Equestrian: More than 400 riders descended on Wiltshire College Lackham this week for the fourth British Eventing horse trials to be held at the picturesque venue.
The event, held on Tuesday and Wednesday, saw plenty of up and coming riders competing, but also some renowned names from the equestrian world, including William Fox-Pitt, Sam Griffiths and Zara Phillips.
Entrants competed in dressage, show jumping and cross country, with riders from across the country and of many different nationalities bringing their younger and less experienced horses to this Intro and Pre-Novice event.
Australian star Griffiths, who came third at Badminton a little over a week ago, said: “This is a lovely venue and absolutely ideal for my young horse.
“The ground is perfect, there is plenty of open space and not too much noise, which all help with the inexperienced horses.
“At this level, it is so important to give the horse plenty of confidence and that’s exactly what this venue affords.” Griffiths, who had a good ride on his one-year-old horse Deanes San Ciro Hit, finished with a score of 40.0, which he was pleased with.
“I really hope that the event continues in following years as I would definitely like to come again,” he said.
On Tuesday, Izzy Taylor won the BE100 section A on Kbis Starchaser with a score of 28.0, with Alicia Hawker winning the B section with a score of 25.5 on Abbotts Murphy’s Law.
Abigail Barnes won section C on Wisla with 31.4, while Karen Nicholas triumphed in section D on Volta with the same score.
In section E, Stella Baylis finished in pole position on Mister Bojangles II, with a score of 30.5.
On Wednesday, Minette Butters won section F on Bereford Opposition with a score of 28.50, while Alice Simon was victorious in section G with 27.50, on Codex.
In section H, Frankie Price was the winner on Silvano with 33.40, while section I went to Char Burkey on Domino Dancer with 31.00.
In section J, Elaine Wilson triumphed on horse JJ with 25.00, while Dauntsey’s Beanie Sturgis won section K on Pole Dancer with 26.00.
Zara Phillips finished 10th in section I on Young Smoke with 38.00, and 14th in section J on Petition with 34.50.
Phillips was impressed with the event and said: “It was my first time here and it was great to come down. I was due to go to France but I decided to come here instead at the last minute.
“It was excellent for my two horses. It was the first time my second horse (Petition) has finished.”
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