A rider on a veteran triumphs on a surprise competitive outing at Keysoe.
Karen Griffin posted more than 76% on the 19-year-old Just Believe — “an absolute dream horse” — originally purchased 10 years ago for Karen’s youngest daughter to do Pony Club activities with. He then went on to a successful career with Karen, including the 2012 nationals.
“Three years ago, my middle daughter, Danielle Waller, took over. She won the prelim 15 silver at Keysoe and, as I went along that day, I decided I’d enter the novice freestyle and ride to our old nationals music,” explained Karen, who is a full-time midwifery sister. “I hadn’t ridden to this music for years, nor practised in any way, so I went wrong as soon as I started. I had to improvise the entire trot part. I was worried I wouldn’t walk at the right time and place, but the judge actually commended our ‘inventive use of the arena’,” said Karen, who credited longterm trainer Ami McLean for the horse’s transformation.
Emma Jablonski was on form at Sheepgate, where she collected four plus-70% novice wins on the five-year-old Higgens Van De Uilenhoek. The instructor and equine body worker bought the KWPN gelding by Connaisseur as a just-backed three-year-old. She has now qualified at both novice and elementary.
Emma, who trains with Rhett Bird, also picked up two inter II wins on Cor IV Z (by Chellano Z), whom she has owned since he was an unbacked youngster. He will be the first horse she has trained to grand prix — her aim for next season.