Festival Focus - Beacons Equestrian
We were off to Wales for the next Area Festival at Beacons Equestrian, 29 – 30 July. Over the two days riders rode down the centre line with smiles on their faces to show off their wonderful partnerships.
Petplan’s picks!
Winner of the Elementary Bronze, Abigail Williams and Ekko Dolce Vita with 66.62% found the Area Festival a lovely goal to aim for after over the lats year. Originally starting her life as Broodmare, Abigail broke her in and was going to sell her but, “The more I worked with her and understood her, the more I fell in love with her and decided I couldn’t part ways.” Abigail was an event rider at the time and didn’t have interest in dressage until the pair became a partnership.
Talking about Mango, as she’s known at home, “She’s such an intelligent and sensitive mare that really offers 110% when you ask the right questions. It’s been hard to keep her going alongside studying full time at university, but she gave me the motivation to keep going!” Their outing at Beacons made Abigail proud of how far they have come in such a short space of time, “The test itself wasn’t our best as in the run up we had a few issues in the rein back, but overall, her transitions were much smoother. She kept a level head and I got to do my first test sitting!”
They are keen to keep improving together, “Whilst there are definitely bits to improve on, which what makes her such an exciting horse to have, I’m proud of the experiences we’ve had together.” It was an unexpected win but are looking forward to the championships with their support team, “We wouldn’t be where we are at all without the unwavering support from my family and my coach Brendan Tegg as well as support from sponsors and the team at home that make going to the Area Festivals feasible.”
Abigail talks highly of the Area Festivals, as it offers a year-round pathway, “I think it’s also a very encouraging way to get less advanced riders to bigger shows, get more experience under their belt and have something to work towards.” They now have their sights on Medium but are just happy competing and training together, “I absolutely love schooling horses and being able to develop and improve as a rider every day, it’s what keeps me in the saddle.”
Amy Forster-Smith is speechless after winning the Advanced Medium Bronze on her mare Kimberley SHR, “Honestly just hoping I’m not going to wake up and it’s all a dream.” The eight year old is no stranger to the Area Festivals, having competed in the series since Elementary. “I owe her everything, always consistently amazing, I am so lucky to have her,” Amy said on social media. Coming out of their test with a smile on their faces, they were pleased to have won and are heading back to the championships in October.
It was a double win for Zoe Livermore and Doylan Ffatal Attraction in the Prelim and Novice Bronze, talking on social media Zoe said “I’m so unbelievably proud of this gorgeous superstar saint of a pony. He’s super consistent, super easy to compete and train, I’m very lucky to have him and I’m over the moon we’ve won this class.” Only starting their Area Festival journey this year, they have already attended the Petplan Equine Winter Area Festival Championships with only a few shows under their belt.
Kown at home as Arthur, Zoe was over the moon to win the two classes, “Weekends like this don’t come around very often, so I’m going to savour every moment of it!” The eight year old gelding is a home-bred who Zoe has trained with the help of Jenna Capel.
Beacons Equestrian Winners
Petplan Equine Preliminary Bronze
Zoe Livermore and Doylan Ffatal Attraction, 69.38 %
Petplan Equine Preliminary Silver
Rebecca Gilbert and Dylan XII, 66.04 %
Petplan Equine Novice Bronze
Zoe Livermore and Doylan Ffatal Attraction, 67.85 %
Petplan Equine Novice Silver
Sophie Lawson and Llanarth Magestic, 70.63 %
Petplan Equine Elementary Bronze
Abigail Williams and Ekko Dolce Vita, 66.62 %
Petplan Equine Elementary Silver
Madison Louise Dalley and Google II, 68.48 %
Petplan Equine Medium Bronze
Madison Louise Dalley and Google II, 69.41 %
Petplan Equine Medium Silver
Tracy - Anne Ormrod and Damocles LL, 67.70 %
Petplan Equine Advanced Medium Bronze
Amy Foster-Smith and Kimberley SHR, 68.55 %
Petplan Equine Advanced Medium Silver
Bryony Jones and Northcliff Fairoak NE, 65.04 %
Petplan Equine Prix St Georges Bronze
Carolyn Jayne Taylor and Curban B, 63.58 %
Petplan Equine Prix St Georges Silver
Iona Pearson and Rokket, 63.43 %
Petplan Equine Intermediate I Bronze
Iona Pearson and Rokket, 65.34 %