The weather was set fair for the 20th RDA National Championships, which took place over three fun-packed event-filled days from 14-17 July. With 400 individual competition entries, 200 horses and countless volunteers, the Championships was as inspirational as ever.
Special guests Carl Hester, Paralympians Anne Dunham and Ricky Balshaw and a film crew for CBeebies added to the sense of occasion – and with 1692 rosettes handed out there was certainly plenty to celebrate.
Fun-filled Friday
Friday visitors were treated to the ever-popular Countryside Challenge, VI Dressage and Showjumping, with Carriage Driving provided a thrilling spectacle as competitors and ponies navigated cones and obstacles to the delight of the crowds.
When Olympic dressage legend Carl Hester popped in to present awards to YELA Gold volunteers, the scene was set for a vintage Championships year.
Spectacular Saturday
Saturday was a big day for dressage, with a range of Freestyle and Championships tests. Team and individual vaulting classes resulted in wins for Perry and Cambs College in the individuals and the team of Berwickshire, Rainbow and The Brae.
The evening brought the creatively supercharged Costume Freestyle Dressage (a breath taking Bullfight assured the winning spot for Penniwells for the second year running).
Super Sunday
After Saturday’s ‘SuperHero’ Disco, Sunday started more sedately for some, but with twelve dressage and four Countryside Challenge classes, plus Horsecare and Knowledge and Best Turned Out continuing throughout the weekend, there was no let up for competitors and volunteers.
“I am so proud and delighted by everything that our groups have achieved this year,” said Championships Chairman Anne Coney. “We don’t underestimate the effort that it takes to make this event happen and I am grateful to everyone involved for helping to make this such a memorable experience for our competitors. The standard of horsemanship and the turnout of horses and ponies improves amazingly each year.”