8:50am Friday 26th June 2009
By Jayne Bennett
RIDERS as young as five-years old took advantage of a new 1’6’’ lead rein/assisted class for the first Hunter Trial of 2009 to be held in glorious sunshine at Castle Farm, Wickwar.
Eight-year-old Megan Allen from Oldbury-on-Severn took first place in the new 1’6’’ class, riding Misty, in a time of 13.15 seconds.
Hot on her heels was eight-year-old Jessica Stevens and Buttons, followed by eight-year-old Tilly Dowsing and Mini Frankie, in third.
The 2’3 Total Novice was won by 14-year-old Rebecca Ashton from Cam, riding Fizz, who flew through the timed section in 13.31secs, just 0.22secs faster than Chris Owen on Paddys Pride.
Kelly Tuck from Tortworth came in third with a time of 14 seconds on O.B.
The heat was on in the 2’6 pairs class, with only four pairs going clear. First place went to Holly Bluck and TJ Jagger, riding No Way Jose and Troikas Spirit nearly eight seconds faster than Alice Chandler and Emma Jones on Millfield Dancer and Little Giant.
A further five seconds behind, in third place, came Madison Haney and Anthony Suilters with Barney and Road Runner.
The only other pair to complete the course without penalties were Georgia and Caroline Carrington, riding Huckleberry Finn and Harrisdene into fourth place.
There were 45 riders in the most popular class of the day, the 2’6 Novice, which saw an impressive 27 clears and some super quick times.
Abbie Shackell took the trophy for first place at just 11 years of age, riding Animated Star.
Holly Brooks from Bath was 3.5 seconds behind her riding Hanna through the timed section in a respectable 27.06 seconds, just 0.12 seconds ahead of 13-year-old Jessica Priest from Dursley, riding Whisper.
There were ten clear rounds in the 3’. First place was secured by Linda Phelps from Horfield, riding Oggie on a winning time of 23.5 seconds.
TJ Jagger, in the ribbons again with Troikas Spirit, was second in 27.44 seconds.
Stephanie Pollard, riding Sparticus, finished in third place with a time of 32.18.
First place honours in the 3’6 went to Stephanie Hunter and Lorcan on 25.07 seconds.
Ester Hudson was the only other rider to go clear, riding Solly in a time of 27.45 into second place.
Carola Silvey rode Toreador into third place with a time of 32.87.
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