SOUTH-WEST

A FORMER showjumper who swapped disciplines after being spotted by Anna Ross scored a double at Kingston Maurward. Amy Francis headed the novice scoreboard twice on Frances and Mark Castle’s six-year-old Queen Of Clouds, by Quidam De Revel.

“She was bought as a showjumper from Julian Mincher for Flora Castle to ride, but Anna suggested I try some tests on her as I school Flora’s horses on the flat,” said Amy.

“She has a big, powerful canter and is lovely to ride. I school her two or three times a week and Mark keeps her fit.”

Elizabeth Little headed both prelims at Stockland Lovell on Jane Organ’s home-bred Arctic Whizzle, by Tinsley Faerie

Legend, at the five-year-old’s first competition.

“I originally backed him and we decided to affiliate after a training session with Sue Petty. But he’s 17hh and is still wobbly in the arena,” said Elizabeth, who runs a livery yard on Exmoor.

Olivia Robertson, 21, won both novices on Lizzie Provenzano’s 15-year-old eventer, Fine Feathers, whom she has had on loan since February.

“She looks after me across country as I’m only competing at BE90 level, but I love dressage so hopefully we can try for the south-west BYRDS [British

Young Riders Dressage Scheme] team next year,” said Olivia, who is trained by Karen Whiston and is studying business and event management at the University of the West of

England.