NORTH -WEST
Jess Ashwell’s 19-year-old Sueste II showed his younger rivals a clean pair of heels.
The Lusitano stallion was overall winner of the elementary 45 at Tushingham Arena before finishing third by one mark in the 53. Jess bought the horse two years ago from her boss Tori Peter, who bought him from Portugal and competed him in working equitation, including with the British team in Sardinia.
“Tori sold him back to Portugal, bought him back again and then I ended up buying him,” explained Jess. “He’s my first proper horse and my first Lusitano. Having had him, I can’t imagine having any other breed.”
Jess trains with Tori, as does Demi Green, winner of the prelim 19 riding Cilsane Cadno on her British Dressage (BD) debut.
Some of last year’s Area Festivals ran with disappointing numbers, but this year the opposite is the case and the Aintree show featured entries in the high 20s in some sections.
To Clare Senior’s delight, her Poppy’s Grace won the bronze section. Clare, an NHS ward sister, bought the coloured thoroughbred/cob mare off the Fells in the Lake District as an unhandled yearling.
“She has no official recorded breeding, but is allegedly from the same family as eventer Get Smart,” said Clare, whose eye was caught by the youngster among the herd.
Soaring temperatures sapped energy of both horses and riders.
“I was at 7.30pm, which was in my favour, and had my secret weapon, daughter Katie, with me to help,” added Clare. “She’s come with me right from a small child and makes a massive difference.”