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last updated on October 23, 2006 00:00

The winners of the 2006 Talent Spotting Final held at Addington Manor Equestrian Centre, Bucks, 21-22 October, were Rupert Garnsey (young rider), Abbie Hughes (junior) and Bobby Allison (ponies).

The five judges included international judges Kjell Myhre from Norway and Ulf Wilken from Sweden as well as Jennie Loriston-Clarke, Chris Porterfield and British Dressage’s Under-21/BYRDS Director Islay Auty.

Islay said: “Watching from the side, I was in no doubt which rider was going to win in each section.”

The winner of the young rider section, 18-year-old Rupert Garnsey, was second in the junior section two years ago and now trains full-time with David Rumsey, who is based in Kent.

“I thought Rupert was a talented rider when I saw him in 2004 and was delighted to see him back. He is even more talented now as he has developed and matured,” said Islay.

Junior winner Abbie Hughes, who is 18 and from Devon, also impressed Islay: “Abbie shone in the ride off. She found harmony quickly with all the horses she rode.”

Islay described 14-year-old Bobby Allison’s riding as showing ability beyond her years.

“Bobby has a good basic position and she is neat, not to mention articulate,” she said.