Despite forgetting to salute, Gill Keating and Ryamber She’s Bizarre won both elementaries at Warren Farm.

“I was so pleased with her that, as I halted at the end of my first test, I flung my arms around her neck and gave her a hug,” said Gill, who remembered the normal order of actions for the second test. “Two more points and we’ll have qualified for the winter regionals.”

Gill bought the Bazaars Exclusive x Fire Rocket mare as a foal with the intention of eventing her.

“We did a few events last year, but I had a fall schooling her, hurt my back and it gradually got worse,” explained Gill. “So, for the time being, I’ve decided to stick to dressage.”

Alex Watson and Capital B secured both prelims at Crow Wood EC. The 11-year-old Tangelo gelding was bought from Janet and Andrew Mizon, who own Northcote Stud.

“I worked for them at the time,” explained Alex. “This horse hadn’t really grown and I ended up buying him.”

Alex affiliated the gelding in April of this year and they have qualified for the upcoming Area Festival finals.

Nick Bigland won both novice and medium freestyles at Myerscough Arena. The former came with his own Dark Diamond, a seven-year-old Don Crusader gelding, and the latter with Lisa

Cooper’s Backchat, who also finished second in the advanced medium freestyle qualifier.

“I realised the end of the music qualifying period was approaching and thought I’d better get out and compete,” said Nick, who trains with Ulrik Molgaard.

‘I was so pleased that I flung my arms round her neck and gave

her a hug’

GILL KEATING