More than 200 of the UK’s leading young riders converged at The College Equestrian Centre in Bedfordshire for the Keysoe Under 25s Show on 16 – 17 March 2013. The mass of classes over the weekend offered opportunities for riders from eight to 25-years to put their winter training into practice.
The weekend included BYRDS rider tests, which are judged purely on correct riding, and tests from prelim to FEI Young Rider level. This was the second running of the early-Spring event which has become a showcase of young talent within the sport.
Erin Williams (15) and Dynasty, Clare Williams’ 9-year-old German-bred mare (by Deinhard B), took the FEI Pony Team in convincing style with 76.22%. Erin and the athletic palomino were the highest placed Brits in the Individual and Freestyle tests at the 2012 European Pony Championships and look to be maintaining that great form into 2013.
Aimee Witkin (16) and Kiara II, her 16-year-old Danish-bred chestnut mare, headed the Junior Team test just shy of 70%. This is the Hertfordshire rider’s first season in Juniors following a successful career in the Ponies during which time she represented Great Britain at the 2011 European Pony Championships aboard the Danish bred pony Ferrari (by Malibu II).
The Young Rider Team test was taken by Olivia Towers (19) and Flyaway Wish, Elizabeth Towers’ 15-year-old black Weltmeyer gelding. Olivia acquired Flyaway Wish, a former ride of Matt Frost, two years ago. They stepped up to Young Riders in 2012 following much success in Juniors.
Saturday
FEI Pony Team
Erin Williams and Dynasty, 76.22%
FEI Junior Team
Aimee Witkin and Kiara II, 69.39%
FEI Young Rider Team
Olivia Towers and Mercian Flyaway Wish, 69.80%
Sunday
Pony Freestyle
Rebecca Bell and Valido’s Sunshine, 73.10%
Junior Freestyle
Chloe Vell and Kaja Di Valentina, 71.30%
Young Rider Freestyle
Annastasia Neale and Romanze In Dur, 64.90%
FEI Pony Individual
Bethany Rose Horobin and Gigolo, 71.34%
FEI Junior Individual
Georgia Davis and Richmans Manta, 69.28%
FEI Young Rider Individual
Olivia Towers and Mercian Fly Away Wish, 69.54%
Text by British Dressage
Photo © Astrid Appels
For full results click here
Related Links
Davison Wins with Hiscox Aliano at the 2013 CDN Myerscough College
British Youth Riders Reel in Scores at 2012 CDN Keysoe
Chloe Vell, Juggling Life as British Model, Student and Junior Rider
Thurman-Baker Clears Up Across the Board at the 2011 CDN Keysoe
Erin Williams, Rising to the Top Supported by an Inspirational Team