NORTH
A new way of riding produces plus-70% scores for Isobel Mannings.
Isobel and her 12-year-old Landolin were garnering low to mid-60% scores until her trainer suggested new tactics to help improve his way of going.
“He’s a big horse and feels long, so I used to ride him on a shortish contact,” said Isobel, who trains with Helen Barrett. “Helen said he was becoming short and looked stiff, so she dared me to let his nose out and ride him to a longer contact. It was a revelation, and improved my scores hugely.”
Isobel won both novices at Manor Grange with plus-70% scores and will contest the upcoming Area Festival with renewed confidence.
“I bought him before I went to university so didn’t get the opportunity to compete for years, but since I graduated, I’ve enjoyed doing dressage,” said Isobel.
Helen Bosanquet-To returned to competition at Northallerton after nearly two years away having her baby Gabriel and won both novices on Lorbass, also on plus70% scores.
Helen evented Lorbass when he was a five-year-old, but sent him to her dressage trainer Amanda ‘Manny’ Blundell while she was pregnant.
“Manny did a wonderful job with him, and came with me to Northallerton. I got eight for impulsion in the second test which made me smile — now I have to get a proper plan together for our dressage career.”
Helen found Lorbass, who is by Lissaro Van De Helle out of a thoroughbred mare, in Germany as a yearling.
“I worked in London, and then did a masters degree but was desperate to come home and get back into horses. I mainly produce my mother’s home-breds, but Lorbass is very special,” she added.