Alex Kennedy winner of the final Young Rider Trial at Great Witchingham
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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.
© Tim Wilkinson
© Liz Knowler
Lissangle Cavaletto B on his way to a double clear and 5th in the CCI**U25 at Tattersalls in June.
What are your aims for 2017 for this horse?
My aims with ‘Ghandalf’ are to hopefully make the cut for the GB Young Rider squad heading to Millstreet for the Europeans in a couple of weeks! If that works out then he will have a well deserved break afterwards and then I hope to move up to Advanced with him in the Autumn.
(Huge congratulations to Alex who has been selected for the YR Europeans)
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?
Yes, this is my first time at Great Witchingham, purely because of how far away it is from home. We had a 7 hour drive up the night before and arrived past midnight so it’s not something I’d do very often for one horse! However this was a very important run for us and Great Witchingham was a lovely event with so many friendly people I wouldn’t hesitate to come back if it was necessary!
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
There is only one person who I feel could take this spot, and it has to be my trainer, mentor and biggest supporter Robin Dumas. He plucked me straight out of school when I was an inexperienced and ‘green’ 15 year old and put his faith in me from such an early age. He is the reason I have gotten to where I am so far and the reason I took the plunge into a career in eventing and he always has my back, even on the days where it doesn’t go as well as this one!! I am lucky enough to have the opportunity, because of him, to ride some very special young horses as well as having him to thank for sourcing my own horses, including Lissangle Cavaletto B and my Junior Bronze medal winning horse ‘Chocolate Domino’ as a 5 year old. I will never be able to repay him for the influence he has had on my just beginning career.
6yo ‘Gilexio’ that Alex competes for Millie’s incredible owner Ellie Guy.
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
It’s so hard to pin this on one person because there are SO many people in a home team that make such huge efforts to keep you and your horses in such top condition. Whether it’s our Vet Peter ‘spike’ Milligan, Chiropractor Rachel Howe or our hero of a farrier Jason Somerville, all of these people have such regular and vital involvement with the horses and not a single competition would be possible without them, but for me personally, it would be my long suffering mum and dad who are the ones who have seen me through from literally day 1, and have been my financial, physical and emotional backers since the beginning in Pony Club days – and I’m sure I speak for everyone else out there my age and way above that even now we would struggle to survive without them!
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
Well this probably applies to all equestrian disciplines but horses cost your heart, soul, everything you have or ever will own, all of it!! Whatever you think it might cost you to have a career with them, double it then double again and then when you’ve finished doubling, give up keeping count of how much you’ve spent and just accept the fact you will probably be below average on the wealth scale for the majority of your adult life. But we’re mad, and we do it anyway, and I would NEVER have it any other way!
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing/competing
Well I try as hard as the next person to be as professional as possible and feign being an accomplished adult, and so I probably haven’t had many bloopers in my eventing career that are funny at all! But when I was 3 my mum had me in a lead rein jumping class on my first pony ‘Tanzy’ and she got so competitive trying to get the fastest time she turned so tightly after a jump that I just fell off the side! She then proceeded to grab me, plonk me back on and carry on running because there was not a chance we were going to lose that class because I couldn’t keep up with her!
Which is your favourite event & why?
I think my favourite event on the calendar has to be Tattersalls in Ireland. It is one of those events that you can always guarantee you will have a good week whether the competing goes to plan or not! The officials and volunteers are the friendliest and most eager to help that I have ever experienced and you are always sad to be leaving. It helps that the times I have been there my horses have always gone very well and I came back with two double clears in the CCI**U25 and a 5th place for ‘Lissangle Cavaletto B’ this year and came 2nd in the CCIJ* in 2015 with my Junior horse ‘Chocolate Domino’.
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
I think Champers washed down with Champers is on the menu, my team mate and resident big sister Millie Dumas was at the other end of the country at Brightling Park and led the CIC** from start to finish with RF West Indie so celebrations are in order for our team if we could keep our eyes open after the long journeys home!
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
Oh dear lord, god forbid anyone who has to hear my singing whilst trucking along the motorway!! My mum usually retreats to bed whilst I’m driving although god knows how she gets to sleep! However, I can’t lie the song that really gets my psyched whilst I’m zooming along in my 55mph limited lorry is Boom Boom Boom Boom by the Vengaboys.. because, I mean who doesn’t love the Vengaboys?? And it’s one that I can actually sing and be sure I’m getting all the words right! Hahaha
© Tim Wilkinson
What are your aims for 2017 for this horse?
This season I hope to move Barney up to novice level with the aim of qualifying for Osberton 6 year old Championships 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?
I’ve been a regular to Great Witchingham for a few years now. It’s always a really lovely event with friendly people and a great atmosphere. I love the courses they always flow and ride really well, giving my horses lots of confidence.
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
I have always looked up to Pippa Funnell, she’s worked incredibly hard for everything she has achieved but she also has the best name too!
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
Definitely my mum! I have no idea how I would do it without her. She’s chief driver/groom/life organiser. I’d be lost without her!
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
Just quite how addictive it would be!
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
My funniest blooper happened a few weeks ago at Nunney International in the 2*. We had done a good dressage and a clear show jumping leaving us in a good position going into the cross country. My horse was feeling particularly keen that day, and at fence 6 which was a rather large shoulder brush at the top of a hill, he took a stride out to it but left a leg on the taller bit of the brush which catapulted me forwards out of the saddle! I was then left clinging on for dear life trying to get back on! I somehow managed to clamber back on and jump clear around the rest of the course with some hefty time faults whilst I was trying to climb back on! Much to my horror someone had managed to capture the whole thing on camera! The photos certainly make for a good giggle now though!
© Lorraine Porter
Which is your favourite event & why?
Somerford Park International has got to be my favourite event of the season. We’ve been there multiple times and always had the best time! The facilities and courses there are second to none and everyone is so friendly and helpful! Despite the 3 hour drive we go back every year as we love it so much!
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
We had a celebratory dinner following Great Witchingham at which I had steak and chips and a glass of southern comfort and lemonade to celebrate!
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
As soon as ‘despacito’ comes on in the lorry it has all of us singing along!
What are your aims for 2017 for this horse?
My aims for Sparky is to run around a couple Novices by the end of the 2017 season. Another win at pre-Novice before stepping up would also be nice!
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?
Yes it was my first time competing at Eland, and the event was fantastic! I will most certainly be coming back.
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
My trainer Mike Owen, he’s so positive and encouraging, even when I feel as if things aren’t going quite to plan! He’s massively helped me develop as a rider over the past year and I can’t thank him enough!
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
My amazing fiancée Sarah. Quite possibly the most organised and level headed person on the planet! She keeps everything running smoothly. I would not be where I am today without her!
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
There’s nothing I’d want to know prior to starting eventing. I only started riding horses at the age of 21, so in all honestly, I wish I started earlier!
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
Galloping around a SJ round in a hackamore, not being able to stop!
Which is your favourite event & why?
There are so many beautiful events; Kelsall, Cholmondeley, Eland Lodge, just to name a few, but out of them all I’ve got to say that Somerford Park International is one of my favourites. From the design of the XC course, right down to the last blade of grass, this place is on the verge of perfection! Such a classy event!
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
A classic hunters chicken with a pint of Peroni or two!
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
As Sarah’s usually in charge of music, it’s normally some sort of boy band! Either way I’m always the lead vocalist!
© Liz Knowler
What are your aims for 2017 for this horse?
Zebedee is aiming for Aston advanced, Gatcombe open champs and hopefully the CCI*** at Ballindenisk.
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 is my first time here for a few years. The event has changed a bit – for the better!
The last time Zebedee was here he was a novice and still a bit nappy – I think we had a record number of time faults even going clear all the straight routes! Think it was 40! Fortunately Zebedee turned a corner!
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
My trainers David Gatherer & Ian Stark. But I remember when I was 12 our DC of our pony club at the time Muriel Colquhoun was so encouraging and knew how much I wanted to do it that she really supported and got me going in the right direction so really I have Muriel to thank!
© Liz Knowler
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
Oh I have several especially now with 2 children but probably my mum. She does everything grooms, drives the lorry, babysits, keeps me organised!
Which is your favourite event & why?
Oh this is tough I’ve got a few favourites – Bramham, Chatsworth, Burghley and also my local event Eglinton – generally events that I think are my lucky ones! All of them have great xc courses and are friendly!
© Liz Knowler
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
I’d love it to have been something nice and exotic but in reality it was chilli mince I had cooked 2 nights ago!!!
I’d like to say washed down with prossecco but I discovered after a friends party last week Hunter doesn’t seem quite so keen on that whoops (He doesn’t seem to mind the odd cocktail though!) So it was just some water for me!
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
Well I’d like say something cool but as Aske was my first event we haven’t been out in the lorry and I spent most of the journey catching up on sleep. Having a small baby and a toddler meant I needed some sleep! If I have Hamish in the lorry with me then we listen to nursery rhymes, I have a Spanish CD so that makes it a bit more exciting!!!
© Liz Knowler
What are your aims for 2017 for this horse?
We were selected, alongside my other horse to travel to Millstreet International, Ireland in August as part of the GB U18 development squad, although our main aim is the 3 day 1* at Osberton 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?
Regular, we first came in 2014 with my 14hh working hunter pony in the BE90 & my brother won on mum’s hunter, we’ve been coming ever since & Silver Touch also came 4th in a huge novice section in May here with another double clear.
Who is the biggest influence in your eventing career to date?
My dressage trainer, Claire Botterell. Not only for the amount of work she has put into improving my dressage riding & increasingly improving each horse’s way of going to get every extra mark, but also for the huge amount of support she offers me throughout each season, we really would be lost without her invaluable help.
Who is the unsung hero of your team and why?
Marion Grant, our super groom! As I’m away at school throughout the week, Marion keeps them ticking over, looking a million dollars & everything in the yard in order.
What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you started eventing?
Living in Scotland, spending so much time in the lorry sounded like a lot of fun before we began the lengthy, sometimes 6/7 hour journey to southern events.
Describe the funniest “blooper” you have experienced eventing
It didn’t seem funny to my 13 year old self at the time, but missing out the 2nd last XC fence having gone double clear in my 3rd ever BE taught me to always walk courses properly & ‘touch wood’ I haven’t managed to do it since!
Which is your favourite event & why?
Floors Castle, it is our most local event as it is only half an hour away & I’ve grown up attending it, always aspiring to compete there one day, the icing on that childhood dream was winning there this year with Silver Touch.
What will be in your “Chicken Dinner” and what will you wash it down with?
Granny is our no1 supporter & she never disappoints with her incredible lorry picnics, so whatever she brings tends to be the celebratory meal!
What is your current favourite lorry karaoke song?
Well.. as Dad is the driver of the lorry, he insists that it is only fair he gets his Eddie Stobart Trucking Songs CD on repeat all the way home, despite the length of the journey..
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