last updated on February 12, 2010 12:48

The first Winter Regionals of 2010, held at Pachettes Equestrian Centre 6-9 February saw Hampstead-based rider Sara-Jane Lanning and her KWPN gelding Try Me Once (pictured) capture a double win in the Medium and Advanced Medium Freestyle on 75.78% and 72.67% respectively.

Like most riders, Sara-Jane’s preparation for the regionals was hampered by the less than ideal weather conditions. However, Lanning faced a double dose of setbacks as she was forced into hospital with illness, while co-owner Steven Newton hand walked their 10 year old gelding in the snow.

“With all the setbacks, I could have opted for a different regional,” said Lanning. “But I knew the horse liked Pachettes and I decided to go for it!” The gamble paid off for Sara-Jane who’s only owned the 16.3hh Try Me Once since October. “The tests went so smoothly,” said Lanning. “It was very rewarding as I do all my own choreography and music.”

Other combinations taking top honours were Charlotte Dujardin and Donald Mctaggart’s seven year old mare Duchess who captured the Advanced Medium Open on 71.84%. Paul Hayler finished second in the class on 70.26% while daughter Bobby took the Novice Open Freestyle on a massive 77.68% - five percent higher than second place. The Haylers weren’t the only family out in force though as mother Sally and daughter Alex Hardwick took home first and second in the Novice Open on 69.05% and 68.57%

Horsesense-Elevator Preliminary Winter Regional Champion:
Oliver Walter and Cobhams Zimba, 73.03% 

Blue Chip Novice Restricted Winter Regional Champion:
Sarah Ferneyhough and Neopoltan Samba, 67.98%

Blue Chip Novice Open Winter Regional Champion:
Sally Hardwick and Well Done, 69.05%

SEIB Elementary Restricted Winter Regional Champion:
Samantha Smyth and Don Pedro III, 67.26%

SEIB Elementary Open Winter Regional Champion:
Katie Bailey and Supernova II, 69.17%

Albion Medium Restricted Winter Regional Champion:
Epernay Kaylor and Quasi Dizy-Ay, 65.23%

Albion Medium Open Winter Regional Champion:
Stacey Munson and Showbiz, 71.89%

British Horse Feeds Advanced Medium Restricted Winter Regional Champion:
Mandy Day and Rocky II, 66.14%

British Horse Feeds Advanced Medium Open Winter Regional Champion:
Charlotte Dujardin and Duchess IV, 71.84%

Baileys Horse Feeds Novice Restricted Music Freestyle Winter Regional Champion:
Bev Dixon and Kape Kennedy, 72.31%

Baileys Horse Feeds Novice Open Music Freestyle Winter Regional Champion:
Bobby Hayler and Diamond Jubilee, 77.68%

Equissage Elementary Restricted Music Freestyle Winter Regional Champion:
Melanie Breen and Donnerromeo, 71.88%

Equissage Elementary Open Music Freestyle Winter Regional Champion:
James Burtwell and Smash Hit, 73.13%

Bucas Medium Music Freestyle Winter Regional Champion:
Sara-Jane Lanning and Try Me Once, 75.78%

Nupafeed Advanced Medium Music Freestyle Winter Regional Champion:
Sara-Jane Lanning and Try Me Once, 72.67%

Magic Prix St. Georges Music Freestyle Winter Regional Champion:
Emily Harris and Washington, 71.08%

Click here for the full results