SOUTH-EAST

Lee-Anne Baily and Sandro’s Star produced polished mediums to earn best-yet scores of plus-70%.

“I have two great trainers who complement each other,” said LeeAnne, who was complimented on her accuracy by judge Margaret Drewe. “Leslie Whipps focuses on perfect accuracy and Leanne Wall helps me with ‘Poppy’s’ way of going.”

She added: “Poppy is very forward and it has taken a long time for her to respond to a half-halt. We’ve been working on getting her to release in the poll and neck and she can now take the weight back and respects the aid.”

At Blue Barn, the Plot Blue x Nabab De Reve stallion Hotblue made a 70.62% winning novice debut under Charlotte Tappenden.

Charlotte competed her own stallion Bravado up to grand prix. Now 18, he has retired and is enjoying some jumping while Charlotte has been asked to teach Hotblue changes by his owner Debbie Wonstall.

Charlotte said: “Hotblue is six this year and is going to be aimed at a showjumping career with Kent-based rider Pippa Goddard. It turns out he’s pretty good at dressage, too. He has a lovely balanced canter and we scored eights for both give and retakes.”

Amy Nix and Expensive Pleasure scored a 72.3% personal best elementary freestyle at Cobham Manor. Amy has owned the sharp Ampere x Jazz nineyear-old for three years.

“I spent a long time developing our partnership before competing him,” she said. “He can suffer from tension, but when he’s supple, he works beautifully. He finds music calming and is always easier to ride in freestyles.”