News
Riders rise to the challenge at the Red Gorilla Combined Training Championships
- Written By: British Dressage
- Published: Fri, 16 May 2025 16:25
Multitalented combinations dazzled with their dressage and showjumping skills at the Red Gorilla Combined Training Championships hosted by Weston Lawns Equestrian in Warwickshire last weekend (10 - 11 May 2025).
Introductory and 60cm
Winner: Kirstin McMurray and Trailtrow Tianavaig
The Introductory and 60cm title went to Kirstin McMurray and Trailtrow Tianavaig (Dunedin Ranald x Rummlegairie of Trailtrow), a Highland pony with a heart as big as her personality. Scoring 70.000% in the dressage phase and jumping a clear round in a time of 100.37 seconds, the pair delivered a class-topping performance that surprised even Kirstin herself.
“I’m absolutely over the moon with our win,” she said, “we must have been the most unlikely winner of the day as a pure-bred Highland pony but I am delighted.”
Her pride in riding a pony bred by her family added extra meaning to the success. “Tianavaig is actually bred by my lovely mum Gillian at Trailtrow Highland Ponies so riding her for my mum is so special,” she explained.
Typically seen in the show ring, this was Tianavaig’s first foray into combined training. Kirstin admitted she only decided to enter the qualifier two weeks before it took place in Scotland. “Unfortunately my usual jumping horse wasn’t fit enough so I picked up Tianavaig from Mum’s and gave her a crash course in showjumping,” she said.
Despite the last-minute preparation, Tianavaig proved more than up to the challenge. “To our surprise she won and qualified for the final, so the hard work began to get her up to scratch. At Weston Lawns she soaked up the atmosphere, firstly to produce a super dressage and then to jump her fluffy legs off in the SJ.”
“Having never competed in Combined Training before, I didn’t know what to expect but I loved how friendly the other competitors were and it was lovely to meet new people and hear their experiences,” she said, adding, “the whole event just felt really special.”
Whilst the duo plan to return to their roots in the show ring, Kirstin shared that this won’t be the last we see of Tianavaig in the Combined Training arena: “I’ve definitely got the bug now. I hope to compete in some qualifiers next year, hopefully at 70cm. For the rest of this year it’ll be back to showing and perhaps some working hunter now we’ve found our springs!”
Following Kirstin in the placings were Christine Parry with Felton Rioja Red in second place, and Katy Evans riding Pancake in third.
Preliminary and 70cm
Winner: Lily Pett and Snabo Star
Young rider Lily Pett made her mark at the Red Gorilla Combined Training Championships with a commanding win in the Preliminary and 70cm class riding her long-time partner Snabo Star, known at home as Joey. Their superb score of 76.600% in the dressage ring was the best of the section, and a fast clear in 85.56 seconds sealed a well-deserved victory for the 14-year-old rider, with Sarah Edmunds riding I Should Coco IV taking second and Laura Percy with Conobola Cascade in third.
“It was amazing to win the final,” Lily reflected,. “I felt the pressure a bit before the jumping round knowing I was in the lead after dressage, but he was really good and it was a great experience for us both.”
The Championships marked a busy but rewarding weekend for Lily, who also contested several other classes with both Joey and her second ride The Longhouse Blue Pascal (Ash). “Joey’s dressage test was really smooth and he was a pleasure to ride all day, he never put a foot wrong,” she continued, “My highlights were the lap of honour and jumping Ash as she jumped perfectly.”
Alternating between dressage and jumping has been key to their success: “It has positive effects on his way of going as well as keeping his work varied, which means he’s always happy to go into the arena. I think doing both disciplines has helped improve our rhythm, balance and control.”
Behind the scenes, Lily was supported by her parents, with her dad coaching and helping walk courses and her mum managing the ponies. “It was a real team effort, especially as we had four tests and four jumping rounds on the same day,” she said.
Looking ahead, Lily is aiming high for the rest of the season, “we’re off to Aintree for the ACE Arena Eventing Finals at the end of the month. Then over the summer I’m hoping to be selected to represent Wales for the BD Youth Home Nations, as well as riding for my Pony Club.”
Preliminary and 80cm
Winner: Zoe Chipman and Ferdia Laidir
Zoe Chipman realised a long-held dream when she and her own horse Ferdia Laidir topped the Preliminary and 80cm class at the Championships. Scoring 73.478% in the dressage phase, Zoe headed into the showjumping arena full of confidence. Despite an unlucky pole at fence one, they navigated the remainder of the course clear in 90.51 seconds, their dressage score holding them firmly in first place ahead of Lily Pett and Snabo Star in second and Chloe Dunn and Towerhill Shamie in third.
“It meant so much – it was one of my dreams to win at a championship. I’m proud to have achieved this on my own horse too.”
Our dressage test went better than I could ever have wished for,” Zoe said, “we scored 73.478% so I was absolutely buzzing from that moment. I kept checking the results online and to see my name hold the top spot was very exciting.”
Zoe’s journey with Ferdia Laidir began five years ago when she fell for him at just four years old. Bred by Chloe Cashmore, the gelding – nicknamed Magic – caught her eye immediately, “from the first time I rode him I knew he was the horse I should have. We have built the best relationship over the last five years – we are a good team.”
The duo enjoys keeping their training varied: “I love doing dressage with him as he is such a trier and is always so willing. Jumping breaks up his flatwork and they work together well for him.”
Zoe has plans to compete at the Petplan Area Festivals this summer and also intends to become more established at Novice level, with her sights set on returning to Combined Training at Novice. “We’ll keep our training up with Patsy Bartram and our jumping with Sarah Hurley and hopefully share some more amazing achievements together,” she said.
Novice and 80cm
Winner: Joshua Bailey and Noraalfee
Joshua Bailey produced a superb performance to win the Novice and 80cm class aboard his young mare Noraalfee, affectionately known as Diva, after her sire Il Divo. The pair posted a solid 73% in the dressage phase before tackling the showjumping course with confidence, delivering a clear round in a super quick 76.86 seconds to secure the title.
Reflecting on his experience, the Warwickshire-based rider shared how the crowd’s reaction after his test gave him a strong clue they were in contention. “When I completed my test, people around the arena cheered and applauded us – that made me feel like I had ridden a good test,” he recalled. However, the pinnacle of their weekend came in the showjumping arena as the pair cleared the final fence and could no longer be beaten. Describing his reaction in the moment, the 18-year-old said, “the feeling was amazing as I punched the air shouting ‘yes!’”
Joshua’s journey with Diva began just over two years ago and since then they have blossomed as a partnership: “When I got her, she had never seen a pole and was competing at Intro and Prelim level, but she’s such a loveable mare with great character and after hard work and dedication I entered her in the Young Horse class in 2023 where she successfully jumped 1m15 courses. We’ve continued to compete successfully in dressage, showjumping and eventing.”
A key part of their rise has been the support and guidance of their coach, he explained “we’ve worked tirelessly with Kerri Bishop, my trainer, who has believed in me all the way – now our hard work is paying off.”
The BD Summer Regional Championships and the Under 25 Championships are coming up for the young rider and looking to the future, he is determined to follow his passion and aim higher: “My ultimate goal is to ride for my country and I believe this is not an unrealistic goal. I also plan to produce my youngsters in the next couple of years and I’ve been given opportunities to ride other owners’ horses, which I hope to achieve good results with.”
Joining Joshua and the seven-year-old mare on the podium were Sarah-Jane Enston with Flash Victador in second and Charlotte Dorey aboard Deards Silver Bounce in third.
Novice and 90cm
Chloe Dunn and Towerhill Shamie
Having secured their spots as a wildcard, Chloe Dunn and Towerhill Shamie topped the Novice and 90cm class. A dressage score of 71.200% placed them second heading into the jumping phase, where a perfectly timed clear in 94.19 seconds sealed the deal as they climbed into the top spot ahead of Shelley Gristwood and Mr Rainmaker in second and Claire Gregson and Simply Stellar in third.
“I was crying with joy from the moment we realised we had won and then all the way through the presentation,” said Chloe, who couldn’t stop smiling during the emotional mounted prizegiving.
Their qualification this year came via a wildcard, having finished sixth in both classes at Moreton Equestrian Centre in March. “Once we had the news we stepped up our training with my coach Joe Roome as we knew the standard would be high,” said Chloe.
On Saturday, the pair also placed third in the Preliminary and 80 cm class. “He warmed up beautifully, just went a little flat in the heat during the test,” she explained, “Normally he’s quite sharp, so I have to keep everything quiet, but as he was so relaxed and more rideable, I could focus his keenness into a more positive way of going.”
After a successful dressage test, Chloe knew the jumping phase would be a challenge for them: “His showjumping at this height is always his weakest phase so I went with the attitude of what will be will be! As we flew over the last fence I could feel the tears flowing.”
Towerhill Shamie, or Shamie as he’s known at home, has been with Chloe since he was five. Now 13 years old, the Irish gelding is well known for his bold character, “he has always been very sharp and quirky. Everything is always on his terms - he is very opinionated!”
The pair compete regularly in British Dressage, British Eventing and British Showjumping, with Chloe believing the varied calendar helps keep her horses happy and motivated. Previously, they attended the Combined Training Championships in 2023 as part of their preparation for Badminton Grassroots, where they placed second in the Novice/100cm class.
Now preparing for a summer season of dressage and eventing, Chloe is working towards gaining Prelim and Novice qualifications, alongside chasing another regional final ticket for Badminton Grassroots 2026.
Elementary and 80cm
Winner: Julie Middleton-Reid and Lady Jessicka
Defending champions Julie Middleton-Reid and Lady Jessicka, affectionately known as Jessie, returned to the Championships aiming to simply enjoy their day together – yet ended up repeating last year’s success in the Elementary and 80cm class. They secured an excellent score of 72.414% in the dressage and a fantastic clear jumping round in 82.14 seconds.
Julie admitted she was in disbelief to win for a second year running. “I just couldn’t believe it,” she explained, “I didn’t want to put myself under any pressure as that’s when things normally go wrong. The plan was to enjoy my day out with her and just try our best… I hoped we might squeeze into the top 10 but never thought we’d be at the top again.”
This success highlights the strength of their long-standing partnership: “For the past 15 years she has always tried her best for me. The judge wrote that she was a ‘super horse’ and that we did a ‘beautifully presented and harmonious test’, which made me extremely proud that our close partnership was recognised.”
Julie enjoyed her first visit to Weston Lawns commenting, “The stewards and organisers were so friendly and helpful. I loved watching the variety of horses and ponies competing – it was lovely to see so many people genuinely proud of their horses.”
She also credited her strong support team with keeping her calm and focused, whilst her husband Rupert waited ringside with Jessie’s favourite treats. “Jessie expects a Polo as soon as she leaves the arena, so he has to be on standby with a packet for her,” Julie laughed. Having recently moved to Wiltshire, trains with Caron Roberts and Christina Wiederkehr, whilst Ali Dane’s voice was never far from her mind after a test run-through the day before. A final cross-country lesson with Georgie Goss also helped sharpen her eye for a stride during their final preparations.
Looking ahead, her priority is to keep enjoying their partnership. “I just want to enjoy my lovely girl for as long as she enjoys competing,” she said. “We’re practicing our Medium music hoping to go to the Area Festivals and we also hope to return to the Associated Championships – she’ll have moved up an age bracket to the 20 years and over this year.”
Coming in second place behind Julie was Tyler Bradshaw and Gijsbert, with Teri England and Coady Bay Logic completing the top three.
Elementary and 90cm
Winner: Mandy Keen and Jackpot IV
Mandy Keen and former driving horse Jackpot IV, affectionately known as James, claimed the Elementary and 90cm champion title. Posting a strong score of 71.897% in the dressage phase, Mandy then guided James clear around the jumping course in 89.13 seconds.
The win was especially rewarding given James’s background and their journey together. “It is lovely to feel that my special horse has achieved such success – I’ve taken my time to build him up from his previous career as a failed driving horse,” she explained.
Following a 12th place finish in the Elementary and 80 cm class, their victory was a reminder that perseverance does pay off and another class is another chance. Reflecting on the day Mandy said, “After being rather tense in the Elementary 1 so that he couldn’t sort his legs out to canter left and having one fence down in the jumping, I was really delighted with his second test. He made the 90cm jumping feel easy, even when I forgot where I was going!”
Despite not considering herself a natural showjumper, the Hampshire-based rider has embraced Combined Training for the variety it brings. “I think the jumping has really helped develop his strength and he really enjoys it. He was quite scary when I started jumping him as he gave them so much room, but now he gives me confidence – and I’m not a jumping person.”
Behind the scenes, Mandy credits a supportive team: “Sam Kehoe-Coulter came to help and support me. I have really encouraging trainers in Emily Ormerod and Claire Moir and Heather Ashley is always helping me, especially when doing some last-minute riding through the tests.”
Looking ahead, she hopes to continue progressing, as she concluded, “I’m aiming for the Medium Silver Summer Area Festival and hoping to crack our changes and start competing at Advanced Medium. I just love my horse, even if he is a clown at times.”
Following Kirstin in the placings, Abi Jacobs and Auld Flame took second, with Teri England and Coady Bay Logic securing third.
A huge thank you goes to all involved in making the 2025 Red Gorilla Combined Training Championships such a success, from our generous title sponsor Red Gorilla, to the team at Western Lawns and the stewards who kept everything running smoothly throughout the day. Well done to all riders, horses and supporters and congratulations once again to our worthy winners.
Placings - top ten (Dressage%, Jumping Faults, Jumping Time)
Introductory and 60cm
1. Kirstin McMurray and Trailtrow Tianavaig, 70.000%, 0, 100.37
2. Christine Parry and Felton Rioja Red, 73.409%, 8, 88.31
3. Katy Evans and Pancake, 69.091%, 0, 94.93
4. Rachel Littlewood and Volatis Dreamcatcher, 68.636%, 0, 89.74
5. Holly Shann and Weston QT, 70.227%, 4, 81.75
6. Danielle Ward and North Star, 69.773%, 4, 90.61
7. Kirstie Wright and Measevalley Make Me A Star, 69.318%, 4, 93.31
8. Chelsea Dowling and Carpe Diem Z, 67.500%, 0, 84.11
9. Charlie Harper and Quantocks Best Kept Secret, 69.091%, 4, 83.62
10. Emma Askew and Golden Bay, 67.273%, 0, 95.37
Preliminary and 70cm
1. Lily Pett and Snabo Star, 76.600%, 0, 85.56
2. Sarah Edmunds and I Should Coco IV, 74.400%, 0, 93.17
3. Laura Percy and Conobola Cascade, 73.000%, 0, 99.25
4. Christine Parry and Felton Rioja Red, 74.400%, 4, 97.84
5. Amy Small and Crow Donahue, 72.800%, 0, 90.12
6. Philippa Pickard and Richvale Orion, 72.800%, 0, 101.92
7. Amelia Ward and Tireve What's Wanted, 72.600%, 0, 88.06
8. Hollie Cowley and Mullaghmor Romeo, 74.000%, 4, 101.25
9. Rachel Littlewood and PGE Cool Boy, 72.400%, 0, 89.09
10. Lola Snowden and Yamas, 71.800%, 0, 93.42
Preliminary and 80cm
1. Zoe Chipman and Ferdia Laidir, 73.478%, 4, 90.51
2. Lily Pett and Snabo Star, 71.522%, 0, 87.73
3. Chloe Dunn and Towerhill Shamie, 70.435%, 0, 93.19
4. Sarah Batty and Dun and Dusted, 68.696%, 0, 86.12
5. Rose Sucksmith and Perry's Fool, 68.696%, 0, 95.01
6. Deborah Fisher and Woodline Lady, 68.696%, 0, 101.62
7. Archie Evans and Cwmesgair Catatonia, 68.478%, 0, 92.17
8. Emily Dove and Olaf, 68.478%, 0, 94.36
9. Amy Small and Crow Donahue, 68.261%, 0, 87.25
10. Bex Bell and Darling Holmes, 68.261%, 0, 96.87
Novice and 80cm
1. Joshua Bailey and Noraalfee, 73.000%, 0, 76.86
2. Sarah-Jane Enston and Flash Victador, 71.400%, 0, 90.93
3. Charlotte Dorey and Deards Silver Bounce, 71.200%, 0, 90.30
4. Daisy Willmott and Carnabay Jack, 70.200%, 0, 87.80
5. Gabrielle Macdonald and Heatwave V, 70.200%, 0, 99.86
6. Millie Gover and Fürstin Dance, 70.000%, 0, 103.75
7. Kirsty Hume and Angus, Back In Black, 69.400%, 0, 88.31
8. Teri England and Harlow Carr, 70.400%, 4, 95.37
9. Holly Copsey and Columbo IV, 70.200%, 4, 97.06
10. Corey Jones and Burrows Light, 70.000%, 4, 103.81
Novice and 90cm
1. Chloe Dunn and Towerhill Shamie, 71.200%, 0, 94.19
2. Shelley Gristwood and Mr Rainmaker, 71.000%, 0, 85.60
3. Claire Gregson and Simply Stellar, 70.800%, 0, 98.05
4. Bethan-May Greaves and Attyrory Road Runner, 70.600%, 0, 92.17
5. Soph Icke and My Gentleman Jack, 71.000%, 4, 89.91
6. Lewis Simmons and Classic Jester, 69.400%, 0, 98.10
7. Lauren Green and Dalgan Chester, 68.800%, 0, 94.97
8. Holly Copsey and Columbo IV, 71.600%, 8, 96.82
9. Kerry Morgan and Quickasulike, 67.800%, 0, 85.23
10. Daisy Willmott and Carnabay Jack, 67.800%, 0, 87.68
Elementary and 80cm
1. Julie Middleton-Reid and Lady Jessicka, 72.414%, 0, 82.14
2. Tyler Bradshaw and Gijsbert, 71.552%, 0, 101.19
3. Teri England and Coady Bay Logic, 70.690%, 0, 94.61
4. Marie Pope and Party Pop, 70.690%, 0, 94.69
5. Abi Jacobs and Auld Flame, 70.000%, 0, 95.25
6. Alison Jones and Jilleke, 69.655%, 0, 90.14
7. Emma Braben and Sir Twixalot, 69.310%, 4, 93.59
8. Gillian Smith and Ferdinant N, 68.966%, 4, 95.87
9. Michelle Spiers and Billy Corona, 68.966%, 4, 97.67
10. Isabel Lawson and In The Pink, 67.069%, 0, 88.70
Elementary and 90cm
1. Mandy Keen and Jackpot IV, 71.897%, 0, 89.13
2. Abi Jacobs and Auld Flame, 71.379%, 0, 97.12
3. Teri England and Coady Bay Logic, 71.207%, 0, 96.54
4. Tyler Bradshaw and IGOR VIII, 71.897%, 4, 96.96
5. Kate Sanderson and Hillgarth Rachelian, 69.310%, 0, 94.47
6. Susan Buxton and Action Man III, 68.103%, 0, 91.03
7. Claire Gregson and Simply Stellar, 67.931%, 0, 98.19
8. Isabel Lawson and In The Pink, 67.586%, 0, 89.88
9. Zara Brewer and Ballylaffin Ricki, 66.897%, 0, 87.92
10. Marie Pope and Party Pop, 68.103%, 4, 98.98
Photo © Kevin Sparrow Photography
