2009 Midlands Winter Final: Don Pedro overcomes his nerves
last updated on February 24, 2009 15:15
Last-minute entrants Samantha Smyth and Don Pedro III went home with two titles – the prelim and novice restricted – after competing at the Midlands Winter Final held at Addington Manor Equestrian Centre, Bucks, 20-22 February.
Don Pedro was entered in the Southern Winter Final at Patchetts Equestrian Centre in Hertfordshire, but had to withdraw after cutting his leg having had a panic attack in the trailer and wedging himself under the partition just days before he was due to compete at Patchetts.
Smyth, who trains with John Bowen and bought the seven-year-old Donnerhall offspring from Garry Williams two years ago, said: “He is such a sensitive soul. As he is gaining confidence and trust in me, he is getting better and better. He doesn’t feel like a baby anymore.”
Smyth, who runs a riding school as well as being a mum of three sons, puts part of the nearly 18hh gelding’s growth in confidence down to his other job: “We use all our horses as lead horses for the riding school hacks; it is such a good education for them.”
Horsesense-Elevator Prelim Champion:
Sec A: Samantha Smyth and Don Pedro III, 71.061%
Sec B: Camilla Brogaard and Zilver Prince, 68.939
Blue Chip Novice Restricted Champion:
Samantha Smyth and Don Pedro III, 70.575
Blue Chip Novice Open Champion:
Anne-Marie Perry and Feine Dame, 74.286
South Essex Insurance Brokers Elementary Restricted Champion:
Alex Hardwick and Calvin G, 68.736
South Essex Insurance Brokers Elementary Open Champion:
Garry Williams and Showmaker, 73.452
Biotal Medium Restricted Champion:
Steph Pike and Regal Destiny, 66.322
Biotal Medium Open Champion:
Ulrik Molgaard and Herman TG, 71.261
British Horse Feeds Advanced Medium Restricted Champion:
Hazel Bailey and Ustrona, 65.614
British Horse Feeds Advanced Medium Open Champion:
Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro, 75.351
Baileys Horse Feeds Novice Restricted Freestyle Champion:
Sec A: Melanie Richards and Mandalara Valentine, 69.722
Sec B: Emily Purcell and Say Please, 67.593
Baileys Horse Feeds Novice Open Freestyle Champion:
Sec A: Daniel Henson and Fantango, 72.407
Sec B: Tahley Reeve Smith and Special, 75.463
Equissage Elementary Restricted Freestyle Champion:
Sec A: Jennie Pitt and Berati, 68.958
Sec B: Sally Wilkin and Jouet Du Chene, 66.146
Equissage Elementary Open Freestyle Champion:
Sec A: Alison Berman and Aramis T, 76.563
Sec B: Matt Hicks and Catherston Deep Gold, 72.917
Kieffer Medium Freestyle Champion:
Paul Hayler and Flolando, 72.135
Nupafeed Advanced Medium Freestyle Champion:
Lucy Farrer and Rossgold Rubina, 73.111
NAF Prix St Georges Freestyle Champion:
Jenny Ward and Stalin, 73.333
Click here for the full results.
