Festival Focus - Addington

Addington Equestrian kicked off the 2024 Petplan Winter Area Festivals, with this venue back in the dressage calendar riders made their way excitedly to try and earn their place back there, in April for the Championships.

Petplan’s picks! 

Competitive amateur, Rebecca Mccreath balances riding with her full time job of Managing Director of an event agency. Buying the ten year old I can Try (own as Inca) five years ago, Rebecca fells they were made for each other, “she’s my absolute horse of a life time.” The pair used to compete in eventing but after a rotational fall at the end of last season they decided to focus on the two disciplines separately through the winter.

Their aim is to still get back out on the cross country field but for now they’re celebrating their second place in the Novice Bronze. “The area festival was a great experience and I was delighted with how she went,” Rebecca told us. Focusing on their consistency in the medium work in run up to the Area Festivals, “It really paid off on the day, getting a couple of 8’s.”

“We joined British dressage in October and set our goal as getting to an area festival. I can’t believe we have managed to qualify for the championships!”

They’re now going to focus on some show jumping practice alongside the dressage, before heading to the Championships in the spring. “We were back at Addington the following weekend, where she jumped a lovely double clear in the 1.10 so fingers crossed! As for dressage, maybe I’ll look at what else we can aim for, as we’re really enjoying it and it’s certainly helping our jumping too.”

Winners in the Elementary Silver, Charlotte Fogel and Royal William, who have been together for two years topped the podium with 71.57%. The 13 year old Oldenburg gelding has only been between the white boards since 2022 where they started at Novice. “it’s been a fantastic journey with William, he has taught me so much and really tries his heart out for me.” Charlotte stated.

This will be their second Championships after heading to Arena UK last summer, but it’ll be their first time to a Winter Championship. “It’s always a bit of a challenge with the weather but we’ve had a consistent training plan and this time it’s paid off.” Now aiming for Elementary music in the summer as well as moving up a level to Medium.

Young rider Rose Punchard has only been riding for three years, starting BD two years ago at Quest she has made her way up the levels to Elementary. Attending the Summer Area Festival Championships last year aboard Spot Awole, they were third in the Novice Bronze Freestyle. This time at Addington they were third again with 69.26%, being placed the highest U21 in the class.

“I train twice a week with Jane Critchley and ride most days. Nemo (Spot Awole) came from an eventing background and he is absolutely amazing!” Talking about their test Rose has this to say, “It really well, all of the test was lovely but my favourite part was the last centre line, when Nemo looked like he was saying “I’m here, I’ve done my test to the best! Come on Rose!””

Rose has big dreams and hopes to tick some of them off this year, heading to her first High Profile to ride in the Children on Horses class. “We’re going to go and do our best and learn from our first COH test together.” They have also moved up to B Squad this year and hopes to apply for the Foundation Academy.

Addington Winners  
  
Petplan Winter Preliminary Bronze 

Olivia Knowles and Cloherview Albi, 71.81 %

Sophie Bellamy and Drumnaconnell Goody Bag, 73.13 %

Petplan Winter Preliminary Silver 

Ben Stockley and Oakfields Kings Ginger, 69.79 %             
  
Petplan Winter Novice Bronze  

Caroline Saunders and TGI AB Initio, 68.82%

Petplan Winter Novice Silver  

Jill Fiona Bransby and Hardi Van Het Vijverhof, 72.36 %
 
Petplan Winter Elementary Bronze  

Beth Ault and Toberpatrick Ben, 69.41 %
  
Petplan Winter Elementary Silver   

Charlotte Fogel and Royal William, 71.57 %
 
Petplan Winter Medium Bronze  

Lucy Gasston and Joyful Spring, 69.66 %
  
Petplan Winter Medium Silver  

Craig Messenger and Treliver La Creme, 68.14 %
  
Petplan Winter Advanced Medium Bronze  

Jenna Roddy and Tim II, 68.85 %               
 
Petplan Winter Advanced Medium Silver  

Sophia Marston and Solitaire II, 68.12 %

Petplan Winter Prix St Georges Bronze 

Sophia Marston and E-Mail, 67.60 %       
 
Petplan Winter Prix St Georges Silver 

Laura Green and Ireldo L, 64.95 %
 
Petplan Equine Intermediate I Bronze  

Sara Squires and Laetitius C, 71.03 %      
 
Petplan Equine Intermediate I Silver

Lauren Lavender and Fantastic Khan, 64.22 %