WALES & WEST
Liz Williams added to an impressive tally, winning novice and elementary freestyles with Woodlander Chakka Khan at Kings Equestrian.
“That makes seven firsts and two seconds with two horses, in just over two weeks,” said Liz, who also rides Woodlander District Attorney.
“All three of us love the music classes.”
Liz bought Chakka Khan, who is now nine and nearly 17.2hh, from the Woodlander Stud. The Blue Hors Cavan daughter was a champion filly foal.
“She’s lovely and kind to handle, but when you get on her she turns into a Ferrari,” she said. “No-one expects it, but she’s really up for it!
“She has really developed and is now much stronger,” added Liz, who trains with Michael Eilberg. “The judge came over to tell me how mature she looks.”
Fiona Skipper was a double winner at the Mount Ballan Area Festival, heading the inter I and PSG with Jumping Fox — the horse she received as a birthday present from her husband Sean, three years ago.
“Foxy was at advanced medium then and I’ve had a massive amount of fun with him since,” said Fiona. “He tries his heart out.
“He can be sharp and spooky but our trainer Adam Kemp has taught me to ride him in a different way, by seeing this as a positive and making use of the energy by turning it into power,” added Fiona.
“He does have some arthritis in his joints too, but the vets at Gibbs Marsh Equine have been brilliant at helping me keep it well managed.”