Associated Championships 25: Forces combinations flourish

On the first day of action at the Associated Championships (21 October 2025) riders from across the services took to the arena to contest the Forces Equine titles, with some standout performances from Intro to Medium. 

Guy Kirkwood (pictured) and Arena Paris were winners of the Introductory Bronze title, claiming the class with 69.886% in front of judges Martyne Galland and Tom Graham. “Cleveland Bays are a rare breed. They have hearts of gold and great presence,” proud owner rider Guy told British Dressage about his winning horse Paris, who boasts beautiful breeding along with the combination’s connection to Forces Equine, “When they are in-sync with you, they are an absolute joy. Nine-year-old Arena Paris is compact, built uphill and I can school him one day and trail hunt him on Dartmoor the next.”  

As a new combination to the white boards, Guy and Paris did a superb job in taking the top spot on their first attempt: “The Associated Championship was my first major competition. I only began dressage this year and started competing in July; so I had no expectations. However, Paris sparked up when we went into the warm up area of the arena and that carried through the test. The fact he was on his toes really helped, and I was delighted with the result.” 

“What attracted me to the Associated Championship was the opportunity to compete in the Forces Equine and Draught classes. The overriding impression was of its friendliness. Everyone was so welcoming and kind.” 

“I’m a 59-year-old arable farmer from the Devon and Cornwall border. Many, many years ago I held a short service commission in the Scots Guards,” Guy concluded, speaking about himself and his future goals in the sport, “I'm looking forward to competing next year with a couple of horses including my wife's veteran Hanoverian as I hopefully continue up the levels.” 

Army Cadet Zoe Florence earned two titles at Novice level, topping the Gold section and winning overall with the Negro-sired Sweet Madness. The duo scored 71% to top the 20-strong class. Aberdeenshire-based Zoe has enjoyed a successful year with her chestnut gelding competing at Novice and Elementary level, including taking class wins in the summer at the Sheepgate U25 Championships.  

With her 13-year-old mare Simply Jolene, Silver rider Elizabeth Roberts rode to a convincing overall win in the Medium Championship earning 65.333%. Elizabeth is a Community Police Volunteer for Kent Police, supporting their equine branch. Speaking about her lovely mare, Elizabeth explained: "Although Simply Jolene was original sold out of the Go For Gold Sales in Ireland, I actually purchased her for 1% of her GFG sale price at the local Ashford Horse Market for £1400. She was very scared and we had to take her home; we traced her breeder George Newton who gave me some wise advice ‘give her time, she won’t mature until 9 or 10’… how right he was.  Although, it’s not been plain sailing, she's a kind horse, but not always aware of her size now standing near to 17hh! She is at times anxious, but we manage that with her 38” companion Larky.. a small spotted pony, who is stable/field and travel companion."

"I opted to ride for an accurate test," she continued reflecting on her winning test, "working on throughness in the lateral work, and keeping her within a relaxed frame.  We have been working hard on her lateral work, and I was pleased with her balance in the canter halfpasses.  The highlight was my trainer, Emma Kinsley calling me just as we left the tack check to say we had taken the lead… I didn’t believe her!"

"It was an extremely busy run up to the Championships, having run a two day British Riding Club Dressage Qualifiers the Saturday and Sunday prior, even managing to qualify Simps (as she is known at home) for the BRC Music Championships.  She then had a day off before travelling to Onley. Overall, it’s been an amazing experience, both in 2024 and 2025. We came last year, not knowing a soul, but soon made friends, which was then cemented at the Forces Equine Games.  The camaraderie, friendship and support really shines through from those representing Forces Equine, always there to support and lend a hand.  I never expected to take the title, and was aiming for a top five… it’s been the icing on the cake following a successful year."

Elizabeth told us about her connection with the Police force: "I joined the newly established Kent Police Citizens In Policing Community Police Volunteer Equine stream in 2022. This is a mount scheme, fully encompassed within Kent Police, working alongside regular officers and Specials either when out on routine patrols or specific operations. This has opened the door to several new competitions and opportunities. 2024 was our first year at the Associated Championships and we managed eighth place. The warm welcome we received gave me the confidence to go to the Equine Forces Games, where we exceeded all my expectations of winning a number of dressage and points leagues."

Prelim Gold Champion and overall winner Deborah Newman flies the Forces Equine flag for her grandfather, who served in the Air Force. With her Sir Heinrich-sired mare Soraya IV, Deborah showed a test full of highlights to earn 69.600%; before going on to also earn a win in the Novice Silver class with an equally impressive score of 69.167%. 

Megan Guild was a double winner with Evermore Litchy MFS, taking two Bronze wins at Elementary and Medium level. Speaking on social media, Scotland-based Police Officer Megan said, “She was very hot to ride but managed to keep a lid on it for the most part! Very pleased with how well she coped in her Medium class given how new she is to the level.”  

Congratulations to all class winners and those who took part. British Dressage is proud to celebrate Forces Equine, and all those connected to the services which keep the country strong, safe and proud.  

Winners  

Forces Equine Champions 

Introductory Bronze: Guy Kirkwood & Arena Paris *  
Preliminary Gold: Deborah Newman & Soraya IV *  
Preliminary Silver: Erin George & Battlestown Storm   
Preliminary Bronze: Scarlett Dandy & Tommy IV   
Novice Gold: Zoe Florence & Sweet Madness *  
Novice Silver: Deborah Newman & Soraya IV   
Novice Bronze: Amy Huxtable & Flou Artsistique  
Elementary Gold: Claire Marston & Solitare II *  
Elementary Silver: Zoe Florence & Sweet Madness  
Elementary Bronze: Megan Guild & Evermore Litchy MFS  
Medium Silver: Elizabeth Roberts & Simply Jolene *  
Medium Bronze: Megan Guild & Evermore Litchy MFS 

*Overall Champion   

Photos © KB Photography 

FULL RESULTS