The South West dominated proceedings at the first British Dressage (BD) Senior Home International at Hand Equestrian Centre in Somerset, 11-12 October 2008. SW Clubs took an unassailable lead with four wins on the Saturday, followed by strong performances on the Sunday with Lucinda Virjee and Royal Rebel II (pictured) heading the prix st georges on both days.

 

The scores were calculated on a minimal points system, whereby the teams with the lowest scores came out on top. By winning all four team tests, SW Clubs had three points at the end of the first day of competition, placing them five points ahead of their nearest rivals, SW Hearts, and eight points ahead of third-placed Southern Goodwood.

 

On the second day, SW Hearts gave the strongest overall team performance, but even a tally of two wins and a third couldn’t topple SW Clubs from the top spot. In the end, third place went to another SW team, SW Spades.

 

Claire Gordon from the North West Eagle team riding Kiara II was the only other rider to score a double in the team competition by winning both her team classes.

 

Some 24 teams from the BD regions with representatives from England, Ireland Scotland and Wales took part in the competition, which followed the format of an international event with a trot-up and vet inspection. Classes ranged from preliminary to PSG level and, on the Sunday, riders in the advanced medium and PSG sections rode a freestyle.

 

Organiser Mandy Heath said: “The whole event was a tremendous success and we hope this is the start of a great new competition for riders to aim to compete at. We couldn’t have done it without all our helpers, most of whom have full-time jobs and have given up so much of their time to help and make this happen. Our thanks to everyone involved and also to all the fantastic sponsors and to the Hand Equestrian Centre for their wonderful help and support.”

 

1, South West Clubs: Sir Nario (Jo Lees); Royal Rebel II (Lucinda Virjee); Wiedon (Liz Frampton Hobbs); Jefferson (Carrie Strange) 10 Points

 

2, South West Hearts: Diptford Distant Dreams (Claire Rollitt); Vladimir II (Sally Thorndale); Fiano (Stef Eardley); Walk Tal III (Alexandra Heard) 13 points

 

3, South West Spades: Cam Vigo (Suzie Campbell); Caratino (Clare Green); Dante VI (Alicia Laughton); Jantin (Peter Jenkins) 21 points

 

The victorious South West Clubs team are presented with their prizes by Lorraine Meadowcroft of www.equestrianclearance.com.

For full results click here.