SOUTH-WEST
Paula Dent scored a novice freestyle win at her first attempt with her pure-bred Lusitano.
“Zagalote has such a comfortable canter that it’s like sitting on a feather bed,” said Paula, who rode to a Dire Straits compilation.
Based at Tall Trees near Callington, Paula, who is trained by Helen Edmonds, bought the Moscatel 13-year-old last year.
“He was cut just before I had him and was a bit hot initially. He’d never done dressage before, but is so keen to learn,” said Paula.
Jessica Kenyon headed the novice 38 bronze qualifier at Half Moon Stud with her 11-year-old Twix’s Affaere, by Ben’s Affaere.
“He’s been quite challenging and we tried to event, but dressage suits him much better,” said Jessica.
Trained by Frances Turner, Jessica, from Sherborne, helps young people with emotional problems through working with horses.
“When people are outside their comfort zone dealing with animals, they also have to cope with their own emotions at the same time,” said Jessica.
“Training horses helped me grow as a person and now I’m helping people, who might not be in mainstream education or who have mental health issues, do the same thing.”
Jenny Lo-Vel headed the novice 39 and elementary 43 bronze section at Stretcholt Farm with the Countess of Clarendon’s home-bred Holywell Cavaliere Classic, by Classic Juan.
Trained by Tina Daems, Jenny has her sights set on Badminton Mitsubishi Motors Cup qualification with the six-year-old after the Summerhouse regionals.