Shows

 The AQHA Special Event/Clinic held March 6/7 was attendended by a few enthusistic competitors.  The Green and Walk Jog classes kindly sponsored by Val Nalbantian gave some first time horse and rider combinations a chance to try the classes out.  The clinic was attended by 8 people and Torsten Haier worked them through their Trail obstacles and there was a tremendous improvment when they re ran their pattern at the end of Sunday.  Results and score sheets are available on the results page.

INTERNATIONAL SHOW JULY 2009
Results and Score Sheets for International Show on Results page.

 Once again the Garden of England  International Show was a resounding success. Following hot on the heels of a very successful FEQHA Youth European Cup, as soon as the youth started to vacate their stalls to head back across the Channel, the next 118 International Show competitors were arriving.

The indoor arena with its new, and very orange, surface had more than proved its durability during the European Cup classes and it was decided that, subject to weather, the reining would be held indoors and all other classes out. That worked very well until Friday when it decided to rain, so the show quickly moved indoors for the morning and then as the weather improved the rail classes went back outside. Everyone seemed happy with this except perhaps for Jonathan Vine-Hall.who whilst on course and half way through a Western Riding pattern was visited by a  B52 bomber,flying very low and straight up the arena. Apparently the plane was low enough that the pilot's blue eyes could be seen by the Judges!  Jonathan, a regular and successful competitor may have frightened his opposition in to hiring the said bomber, but we have not yet found the culprit who arranged the fly over at the exact right time!!!
 
International competitors from France, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland. Austria, South Africa and Mexico were represented, as well as our own British riders.  The competition was fierce in all classes and Chris Dalton, hot from his successes in the Youth Euro Cup, showed many of the adult competitors a clean pair of heels in some of the Open classes.
 
The CRI with 20 entries, judged by Lyle Jackson, was won by Doug Allen with Jacs Little Sunrise scoring a 71.5 with Lee Rutter on Lita Pocock’s Santa Cruz Whiz in second place scoring 70.5. Three horses tied for 3rd Pierre Barret and Julien Legrand from France and Francesca Sternberg with Smart A Little, who then went on to be a leading light with Francesca’s daughter Tabitha in the Small Fry classes.
 
The Open Reining classes were small but full of quality, with even one of the judges thanking us for inviting him to come and judge a Reining of such a high standard. The Oakridge Quarter Horse's $2000 added Lawson was won on the by Rudi Kronsteiner on Marco Franchini’s AB Lay Topsaillena with a score of 149, in joint second were Rudi again with Fabrizio Bevilaqua’s Star Spangled Whiz and Doug Allen on Jacs Little Sunrise both scoring 147.5 The $5000 added Lawson in show 2 was thrilling to watch Rudi scored an amazing winning 153 with Star Spangled Whiz and took second with Chic N Roost with 150.5. Doug and Jac were the last to go, they entered the arena as though the devil was on their tail showing the arena’s capabilities with a first stop that brought a gasp from all who saw it they scored a 149 to take 3rd place.
 
9 horses contested show 1’s Non Pro $2000 added Lawson which was won by Marc Verstappen on AJ Dunnit Smart with a score of 144. Tammy Greaves and her palomino stallion Jac Wonders Who was close behind scoring 143 and in 3rd place Francesca Sternberg also with her palomino stallion Just Gotta Shine with a score of 142, who then went on to take 4 Grand Championships in Halter. Show 2’s Collins Jewellers $3000 added Non Pro Lawson again had 9 horses competing. Francesca and Inwhizable Juan and Tammy with Jac Wonders Who tied for 1st with scores of 145.5 and agreed not to run off after a week of hard work for their horses. Andrea Castrucci from Italy was 3rd with MRH Chisum scoring 145.
 
The NSBA classes, which grow in popularity each year, were held in the outdoor arena. On Saturday the Open and Non Pro Hunter under Saddle were won by Val Nalbantian and her elegant grey mare Absolutelycaptivating with 2nd place being taken by Jane Wallace’s handsome black 3 year old Make Me Invited in the Open ridden by Tanya Rowe and in the Non Pro by Jane herself.  The Western Pleasure was also able to be held outside on the Sunday as the rain threatened but held off for the classes. Carrie Coles gelding Cee Ed Zip won both the Oakridge Quarter Horse's Open and The Non Pro class which was  kindly sponsored by the Nalbantian family. The horse was ridden in the Open by Jessica March and by Carrie in the Non Pro. In the Open 2nd was taken by Lee Rutter riding Mike Adams Kay Cee Dene and 3rd place went to Alan Payne and This Sheiks Blazing. In the Non Pro second went to one of our International visitors Nicole Fuhrmann and Zips Radical Cuties and 3rd to Annie Gravett riding Hotrods and Harleys. The standard of these Hunter and Pleasure horses in the NSBA classes was exceptional and it was a joy to watch horses and riders of this calibre.
 
The Small Fry classes, always the hardest fought classes of the show, were hotly contested by 8 young ladies with the honours shared amongst them. The preparation before these classes and the concentration on their faces far out did the Open and Non Pro reining competitors.
 
The Circuit Awards were well spread out.
Open and Youth All Around HiPoint Chris Dalton and Hesa Classy Shadow
Amateur Nicole Furhmann and Zips Radical Cutie
Novice Amateur (sponsored by East Coast Circuit) Henrietta Campbell with Best Chex Yet
Open Halter Stallion Caroline Barnes Smart n Spooky Nic
Amateur Halter Stallion Waralee Mr Montana owned by Douglas McGuire
Open and Amateur Halter Gelding Annie Gravetts Hotrods and Harleys
Open Halter Mare Adrian Brazier Whatta Fancy Blace
Amateur Halter Mare Mike Adams Kay Cee Dene
Showmanship Tammy Greaves with Zip in Harmony
Huntseat Equitation and Trail Cee Ed Zip owned by Carrie Coles
Hunter Under Saddle Jane Wallace’s Make Me Invited
Western Pleasure and Horsemanship Chris Dalton and Hesa Classy Shadow
Western Riding Evelyn Dash Arabis King Bee
There was a special Reining Award, an elegant NRHA watch that was presented to the rider with their best 2 horses hi point scores and this went to Lee Rutter riding Lita Pocock’s Customs Remedy and Santa Cruz Whiz.
 
The show started at 12.30 on Wednesday and finished at 7 pm on the Sunday evening. A BBQ and dance, to a live band on the Saturday night, gave everyone time to let their hair down. The Sponsor’s enjoyed tea, while watching the high quality reining on Sunday afternoon. Sir Donald Sinden, who has become a regular visitor after performing our Arena opening ceremony last year, brought members of his family to introduce them to the joys of the Western Riding scene. The new surface proved to be a hit with all the reiners and showed its capabilities with some outstanding stops from the top riders, reflected by the high scores given. It is always a hard decision to make as to whether to run the rail classes indoors on such a fantastic surface or give them the chance to be seen outside against one of the most beautiful backdrops of any horse show in the world. The photographer, Dirk Buttner, insists that his outdoor photos of this show are the best and most photogenic of the year!  The video live streaming was provided by RH Video and allowed people world wide to watch the show from the comfort of their own computers, with back number lists and daily results posted on the website the only thing missing to those not able to be there was the atmosphere!
 
Once again this show would not have been possible without the hard work of officials and helpers. Our 4 judges Lyle Jackson from Canada, Sylvia Katschker -Austria, Rick Lemay - Sweden and Jan Boogaerts from Belgium. Our tireless ring stewards Mick Carder and David Lloyd, who spend more hours on their feet during these shows than anyone. Rosie Coles, who religiously sorts and presents, along with our Sponsors, the ribbons and awards. Emma Cawte, John and Abby Ayles, Dawn Berndt, Chris Valle and Terri Rogers who all dutifully manned and organised the collecting ring and gate, making sure all competitors were there  in time for their classes and ready at the gate. Simon Barnes and Jan Holmes who were in charge of stable management, man management (excluding Jane who is impossible to manage in any way or form) and who ensured that the show moved along in a timely manner made sure that it seemed that everything ran like clock work, even when it didn't!   Boris Kook who not only commentated excellently but sorted the scoring and resulting of the reining and NSBA classes. The Sterling barn staff who arranged stables and the supply of bedding and hay and were also on hand to lay out and clear way the arenas after trail and western riding. Michael for raking and watering the arenas (when Doug would let him near the new indoor surface). Jane Muir for being her usual grumpy self in the show office. Mary Lepla for all her hard work in the lead up to the show organising travel, accommodation, health papers, export licences and a million and one other things that no one else thinks about. Mary then sadly missed the show as she underwent a gruelling seven hour operation whilst everyone else was at the show enjoying themselves, as a result of all her hard work. Francesca and Doug for allowing everyone to invade their home and barns and arenas to have the best horse show in the country.
 
Finally a big thank you to all our Sponsors, without who it would not be possible to run a show of this level and quality. We, the Show Management, truly appreciate your generosity in these most difficult financial times. We hope to welcome you all back next year, as well as all our competitors, and are  looking  forward to meeting  and greeting new faces and horses in 2010.
 
Photographers website www.artnlight.de

2009 WINTER SERIES 2 

21st Febuary dawned to a beutiful sunny day in fact it was warmer in the outside arena than the inside one.  A  small but select group competed for the honors and as we finished reasonably early Alain started the clinic with the video reviewing on the Saturday afternoon. Once again the feedback from the clinic was excellent and we received many requests to bring Alain Kronshagen back for more. He was entertained on the Staurday evening by Penny and Sally so we are not too sure if he would accept another invitation!  Once again our thanks to all helpers, Simon Barnes commentating, Rosie Coles doing the rosettes, Roma Phillimore for scribing, Rick Peters for the videoing (apart from the disasterous hour when Jane took over) and the Sterling Quarter horse crew for making everyone welcome.

 2009 WINTER SERIES 1

15 horses and their riders along with long suffering partners braved a cold but bright day for our first 2009 show.  We were able to have a run of 10 stables dow the side of the arena so even if the humans went out the horses were able to stay under cover.  All runs were video'd with the people on the clinic fully aware that a reveiew of the videos would be part of the following days activities.  There were some very worried faces by the end of the day!  Doug Allen kept a watchful eye on all procedings ready to pass comment the following day. Adam Heaton did an excellent judging job and managed to get through proceedings with only one tie. Our newest Rookie Terri Rogers set us off being our only Green as Grass entry for the day, staying on pattern and marking a repectable score  and improved herself on each run. She even won NRHA earnings at her first show.  The clinic format of critiquing the videos and then sending everyone back out to run again also once more videod and reviewed has proved an excellent format. We have received excellent feedback and comments were made on the vast improvement of the riders and also on how happier the horses seemed during their performance.  The next 2 clinics will run on the same format.  Our thanks go to Simon Barnes for his excellent commentating, Rick Peters as our cameraman, Rosie Coles for her help with the rosettes and the staff at Sterling Quater Horses for making sure everything ran smoothly and making the competitors so welcome.  Don from Western Boot & Saddles was in attendance with his extensive stock and we have to thank him for his generous sponsorship of the added moneies.

2008 AUTUMN SHOW

A small enthusiastic group arrived at The Garden of England Showground at Bodiam to participate in the first show to be held totally in the new indoor arena. We all had to scrape ice off our windscreens before we could get started.  The arena surface rode extremely well and was well suited for both the Pleasure and Reining and the venue will be a great asset especially in the light of the atrocious weather that shows have had to contend with this year.

A special event in Pleasure and Trail was held on the Saturday with Doug Allen judging. Rosie Coles bit the bullet and with borrowed boots and Stetson climbed on board her daughters horse Cee  Ed Zip. This was the first time Rosie had ridden Bear and the first time she had been on a horse in 4 years.  Amateur competitors beware Rosie went and won the class and is raring to go next season.

The Junior & Senior Trail classes were combined to make a hotly contested 6 horse All Ages Trail. This was narrowly won by Terrie Heid Brazier and Docs Summer Sky, beating husband Adrian and Whatta Fancy Blaze by half a point. This was sufficient for Sky to achieve her Superior in Trail, I think if he had beaten her it would have been acceptable grounds for divorce. This was the culmination of an historic season for Terrie and Sky. At The East Coast Show earlier this year they achieved their Superior All Around which is winning 50 All Around Titles and at the final show of the year they won their 50th point to earn a Superior in Trail.

On the Sunday there was no frost but about an inch of rain fell. The arena was shortened by 3 bays to give a warm up area still leaving a huge arena to ride in. Mark How judged small but close fought classes.  Horses, competitors and spectators were well covered along the side of the arena and Rachel set up her Speciality Coffee Stand along side the arena so there was no reason for anyone to get wet. The secretary even dragged herself from a warm office and set herself up ringside to avoid competitors (and herself) from having to go out in the rain. Dry access the coffee stall being a high priority

THE GARDEN OF ENGLAND INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF WESTERN RIDING 2008

With lashings of sunshine, and the most fabulous horses and riders from across the globe competing for some of the best prize money available, the show could not fail to be a success! 14 Nations were represented with horses and riders from as far a field as Spain, Australia and South Africa but also with a strong British contingent holding its own.

The first class of the show, The FEI CRI had a large entry of 25 from across Europe, all vying for places, either on their teams for this September’s FEI World Championships or the FEI Masters to be held in OKC , at The Futurity Show, this December. The first four riders will certainly be competing for their respective countries in Mannerbio. Bernard Fonck of Belgium led the way with Rieky Young from Holland 2nd and then two of the British Team riders Doug Allen and Francesca Sternberg coming in 3rd and 4th. Judging by the standard of the runs the FEI World Championships will be a competition to watch!

The Category 1 Reining classes were dominated by the two NRHA World Champions present, Rudi Kronstiener in the Open and Cira Baeck in the Non Pro. These two outstanding riders took home the honours in their divisions and improved their lead in the European Reining Challenge, a circuit made up from four shows held in Italy, Switzerland, Britain and Germany. Rudi posted a score of 227.5 the highest score seen in Britain so far.

The NSBA spectators were treated to impeccable performances by the Jagfeld family, leading German Western Pleasure horse trainers who scooped up the tittles in the Open divisions in both Hunter and Pleasure classes. In the Non Pro Division local rider, Annie Gravett, took the blue ribbon and trophy in the Non Pro NSBA aboard the very consistent Hotrods and Harleys.

However, a “Prize for everyone” was the motto of the show, with classes offered for all the AQHA disciplines as well as for the newly started and the very young! In the AQHA the Amateur and Novice divisions were well supported with good results for experienced trail competitor Evelyn Dash, Clare Bowler with the Red Hot Zip Code in the Nov Amateur classes and Tammy Greaves showing her prowess in the Showmanship and Horsemanship. The standard of the youth classes was extremely high and the race was on for selection to next years Youth Euro Cup, which will be hosted at Bodiam. Jessie Leach, Chloe Nalbantian, Lilly Fry, Betty Edwards and Luke Phillimore battled it out for team places with victories going to all of them in various events. In the 10 and under classes there was fierce competition for the trophies with Tabitha Sternberg Allen taking a victory in the Showmanship and Isobel Le Pla proving her versatility across the board. Fiona Howard was awarded a medal for achievement for placing in every event and Ruth Leach was awarded a medal for Endeavour, as she was with out a doubt the smallest competitor showing one of the largest horses. These young riders are already a force to be reckoned with and make the future most exciting.

The show heralded the opening on the new Indoor arena, the largest one of its kind in Britain. Crowds were treated to an entertaining opening speech and ribbon cutting ceremony, by the veteran actor Sir Donald Sinden, and sponsors were invited inside the mezzanine level to enjoy a Mexican cocktail evening. With help yourself "Margueritas", to sup whilst watching the incredible Open class taking place below, a festive spirit soon ensued!. Amongst the large number of spectators present during the weekend was the Honorary President Michael Schumacher and Britain's Rugby hero and commentator Brian Moore, both of whom professed to enjoying the event very much.

Overall the show managed to cater for every level of Western and Quarter Horse enthusiast, whilst showcasing the best of the best. The show is now firmly on the European and World calendar and looks set for another record breaking event next year. The Show committee would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that helped Steward, manage gates, supply endless paperwork, fill out health papers, serve drinks and in general prop up Jane and Francesca. We couldn't do it without you! We hope that you will all come back next year. Rest assured we are already working on the 2009 show!

THE 2008 SPRING SHOW

The Spring Shows were  held on June 28/29 after having been postponed from the end of May. Dagmar Zenker of Germany was our judge and is the first judge to be in our new indoor arena.  This show gave people the opportunity to ride in the indoor arena and the feed back was excellent.  As usual with Dagmar judging the rain held off and 2 full slates of NRHA and BR Shows were well supported. Many thanks to our stalwart helpers Mary Le Pla for keeping us all in order, Jan Holmes Scribe, Sally conned to do the gate (as usual), Rosanne Sternberg and Simon Barnes for commentating, John Greaves doing his excellent Car Park Monitor job  and Jane Muir for working through the usual mound of paperwork. Excellent food was produced by Jen March and the Saturday evening paella by Annie Gravett. Results and score sheets can be found on the Results page.