SOUTH-WEST
Charlie Sawyer won the novice 38 at Kingston Maurward on FLS Silhouette’s first outing since having kissing spine surgery last year.
“Her owner, Lucy Nelson, did all the early rehabilitation work and then she came to me in April,” said Charlie of the nine-year-old Showmaker-sired mare.
“Her canter was the most affected by the surgery and we have done lots of ‘little and often’ work with her to help her strengthen and find her balance. Maintaining the topline over her spine will also help in the long term.
“She lacked confidence in her first test, but was much more on my side the next time.”
Maria Cooper and her 14-year-old mare, Dewelza, took a break from competing this year after their towing vehicle was unfortunately written off, but were back on good form to win both medium classes at Bicton College.
“I lost a bit of enthusiasm after the Petplan finals as she got so tense and I felt like I was carrying her around. I had a lesson with Hayley WatsonGreaves recently and she has rejuvenated my passion,” said Teignmouth-based Maria.
“The cold and fresh weather also suits Dewelza and she has a little bit more sparkle in her work.”
Saddler Lindsey Cheffings headed both preliminary gold sections at Bicton College with Jackie Stokes’ 15.2hh part-Arab, Bonoparte, by Bernwode Brokat.
“I have him on loan and the plan is for us to event. I’m really lucky that Alice Peternell and Clare Sansom teach me at 7am before I go to work,” said Lindsey.