News
Native breeds and major results: Red Gorilla Combined Training Championship Highlights
- Written By: British Dressage | Maddie Hinchliff
- Published: Wed, 13 May 2026 16:07
A brilliant few days were had the Red Gorilla Combined Training Championships, held at Weston Lawns Equestrian in Warwickshire (8 – 10 May 2026) where our multitalented combinations showcased their dressage and showjumping skills.
Introductory 1 and 60cm
The first Intro class was won by Jane Willett aboard her own 11-year-old mare Tia Maria X, the 13hh Dartmoor pony. Infront of judge Elaine Shannon, Jane produced a fantastic test to score 74.455%, taking a fantastic three percent lead over second place. The combination produced a clear and speedy showjumping round to finish on a final score of 166.0 in a win that Jane described as making “so many of my goals and dreams come true. My little hairy pony just did her stuff, tried her hardest and gave her all!”
“Going to the championships this year meant everything to me. We competed two years ago; I had just recovered from hand surgery, with the stitches being taken out the day before driving up for the competition… it made things a bit challenging! This year we were ready and wanted to try again and I’m so glad we did.”
“Right from the start it [the championship] was different, immediately you felt involved. The communication and involvement from Weston Lawns were unlike anything I have ever experienced before. It was exciting feeling of it all coming together. On arrival everyone was so friendly. Everyone was happy to talk, to share how they were feeling and talk about their horses. There was a lovely atmosphere where my pony and I felt relaxed and happy. The competition was run so smoothly, the stewards were super: they were interested and involved and part of your journey”.
“My advice to anyone is to have your dreams and ride for your goals. Life can throw everything at you to slow your progress, but keeping your hopes alive, helps to give you the incentive to get out there and ride, learn and make progress. Don’t let the ‘haven’t gots’ stop you. I have a small hairy pony who has taken me on riding adventures that I could never have dreamed of or even imagined.”
When asked about what they are aiming for next, Jane explained that they are going to “keep trying and keep making progress. It would be great to aim for the Associated Championships this year as we have never done that”.
Finishing behind Jane, second place was taken by Emma Harrison aboard her own Palmyra Karenina with a final score of 158.5, and third place was earned by Rose Cassapi aboard Tracey Paskins’ Nanttforchog Blue Moonstar.
Preliminary 1 and 70cm
Following their bronze placing in the Intro 1, 13-year-old Rose Cassapi became our sole U21 rider to win at the champions. Rose won the Prelim 1 aboard Tracey Paskins’ grey Welsh Section A Nanttforchog Blue Moonstar. Infront of judge Lizzie Burford, Rose danced to achieve a score of 70.800% and jumped a clear round inside the time to finish on a score of 177.0.
Rose described the feeling of being “over the moon” with her performance. When asked to reflect on their journey together, Rose and her Mum Tracey said: “The pair have grown up together since Moonstar came to us as a foal from her Welsh breeder Tracy Jones. Moonie is still only 7 years old, but proving to be a pony of a lifetime, with such a kind and willing temperament. Rose has worked very hard for the last three years bringing on a young pony”.
“They had a busy day at the championships, having qualified for the Intro and the Prelim and it was a fine balance to ensure Moonie had enough in the tank for both classes. The hardest part for Rose was remembering two tests an hour apart. There was a wobble in the warmup before the prelim, when a quick run through resulted in some errors and self-doubt, but they pulled it together and rode a fabulous test. Rose loves the dressage and the showjumping, so to be able to do both in the same day is perfect. Moonie might be small at just 12hh’s, but she is definitely mighty and didn’t disappoint with a clear in both classes. Rose’s smile in the presentation and lap of honour says it all and her highlight was the Red Gorilla trophy for winning.”
“We would recommend combined training to everyone. The flat work in the dressage will make a huge difference to the jumping and the championships are well worth a visit with amazing prizes from sponsors Red Gorilla, not just at the Championships, but also in the qualifying rounds.”
The goals for the season for this incredible young combination are to compete at the Youth Inter Regionals and Youth Home Nations, and to qualify to the Quest Nationals, as well as looking to move up to Novice and Elementary. The combination also hopes to make a return place to HOYS in the 122cm Mountain and Moorland working hunter pony and the open ridden Welsh section A class.
Following Rose, Sarah Edmunds came second on I Should Coco IV with a final score of 176.5 following a clear showjumping round inside the time, just half a mark behind the winner. Amanda Bettle and Jemma Regnard’s Southwood Florence finished third with another clear round inside the time to finish on a score of 176.0.
Preliminary 2 and 80cm
The Prelim 2 and 80cm class was won by Anthony Clark aboard Ahey Bridge 36th. The seven-year-old dun Connemara impressed judge Lise Roberts to finish on a dressage score of 70.217% and produced a clear round showjumping to finish on a final score of 161.5: “Ahey Bridge 36th is my God daughter’s young pony. She is 13 and just at the start of her eventing career so I have been helping to bring him along and produce him ready for her to take out”.
Anthony, who has competed at British Eventing up to four star, went on to say, “I was meant to be competing at Badminton myself but unfortunately had to withdraw, so I thought since I had qualified this would be my mini-Badminton this year instead!”.
Anthony took five horses in total for the championships, four of whom placed in the top ten. “I love doing the Combined Training series to give my young event horses the experience and the exposure; qualifying for the championships is an added bonus. I really enjoyed it this year because it gives them the championship environment without the high pressure that you can experience at some of the big BE events. It’s also such a good opportunity to get the young horses out; especially with the ground being so hard at the moment, it allows them to have a go at the showjumping and dressage on a really good surface”.
When asked to expand on why Anthony chose the Red Gorilla Combined Training Series, he elaborated “I cannot stress enough how good this series is for the young horses and for eventers who want to give their horses the exposure and let them see a bit more of life without overwhelming them. Combined training is something I recommend to all my working pupils and clients to give their horses the practice, and the championship allows them to experience the bigger environment without quite so much pressure. It also gives the rider a good chance to ride in a 20x40 arena, which is what is used at the horse trials, in a competitive environment. I haven’t been to the championships since it had moved venues, and I wanted to say a massive thank you to the whole team at Weston Lawns. The whole event was run brilliantly, it was incredibly well organised, and the entire venue was just presented so well. The atmosphere was just brilliant.”
Second place was awarded to Sarah Edmunds riding her own I Should Coco IV. The combination finished with a score of 161.5, but with a slightly slower Phase II jumping time of 39.40s. In third place, Daisy Beards and Spinway Colm with a final score of 158.5.
Novice 1 and 80cm and Novice 2 and 90cm
The two Novice classes were won by Laura Hill riding her own LCH Etiquette. Riding the six-year-old AES mare, Laura won the Novice 1 and 80cm with a dressage score of 74.400%, and a clear showjumping round to end on a final score of 182.0, taking the win by a comfortable margin of four points. Furthermore, in the Novice 2 Laura produced an impressive score 77.600%, a three percent lead ahead of second place. In the showjumping, the combination jumped inside the time but had an unfortunate four faults to finish on a final score of 190.0.
LCH Etiquette, known as Etta at home, is a homebred horse out of Laura’s former eventing mare Euphoria, “She was a COVID baby and is the same age as my twin girls, so I remember her time as a foal well. Etta is kind, gentle and intelligent. We have such a special relationship, and I have always adored her”.
“The combined training qualifier was Etta's first jumping competition and my first time jumping at an event in about 12 years. I stopped Eventing full time in 2014 to follow my passion for dressage, which led me to recently build Green Lane Equestrian in Leicestershire, which offers top class livery and training facilities.”
“I was very happy with Etta's performance. She is green at the jumping but has a great attitude and technique. Her Novice 2 test was her best to date and the judge said it was 'Absolutely fabulous! Almost foot perfect'. In the near future we hope to contest at Novice Regionals, to continue to develop her dressage and jump for fun. Next step for her will be her first Elementary. I would like to hope she will make a Small Tour horse if my 10-year-old daughter doesn't steal her for Children on Horses or Juniors first!”
In the Novice 1, Chloe Dunn finished in second place on a final score of 182.0 riding Liz Dunn’s Towerhill Shamie. Millie Easby took third place riding Sarah Easby’s Copper Ally Boy on a final score of 176.5.
In the Novice 2, Imogen Swann riding Upgrade James WS finished second with 178.5 and 14-year-old Lily Crompton finished third riding Lisa Crompton’s Four Ashes Wembley with 177.5.
Elementary 1 and 80cm
Tabitha Leicester took the win in the Elementary 1 and 80cm class riding her own KWPN mare, Eires Rock. Riding in front of judge Martyne Galland, Tabitha produced an excellent dressage test to finish on 72.414%. The pair then completed a clear round showjumping to finish on a final score of 210.0.
Riding Eires Rock, known as Elsie at home, Tabitha explained “It was my first time attending the championships. We gave combined training a go as it’s a bit of variety for Elsie. Predominantly we do dressage up to PSG, but she absolutely loves jumping as she’s an ex-eventer. It gives her a break from training and makes things a bit more fun for her”.
When asked about what the highlight from their round was, Tabitha explained “I was delighted with my results, we haven’t done much jumping together and hadn’t done a course since the qualifiers, so I was really pleased. My highlight was jumping clear since we had a little bit of a confidence knock in the warmup, but it all came together in the ring and Elsie was super”.
Looking forward to the rest of the season, Tabitha’s aims for Elsie is to continue progressing with the PSG work and getting stronger in the movements while improving the scores. “My advice to anyone would be to just give it a go! Everyone was so supportive and friendly and the atmosphere wasn’t tense and competitive like it can be at some big shows”.
Rozanne Ibbett riding her own Liberty NS finished second on a final score of 202.5 and Joshua Bailey riding his own Noraalfee finished third with 198.5.
Elementary 2 and 90cm
Millie Gover took the win in the Elementary 2 and 90cm class, posting a 73.103% dressage score in front of judge Jonathan Dunkley. Aboard her 16-year-old Belgian Warmblood Kamil ‘T’, Milly finished her showjumping clear and inside the time to finish on a final score of 212.0.
Millie, who gave birth to her youngest daughter Annie at the beginning of February, qualified from the Bury Farm Combined Training Qualifier in March aboard her mare Kamil ‘T’. The duo previously competed in pony club eventing together, before turning their hand to dressage. They competed and qualified for the championships in their first jumping competition in six years, with Millie explaining “we were a bit rusty jumping the showjumping course” but that she “wants to carry on doing what we both love and enjoy my happy healthy horse”.
Anthony Clark also claimed his second podium title of the week, finishing second aboard his own Ballinagilkey Fourtunus with a final score of 207.5. Imogen Swann also competed in her second class of the championship aboard Upgrade James WS to finish third on 202.0.
Thanks go to the organisers and team at Weston Lawns for delivering a superbly run event, and congratulations to all riders and connections for their hard work and excellent performances throughout the competition.
Placings- Top Ten and Final Scores
Introductory 1 and 60cm
1. Jane Willett and Tia Maria X, 166.0
2. Emma Harrison and Palmyra Karenina, 158.5
3. Rose Cassapi and Nanttforchog Blue Moonstar, 158.0
4. Jo Westlake and Trixies Sir Russell, 157.0
5. Kirstie Wright and Mill House Carpe Vinum, 156.0
6. Amanda Fox and Macho, 153.5
7. Holly Chantler and Killasser Clover, 150.0
8. Clare Wood and Woottonheath Aqua, 150.0
9. Charlie Harper and Quantocks Best Kept Secret, 148.5
10. Sue Pudney and Salute IV, 146.5
Preliminary 1 and 70cm
1. Rose Cassapi and Nanttforchog Blue Moonstar, 177.0
2. Sarah Edmunds and I Should Coco lV, 176.5
3. Amanda Bettle and Southwood Florence, 176.0
4. Leanne Bailey and Shanbo daisys dun, 175.0
5. Hollie Cowley and Mullaghmor Romeo, 172.5
6. Sarah Davis and Winston Classic Gold, 172.0
7. Sarah Miller and Piper V, 171.0
8. Jo Westlake and Trixies Sir Russell, 169.5
9. Ellis Morton and DHI Sambuca, 169.5
10. Michelle Fitton and Chief II, 169.0
Preliminary 2 and 80cm
1. Anthony Clark and Ahey bridge 36, 161.5
2. Sarah Edmunds and I Should Coco lV, 161.5
3. Daisy Beards and Spinway Colm, 158.5
4. Nicky Keir and Benedict Fields, 158.5
5. Chloe Dunn and Towerhill Shamie, 158.0
6. Ellis Morton and DHI Sambuca, 157.5
7. Rosie Hamilton and Roy II, 153.0
8. Anthony Clark and Alamar PG, 152.0
9. Kathryn Pickering and Wat A Tinker, 151.5
10. Sophie Taylor and Blakeswater Searcher, 151.0
Novice 1 and 80cm
1. Laura Hill and LCH Etiquette, 182.0
2. Chloe Dunn and Towerhill Shamie, 178.0
3. Millie Easby and Copper Ally Boy, 176.5
4. Sarah Miller and Piper V, 174.5
5. Abi Scott and Dorlyn Regal Prince, 173.5
6. Anthony Clark and Sidney moon, 172.5
7. Martine Stiles and Seigneurs Diamond, 171.0
8. Daisy Beards and Spinway Colm, 169.5
9. Looby Chubb and Run the risk, 169.5
10. Charlotte Dorey and Deards Silver Bounce, 169.0
Novice 2 and 90cm
1. Laura Hill and LCH Etiquette, 190.0
2. Imogen Swann and Upgrade James WS, 178.5
3. Lily Crompton and Four Ashes Wembley, 177.5
4. Isabella Hathaway and Monahawk Dancing Melody, 176.5
5. Emina Newton and Hubert II, 174.5
6. Duncan Morgan and Neptunus-Utopia, 174.5
7. Yasmin Hughes and Ludden cross, 173.5
8. Steph Read and IE Mr McGregor, 173.0
9. Pippa Warren and Clovers Reward, 172.0
10. Ella Green and Majestic Artist, 171.5
Elementary 1 and 80cm
1. Tabitha Leicester and Eires Rock, 210.0
2. Rozanne Ibbett and Liberty NS, 202.5
3. Joshua Bailey and Noraalfee, 198.5
4. Holly Torrome and Killadeer Lily, 197.5
5. Hollie Jepson and Bridgehouse Tamborine, 197.0
6. Tracey Houston and Pallasgreen Promise, 196.5
7. Lucie Stokoe and Dionis and 195.5
8. Sara Blackshaw and Kaydo, 194.0
9. Rachel Thomas and Felicitas L, 193.5
10. Kirsty Scott and Noel’s Last Indian, 193.0
Elementary 2 and 90cm
1. Millie Gover and Kamil’T, 212.0
2. Anthony Clark and Ballinagilkey Fourtunus, 207.5
3. Imogen Swann and Upgrade James WS, 202.0
4. Heather Urquhart and Crafty Wizard, 201.5
5. Alice James and Nagana Cool Calypso, 201.0
6. Tabitha Leicester and Eires Rock, 200.0
7. Joshua Bailey and Noraalfee, 198.5
8. Steph Read and IE Mr McGregor, 197.0
9. Linda DeMatteo and Beant Lan, 193.5
10. Katie Carss and Glendale Cascade, 193.0
