The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Steph and Bulwark Bay cap super season
Monymusk rider Steph Slater triumphed at The Cabin Equestrian Centre’s two-day Showing Extravaganza.
Riding the 17.2hh Clydesdale Bulwark Bay, aka “Sam”, for owner Sam Winn, Steph rode out in style by first taking the working hunter class and then the overall working hunter championship on the Saturday.
The Sunday saw Steph and Bulwark Bay win their Coloured Horse and Pony Society (CHAPS) class, the ridden Clydesdale class and later the overall ridden championship.
“He is one of the most genuine horses I have ever sat on. He is such a trier and has the heart of a lion. He has proved how versatile he can be and never says no. We have had an incredible show season and I can’t wait to see what next season will bring,” said Steph.
Steph – who is soon to be working at Ardene Vets – juggles a day job with horses including riding, breaking and schooling services from her north-east home.
Sam was purchased as an unbacked three-yearold from George Skinner of Strathorn to be a happy hacker.
And since Steph took over the ride they have competed in Coloured classes.
Steph said: “We picked up a respectable 9th place out of 18 in a very strong HOYS qualifier and at New Deer Show we picked up first and went on to be Coloured Champion.
“Turriff Show was probably the most successful show of the year – we won the large ridden CHAPS class, went on to take the Coloured Championship and to top it all off we picked up Overall Ridden Supreme of Turriff Show. Sam, his owner, was in tears.
“We were at Blair International Horse Trials in August. We completed the Novice Working Hunter (first Clydesdale to compete in the class). We also picked up a third in a strong CHAPS class.
Reserve working hunter champion went to Annabel Sall and her seven-year-old gelding Funky Town. Overall reserve champion (ridden) went to Ella Anderson riding Pumphill Tirella. Olympian Sir Mark Todd will return to Aberdeenshire on November 25 to host an arena eventing clinic and demo.
Teaching throughout the weekend with the demo taking place on the Saturday evening, the clinic and demo take place at Fountain Equestrian, Dyce, with sponsorship Nicole Lockhead Anderson, 15, and Gangnam Style 11 secured four Championship titles at the National Championships at Stoneleigh.
The combination won the Newcomers Masters and the silver league final from Country Ways and Ardene House Equine Vets.
Findon Riding Club is also hosting the return of World Number two event rider Nicola Wilson for a two-day clinic on November 18-19 at the World Horse Welfare Centre, Aboyne. Bookings to be made through clubs.
“He is one of the most genuine horses I have ever sat on”
while her other rides Christine Grahams Tiernisks Cruising Clover won the Foxhunter masters and Claggan Gypsy Delight the National 148cm title. Nicole is competing at HOYS with seven golden tickets.