Whyte returns with victory
Aswanley, Aberdeenshire
HANNAH WHYTE made her return to competitive action after having a baby a winning one, when she triumphed in BE80(T) section H aboard Dowhills Mr Harvey.
“I had my daughter Poppy by caesarean in May, so only started riding again about a month ago. This is my first competition since Aswanley last year,” explained Hannah. “I was so nervous and wasn’t sure how I would feel, but he was brilliant and I’m shocked and overwhelmed to win.”
Hannah and the 11-year-old thoroughbred/Arab completed on their dressage score, one of two combinations to achieve the feat in this section, to finish over a penalty ahead of Emma Taylor on Glynebourne Elliot.
Another rider to achieve success following a break from the sport was Sophie McKen, who occupied top spot in BE90 section B aboard Blackwater
Andy, eight years after her previous eventing competition.
“I’ve missed the adrenalin and excitement of eventing, but my current horse doesn’t enjoy the jumping so we stick to dressage,” revealed Sophie, who has been riding Blackwater Andy for six weeks while his owner Carol Kyle is away supporting her husband in a cycling event.
“I’m thrilled to bits to have done so well and am so grateful to Carol for giving me the chance to ride him.”
Erica Tait piloted her partner
of 12 years, Mister Athlone, into first place in BE80(T) section I to make their seven-hour journey from Orkney worthwhile.
“I can’t believe it, I’m really chuffed,” said the oil fuel chemist. “I got him when he was seven and he has seen me through Pony Club, university and travelling. We have a great partnership — winning is a bonus.”
Robert Clunas was on his way back home when he received a message from a friend telling him he had won BE90 section D with Dash Of Class.
“I was horrifically embarrassed. I never dreamt we would have won as she’s not normally a red ribbon girl,” said Robert of “Tiny”, a 14-year-old mare.
“Her owner died of cancer and her husband didn’t know what to do with his wife’s horses, so a mutual friend took some of them and passed one of them my way.”
Tiny arrived with Robert at the age of nine having only previously been shown in-hand.
“I thought I would break her and sell her on, but I fell in love with her. All her mistakes are my mistakes, but we have fun and she’s been getting consistently better this year.”
This was the last running of Aswanley under organiser
Pam Ingleby, who has been at the helm for 19 years, but Pam is hopeful that the event will take place under new management in due course.