Showjumping Highlights
Two riders clinch glory on talented Connemaras, and a mare returns from serious injury to be among qualifier winners around the country
ELSPETH VON SPONECK collected her first Blue Chip ticket when she delivered the fastest of 10 double clears on Fenrose Magic Moon to win the Pikeur pony winter novice. Although she has owned the 10-year-old Connemara since February, she was unable to ride for three months as Talland, where she is a livery, was closed during lockdown. She has since wasted no time in forming a winning partnership with the gelding, whom she shares with her brother.
“‘Shadow’ had never really done BS [British Showjumping] before we got him. He was an event pony, but he’s taken to showjumping much better than to dressage,” said Elspeth, who trains at Talland with Raunaq Anand.
“It was difficult during lockdown but we managed to pick up where we left off and we’ve had a few wins over the summer. He can jump off any stride and turn wherever you want him to – he’s also quite good at saving you.”
Lois Pearce has also struck a rich vein of form with her 12-yearold Connemara eventer-turned-show-jumper Raindancer III, heading the Voltaire Design pony winter sapphire.
The 14-year-old rider has owned the gelding since May 2019, and in their past 10 classes they have secured nine placings: six wins, two seconds and a third.
“He wasn’t registered BS when we bought him but showjumping is more Lois’s passion,” said her mother Victoria. “We weren’t sure originally if he’d be careful enough, but it all seems to have clicked now.”
“He can jump off any stride”
ELSPETH VON SPONECK ON FENROSE MAGIC MOON