Age is no barrier

MATURE riders were leading the way this week, proving age is no detriment to competition success, reports Helen Scott.

Philippa Graves won the novice qualifier and an elementary at Richmond EC, North Yorks (30 July), heading well-supported classes with her eight-year-old Hanoverian mare Elaine.

Philippa, who describes herself as a “fully mature rider”, has just come back to competition after two major operations and breaking her arm. The mare has also had a wind operation.

“I love Hanoverians and went to Westoak stud to look at horses three years ago. I told them I wanted a small horse as I still want to be riding when I’m 70, and I don’t want to fall too far!” she said.

“I found Elaine, who is by Elroon out of a Weltmeyer mare. Unfortunately, since I bought her, I’ve had to have time off. She’s a typical chestnut mare and was quite hot but now we’re forging a partnership and having fun.”

Philippa, who admits to suffering from nerves, is trained by Ian Brown.

Brenda Pamplin has also just returned to competition at the age of 62 after an accident that broke her hip (see box, above). She and her new partner Revaldo (Ronnie) won three mediums at Manor Grange Stud, West Yorks (31 July).

Esme Kaiser holds down two jobs and has three children, but with the help of her parents, Carol and Joe, is embarking on a dressage career with her opinionated mare Ontarion Gold. They won both novices at Yorkshire Dressage, South Yorks (31 July).

“I’ve done 12 months of hard work at home with her and we are just beginning to click. She’s sparky at home, but quiet when competing, but this time I managed to harness that spirit,” she said.