last updated on May 18, 2009 16:45

Deb Criddle and Pavaroti produced a powerful, elegant test to score 73.47% and head the Grade III Individual Open at the Para Equestrian Dressage Spring Championships at Weston Lawns, Warks, 15 May 2009.

The event which was introduced last year as part of the selection process for international championships, attracted strong combinations and saw high scoring performances across all grades.

“Pavaroti is a big horse - a lot of horse to keep together,” said Deb of the 17.1hh Quavaroli gelding. “He came to dressage when he was eight - a little late in life. He’s now eleven and with the support of my trainer Nina Venables, he’s really come into his own,“ added Deb. “We’ve taken him back to basics which has been so key with him.”

Deb, a triple gold medalist at the Athens Paralympic Games, is hoping to be selected for the European Championships in Norway later this year.

Ricky Balshaw, individual silver medalist at the Beijing Paralympic Games took the Grade 1b Individual Open riding Gill Drew’s Dutch-bred gelding Gazel, a horse he has ridden only a handful of times. Their harmonious test scored an impressive 73.65%.

“Gazel’s a nice lad and quite laid back. Although he has the occasional spook, he is quickly reassured,” said Ricky, “I’m really happy with the result, particularly as I’ve been quite ill this week so could only work him in for 15 minutes.”

Ricky’s usual partner, Deacons Giorgi has just come back into work following some time off: “I’ll be taking George to Hickstead and Hartpury” said Ricky, “I’ll be running both him and Gazel and aim to qualify for the Europeans”.

“I’m also looking for a younger horse to have alongside George towards London 2012” added Ricky.

Gerry Savage and Blues Tip Top Two, an Irish-bred mare won the Grade 1a Individual Open with the highest scoring test of the day. Their flowing, accurate test was rewarded with an exciting score of 75.33%. “That particular test is normally harder for us, so the result is all the more amazing,” said Gerry.

“I got ‘Blue’ when she was eight months old - I was looking for a horse for a friend, stumbled across this slightly scruffy youngster but I knew I had to bring her home,” explained Gerry. “She blossomed and went on to compete in show cob classes when I was able-bodied. Since I’ve become ill though, she’s really adapted herself to me - she has a great personality and loves humans – I could never part with her.”

Gerry, who trains with Sue Joy, represented Ireland at the Hartpury CPDI last year and also won both senior classes at last year’s Riding for the Disabled Championships.

The Champions:

Grade 1a Individual Open: Gerry Savage and Blues Tip Top Two 75.33%

Grade 1b Team Restricted: Amanda Say and Rodi 68.24%

Grade 1b Individual Open: Ricky Balshaw and Gazel 73.65%

Grade II Team Restricted: Alison Corp and Kinlara Carousel 54.25%

Grade II Individual Open: Natasha Baker and Waldminor 70.61%

Grade III Team Restricted: Anna Gill & Tribal Indian 70.00%

Grade III Individual Open: Deb Criddle and Pavaroti 73.47%

Grade IV Team Restricted: Nicky Thompson and Welton Santa Cruz 66.79%

Grade IV Individual Open: Sophie Wells and Pinochio 71.29%

The Para Equestrian Dressage European Championships will be held in Kristiansand, Norway 20 – 24 August 2009.