news The sun shines on the RoR KBIS Dressage Championships

On the 19^th and 20^th September 2019, over 100 former racehorses headed to SsangYong Blenheim Palace Horse Trials to compete in the RoR Southern Dressage Championships, kindly sponsored by KBIS Equine Insurance.

In just it’s second year, the Championships have grown beyond our expectations and the competitors relished in the opportunity to ride alongside 4* riders at such a prestigious venue.

The Championships kicked off with the Prelim and Fay Bryant riding Yojimbo was crowned 2019 Champion. Yojimbo, an 11-year-old formerly trained by Mick Channon and Fay praised the son of Aussie Rules, saying: “He's amazing, he will turn his hoof to anything from dressage to hunting, and gives rides to the whole family”.

Veterinary surgeon Jo Hales claimed the overall Novice title on her husband Ben’s horse Que Sera. Nine-year-old Que Sera was formerly trained by Philip Hobbs and was bought by the Hales family as a point-to-pointer. Jo started retraining Que Sera, after he unfortunately injured himself shortly before what was due to run his first point-to-point race. He has thrived in the dressage arena and has also turned his hoof to side saddle.

“I'm absolutely delighted, I wasn't expecting it,” said Jo. “In January he'd struggle to canter a 20-metre circle, but we've sped his training up. I’ve done lots of work with him.”

Amelia Walker took the Elementary championship on Sweet Deal, owned by Hannah Mustow. The nine-year-old son of Verglas previously raced in the colours of Susan Roy, wife of Paul Roy, chairman of RoR and former chairman of the British Horseracing Authority.

“I've had him for a year” said Amelia, “he's evented up to CCI2* level as well.”

Medium victory went to Fred Hodges on the 17-year-old Leaveittorog. Fred took on the ride on the former point-to-pointer four and a half years ago when the horse was working at Novice level. He now works up to Advanced level at home

Across the two days of the championships Louise Robson and the RoR Dressage Display team provided demonstrations.

Can’t wait for next year