SOUTH
Laura Green went from Devil’s Horsemen to dressage diva with a stunning 81% score at Bury Farm.
Laura gave up a career as a stunt rider to work for Tom Graham, and Ireldo L, her Hofrat x Calypso five-year-old, is the first horse she’s owned. Their huge score in the silver prelim qualifier bettered their previous affiliated personal best by 15%.
“I bought him as an unbacked three-year-old as I wanted to start doing dressage,” said Laura, who was celebrating her birthday. “He’s a Big Friendly Giant; he’s 17.2 hh and I’m only 5ft 4in. I took him out in January and he rodeoed me out of the arena, but he coped better today. I was completely shocked with our 81% score.”
Astrid Redshaw had a personal best to win the inter I on Belaggio, her 16-year-old Björsell’s Briar gelding, whom she has owned since he was five.
“The test felt fun; we were enjoying ourselves,” said Astrid, who fits competing around caring for her four children but has ambitions to get to the next level.
Melissa Smith won both elementaries at Fairoak with Amy Maris’ Frouwke (Flora), standing in for Amy who was unwell. Flora (United x Negro) scored over 70% in both classes in her first outing of the year.
“The plan is for Amy to qualify her for regionals and do some under-25 competitions as well,” said Melissa. “As Flora gets stronger her transitions are becoming more secure. She’s a talented and athletic mare and a good match for Amy.”