Graepel finds a Smart partner
PENNY GRAEPEL, a prelim and bronze novice winner with Be Smart at Lluest EC, Ceredigion (30 July), has been bitten by the dressage bug in her mid-fifties, writes Andrea Oakes.
“I inherited Be Smart when my daughter Emily started university and I’ve since been training twice a week with Brendan Tegg,” said Penny, who stopped riding in her early twenties when her career and family took priority. “She’s an ultra-sensitive mare who needs a far more advanced rider than me, but Brendan has been very patient and things are finally coming together.
“This was our first novice,” added Penny, a senior manager in local government. “I’m enjoying it so much that I’m giving up work in December to get a second horse and devote more time to dressage.”
Susan Chant and Pascal Mc Coy headed the novice freestyle with 75% at Summerhouse EC, Glos (29 July).
“I’ve had a hip replacement, so I didn’t want anything sharp or naughty,” said Susan, who bought the 11-year-old gelding a year ago. “Pascal is levelheaded and rideable, especially since I moved him to a yard with turnout. Hiring transport can be expensive for just one test, but this time it was well worth it.”
At Burrows Court Farm, Glos (27 July), Jane McWilliam achieved a pleasing 71.83% in the advanced medium freestyle with her Inspekteur gelding Veloseti.
“He’s more engaged and supple due to plenty of canter pirouette work, which has really improved the overall picture,” said Jane, who is based with Dan Greenwood. “When I pluck up the courage, we’ll try PSG.”