Hot competition at the I.C.E Horseboxes All England Dressage Festival Premier League

Hickstead Premier League Show, for the second year in its new home on the main site of the All England Jumping Course at Hickstead, attracted many top riders from across the UK, resulting in competition as scorching as the sunny skies that bathed the venue throughout much of the show (12 – 15 May 2022).

In its new extended format, the I.C.E Horseboxes All England Dressage Festival incorporated an additional day of national classes on the first day of the show. This offered riders from Novice to Medium level the chance to compete at the iconic Hickstead showground, before the commencement of the Premier League from Friday onwards.

The new partnership of Annabella Pidgley (17) and Gio (pictured above) showed their vast potential, winning Friday’s Stübben Intermediate II and Saturday’s U25 Grand Prix both by a large margin. A super performance from Annabella and the brilliant little Gio was awarded 77.30% in the Inter II to take the class ahead of second placed Andrew Gould and his exciting new ride, Tatiana Milne-Skillman’s nine-year-old stallion Indigro (Negro x Jazz).

Gio (Apache x Tango) and Charlotte Dujardin enjoyed a spectacular summer of success in 2021 with team and individual bronze in Tokyo, and team silver and Freestyle bronze at the European Championships in Hagen before being sold to the Pidgley family. Annabella and Gio made their debut in February this year and have since enjoyed a very impressive start to their career together.

“He felt amazing, it was only our fourth Inter II test and it was a big improvement on our last one at Keysoe two weekends ago, especially our trot work as we’ve been working hard on putting more power in that and it paid off today,” Annabella told All England Dressage Festival. “He’s such an experienced horse but I’ve had to step up my riding and learn a lot.”

The pair continued their outstanding show with a win in Saturday’s Under 25 Grand Prix on 76.83% from the judges panel of Fiona Wilson (E), Mary Robins (C) and Richard Baldwin (M).

Saturday afternoon’s LeMieux Grand Prix featured a quality line-up with the nine leading combinations all scoring upwards of 70%, but none would catch Gareth Hughes and KK Woodstock’s 75.82%. An assured and harmonious test from Gareth and Claudine Kroll’s elegant Wolkentanz II x Landiosa gelding (pictured above), with several nines awarded including a nine for general impression, earned them the winner’s spoils in convincing style. Kathleen Kroencke with Uniteds Maerchen (73.65%) and Fiona Bigwood with Daytona Platinum (72.95%) completed the top three.

“He’s actually been off for 12 months so it was his first Grand Prix in a year, but he feels better than ever. He’s 16 now, he’s an old pro now and he knows his job,” Gareth told Hickstead.

Talking about his first time competing at the main Hickstead site, he added, “This show would be of a level of anything abroad. It’s horse-friendly, people-friendly, the surfaces are great and the organisers have done a brilliant job.”

Charlotte Dujardin enjoyed a successful Hickstead, clocking up a total of four wins across the weekend - Saturday’s Andrews Bowen Advanced Medium 98 and Fairfax Saddles Prix St Georges, both with her own eight-year-old mare Alive and Kicking (All at Once x Fürst Piccolo) on scores of 75.52% and 76.02% respectively, followed by the Fairfax Saddles PSG (76.96%) and Saracen Horse Feeds Inter I (74.46%) on Sunday with Sarah Pidgley’s 10-year-old Hilus MHB (Johnson x Don Primero) - pictured above.

“This is only my second show with him (Hilus MHB) and his first outdoor show,” said Charlotte. “For a horse like him who is a bit nervous and needs more exposure, it’s a great show for educating these horses and giving them confidence.”

Henriette Andersen and Zackery II (pictured above) were another combination on winning form. Zackery, a tall athletic British-bred son of Blue Hors Zack, was piloted by Henriette to wins in both Friday’s Fairfax Saddles PSG (73.57%) and Saturday’s Saracen Horse Feeds Inter I (75.04%).

Local-based rider Andrew Gould concluded his show with a win in Sunday’s Grand Prix Special aboard Tatiana Milne-Skillman’s 11-year-old stallion Genie III (Zhivago x Sandro Hit), scoring 69.40% on their first time riding the Special in competition. On his heels were Anna Ross and Delgado on 69.17%, with Matt Frost and Helga completing the podium on 68.95%.

“It was an amazing show and it was Genie’s first Grand Prix Special, so it was a really good moment,” commented Andrew. “There’s much to develop and lots to take forward. I was delighted for him.”

About the super-talented Indigro, mentioned above, who joined Andrew’s stable just five weeks ago, he said, “He’s nine years old and he finds it all very easy. Mentally he’s a very good horse. It’s very exciting.”

Andrew’s 18-year-old son Oliver also did the Gould family proud with a win in Sunday’s Andrews Bowen Advanced Medium 92, scoring 70%-plus with their Tango-sired Dutch gelding, Feiner Stern II. “Feiner Stern is a previous ride of mine, and Oliver is doing a great job with him. It’s good for the team morale and Oliver came home with an absolute buzz."

The young horse classes were awash with talent, featuring a number of high-scoring winners. Achieving an outstanding 96.00% in the BD International Young Horse 6YO division was Blue Hors Zackorado (pictured above), presented beautifully by Beth Bainbridge. The stunning black stallion, by Blue Hors Zack and out of a Florestan I mare, was awarded 9.5 for trot, 9.5 for walk, 10 for canter, 9 for submission and a mark of 10 for perspective from judges Dane Rawlins and Debbie Wardle.

Blue Hors Zackorado is standing in the UK for the 2022 breeding season, and possibly longer, while continuing his sports career under the guidance of Anna Ross and the team at Elite Dressage where Beth works as a rider.

“The feeling he gave me in the test was incredible and it was great that we had a score to match that feeling,” said a delighted Beth. “Apart from a stallion show, this was his first outing since coming into the country in January, and he was amazing. He loves his job, he shines in a big atmosphere, and he’s such a good guy. He ticks all the boxes.

“He’s a really exciting horse for me to ride this season,” continued Beth, “and a really good opportunity for British breeding this season."

Sarah Rogers and Full Moon II (Fürst Heinrich x Gribaldi) also impressed to finish close second on a score of 94.60% for owners Laura Tomlinson and Ursula Bechtolsheimer.

The highest scoring horse in the KBIS Young Dressage Horse qualifiers was four-year-old Neil Diamond E, ridden by Kerry Mackin, who was awarded a super 90.60% from judges Richard Baldwin and Dan Sherriff to take the win for owner Trina Stewart.

Congratulations to all the winning riders and owners, and thank you to David Crockford and the team at Hickstead for a hosting a fantastic event.

Results – 

Thursday 12 May

I.C.E. Horseboxes Novice
G. Dylan Deutrom and Faside Jasmine, 72.50 % 
S. Julia Brazier and Furstin Beauty, 64.58 %        
B. Caroline Joanne Bunce and Redhouse Hayley, 67.50%

I.C.E. Horseboxes Elementary
G.  Alicia Jane Laughton and Armada Bathsheba, 74.84 %
S. Gemma Kerry Dalton and Westoak Midsommer, 67.74 %
B. Ellie Jenkins and Un Muchacho, 67.74 %

I.C.E. Horseboxes Medium
G. Darren Hicks and Jack XXVI, 72.73 %
S. Lucyanna Westaway and Keystone Rocketman, 68.03 %
B. Kate Hewson and Keystone Spider, 65.30 %

Friday 13 May

Class 1: KBIS Young Dressage Horse 4YO
1. Kerry Mackin and Neil Diamond E, 90.60%
2. Sarah Wilkinson and Nicolaas B, 88.80%
3. Dannie Morgan and Fever Tree, 87.00%

Class 2: KBIS Young Dressage Horse 5YO
1. Darren Hicks and Mischievous Me, 86.00%
2. Lucy Amy and Millenium Falcon, 85.80%
3. Beth Bainbridge and My Pride, 85.00%

Class 3: KBIS Young Dressage Horse 6YO
1. Beth Bainbridge and Blue Hors Zackorado, 88.20%
2. Christian Lovell and Total Impact II, 79.80%
3. Luke Baber-Davies and Vaudeville Carrus, 75.80%

Class 4: KBIS Young Dressage Horse Advanced Medium 96 7YO
1. Sadie Smith and Swanmore Dantina, 82.69%
2. Dylan Deutrom and King Boy, 78.01%
3. Emma Jamieson and Catherston Tiffany, 77.80%

Class 5: KBIS Young Dressage Pony 4YO
1. Alice Perry and WFD Champagne Supernova, 69.80%

Class 6: KBIS Young Dressage Pony 5YO
1. Cayley Stow and Hammerwood Flamingo, 62.60%
2. Sarah Ablewhite and Abbeywoods Veyron, 61.40%

Class 7: KBIS Young Dressage Pony 6YO
1. Alice Perry and WFD Diangello, 73.60%
2. Benjamin Smith and River of Joy, 70.80%

Class 8: Andrews Bowen Advanced Medium 91
1. Davy Harvey and Diamond Blue, 72.47%
2. Sara Gallop and Rock That Tango, 70.25%
3. Olivia Oakeley and Tantoni Quickstep, 67.39%

Class 9: Fairfax Saddles Prix St Georges
1. Henriette Andersen and Zackery II, 73.57%
2. Charlotte Dujardin and Hilus MHB, 73.43%
3. Anders Dahl and Tophojs Zackira, 72.54%

Class 10: Stübben Intermediate II
1. Annabella Pidgley and Gio, 77.30%
2. Andrew Gould and Indigro, 72.50%
3. Kathleen Kroencke and Kiriakos TSF, 70.63%

Saturday 14 May
Class 11: BD International Young Horse 5YO, sponsored by LeMieux
1. Ulrik Molgaard and Mont-Sainte Odile SPB, 88.00%
2. Beth Bainbridge and My Pride, 86.40%
3. Emma Jamieson and Imperial Magic Dream, 84.80%

Class 12: BD International Young Horse 6YO, sponsored by LeMieux
1. Beth Bainbridge and Blue Hors Zackorado, 96.00%
2. Sarah Rogers and Full Moon II, 94.60%
3. Dylan Deutrom and Liverpool, 78.40%

Class 13: BD International Young Horse 7YO, sponsored by LeMieux
1. Sadie Smith and Swanmore Dantina, 82.10%
2. Jezz Palmer and King IV, 74.80%
3. Dylan Deutrom and King Boy, 73.46%

Class 14: Andrews Bowen Advanced Medium 98
1. Charlotte Dujardin and Alive and Kicking, 75.52%
2. Judy Harvey and SP Bento, 73.02%
3. Tom Goode and Fürstenrausch PS, 71.27%

Class 15a: Pony Team Test, sponsored by I.C.E Horseboxes
1. Ruby Hughes and Hilkens Showgirl, 71.23%
2. Lauren Geraghty and WS Jackson, 68.81%
3. Demi Howard-Cartwright and Fin C WE, 68.23%

Class 15b: Children on Horses Team Test, sponsored by I.C.E Horseboxes
1. Crystal Robinson-Long and Evita Ronia, 73.40%
2. Natasha MacDonald and Sauvey Golden Condor, 65.32%

Class 15c: Junior Team Test, sponsored by I.C.E Horseboxes
1. Annabella Pidgley and Espe, 74.39%
2. Annabella Pidgley and Sultan des Paluds FRH, 72.12%
3. Mette Dahl and Cashmir, 69.49%

Class 15d: Young Rider Team Test, sponsored by I.C.E Horseboxes
1. Anna Dalrymple and Vagabond de Massa, 68.87%
2. Scarlett John and Highcliffe Apollo, 68.72%
3. Lilah Gibbs and Dude III, 68.57%

Class 16: Fairfax Saddles Prix St Georges
1. Charlotte Dujardin and Alive and Kicking, 76.02%
2. Nikki Barker and Iwan, 70.24%
3. Matt Frost and Summerhouse Delano, 70.14%

Class 17: Grand Prix 16-25, sponsored by I.C.E Horseboxes
1. Annabella Pidgley and Gio, 76.83%
2. Theodora Livanos and Robinvale, 67.69%

Class 18: Saracen Horse Feeds Intermediate I
1. Henriette Andersen and Zackery II, 75.04%
2. Charlotte Dujardin and Hilus MHB, 74.70%
3. Dylan Deutrom and San Marco, 74.02%

Class 19: LeMieux Grand Prix
1. Gareth Hughes and KK Woodstock, 75.82%
2. Kathleen Kroencke and Uniteds Maerchen, 73.65%
3. Fiona Bigwood and Daytona Platinum, 72.95%

Sunday 15 May
Class 20: Andrews Bowen Advanced Medium 92
1. Oliver Gould and Feiner Stern II, 70.04%
2. Davy Harvey and Diamond Blue, 69.59%
3. Mary Pritchard and Koeka Matcha JCS, 68.69%

Class 21a: Pony Individual Test, sponsored by I.C.E Horseboxes
1. Ruby Hughes and Hilkens Showgirl, 70.94%
2. Isla Sully and Reitlands Don Totilas, 65.81%
3. Matilda Jackson-Clutton and Reitland’s Diamond Hit, 65.72%

Class 21b: Children on Horses Individual Test, sponsored by I.C.E Horseboxes
1. Crystal Robinson-Long and Evita Ronia, 72.24%
2. Natasha MacDonald and Sauvey Golden Condor, 65.85%

Class 21c: Junior Individual Test, sponsored by I.C.E Horseboxes
1. Annabella Pidgley and Sultan des Paluds FRH, 74.70%
2. Annabella Pidgley and Espe, 72.89%
3. Ruby Hughes and Classic Bee Gee, 69.41%

Class 21d: Young Rider Individual Test, sponsored by I.C.E Horseboxes
1. Jessica Hickey and Ziezo I, 68.28%
2. Scarlett John and Highcliffe Apollo, 67.05%
3. Vicky Campbell and Iotti van Bergsham, 65.73%

Class 22: Fairfax Saddles Prix St Georges
1. Charlotte Dujardin and Hilus MHB, 76.96%
2. Anders Dahl and Tophojs Zackira, 73.33%
3. Anders Dahl and Don Davidorff Naeldeborg, 72.20%

Class 23: Saracen Horse Feeds Intermediate I
1. Charlotte Dujardin and Hilus MHB, 74.46%
2. Anna Dalrymple and Vagabond de Massa, 70.53%
3. Andrew Gould and Rockwood Virtue, 70.20%

Class 24: Stübben Intermediate II
1. Fay Lai and Bengal II, 69.38%
2. Lizzie Murray and Timolin, 67.99%
3. Samantha Thurman-Pickett and Gerardo, 67.64%

Class 25: Grand Prix Special, sponsored by I.C.E Horseboxes
1. Andrew Gould and Genie III, 69.40%
2. Anna Ross and Delgado, 69.17%
3. Matt Frost and Helga, 68.95%

FULL RESULTS

Photo © Spidge Event Photography
Words: British Dressage/Joanna Bowns