last updated on February 25, 2010 11:24

The sixth annual para talent spotting competition took place at Vale View equestrian centre, Leicestershire 20-21 February 2010 to identify new faces coming through in the sport. 23 riders took part in the competition with riders scored on their test riding ability as well as their trainability, knowledge and potential by International para judges Chris Porterfield (GB) and Alison Mastin-Moore (IRE).

Twenty-nine year old Rowan Caley (pictured) shone through in the senior category achieving the highest score of the event to win on 85.27%. The grade II rider from the Isle of Man used to show jump and event until a car crash in 2000 put pay to her competiton career. However, inspired by the success of the Paralympic dressage team in 2008 Caley is now dusting off her boots to get back in the arena.

“I’m super competitive so we thought it would be a great idea to give this a go” she said “I’m really enjoying it, I have a new young horse and the two of us are learning together. Today has been a brilliant experience, my test went well and I really enjoyed the training afterwards - I’ve learnt so much and have loads of things to go home and work on.”

International para judge Chris Porterfield commented: “It was a very successful day and very encouraging to find a couple of quite special riders, Alison and I were very excited! Rowan’s commitment impressed us a great deal; she is a very sensitive rider who knows what she wants and takes in information like a sponge. Working with the riders to open doors in their training is particularly rewarding to help them realise their potential.”

Grade 1b rider Amy Willmott from Surrey triumphed in the 16-25 yr olds category with 85.07% while Samira York took the 10-15 yr olds section finishing on a score of 73.20%.

Results:

Over 26 yrs Class

1) Rowan Caley 85.27%
Rowan receives rosette, trophy and £200 worth of PDTT training vouchers along with £40 of Saddlers Company Vouchers
2) Melissa Nicholls 83.67%
Melissa receives rosette, £100 of PDTT training vouchers and £35 of Saddlers Company vouchers
3) Debbie Ridout 82.28%
Receives rosette and PDTT training voucher of £50

The coaches’ award goes to the coach of the highest placed rider who is Angela Kennedy who trains Rowan Caley. Angela receives a certificate and paper weight.

Young Rider (16 – 25 yrs)

1) Amy Willmott 85.07%
Amy receives rosette, trophy and £200 PDTT training voucher
2) Alison Wilkinson 80.47%
Alison receives rosette and £100 PDTT training voucher
3) Kristine Keefe 77.13%
Kristina receives rosette and £50 PDTT training voucher

The coaches award goes to Penny Pegrum who trains the winner Amy Willmott. Penny receives certificate and paperweight.

Junior (10-15 yrs)

1) Samira York 73.80%
Samira receives rosette, trophy and £200 PDTT training voucher

The coaches award for the junior rider goes to Tessa Chew, who trainers the winner Samira York. Tessa receives a certificate and paperweight.

Highest Placed BDSC Member

The highest placed BDSC member of talent spotting 2010 is Melissa Nicholls with 83.67%. Melissa receives a £100 training voucher.

 Photo courtesy of Paul Sands www.photokinesis.co.uk