Wymeswold youngster wins European bronze
WYMESWOLD youngster Tabitha Kyle has secured a bronze medal from the Children on Horses European Championships in Zuidwolde, Netherlands and narrowly missed out on making it a double by placing fifth in the individual.
Tabitha (12) was the smallest member of the team jumping on the biggest horse, at around 148cm in height, she could barely see over the fences she took on with her huge 17.2hh horse.
Talking about her big beast named Bart, Tabitha said: “He flies over the fences like a bird, he is kind and really looks after me in these big competitions.
“I am very lucky to ride him! It really was an incredible feeling to stand on the podium with my team mates.”
As part of GBR Team NAF Children on Horses, Tabitha already had two clear rounds under her belt and was determined to deliver a third clear to maintain a clean sheet. Belying her young age and being the pathfinder for GB, she jumped with great accuracy and maturity to duly deliver that much desired third clear, helping Britain finish in the bronze medal position.
Under the guidance of Chef d’Equipe Clare Whitaker, the whole team of five girls, Tabitha Kyle (12), Amelie Gachoud (14), Chloe Lemieux (13), Aimee Jones (14) and Phoebe Farman (13) fought hard to finish on the podium and were the only British show jumping team to come home with a medal from the Europeans.
Tabitha and Grennanstown Sarco Lux Hill also finished fifth in the individual medals. She was the highest placed British rider and just missed out on a podium spot by one pole.
Glennanstown Sarco Lux Hill who is called Bart in his stable is an Irish bred, 9 year old gelding, loaned by International show jumper and neighbour Holly Smith and owned by Gordon and Sue Hall.
Parents, Mark and Tanya Kyle who are based at Queenholme Equestrian in Wymeswold, have an illustrious eventing career behind them, dad Mark represented Ireland in the 2004, 2012, and 2016 Olympics for eventing.
Fresh from her success in the Netherlands for GBR Team NAF Children on Horses, Tabitha Kyle headed north with her ponies, this time to the Harbro Scottish Home Pony.
From Thursday (July 18) to Sunday (July 21) the Scottish National Equestrian Centre hosted individuals and teams from Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland all competing for the top honours and the elusive Horse of the Year Show qualifications.
She not only won Leading Rider but qualified three more of her ponies for the Horse of the Year Show in October, Mister Proper, Orchids Vienna and Nightgirl Van Het Sonnisshof Z , bringing her tally to eight Horse of the Year Show rides.
With barely time to stop off home in Wymeswold, she is en route from Scotland to Sussex to compete at The Longines Royal International Horse Show, Hickstead, in the hope of lifting one of the Championship trophies at the illustrious show ground this week.