Combined Training Qualifiers: Standout performances

Three more Red Gorilla Combined Training qualifiers took place at Golden Cross Equestrian, Moreton Equestrian and Allens Hill with riders enjoying a successful blend of dressage and showjumping. With a range of combinations having strong performances across the board including standout wins. 

Duncan Morgan & Neptunus-Utopia l PDG Photography  

Golden Cross Equestrian  

Ducan Morgan had a successful day at Golden Cross Equestrian's Combined Training qualifier, winning the Novice 90cm and finishing second in the Elementary 90cm. Ducan’s winning mare Neptunus-Utopia scored a great 70.30% having also jumped a clear round.  

Reflecting on an impressive day competing Ducan shared, “I really enjoyed having both disciplines in one day as I have always enjoyed jumping Bella.” One of the highlights of their winning test was the rideability Ducan felt from Bella, “she coped well with the indoor and short arena, whereas in the past she would have gotten stuffy.” 

Bella produced a lovely showjumping round Ducan explained, “she gave a lovely rhythmical round and jumped really well considering how little experience she has, she was a pleasure to jump.” Bella is known for not being the easiest character to work with, “we have had her from a three-year-old from Bosanko Sport Horses and I have had her nearly five years now.”  

Ducan has worked hard and produced Bella patiently, “she has a very strong flight instinct and has got away from us on a few occasions, she has taken a long time to get going and get her to trust us but over the last year she has gone from strength to strength.”  

The combination has had previous success winning at the Petplan Area Festival Championships, Pony Club Open Dressage Championships and went to the National Dressage Championships last year! Ducan plans to carry on progressing with this super talented mare, “I would definitely recommend the series to other people and I’m super excited for the Championships with Bella and my other mare Viva who qualified in the Elementary 90cm, to have both girls there will be really exciting.”   

Susan Bill & Flamenco Princess l MH Photos 

Moreton Equestrian  

Susan Bill and Flamenco Princess, won the Elementary 80cm at Morton Equestrian’s Combined Training Qualifier. Susan described the win as ‘very satisfying’ the duo have competed up to medium level, and Princess also events, so this competition was made for them! “I love the Combined Training series; it’s great prep for the season and good fun” Sue explained.  

Princess was keen for both her dressage test and showjumping round, “she is quite fit and is ready to start eventing, so was a little spicier than normal.” Despite this her lovely attitude impressed the judges on the day and produced a great clear round.  

Susan shared what Princess is like at home, “she is an amazing mare, she was bred for showjumping, so her paces aren’t mega, but she tries her heart out every time.” Away from dressage the next big competition will be Badminton Grassroots in May, “she was also third their last year, so I have to admit I am feeling a tiny bit of pressure this time, but I pretend not to be bothered about the result of course” Sue shared.  

Sue and Princess train with Dannie Morgan, “he is both brilliant fun and an absolute stickler, so a lesson with him sharpens me right up” Sue explained. Talking about what brought he to the Combined Training series Sue shared, “It makes for a fun day, there are classes to suit everyone and it’s super friendly. Horses should have varied work, and jumping makes them stronger but also better mentally, there is no better feeling than a good round of jumps.” 

Allens Hill  

Allens Hill saw another great Red Gorilla Combined Training qualifier during the winter season, with a jam-packed day of competition. Alice Whiteman and her own Temp Active Island won the Preliminary 80cm with a wonderful 70.22% and clear round showjumping.  

Alice said, “after a few difficult months at the end of last year, it honestly felt amazing. I was really pleased with how everything came together on the day and to come away with the win was such a bonus, I am proud of Isla.”  

Competing in both disciplines has been really helpful as working on their dressage improves the jumping element Alice shared, “I was super pleased with my test, I hadn’t done one in a few months so I was just hoping for a relaxed, pleasing test and it definitely was that.” 

The series offers competitors a chance to have something to aim for, “I think it brings together two important phases in a more accessible way. It’s a great way to build confidence, especially early in the season.” Alice explained.  

Alice has owned Isla since the lovely mare was two years old and slowly backed and produced her herself, she told us, “she is my best friend, I am very proud of her, although she can be a rascal, doing everything with her myself is very rewarding.”  

Away from horse life, Alice is sitting some big exams this year, but she is still hoping to get to enough competitions to be able to qualify for the Petplan Summer Area Festivals. Alice said, “I am going to get lots of training in before the Combined Training Championships, and we might try some British Showjumping and I’m hoping to go eventing too.”