It was third time lucky for Ri Alto and Sara Garvie who won a PSG at Bury Farm after training in Germany.
SOUTH The Croft, Berks | Bury Farm, Bucks | Fairoak Grange, Berks
Sara, a finance director, took a two-year career break in Germany training with Jonny Hilberath, the German national team co-trainer.
“As someone who came to riding later in life, I wanted to take the opportunity to learn to ride better while I still could,” explained Sara. “Jonny focuses on teaching you to ride the basics really well.
“‘Rio’ has only ever competed about twice a year and this was his third PSG. I hadn’t competed for three years before this April, so lots more ring experience is needed for us both.
“He did a really consistent test and I now need to work on reproducing the work he does at home in the arena.”
Canadian international rider Jade Deter won an elementary at Fairoak Grange with Gill Woods’ Revenue and an advanced medium with her own Karisma Van Het Genelaar at Fairoak.
Jade bought Karisma, a Negro seven-year-old, last September.
“She has a great mind to work with and I think she’s definitely a grand prix prospect,” said Jade.
Christel Caderius Van Veen’s Baltimore Van Kairos won both elementary and medium freestyles at The Croft. The 11-year-old 00 Seven gelding danced his way to victory to the themes from
Strictly Come Dancing and Sex and the City.
“He did a massive spook leaving the warm-up, which would usually mean he would lose focus, but he came back to me and worked really well,” said Christel.