quite good at that! We do tend to bicker but it makes the day all the more interesting!
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
Probably just how addictive it is! It started out as a hobby and now I’m turning it into a career… I wouldn’t change anything though, I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else!
Amelia Walker
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
Probably when the zip broke on my breeches and I was wearing bright pink knickers so I had to go round the XC with everyone getting a nice view, at the time I got so stressed out about it but looking back on it now it is quite funny!
Which is your favourite event & why?
My favourite event has got to be Belton. Everything looks amazing there, and the course is big, bold and attacking and that’s the kind of XC I like. It’s so well built and I just love it there!
Amelia Walker
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
My mum does the most amazing pizza with chicken on it, not sure that counts but I’m a sucker for unhealthy food!! There’s no arguing it always has to be a Gin and Tonic after a long day eventing!
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
We do like a bit of Ed Sheeran at the minute, if my dad’s in the lorry the music has to be quite mellow!!
Camilla Hardie
What are your aims for 2017 for this horse?
We’ve amassed 35 points together but he’s not got the gallop or blood to go Intermediate so we’ll stick with open novices, see if we can find some IN’s and maybe a one star.
Is this your first time at this event, or are you a regular? If a regular, what keeps you coming back? If a first timer, will you be back?
I’m a regular, been almost every year since 2006, it’s one of my most local events. It’s a great location, with a great layout, and super courses, and a great team running it. I dressage write at every event too. The perfect event to kick the season off at, just a shame the March weather isn’t always kind to them! Dougal and I won the BE100 Open there last year too so it is a happy event for us!
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
I grew up watching Lucinda Green, Ginny Elliott and Ian Stark, in their ever memorable cross country colours. Murphy Himself made me think ‘I want to do that’ (but possibly a bit slower!)
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
The only other member of my team is my Mum, who provides the sausage rolls and cups of tea, along with an ear to bend on the way home from events, whether they’ve gone good or bad!
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
That I’d still be doing it 20 years later! If I knew then what I know now, I think my now retired eventer could have been a real advanced contender, but we just winged it!
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
At Somerford in 2007 my horse tripped in the water and we both nose dived. Quick check we were ok then sent on the long, long walk back to my lorry with the vet slowly following. Sorted the horse out, got checked over by vet (just superficial cuts) then I go and get changed to discover his hoof had gone through the bum on my breeches leaving a big hoof shaped hole …
Which is your favourite event & why?
Dougal and I have been lucky enough to qualify for the Corinthian Cup at Gatcombe for the last 2 years, and that is just the most amazing event, being stabled and parked along side the best eventers and competing in the amphitheatre that Gatcombe provides with it’s fantastic atmosphere. Other than that I stick with the events I have history of success at, Stafford and Kelsall being the best. You can’t go wrong with super courses and well maintained ground.
Camilla Hardie © Blackheart Imagery
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
Anything that I haven’t had to cook myself would be fantastic, probably tuna steak washed down with a great bottle of Champagne.
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
I love a good sing along to an 80’s tune, but generally have the radio on in the lorry, currently enjoy a bit of Childish Gambino or Stormzy.
Tyler Cassells
What are your aims for 2017 for this horse?
Francesca to step up to novice and become confident at this level. Serenade to step up to novice level and campaign the 6 year old young horse championships.
Is this your first time at this event, or are you a regular? If a regular, what keeps you coming back? If a first timer, will you be back?
It’s a lovely first run for the younger horses, educational flowing courses, good atmosphere and a friendly event that always provides a new test each year.
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
Starting to understand dressage thanks to my trainer GP dressage rider Beverley Brightman.
Tyler Cassells
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
I am so grateful to all my team – especially the generosity of the owners who support me – however my two apprentices Matilda Wadeson and Emma Lawton are such a valuable part of the team they work very hard to care for the horses.
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
How to earn enough money to be the best – for horse care, performance, and success.
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
Jumping the treble back to front in the SJ!
Which is your favourite event & why?
Chatsworth – the most beautiful event location, a very grassy lorry park, real championship atmosphere, a bold and beautiful xc course, classes for the young horses, an educational novice track as well as a 3 star – mixing with the stars of the sport and a real showcase for the owners behind our sport.
Tyler Cassells
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
My partners most amazing take on a Zizzi pasta dish and a strawberry daiquiri.
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
Priscilla – Queen of the Desert The Musical CD – Celebrations or feel good when things haven’t gone to plan…
Tyler Cassells
Hannah Townley © 1st class images
What are your aims for 2017 for this horse?
We have a couple of RF qualifications to have a go at to try and qualify for the BE90 class at the Mitsubishi Motors Cup next year and we shall be doing some more 100 classes than we did last year and hope to finish the season with the 3 day BE100 at Aldon in October.
Is this your first time at this event, or are you a regular? If a regular, what keeps you coming back? If a first timer, will you be back?
We did this event for the first time last season and really loved the variety of fences on the XC so decided to come back this year, glad we did!
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
I always followed Pippa Funnell when I was a child and that made me want to have a go at eventing. I also have some super friends around me who are fab at keeping me going when things get a bit tricky and I wouldn’t be doing it without them!
Hannah Townley
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
Definitely my Mum, if ever I’m in a pickle with training or I’m poorly she always steps in to give her advice or make sure that The Domino Effect (Rhingo) is exercised or mucked out, etc.
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
The early mornings for competitions don’t get any easier the more you do! 3.30 seems to be my favourite alarm time during the season!!
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
At Pontispool we had to canter through a wooded area between fences 1 and 2, Rhingo spooked at some gravel and flung me out to the side! He stopped and I managed to drag myself and my saddle back into the correct position and carry on!
Wish I had it on film!
Which is your favourite event & why?
I don’t really have a favourite as I have only been eventing for a couple of years so haven’t revisited too many venues but I have really enjoyed going to Bicton, Chepstow and Launceston so far.
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
More than likely something pasta based with a mountain of grated cheese on top washed down with some fruit cider.
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
Disturbed’ cover of ‘The Sound Of Silence’
Hannah Townley
Kacey Arnold © 1st class images
What are your aims for 2017 for this horse?
NPS Elegance will step up to BE100 next time out at Portman and she will have several runs at BE100 when she is ready to step up again, she will be aimed at some novices with the aim of 6 year olds at Osberton at the end of the season.
Is this your first time at this event, or are you a regular? If a regular, what keeps you coming back? If a first timer, will you be back?
I’m a regular at this event because it’s local to me and I also use it for xc schooling, it’s a beautiful xc course with perfect going at this time of the year.
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
Harry Meade
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
It’s got to be my mum/driver/groom and not forgetting a very important member of our team.. Honey 35 year old miniature Shetland who is NPS Elegance’s field/lorry/stable companion. He also taught me to ride many years ago. My mum bought him when he was 6 months old..so he is a very important member of the family too.
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
How addictive it is!
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
In the lead after dressage, then to go and miss out a fence in the showjumping…oops!
Which is your favourite event & why?
It would have to be Barbury International Horse Trials it’s another beautiful local event to me. Having competed there several times in the novice and intermediate novice on my old horse who I sadly lost to colic. It really gives you that international feel.
Kacey Arnold
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
Sweet and sour chicken balls washed down with prosecco.
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
Loving a bit of Ed Sheeran, Galway girl
Kacey Arnold © 1st class images
Amy Pugh
I live on our family owned farm where I run Lynwood Dunchurch – a competition/livery yard with 16 stables, near Rugby, Warwickshire. I am a partner in Lynwood Stud with my mother Lesley- who runs the breeding/DIY livery yard at Lynwood Wolston. The stud was established by my Grandparents in 1947 and we are very excited to be celebrating its 70th anniversary this year!!
I teach quite a bit and am a full time dressage and event rider on our home-bred horses and a select few clients horses. I currently compete at Prix St George level dressage, hoping to do my first Inter I soon and have competed up to CIC* level Eventing so far to date. All of these horses are produced by ourselves from youngsters.
What are your aims for 2017 for this horse?
I will now do a few BE100’s with her to get our eye back in and then back up to Novice, with the aim being to complete a few Intermediates and CIC*/CCI* towards the end of the season.
Is this your first time at this event, or are you a regular? If a regular, what keeps you coming back? If a first timer, will you be back?
No, I have been to this event several times over the years as we are less than an hour away – the event is always well organised, well supported by sponsors, and the ground is usually very good!
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
Definitely my mum! (Lesley Pugh) She has bred and produced a lot of event horses and evented at Advanced in the 80’s herself, completing Badminton Horse Trials in 82′ and 83′ on Villager II. The first horse she bred ‘Palmier’ she took up to Advanced, who then went on to the Soul Olympics in the Japanese team in 88′. She is a fierce xc rider but insists on correct training and discipline to give the horse its confidence to be brave.
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
There is two people – My dad (Bob Pugh) who lives on site with me and my home groom Jamie Faulkner – with out them I would never be able to do what I do! They keep everything running so well at home which enables me to get out to the competitions.
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
This is a difficult one as I can’t remember a time I didn’t go eventing or hunting – I had some great Lynwood Section A ponies – my first one when I was 3 years old was also a 3yo… so we learnt a lot together but I suppose when you are younger you never have any fear and falling off doesn’t hurt!
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
Aged 17 I was set to win a hat trick on one of our Welsh Part bred horse stallions – Lynwood Cane. I was leading the class at my third year doing the Riding Clubs two day event at Offchurch Bury, when I jumped a difficult ditch to hedge bounce on an angle so well I amazed myself and rode the wrong side of a tree after landing, which put me at an impossible angle to jump the next fence. I ended up falling off and giving myself mild concussion and Cane cantered back to lorry park jumping the Coffin on his own in a rather excited manner with his crown jewels on show, neighing at the top of his lungs! I look back and laugh at it now but at the time I was so annoyed with myself!
Which is your favourite event & why?
I really enjoy going to Upton House Horse Trials, it’s quite local to us and run by the Warwickshire Hunt. I’ve been to it every year since I started British Eventing, even on foot when I was injured – it’s a very well organised event and always has a nice atmosphere.
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
My ‘Chicken Dinner’ was actually a Chinese take-away with my boyfriend which included some very spicy crispy chicken, washed down with a few beers!
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
My current favourite lorry karaoke song is ‘You don’t know me’ by Jax Jones – I sing it really loud and think I’m really cool…my poor horses!
Amy Pugh
Connie Wheeler
What are your aims for 2017 for this horse?
This year I hope to move up to Novice on this horse and then potentially aim for U18 championships at Frickley.
Is this your first time at this event, or are you a regular? If a regular, what keeps you coming back? If a first timer, will you be back?
This was my first time at this event, but I would love to go back as it was such a friendly event with lovely people running it.
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
The biggest influence in my eventing is my mum, having evented herself up to 4*, I couldn’t do it without her help and support all the time.
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
The unsung hero of my team would be my dad, despite being non horsey he drives me all around the country and always gives up his weekends for me.
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
The one thing I wish I’d known before eventing is you have to have the bad days to appreciate the good ones!
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
Falling off in the water jump at Brand Hall has got to be up there. My pony pecked on landing and I got soaked through.
Which is your favourite event & why?
My favourite event is South of England. It’s a favourite as it was my first event and we always see lots of friends their.
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
My ‘chicken’ dinner has to be Grandma’s amazing Chicken and Bacon Pie.
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
We do love a bit of Ed sheeran on the road, especially his new album.
Connie Wheeler
Sara Squires
What are your aims for 2017 for this horse?
Sula is being aimed at Bramham CCI3* and Pau CCI4*
Is this your first time at this event, or are you a regular? If a regular, what keeps you coming back? If a first timer, will you be back?
I have been competing at Aldon for many years and really enjoy the course. The course always rides well and the ground is always good.
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
I always admired Ginny Elliot and Ian stark growing up. Now I think Michael Jung as he is such a good rider in all three phases.
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
I would have to say my partner, Lee Paul. He’s my horses vet and he supports me as much as he can and keeps my horses fit and sound.
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
How addictive the sport is!
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
Well I’ve gone wrong in a few dressage tests. But I think being on a 16.5 dressage, clear SJ and a lovely clear XC only to have missed a fence and been eliminated!
Which is your favourite event & why?
I love Burghley, they make you feel so welcome and bend over backwards for the riders. I’ve also had some great parties there!
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
Roast potatoes and lots of winter veg, washed down with a lovely bottle of prosecco!
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
Love a bit of Coldplay.
Giovanni Mereu
What are your aims for 2017 for this horse?
I’m aiming to qualify for the Badminton BE90 Grassroot Championships 2018 and also moving to the BE100 this season.
Is this your first time at this event, or are you a regular? If a regular, what keeps you coming back? If a first timer, will you be back?
I’m a regular competitor at Stafford horse trials as it’s very local to me and I always try to run at Stafford as my first event of the season especially with the younger horses as it’s great for building confidence.
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
There are so many people who have helped me along the way to get where I am now. My eventing career started in Ireland where I moved at the age of 19, after finishing school and having show jumped at national and international level in Italy. In Ireland, I started working as groom/rider for the Bloomers family who owns Brennastown Riding School and they produce Event and Dressage horses and that is were I started developing an interest in eventing. After 2 years I decided to move to the UK to progress in my horse career and while studying and working at Ingestre Stables I had the opportunity to compete some of their horses under the tuition of Olympic Rider Andrew Bennie, FBHS Tim Downes and FBHS Rob Lovatt. Even now, they are still a big influence in my eventing career offering guidance and help when needed.
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
There are so many people who support me and my team and can’t thanks them enough. I have to say that my first unsung hero are my parents who have always supported me since when I decided to start riding at the age of 8 and still now they offer a great moral support from Italy. Having said that, my truly unsung hero is my Partner Jessica Pala who has been by my side for 10 years and has always supported and helped me. I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for her.
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
The one thing I wish I’d known before starting eventing is how to ride horses well on the flat and how to read them. I’m a true believer that the flatwork is the base of any work with horses and when working with them I always try to understand them and their needs.
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
When at Broadway last year after fence number 5 the BE90 and BE100 tracks had crossed each other and I lost my way and followed the BE100 track. I did manage to get back on the right track in the end though.
Giovanni Mereu
Which is your favourite event & why?
I have to say I like watching all the big 4* events and see the top riders performing as you can learn a lot by watching them, but if I have to pick one Burghley would definitely stand out.
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
I love lamb with mint sauce and a good pint of Carling.
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
I do like to stay dry when at a event, so I do avoid singing. However Jessica and our friend Robyn’s favourite song in the lorry is “Country Roads”.
Giovanni Mereu
Chloe Rodriguez
She is an amateur rider and hopes to be a professional in the future. At Aldon she scored a dressage of 22.8 (judged by Olympian Jenny Lorriston-Clarke) followed by a super double clear inside the time.
What are your aims for 2017 for this horse?
I have two horses to compete on this season, which are opposite ends of the eventing scale, one minute I’m kicking and flapping my reins the next I’m pressing the Ferrari buttons! The horse, which I am currently riding, is giving me experience and is teaching me. He has competed up to 4* level, but unfortunately in 2014 snapped his tendon. My auntie, Carolyne Ryan-Bell and I have nursed him back to health and he is now feeling great once again. I evented him last year and managed to complete 6 BE Open Novice competitions (being placed in the top 6 in all of them). I am extremely lucky to be able to compete on him at his old age. My aim with him this year is to move up to BE intermediate level and to get experience with him at that level.
Is this your first time at this event, or are you a regular? If a regular, what keeps you coming back? If a first timer, will you be back?
This was my first time at Aldon and I loved it! My auntie recommended it and she has been attending Aldon for 30 years now (normally as her first event of the season). She loves it as the going is normally great and it is an inviting course with a big hill to let the horses have a burn up.
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
From an early age my branch of the pony club, The Cotswold Vale Farmers Hunt, was the backbone to my riding. I learnt all the basics of eventing through the PC, particularly from the team trainer for eventing, Cammy Furno, who helped me enormously in my early years. However, the biggest influence in my eventing career right now is my auntie because she is a current competitor riding at top level, therefore, she can teach and show me, which helps with visualization. The hours and hours of training she provides for me is just astonishing and I’m so grateful! The belief, faith and confidence she has in me to make it to the top is amazing. She has inspired me from a young age and continues to do so now. I would love to follow in her footsteps and make it to the top of eventing!
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
The unsung hero of the team would be my mum. She is also another person who I couldn’t do it without. The money, time and effort she puts in to my eventing career is outstanding and I’m so grateful to her. She also holds the position as top groom and plays a big role around the yard, especially during the week. I wouldn’t be able to do it without her!
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
I wish I had known how expensive it is! However, I would not change it for any other sport! The feeling of going around a cross-country course is indescribable. Building up a partnership with your horse is just incredible. My horses aren’t only my teammates, but my bestfriends!
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
My funniest “blooper” I’ve had when eventing was right at the beginning. It was one of my first ever BE events and I was riding my lovely 15.2 Connemara. We had started the day off with a score of 30, putting us in a good position for the jumping phases. I remember I had to wait ages until I could showjump, so I was going over and over the course in my head. I was pretty confident I knew where I was going! I got in the ring and the bell buzzed, first fence, clear, second fence, clear, third fence I took at a bad angle, which resulted in a refusal, however, he jumped it second time brilliantly. I landed eyes up looking for the next fence, but my mind seemed to go blank and I didn’t seem to be able to find my way for a good couple of minutes!! Circling around and around, crossing my tracks over and over again, I managed to clock up 40 penalties in the shwojumping without jumping a fence! That didn’t leave me in the best position going into the cross-country!
Which is your favourite event & why?
I would say I don’t have a favourite event. I have ones I prefer to others, but I haven’t found my favourite event yet. My favourite events last season were Kelsall hill and Aston-le-walls.
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
Definitely a roast dinner! With golden crisp potatoes; juicy meat smothered in gravy. To wash it down I would have a glass of ice cold orange Fanta.
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
My favourite lorry karaoke song would probably be the last song from the movie Bridesmaids by Wilson Phillips: “Hold on”.
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