Summer Area Festivals 25: Debut Delight

Ellen Miller and Denise Willox both booked their spot at the Summer Area Festival Championships competing at their first ever Area Festivals in August. Learn more about their experience and what drew them to the series.  

Ellen Miller & Woodlands Bella

Sparsholt College 

At her very first Area Festival Ellen Miller & Woodlands Bella achieved an incredible second place in the Medium Bronze at Sparsholt College (22 – 24 August), with a score of 67.67%. Ellen spoke to us about this great result, “Bella has only been back under saddle for a year after nearly two years living in the field, so it feels like the careful preparation, taking time to build her confidence at home and then in the ring, has really paid off.”  

One of the highlights of their test Ellen explained was that Bella was able to stay relaxed between the white boards, “she has a lot of power that can sometimes turn into tension in the test, so I was pleased that we had managed to keep the energy without tension.” 

Recently coming back into work, Ellen shared more about her lovely bay mare, “Bella is a very talented, genuine horse who is always willing to work so I obviously had high expectations for her but with it being only her 9th outing it was important that she enjoyed the experience” Despite the bigger atmosphere at the Area Festival Ellen told us. “Bella produced a relaxed test, and I know there is still so much more to come from her.” 

Ellen believed that the Area Festivals series was the perfect route for Bella as she began her dressage journey again, sharing with us, “I enjoy competing at areas because it gives less experienced horses like Bella an introduction to a bigger atmosphere with less pressure and I think it will really benefit us as a combination when we progress to bigger shows in the future.”  

15-year-old Bella is described as easy going, with a routine of living out in the field 24/7 with a herd of mares she has grown up with. She is excited and willing to work when she comes in from the field Ellen told us, “When she comes in she switches on her workman like attitude and gives her everything to her work.”  

The duo looks to progress up the levels and Ellen also shared, “I have also just been assessed and classified as a grade IV para rider due to my Erb’s Palsy so I would like to do some para classes and one day ride internationally.” Bella has been an important part of Ellen’s journey, “there are few horses I can ride without it aggravating my disability so now I have found one that doesn’t and is also so talented I would really love to take my competition career as far as I can.”  

Denise Willox and Cwmmeudwy

GDG @ The Cabin  

At GDG @ The Cabins Summer Area Festival (16 – 17 August) Denise Willox and her own Cwmmeudwy won the Preliminary Bronze class with an impressive 70.46%. Reflecting on their amazing achievement Denise told us, “The moment I realised I had won the class was one of the most nerve-wracking but exciting experiences ever.” 

Arriving at their first ever Area Festival with no big expectations at all, Denise dreamed of finishing in the top ten, recounting how it felt when the score was published she shared, “when my score went up, I was so shocked as I was sitting first, but still trying not to get my hopes up as there were still a few scores to come through. I spent the next 20 minutes refreshing the page every couple of minutes waiting for the final scores so come in.” 

But the suspense was all worth it, “my last refresh, all the scores were up, and I was still sitting first! I was so surprised and excited. I didn’t have much time to celebrate as I had to run back to the horse box to put on my show clothes for prize giving!”  

Denise was drawn towards the Area Festival series as it felt like the right next step in her dressage journey she explained, “they’re a chance to ride in a professional environment, in front of three judges, and see where we stand. I couldn’t be prouder of my pony and how hard we have worked.”  

Rosie is a 14.1hh black Welsh Section D, who Denise has owned for two and a half years as her first pony, “at the time she was more for my mum, because I was still a beginner, but I soon started improving and riding her more and more. I originally started out show jumping and even tried a bit of showing, but earlier this year I realised dressage was what I really wanted to focus on.” Leading them to become British Dressage members in April of this year.  

Their journey so far has been incredible, to qualify and then win a very competitive Preliminary Bronze section, Denise described her experience of the day, “It was a little intimidating riding in front of three judges for the first time, but it also made the day feel so important. Everything about the festival was such a new experience for me, from the arena walk, to the tack check steward, it was all completely new and things I’d never even known to exist. And when my name was announced before my test, it made me feel like very professional.”   

Rosie is known for her typical Welsh Pony attitude Denise shared, “she cheeky but very lovable and absolutely adorable. She’s incredibly friendly, and she really tries her heart out for me. She’s been such a big part of my journey in riding, and I feel very lucky to have her. I couldn’t be more grateful to have learnt to ride on such an awesome pony. I love her more than anyone could imagine.” 

Looking ahead, “In the future, I’d love to keep progressing through the levels with Rosie and see how far we can go. My dream is to one day ride at Grand Prix, and Rosie has given me the passion and determination to aim high. I know this is a very big aspiration, but I believe that with hard work it is possible. This Area Festival result has made me even more excited for the future.”