2003 British Championships

For the last time this year we travelled to Lanark for the final compettion of the year, the 2003 British Championships. Bowler and Tiny came off the lorry very happy to see the race track and quite fancied a canter round it.

The Team competition was over two days and the EVS and Bowler put in solid compulsories, much better than earlier in the year, I was pleased with the improvement here. The freestyle unfortunately didn't go so well and both days saw mistakes. The SEVT put in a faultless performance and were worthy winners.

The Individuals looked really sharp, Liz, Sarah and Lucy put in really good compulsories. Liz and Sarah's freestyles were almost foot perfect on their old favourite Bowler who was as always foot perfect for them. Lucy missed a few of her moves - too much eventing and not enough vaulting ( or was it that holiday in Ibiza? ) anyway all three got over 7. Liz on 7.5 and Sarah on 7.4 not bad considering they had all started back at Uni. The fourth Individual on Bowler was Becky Walsh who is showing real promise and gained a very respectful mark of 6.2 and picked up the highest placed non International Vaulter rosette.

Tiny took four Individual Vaulters all out of the Team, including Ricky Davies into second place behind Philip. She also took Sarah Reid ( thanks for the beautiful purple rosette Sarah! ) in the Junior Individual Class.

Tiny carried a Fun Team on Saturday made up with Flexi Flyers and new EVS Vaulters. To our amazement they won ! Well done Gemma for putting it together and looking after the group. Tiny also carried one of our newest vaulters Stephanie to fourth place in a very large Fun Inidividual Class.

The star of the show had to be Bowler who picked up Best Individual Horse trophy for the 5th time and also Best Team Horse. This is the first time that a Horse has won both trophies at the Championships. He also collected further marks of 8 and 8.5 to add to his collection.

The squad all had a wonderful time, grateful thanks to the organisers. Massive thanks to the Saddlers company and to Liz Watson for winning me a very much needed Bridle. To all the sponsors for the lovely prizes and rosettes. The Collecting ring stewards ( Judy and Jane ) who made my life very easy with getting the horses in and out. Tony for our transport and apologies for not being able to stay behind for prize giving but I think my squad made enough noise!

Here's looking forward to next year.

Summary of Results