Combined Training Qualifiers: Winning form

Across three venues, riders delivered impressive performances in the recent Combined Training qualifiers, showcasing the strength and versatility of partnerships in both dressage and showjumping: From personal comebacks to full circle moments with homebred horses.  

Lucie Stokoe & Dionis l True To You Photography

West Wilts Equestrian   

Lucie Stokoe and Dionis were the winners of both the Elementary 80cm and 90cm at West Wilts Equestrian (22 March). Lucie looking back on the day shared that she, “had a fantastic day, it is a great venue the sun was shining and all the stewards, staff and fellow competitors were so welcoming”.  

The highlight of Lucie’s day was going to pick up her score sheets and realising they had won and the wonderful prizes from Red Gorilla. “It was an unexpected surprise to have won, I had just hoped to complete the jumping courses. Since I have retired my mare from eventing I have hardly jumped. Dino has only ever competed in one showjumping competition and never jumped a full course at 90cm” Lucie explained.  

Winning both the classes was the icing on the cake, “I am so delighted with Dino for being such a genuine pony”. Lucie bred the seven-year-old gelding herself, having previously evented on his mom, who still competes at BD competitions, “Dino has a special place in my heart, he is confident and enthusiastic, and always up to mischief”.  The dark bay gelding has taken on Lucie’s passion for dressage she shared, “but his first love is jumping, when he sees the jumps, his ears prick up and he stars squeaking!” 

The series offers competitors a great opportunity to qualify for a championships Lucie explained, “it encourages those of us that are passionate about dressage to compete against other riders from other disciplines on a level playing field”. Lucie first competed in the series with Dino’s mom in 2018, “it feels extra special to now be competing her son in the same series”.  

Muirmill Equestrian Centre 

Chelsea Dowling and Carpe Diem Z, had a successful trip to Muirmill Equestrian Centre’s Combined Training Qualifier (21 March), where the duo won the Intro 60cm and finished second in the Prelim 70cm.  

This win was described by Chelsea as a “real achievement”, especially as the combination had a disrupted run up to the event. Chelsea explained, “I had only ridden twice in the previous month while recovering from a kick to my back. A kind friend offered to take me so I could get back out competing, I was thrilled to come away with such a fantastic result and prizes”.  

Chelsea shared what she enjoyed the most about the experience, “the atmosphere, Muirmill Equestrian Centre has always been a firm favourite of mine, Laura and Lee work tirelessly to keep everything running smoothly. The day was so well organised, everyone was incredibly friendly and supportive and happy to help if anyone was unsure”. The welcoming environments created by our venues creates less pressure and everyone can enjoy themselves and their horses.  

The 17-year-old gelding has been with Chelsea since 2022, the pair focussed on showjumping, finishing in the top ten of the Scottish Bronze League, qualifying foy HOYS second rounds and the National Amateur Championships, but their partnership has been stop start. “Unfortunately, he sustained a small leg injury we resulted in him needing a period of time off, but the break did him a world of good”.  

Last year the two of them really focussed on their flatwork, trying out some dressage tests to get feedback and became hooked, “Cape is a very enthusiastic horse and I think most that know us have seen him in his very athletic expressive form, he loves a job and knows that he’s the man”. Going forward, Chelsea is looking to continue doing what makes them happy and stride towards moving up the levels.  

Lime Kiln Farm  

At the Lime Kiln Farm Combined Training Qualifier (22 March), Eleanor Fairey and Texan Tycoon took top spot on the podium in the Novice 80cm. Talking about her experience Eleanor said, “we were delighted to have won, it was a great pre-event season run for us before we head to Tetworth for our first event of the season”. 

The Combined Training series offered Eleanor and Texas a chance to have a run out showjumping to help sharpen their skills, “showjumping isn’t aways our strongest phase, but it was great to be able to practise the two phases on the same day.” 

The skewbald gelding is owned by Eleanor’s mom, Marion. The combination have been working hard over the winter to get ready for event season Eleanor shared, “cross country is his real love, he stepped up to Novice level dressage this year, having won in the Prelim at a Winter Area Festival last year”. Eleanor’s main aim for this year is to qualify Texan Tycoon for the Badminton Grassroots Championships.