Festival Focus: Podiums and personal bests

It has been another fantastic few weeks of Petplan Area Festival action, with riders across the country celebrating impressive results and memorable milestones. From podium finishes to personal bests, showcasing talent, determination and special partnerships that make the Area Festivals such a highlight of the calendar. 

Shona Wildgoose and Blackrock Oscar

Netherton Equestrian  

Shona Wildgoose and her striking palomino gelding, Blackrock Oscar, had the most incredible success at Netherton Equestrian's Petplan Area Festival, (16 – 19 July). The duo took the win in the Medium Silver, with 65.50%, and finished second in both the Elementary Silver and Medium Freestyle Silver, with 66.77% and 67.61% respectively.  

When reflecting on this success Shona explained, "I am absolutely delighted and very proud of my pony, to be able to stand on the podium in all of our three classes is an amazing feeling". Talking more on their tests Shona shared, "we produced three lovely tests, received super comments from the judges". This talented combination also won at their Winter Area Festival earlier in the year, "I never dreamt we could win a second sash in the same year".  

Shona started her dressage journey in her late twenties with a lovely 15.1hh Connie X that she had at the time. The two of them went from Prelim to Prix St Georges, but when he retired Shona had a 13-year gap from competing in dressage until she brought Rockstar (as he is known to his friends). "I brought him seven years ago from Cheryl Mackintosh and we have been training with Eilidh Grant of Caskieben Dressage" Shona explained. Eilidh's support and guidance has allowed them to progress through the levels from Prelim to now training at Advanced Medium at home and having fun establishing their flying changes!  

The Area Festivals provides a great opportunity for riders to work their way up the levels Shona shares, "as a keen amateur I think the Area Festivals are a great way to experience a championship show in a friendly and positive atmosphere". Looking back on her own experience so far Shona explained, "it has helped me build my confidence and has been an important part of our journey and progression together. It is also great to meet new like-minded people and their lovely horses".  

It is difficult to choose a favourite moment from such a successful Area Festival, Shona shared, "my favourite moment came when Kerry Sutherland, BD's Sports Development Officer, who was stewarding, showed me the results for the Medium Silver while I was warming up for my music class. I couldn't believe we had secured first place! I went into my music test on a high and received this lovely comment from one of the judges".  

'This music and freestyle made me want to get up and dance. Super job, such nice harmony in your partnership.' 

Rockstar and Shona enjoyed a showing career for the first couple of years of their partnership, but because of Covid they didn't start competing until 2021. Shona describes the 15hh Welsh pony as, "the kindest soul, and he always tires his hardest to please. Not only very beautiful but incredibly friendly and a pleasure to work with, I feel very lucky to have him".  

Shona spoke on the wonderful support from her husband John, the two of them have been married approaching ten years now, "he has always been encouraging and supportive of both Rockstar and me though our journey. We also have four dogs who keep us busy". Shona hopes to add to the one Advanced Medium class they have competed in, to continue both their training and freestyle to music. "We are also looking forward to attending the Championships at Arena UK, which will be a fantastic opportunity and experience for us both" Shona concluded. 

Rachel Miller and Blodwen Lola

Kingswood Equestrian Centre  

At Kingswood Equestrian Centre's Petplan Area Festival, (24 – 25 July), Rachel Miller and Blodwen Lola gained a personal best Area Festival result, finishing sixth in a very hotly contested Preliminary Silver class with a great score of 68.73%.  

Rachel, reflecting on her experience shared, "I feel absolutely elated about coming in the top ten, I have owned Lola for six years now and I have worked on getting Lola to this level of schooling." The journey has been full of hard work and dedication Rachel explained, "it has taken me a long time to balance her canter as she has always been such a sensitive horse, and if she lost balance she would just tense up and go faster!" Making this result even more rewarding.  

It is an incredible achievement qualifying for an Area Festival, Rachel shared more of her journey with Lola, "I brought her as a project when she was eight-years-old, she was a non-loaded and she didn't have any confidence hacking out on her own. She had never done anything other than hack before I brought her". The duo gained trust in one another and Rachel describes the skewbald mare as, "the best little horse who always tries so hard for me".  

The two of them competed at unaffiliated shows five years ago before being encouraged to become a British Dressage member, "it has always been a dream for me to compete at the Area Festival Championships, and I absolutely love the championship feel of the Area Festivals, it can become quite addictive!" Rachel shared.  

Away from competing, Rachel is a fully qualified bit and bridle fitter, equine massage therapist and owns her own bitting company called Diddy Bits. Talking about her future plans with her lovely 14.2hh Dartmoor pony, Rachel shared, "I am currently competing at Prelim and Novice but I am going to start doing some Elementary very soon which I am really looking forward to, especially has her canter has improved so much recently".