Spring Festival Finals

The Spring Festival Finals, England and Wales

Held at Addington again this year, this Championships brings together the best of the Pony Club across England and Wales in Show Jumping, Dressage and Arena Eventing. The competition this year was of a very high standard, and we were thrilled to have so many of our members qualified.

Show Jumping – 70cm, 80cm and 90cm individuals

Zoe opened the show for Flamstead in the indoor arena in the 80cm – normally our absolute bankers; Tom was just not happy today and sadly Zoe had to retire.

The following day in the outside arena in the 70cm, Nicole rode a splendid double clear with a breathtaking turn after the first fence inside to the 2nd fence.

Sadly, Hugo had 4 faults in the second round jump off after a lovely first round clear on Tom.

Despite a fast and skilful ride, Nicole landed just outside the rosettes in 13th place.  In a class of 100 riders, the best pony club partnerships from England and Wales she showed excellent class!

Zoe then had the dubious pleasure of not just opening the show but closing it too on Monday in the outdoor arena for the 90cm. It was touch and go whether she was going to compete, but Tom was looking much happier outdoors, so they gave it a shot. Unfortunately, a very crowded warm up arena meant they weren’t able to properly warm up and this proved decisive for Tom, whose weekend it just wasn’t to be this time. But we know this pair are absolute superstars and will bounce back from the disappointment to delight us all another day.

Show Jumping – 100 and 110 teams

With Josie withdrawing due to injury, we headed into Saturday evening with just 3 riders in the 110. It was certainly highs and lows for Flamstead as Millie’s horse, Poppy, sadly was unwell and Federica’s horse took a violent dislike to the rainbow jump into the café corner, meaning we were eliminated as a team. But Maya and Kadi were absolutely FLYING. After 3 incredible clear rounds, they were awarded Reserve Champions! What an incredible achievement!

The following morning, Federica kindly returned to take Millie’s spot in the 100 team – on paper the line-up of Maya, Molly B and Federica looked super strong, but this competition and its dramas were not over and none of the girls had their best rounds. However, they did all post a score and was enough to win them a very pretty 10^th place team rosette. Well done girls, we’re proud of you and the way you conducted yourselves in a very sportsmanlike way despite the disappointment. We would also like to send our love and best wishes to Poppy for a swift recovery.

Arena Eventing – 80cm team

We had an 80cm arena eventing team of Sienna, Zoe and Jemima H flying the Flamstead flag.  The course was proving technical and tough for all competitors with tricky lines, skinnies and a big Joker fence as the last fence, and faults were being clocked up by many.  Our fab three gave it a good crack, Sienna rode a lovely round and rode fantastic lines to her fences, with only one unfortunate run out.  Jemima also rode a very controlled, thoughtful round with only one fence causing faults.  Tom, Zoe’s pony was not as keen today, but she rode her socks off to complete her round and was complimented by the judge on such determined and skilful riding.  The team came 7th overall! Well done girls! 👏

Dressage – Intermediate Team

Really proud of the intermediate team for immaculate turnout and three splendid tests.

All riders and ponies showed excellent skills.

Megan did an exceptional job keeping Betty relaxed and going beautifully.

Sienna was excellent as always, with Sasha & Boris really stepping up to the challenge showing exactly how they deserved his place at the finals.

The girls came away with team 5th  from a competitive championship of pony club dressage divas from across England and Wales.

Dressage to Music

We also had Frank competing in the direct entry Novice Dressage to Music. What a fabulous class this was with Frank and Roy dancing their way down the centre line for an absolutely superb 7th place out of 23. This event also is available as a direct entry at the JCB Pony Club Championships in August, and we urge anyone interested to speak to Juliet H and /or Rosie H – there may even be a team option this year!

Thank you to all the competitors, parents, Team Managers and our super coaches, Georgie, Tash and Laragh for their support.