FOXHOLM Livery Yard runs a Summer Dressage series each year. The monthly competitions start in March with the final in September.

Points are awarded for placings from 1st to 7th.

The Junior and Senior competitors with the highest points at each level receive a Championship rosette, sash and trophy. The reserve Champions also receive a Championship rosette and trophy. All the Champions also receive a free dressage training session with Deborah Carr-Davidson, who is a British Dressage Judge and Competitor.

The two arenas are carefully prepared each month with white boards and flowers in the competition arena, by Deborah’s husband Colin.

The team at the yard includes stewards, Jo Rickards and Julie Tippey, who ensure that everything runs smoothly and competitors feel at ease, with test readers on hand if needed.

Judges are carefully selected each month to ensure that they are experienced but also encouraging to less experienced competitors. The competitions are known as very friendly and well run, perfect for first timers and those moving up to a new level.

Catering is provided by Marjorie Hoggarth, who competitors quote as having ‘the best bacon and sausage buns in the area.’

The Intro classes have been hotly contested throughout the series. A perfect test for less experienced horses/riders. The Junior Champion Jessica Wood, was a clear winner, holding her own against senior riders. Her grey pony, Clonboo Meelick (stable name Rupert) is 9 years old. Jessica’s 12th Birthday fell on the day of the August Competition. She did not want to miss competing on that day, so rode both tests on the morning before her party in the afternoon. Foxholm provided Jessica with a surprise card, birthday cake and bunting. Her Mum also gave her a special Birthday rosette; however, she excelled the day by gaining 1st and 2nd overall in the two tests, beating many of the adults.

The Senior Intro Champion was Samantha Gladstone on RSPCA Tegan. Sam adopted Tegan six months ago, just backed by the RSPCA. She is a stunning coloured mare, five or six years old and around 14.3hh. The mare has a lovely temperament and Sam has been training her with the help of Deborah. They are now working up to Prelim level and Sam has registered her to compete at British Dressage affiliated competitions.

The reserve Champion at Intro Level was 16 year old Megan Ferguson on her 10 year old mare Celtic Jewel, aka Pearl. Megan has owned Pearl for 5 years, she intends to now progress to Prelim level and also plans to BS Show Jump next year.

The clear Prelim Champion was April Morris riding Rockstar. ‘Rocky’ is a 7 year old Palomino Arab cross Welsh Cob. April’s Mum bought him when the previous owner found him too much to handle. April has progressed from Intro classes last year, after taking regular training lessons with Deborah Carr-Davidson. The pair were very consistent throughout the summer, placed in every class they competed. April plans to work Rocky up to Novice level over the winter. In the meantime she will also start to compete her four year Welsh Section C gelding.

It was a close thing for the Reserve Champions. Last year’s Intro Champions, Amy Houlding and Harriet were unable to compete at the September competition, as Amy had a bad fall from another horse and fractured her spine. Harriet is an 8 year old Appaloosa who has not always been an easy horse for Amy over the two years she has owned her. Close on her heels was Susan Grecian and her 7 year old Friesian cross Dales mare Shayna. After losing her previous horse, Sue bought Shayna unbroken, two years ago and thanks her trainer Anneli Davidson for help in bringing her on. After the final competition Susan and Amy ended with the same number of points so became joint Reserve Champions. Luckily Amy was well enough to attend for the presentation – although disappointed she was unable to ride Harriet.

Junior Prelim Champions were last year’s Intro Champions – Emily Inglis and Gucci. Emily is 14 years old. Gucci is a 12 year old Friesian cross cob, who was originally used for driving. Emily has successfully moved up to Prelim and now Novice level, since last year. She trains with Deborah and Anneli Davidson. The pair affiliated with British Dressage this year and qualified for the Area Festival and the Sheepgate under 21s Championship. Emily and Gucci were also the Pick a Test Junior Champions.

The Senior Pick a Test Champions, for the second year running, was Wendy Hanley and her mare Willow. Willow is an Irish Draught cross Thoroughbred and in her earlier years was not an easy horse. Wendy’s patience and determination has paid off and Willow is now able to produce an obedient Novice and Elementary test. They even competed at a Medium level test in the September competition. Wendy and Willow also won the music freestyle class in August – showing off Willow’s flying changes, which she also displayed in their lap of honour.

The highest placed livery competitor was Julie Tippey and her attractive bay ex-racehorse Annie B. Relatively new to dressage they have successfully progressed from Intro to Prelim level over the series.

Due to popular demand, Foxholm Livery Yard will hold competitions from October to December. The December competition will also run a freestyle to music class and there is optional Christmas fancy dress for all competitors.