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4 minute read
Thrilling Weekend of Eventing for The Howden Way riders at Thoresby Park International Eventing Spring Carnival
The first international event of the UK eventing season kicked off in spectacular style at the Thoresby Park Eventing Spring Carnival, delivering a weekend of top-class performances from The Howden Way talented Juniors, Young Riders, Tier 1 athletes, and Young Horse Academy combinations.
Junior Riders Shine in CCI-S 2*
The Howden Way Junior Riders set the tone for the weekend with outstanding performances in the CCI-S 2*. Araminta Spencer-Churchill and her horse, Ned’s Legacy, delivered a flawless double clear, finishing on their dressage score of 32.3 to secure 9th place in a highly competitive field of 88 competitors. This achievement also saw Araminta crowned leading youth rider for the second consecutive year in this class at Thoresby.
Fellow Junior Talent Academy riders also impressed with stellar double clears from Oscar Fitzgerald (Super Cillious), Martha Hall (KBIS Starburst), and Lucy Standish (Mr Cookie Time). This strong start marks an exciting beginning for our Junior squad as they campaign for selection this year.
Tier 1 Athletes Deliver Standout Performances
The Howden Way Tier 1 athletes showcased their skill and determination in the CCI-S 4* and the prestigious Grantham Cup. Tom Woodward delivered an exceptional cross-country round aboard 11-year-old gelding, Shannondale Varsity, securing 9th place in the CCI-S 4* section. Meanwhile, Libby Seed and her Badminton-bound ride, Heartbreaker Star Quality, stormed through Thoresby with a superb double clear, adding only a few time penalties to claim 11th place in the Grantham Cup.
Libby praised the impact of The Howden Way training on her success, stating, “Coaching over technical and up-to-height courses, combined with dressage test run-throughs with top international coaches, has given me the confidence and preparation needed for my spring internationals.”
Further strong performances came from Emma Thomas (The Buzz Factor & Icarus X) and Alice Casburn (Topspin), who both achieved double clears in their respected CCI-S 4* and Advanced sections, continuing their prep run perfectly for Badminton.
Young Riders Make Their Mark in CCI-S 3*
Saturday saw the start of the CCI-S 3*, where The Howden Way Young Riders made a significant impact in their selection campaign. Jasmine Underwood and her mare, Danos Lola, produced a flawless performance, finishing on their dressage score of 29.2 to secure an impressive 5th place in a highly competitive field.
Out of the top 15, our Young Riders secured five positions, with Josha Levett taking 9th and 11th place with double clears on This Ones On You and Huberthus AC. Isabelle Cook (Espoir Landais) finished 13th, while Jemima Howden (Van Kaunitz) jumped double clear to claim 14th place.
Academy riders continued their dominance in the OIu21 section, with Finn Healy taking 2nd place aboard 8-year-old Greannanstown Monbeg Joe. Leading after dressage, Finn’s double clear secured a podium finish despite a few time penalties on the cross-country. Anna Price followed closely behind, finishing 3rd with Blakeney Surprise after another impressive double clear.
Young Horse Academy Stars Impress
The Young Horse Academy’s 8-year-old talent delivered fantastic performances throughout the weekend. Riverstown Royal, owned and ridden by Georgie Frow, clinched 2nd place in Intermediate Section J with faultless jumping rounds. Meanwhile, D. Murray VDL Z (ridden by Tyler Cassells) and FJK Over and Out (ridden by Alicia Wilkinson) put in immaculate double clears in their respective Intermediate sections. Holly Needham’s Ardnacashel Tornado R stepped up to the challenge in the CCI-S 3*, producing a steady and confident double clear.
Junior Talent Academy Continues Winning Streak at Oxstalls
Away from Thoresby, Junior Talent Academy rider Holly Law continued her phenomenal start to the season at Oxstalls. Partnering again with Wishing Time, Holly secured back-to-back wins in the ONu18 section with a stunning dressage score of 26.5 and a flawless double clear. Finishing 8.6 marks ahead of 2nd place, she was the only rider in her section to complete the cross-country course inside the time.
An Exciting Season Ahead
With such an electrifying start to the season, our riders and young horses have demonstrated their immense talent and potential. We look forward to an exciting year ahead as they continue their campaigns for international selection and success.
Congratulations to all The Howden Way athletes for their remarkable performances at Thoresby Park and Oxstalls!
Image: Georgie Frow and Riverstown Royal, credit Athelens