No long faces after girls enjoy successful event
THERE was success for two young riders from Thurlaston during an equestrian extravaganza held at Stoneleigh Park.
Connie Mensley and Cleo Loizzo claimed the Countrywide Junior 65cm and 105cm titles at the SEIB Trailblazers National Championships.
The event took place between July 29 and August 6 and was the culmination of the hard work put in by amateur riders who have qualified through two rounds of competition at more than 65 venues throughout the UK.
Connie Mensley, seven, is a pupil at Ratcliffe College Prep School and has been riding her pony, Rhonan, for a year.
She said: “He has a huge personality and lots of attitude which makes him exciting to ride. We make a great partnership because we both love jumping.”
Connie posted a winning round in the Countrywide Junior 65cm Championship. Connie’s main goal is to ride at the Horse of the Year Show.
Cleo Loizzo, 13, a pupil at Our Lady’s Convent School was riding her pony of two and a half years, Pippin.
The pair clinched victory in the Countrywide Junior 105cm Championship.
Cleo said: “Pippin is a bay Irish cob mare who just loves eating and jumping, we call her The Tank. Together we enjoy all Pony Club activities, including cross country and team chasing. Last year we won the 95cm championship at the Trailblazers Championships, so we were thrilled to win the 105cm this year.”
The Trailblazers Master Class in the park continued this year after its successful introduction in 2015. Competitors and their supporters enjoyed a dressage master class with leading event and dressage rider Ruth Edge and during the jumping championships, Hickstead Derby winner Trevor Breen shared some of his winning techniques with an enthusiastic audience.
With no registration fees for horse or rider, Trailblazers is increasingly popular across the country. Classes at the championships include showing, dressage, show jumping and combined training.
First round qualifying competitions are already underway for the 2017 Trailblazers National Championships.
To find out more about the range of classes available and qualifying dates and venues please visit, www. trailblazerschampionships. com. For the latest news and updates, visit the Facebook page.