Summer Area Festivals 25: Fantastic Freestyles

Onley Grounds Equestrian and Bury Farm Equestrian Village saw some fantastic Freestyle performances. Riders showcased impressive skill and creativity, making for an exciting competition.

Laura Fowler & Veronica Bunnie © KB Photography 

Onley Grounds Equestrian  

On their first attempt at a freestyle class at an Area Festival, Laura Fowler and her own Veronica Bunnie won the Novice Freestyle Silver with a wonderful score of 71.57%. The impressive results continued at Onley Grounds Equestrian (14 – 17 August) with a second place in the Novice Silver with 70.00%.  

Laura shared with us how she feels looking back on the incredible results, “It's amazing, I'm really proud of what we achieved.” Not expecting those scores when leaving the arena, Laura explained, “it was quite warm so Bunnie felt a little flat, but she did two clean sweet tests, and I thoroughly enjoyed both!”  

The music classes gave Laura the freedom to express Bunnies character in front of the judges, “I think the music brings out her personality, we wanted it to feel like a party and hopefully we've picked songs anyone watching would enjoy.” Laura explained to us why she enjoyed the opportunity to do a freestyle class, “it's great to be able to show off your strengths and feel like we can change things as we go. It always puts a smile on my face and we've had a lot of spectators say how much they enjoyed it, and Bunnie does too! She has definitely learnt her music very quickly, and she loves when her medium canter comes up.”  

Only owning the sweet 14hh mare since last October, the duo have had outstanding results between the white boards since, “we quickly got some scores to try the Winter Area Festivals, and went with no expectations at all, but she managed to win and qualify for the Winter Championships where she won the U21 Prelim Silver class. It was the most amazing experience, and she just keeps getting better!”  
 
Laura told us more about the 11-year-old bay, “she's a real sweetheart, and we are hoping we can also get out eventing next year. It's been great to focus on the dressage and we are hoping to keep going up the levels as she loves training and she's very intelligent. She also loves pears, which we could luckily buy from the cafe at Onley!” 

The combination has been competing in the Area Festival series since they joined as British Dressage members, Laura described it as, “it's a lovely way to progress up the levels and always a goal to attend them. It's been a great way for us to gain experience together and we hope to keep progressing as far as we can at the Area Festivals!”  

Charlotte Hilliard & Bandit VII

Bury Farm Equestrian Village  

At Bury Farm Equestrian Village Summer Area Festival (24 – 26 August) Charlotte Hilliard and Bandit VII achieved two great results with a third place in the Novice Freestyle Bronze with 69.17% and fifth in the Novice Bronze with 66.83%.  

Upon reflection, Charlotte told us “It was our first time at an Area Festival for freestyle, so I was excited and nervous. I was very happy with my test as Bandit managed all our harder movements which I wasn’t expecting.” Although Charlotte explained she was emotional leaving the arena, “I was worried that I was not in time to the music as I struggled to hear it. But Bandit tried so hard for me and he felt great!”  

The music classes provide an opportunity for riders to play to their horse's strengths Charlotte explained, “our freestyle allows Bandit and I to focus on parts that we love doing and showing them off to music that we love! Which my trainer, international para rider Alice Begg, helped to create and organise!”  

Owning the Piebald gelding almost eleven years now, Charlotte and Bandit have an amazing bond, “I got Bandit just before I was 16 as a rising 4-year-old. I backed him myself and we learnt everything together. We have done a bit of everything together but only focused on dressage for the last 4 years.” Charlotte shared, “Bandit is a very sweet at home, loves his food and treats. His favourite being anything banana flavoured!” 

Charlotte shared with us what she has enjoyed the most about the series, “the Area Festivals has given us the chance to have a go at competing at higher standards and showing that any breed of horse can give it a go and do well!” Looking forwards, Bandit is going to be continuing with his training and getting ready as the combination aim to get their qualification scores for the Winter season.