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4 minute read
Promising performances in The Howden Way 6yo & 7yo classes at Wellington
The Howden Way Young Horse classes were hosted by Wellington International Horse Trials this bank holiday weekend, with six- and seven-year-old titles on offer. These age classes give riders a platform to showcase their talented young event horses in a competitive but educational environment.
Becky Heappey takes the 6yo title aboard Orenzo
Friday saw the younger of the two sections get under way, and it was Becky Heappey who took the six-year-old victory on Orenzo, finishing on their dressage score of 23.5.
The six-year-old, by Chapeau out of Avita V, has enjoyed a consistent season, starting off by building confidence in the BE100 classes earlier in the season, then stepping up to Novice. They also won the 6yo title at Upton House earlier in the season.
Becky was pleased with their performance and commented; “I was absolutely thrilled with Orenzo. He’s been very consistent all season and he was again today. His next and probably final run is at Cornbury in the six-year-old championships and I feel like the course at Wellington today set us up quite nicely for that. There’s a bit more atmosphere here which he hasn’t seen before. He’s a super talented little horse, and I’m thrilled with his win today!”
Second place went to Tarka Abraham with Ace Figaro on a score of 23.7, while third was awarded to Flora Harris riding Toubalou C on 28.5.
Francois Heyns leads the 7yo section
Victory in the seven-year-old class went to Francois Heyns with LS Top Boy, finishing on their dressage score of 30.5.
The gelding, by Craigsteel out of Carrigbawn Lindy, began his season with Francois at Novice level with some good placings. They then took third place in the 7yo class at Tweseldown after a strong performance.
Francois was pleased with his day and stated; “Jerry (as he’s known at home) actually came to us in his 5yr old year due to having some significant behavioural problems. He did his first event as a 5yr old and although the dressage and showjumping phases have been challenging along the way, he has always been a very naturally talented cross-country horse.
“He has been improving constantly and did a decent test today. The showjumping track being flowing and in a big open space really suited him and he jumped the best he ever has. We will run him at Cornbury in the 7yr old championship and then look towards a winter of showjumping. Massive thank you to the team at Wellington and all sponsors involved.”
Runner-up spot went to Tom McEwen and Brookfield Danny de Muze with a score of 32.4, while Hector Payne completed the top three with King Carisma on 36.8.
The series, supported by The Howden Way, is an ideal opportunity for riders to expose their up-and-coming eventers to the atmosphere of bigger venues, while competing against other horses of the same age. The classes offer recognition for the highest performing horses in these classes.
The Young Horse classes take place throughout the spring and summer in some of BE’s most stunning venues with the 6-year-old classes running at novice level, and the 7-year-old classes running at intermediate level. The top three in each class receive an additional £250, £150, £100 respectively on top of the prize money already generated and awarded by the prize money calculator.
For dates of the young horse classes this year, please click here
Alongside these classes, the performance of young horses competing with British Eventing is acknowledged within The Howden Way Young Horse Leagues which can be found here. There are four leagues which cover the ages of 5 years, 6 years, 7 years and then the ages of 8 & 9 combined. The leagues display the average of a horse’s three best finishing scores via a Power Based Average score which highlights the ability to repeatedly finish on a low score.
The 2025 Young Horse Championships take place at Cornbury House Horse Trials in Oxfordshire between 11-14 September. The classes will also benefit those aiming their young horses at the FEI World Breeding Championships at Le Lion d’Angers, which hosts a CCI2*-L World Championship for six-year-olds and a CCI3*-L World Championship for seven-year-olds. Horses identified at the Cornbury House Young Horse Championships are invited to The Howden Way Development Days, and if selected, invited to join The Howden Way Young Horse Academy for the following year.
More details of which can be found here: www.thehowdenway.com/yha
Images: Becky Heappey and Orenzo, winner of the 6yo class (photo credit Charlotte Bury)