Last Weekend's National British Dressage Championships at Somerford Park Farm
Last Weekend's National British Dressage Championships at Somerford Park Farm
Last weekend, Somerford Park Farm hosted the prestigious National British Dressage Championships, attracting top riders and elegant performances from across the UK. The event showcased a stunning display of skill, harmony, and dedication as competitors competed across various classes and levels. Spectators enjoyed a fantastic weekend filled with inspiring rides, cultural festivities, and opportunities to see some of the best dressage horses in the country. Congratulations to all the talented riders and winners who made this event a memorable success!
Our facilities fully re open on Wednesday 17th at 1200 after the big clear up! We look forward to welcoming you back.
FINAL DAY OF DRESSAGE AT SOMERFORD PARK
FINAL DAY OF DRESSAGE AT SOMERFORD PARK
Day 3 Round Up
Amy Woodhead accomplished a successful day at the office winning three classes on the final day of Somerford Park’s Premier League Dressage.
Her first win of the day came in the British Dressage Young Horse Commanded 5YO sponsored by KBIS with MSJ Odelia owned by Emma Blundell. Amy’s run of success continued with MSJ Swing Musik winning her second young horse class of the day in the British Dressage Young Horse Commanded Route Plan 6YO sponsored by KBIS.
“I was super happy with her (MSJ Swing Musik),” says Amy. “I don’t usually ride her all the time. My sister Holly Woodhead rides and produces her, and she isn’t very well this weekend, so I just jumped on yesterday and had a little 20 minutes, and then did the test today, but she felt fabulous. I was really impressed.”
Any stand-out moments in the performance? “The whole test, I was absolutely thrilled,” Amy responds, “maybe that Holly [Woodhead] was crying at the end of the test because she went so well! That was really cute.”
Amy also won the Premier League Advanced Medium sponsored by Bret Willson International Dressage earlier in the day with Emma Blundell’s MSJ Batchelor with a score of 70.97%.
The British Dressage Young Horse Commanded Route Plan 4yo sponsored by KBIS went to 20 year old Lily Laughton and the Oldenburger stallion Bonds Junior, owned by Luis Filipe Vihena.
Sunday’s Premier League FEI Inter I sponsored by Saracen Horse Feeds was clinched by Hertfordshire based Fiona Brennan and her own 14 year old De Angelis II with a score of 71.27%.
“It felt everything clicked into place at the right time, he listened to me, he can struggle a little with his nerves but that didn’t seem to affect him today” said Fiona.
“My canter half pass zig zag felt really smart to rider and just flowed really nicely and his changes are always a highlight.”
“I’ve had him from a young horse and trained him up myself so every time he does well I feel proud, he’s the kindest person, he’s like a Labrador in a horse!”
Another successful day at the office for Michael Eilberg and MSJ Dante VX completing their second Inter II win of the weekend with a score of 71.62%.
“I felt he was a little better today, it was a bit gusty when we got here so I wasn’t sure whether he would be a little unsettled but he felt more concentrated in the arena,” said Michael.
“We’ve been a bit rusty because we haven’t really done a lot but I felt this second outing was a little more refined.”
Sunday’s Premier League FEI Prix St Georges sponsored by Fairfax Saddles was won by Davy Harvey riding his own 13 year gelding Hercules III with a score 70.1%.
The FEI Junior Team competition was claimed by Evie Head and De La Veiga, owned by Kate Smith, with a score of 68.33%
Another weekend win goes under the belt of Sophie Wallace after taking the title in the FEI Young Riders Team Competition aboard Fallatijn Van Kairos.
“He went in and gave me an incredible feeling from the minute he stepped into the arena, which was lovely as it’s not an easy arena for him with it being completely away from the other horses. I was really happy with the way he coped with the atmosphere.”
“I had a slight wobble in the last four-time change which was a shame, but other than that I was really happy with the rest of it.”
The FEI Pony Team Competition was won by 12-year-old Ever Sinfield Day with her own Machno Excalibur, affectionately known as ‘Scally’.
“I was really happy with it, because sometimes he can get a bit strong but he was really, really good today. He really just gave me all he could give and he was a very good boy, I was really happy with him.”
“My favourite moments are probably the medium trots, because he really lengthens in them.”
“I’m just planning on going out as much as I can and just trying to improve with him.”
That’s a wrap! The final class of the day, FEI Junior Team Competition went to joint winners 14 year old Penny Smith with Rembrandt GSH and 17 year old Ella-Grace Dovey with Bocelli 6 with a score of 69.39%, and it’s not just the win they share the girls both share the same birth date!
“It was really good and he was really nicely off my leg and worked really accurately” said Penny.
“My medium trots were the best I’ve done in an arena.”
While the result came as a bit of a surprise to Ella-Grace “I was very surprised that we did so well!”
“It was a clear round test which was really good, he was very lazy after the changes, but his accuracy was a big thing and obviously the changes and that was just the second time we’ve got them all.”
Image: FEI Pony Team Competition - Ever Sinfield Day and Machno Excalibur. Image Credit Jasmine Punter Photography
Tap https://horsemonkey.com/results/70533 for full set of results
Ends
25 May 2025
For further information contact debrahargravepr@gmail.com
Editor Notes:
Somerford Park is synonymous as a centre of equine excellence and we are thrilled to welcome an eclectic mix of riders to this year’s dressage including last year’s GP winner Michael Eilberg, Paris team bronze medalist Becky Moody, Tokyo travelling reserve Gareth Hughes, well recognised father and daughter Paul and Bobby Hayler, while Amy Woodhead is joined by her eventing sister Holly Woodhead.
SOMERFORD PARK PREMIER LEAGUE KICKS OFF DAY TWO OF DRESSAGE
SOMERFORD PARK PREMIER LEAGUE KICKS OFF DAY TWO OF DRESSAGE
Day 2 Round Up
Becky Moody and Lancelot BS claimed Saturday morning’s Premier League FEI Prix St-Georges sponsored by Fairfax Saddles at Somerford Park. Lancelot BS a 9 year old gelding by Dream Boy was the second of Becky’s rides in the first class of the morning clinching the win on a score of 70.64%.
“He was actually quite spicy today, we started off with a very relaxed warm up, I don’t really know what happened but we got quite giddy! We did quite a lot of squealing and a little bit of bucking in the warm up.” said Becky.
“The test was a mixture of things if I’m honest, we did some really lovely things and good trot work, and then some tension in the canter.”
“He’s still quite green and new to this level. The trot extensions I was really pleased with and his balance is getting so much better - I felt I could ride a little bolder in them. It’s a work in progress as always.”
Becky went on to win the Premier League FEI Inter I sponsored by Saracen Horse Feeds with talented 8 year old Magic Dream, by Governor, whom Becky has had for 5 years.
“She’s a super cool mare, she is a chestnut mare but I love her.” said Becky.
“I was really pleased with the test, she is only 8 and still quite green at the level and the balance is something I struggle with a little, it’s taken a while but it’s coming together and that’s the first test that I felt I could be a little bit bolder in my extensions.”
“She shows a lot of talent for the Grand Prix work, she’s a lovely person and that makes it so much easier.”
Saturday’s British Dressage International Young Horse FEI Young Horse Preliminary 5y went to Sarah Higgins and MSJ Evolution with 72.4. The 6 year old went to Becky Moody and Don Galahad with 82.6 while Jade Whitelaw and Nancy I claimed the 7 year old with 64.49%.
Carol Wagstaff and Narocko won the British Dressage Young Horse British Dressage National 7 yr old Test wit 68.95%.
Charlotte Lutener won the Premier League Grand Prix 16 U25 sponsored by LeMieux aboard AB Barroco, with a final score of 66.38%.
“I think I worked a little bit harder than he did in the trot work, so we need to keep getting confidence with that! But he had a really solid canter so I was really pleased with that.”
“My final centre-line was much improved from the earlier piaffe and passage, so I just need to get that a bit further on in the test.”
“He’s a really cool horse, he’s really fun to ride. He has a lot of personality and is quite cheeky!”
We asked what Charlotte’s plans looked like for AB Barroco. “We’ll keep going with the Under 25 Grand Prix to get more confidence, for myself riding the tests as well and just keep enjoying it!”
Tom Goode and SCS L’Amour owned by Alice Wintle lead from the start in Saturday’s Advanced Medium (Gold) sponsored by Bret Willson Dressage International. The pair, who have been together for a year, scored 70.92%.
“She felt really with me today - she’s quite spicy and we’ve struggled with the changes but it all came together and today she produced a really nice test,” said Tom.
“The trot work felt really nice, really smooth, she has really nice half passes we got all our changes and she felt very relaxed.”
The Premier League Grand Prix sponsored by LeMieux was cinched by Sonnar Murray-Browne, who achieved a score of 71.98% aboard Erlentanz. The 18-year-old gelding has recently returned to competition following a break.
“2021 was the last time I competed with him” said Sonnar “I was just very grateful and pleased to be back with him.”
“He’s 18 now and feeling good, I didn’t have any expectations of him, I came here to enjoy the run and he’s been amazing.”
“I had a couple of mistakes because he knows the test so well and I came round to do the ones and he thought he was doing the trot transition so I trotted before my ones and usually the changes are his stand out features!”
On his team at home, Sonnar says, “There’s a massive team. Lucy looks after them at home for me, and Cintia our physio, who’s known Ernie since he was 6 years old, is a massive key part to everything. All of my owners who support me and said that he [Erlentanz] looks great, Carl for his endless help training and, just everyone who supports him.”
“Cintia is just always working hard to keep him in peak fitness and keeping his weaknesses strong. He’s 18 and he’s had a good career - he’s not going to be like he was at 11 or 12 years old…but she’s looked after him like he was one of her own. I’m very grateful for that, I don’t need to worry about him there.”
The FEI Pony Individual Competition title went to Jessie Clarke and Bunteeichen Nivaro, finishing on 68.51%. Jessie competed at this event in 2024 on the same pony, returning again this year after making the trip from Scotland.
“This is my first win within a Pony FEI class. The test today was really supple, he was really soft to the contact and just working really well with me.”
“We’ve been training especially hard for the movements in the test that he struggles with as well. We’ve been working really hard on simple changes.”
18-year-old Sophie Wallace came out on top in the FEI Young Rider Individual Competition with Fallatijn Van Kairos, with a final score of 71.13%
“I was really pleased with how today went. He’s an incredible horse and I’m very fortunate to be riding him. We went in and he was just with me the whole way through, which was really nice. We managed to improve on the pirouette from our last competition, which was really nice.”
“I just love riding his changes! He’s owned by Laura Tomlinson and the Bechtolsheimers, and I’m very fortunate to be riding him. I’ve now been riding him for 3 months, so quite new to me but I’m really enjoying learning everything with him…he’s teaching me a lot.”
The winning horse in the FEI Junior Individual Competition was Bocelli 6, ridden by Ella-Grace Dovey. The 18-year-old gelding and his rider ended up with a score of 68.92%.
“He went really, really well - he got a bit tense in a few places, and my walk pirouettes were a bit small, but apart from that it was a really, really nice test. One of my changes was late, but the other one was really good.”
“I’ve only been riding him for 6 weeks, but he’s been on the yard for a long time. He is funny - he loves his food, and he loves treats. The more sugar-free Polos you can give him, the better!”
With a score of 74.69%, 14-year-old Rose Punchard and Elason were the winners of the FEI Children on Horses Individual.
“He was a lot quieter in that test, much more with me, listening to me, and it felt really nice.”
We asked Rose about her standout moments from the test, “I’m going to say, our centre lines and medium trots.” And what have they been recently working on? “Counter-canter and simple changes.”
“Hugo [Elason] is 16, he’s really nice to deal with, he’s got a really lovely personality.” Says Derbyshire-based Rose.
Image: Sonnar Murrya-Browne and Erlentanz, Credit Jasmine Punter Photography
Tap https://horsemonkey.com/results/70533 for full set of results
Ends
25 May 2025
For further information contact debrahargravepr@gmail.com
Editor Notes:
Somerford Park is synonymous as a centre of equine excellence and we are thrilled to welcome an eclectic mix of riders to this year’s dressage including last year’s GP winner Michael Eilberg, Paris team bronze medalist Becky Moody, Tokyo travelling reserve Gareth Hughes, well recognised father and daughter Paul and Bobby Hayler, while Amy Woodhead is joined by her eventing sister Holly Woodhead.
HIGH PROFILE DRESSAGE KICK STARTS A WEEKEND OF COMPETITION AT SOMERFORD PARK Day 1 Round Up Friday 23rd May 2025
HIGH PROFILE DRESSAGE KICK STARTS A WEEKEND OF COMPETITION AT SOMERFORD PARK
Day 1 Round Up Friday 23rd May 2025
A great day at the Jess Dunn first off claiming High Profile Medium 5 (Gold) sponsored by TopSpec on board Funtime Frankie with a score 73.67%. Sarah from Burnley has ridden Funtime Frankie who was bred by White Hill Stud since he was first backed and he will be 7 this year.
“He can be a little underpowered especially when it’s hot but I was thrilled and he was amazing I couldn’t be happier with how he performed he was so good” said Jess.
“He’s quite new to this level and only done a handful of mediums and only done a few shows at this level so he’s still got a way to go with his gears.
“He’s got a really fancy trot and his canter work can be a little less expressive, it’s just a big step up from what he usually produces so I was thrilled with him.”
Her second win of the day came in the High Profile Grand Prix with Dan It’s Carson with a score of 67.57%.
“It was great he’s very new to the level and I don’t have that much experience at the level either” said a very excited Jess.
“I’ve had hime for three years and it’s just exciting, he’s gaining confidence all the time, he’s such a mega horse and I’m so lucky to have the opportunity to train him.”
“We’re getting there brick by brick, it takes a long time to get to Grand Prix and then you spend forever trying to make better.”
The High Profile Medium 5 (Silver) sponsored by TopSpec went to Charlotte Calvert and her mother’s Woodlander Frampton with a score of 70.33%.
“There were a few bits I would have liked to be a bit cleaner but really happy with it in general” said Charlotte.
“I was pleased with his half passes which we’ve been working on and his mediums are always a highlight of his test.”
“We’ve had him for nearly five years and we bought him as five year old, he’s actually my mum’s horse but she lets me borrow him and he’s the yard favourite at home!”
While in the afternoon mum Alison claimed the High Profile Medium 6 (silver) sponsored by TopSpec on the same horse with a score of 67.64%.
Sarah Higgins clinched her first win of Friday’s High Profile dressage on board Lagerfeld W, owned by John Hargreaves, in the Elementary 6 (gold) with a score of 79.70% while her second win of the day came in the High Profile FEI Prix St-Georges 2022 (gold) sponsored by Fairfax Saddles on board the talented Kenzo us with a score of 70.49%.
“He is a super star! He is ten years old and owned by the Shanghai Equestrian Team, he is quite new to this level and he has huge big expressive changes which has taken some time to get organised” said Sarah.
“He’s a really easy rideable horse, he doesn’t spook, he’s sensible, not lazy, he’s a real lovely character.”
“His pirouettes need to improve, his changes although amazingly expressive and he can get high scores with them are just green with them and he needs to get more confident and a bit more organised but he’s only done handful of tests at this level. He’s are really exciting prospect.”
Jenny Ainscough and Florence PFB claimed the High Profile FEI Prix St-Georges (silver) with a score of 68.33%.
Somerford Park based Jennifer Harkness and her 12 year old Inouck won the Advanced Medium (Silver) sponsored by Bret Willson Dressage International her first win at the venue.
“I was really pleased with today as I’ve not had chance to prepare as I’ve been working away” said Jennifer.
“She’s used to being on the farm ride so not used to competing and seeing everything that’s going on but she kept together and kept very relaxed and I was very happy with her”
“Medium canter I was very pleased with and she kept herself together with the flying changes, normally she likes to do a lap of victory after each one but she didn’t this time!”
The High Profile Advanced Medium (Silver) sponsored by Bret Willson Dressage International was claimed Fiona Brennan and Leroy with a score of 70.32%.
The High Profile Elementary (Silver) went to Anita Jones and Welsh Section D Esceifiog Perl Edu owned by Lisa Lloyd.
“Every time I go into a test my expectations are just to enjoy it, she was amazing!” Said Anita.
“She tries so hard and we’ve been working on supplement, collection and self carriage and she gave me it all today”
“She’s eight this year and was purchased as a very green five year old, we decided to do British Dressage June last year, Elementary because she goes better in a double bridle, she’s been amazing and do trainable.”
The High Profile FEI Inter1 (gold) sponsored by Saracen Horse Feeds was won by Anne-Marie Cowan aboard Kracka GH, owned by both Anne-Marie and her mother, Lesley Perry.
“He felt great today - he was relaxed and we had a lovely ride. His changes are always lovely, he’s got really big, expressive changes and a really bouncy trot, so it’s always lovely to sit on. His trot work is usually a highlight.”
“I’ve had him for a few years now - he’s a Gamblethorpe Hanoverian. We adore him, he’s a bit like marmite. He’s a quirky character but we love him to bits.”
Taking the the Inter 1 (silver) sponsored by Saracen Horse Feeds was Leicestershire-based Nicole Turner with her own J’Eton Hit LDS; their second test of the day following the earlier PSG class.
“He was a little bit tricky in the warm-up, he got a bit too hot so I was quite careful to keep him happy - he does get a bit spicy at times!”
“I was really, really pleased though, I tried to ride as accurately as possible. Our zig-zag action got really good scores and really nice comments.”
“He is 11 now and I’ve had him for 6 years. He’s only been in work for those 6 years so he’s quite immature in his brain, but he loves to do a bit of everything. His dream job is probably a riding school pony!”
The High Profile Medium 5 (gold ) sponsored by TopSpec was won by 24-year-old Charlotte Lutener and her own Nacho SR.
“I was really pleased with him in his second test, he was a little nervous in his first one, but he just took a breath and relaxed into the second one, and had much more power.”
“He seems to be getting much more strength and confidence in his extensions now, so I’d say they were really a highlight today. His half-passes are really developing nicely.”
“I’m going to qualify for Regionals with him at medium, and keep developing his flying changes.”
Michael Eilberg and MSJ Dante VX secured the High Profile FEI Inter II (gold) sponsored by Stubben with 71.86%. His win in the Inter II marks a return from injury for Michael,
“Really nice test just went for a nice ride to get things started and he’s established going round an Inter and well within his comfort zone.”
“We’ll come back Sunday and then aiming for Wellington.”
Melissa Chapman clinched the High Profile FEI Inter II (gold) sponsored by Stubben on board Jubilant al Sno TCE with 63.48%.
Tap https://horsemonkey.com/results/70533 for full set of results
Ends
23 May 2025
For further information contact debrahargravepr@gmail.com
Image Credit Jasmine Punter Photography
Editor Notes:
Somerford Park is synonymous as a centre of equine excellence and we are thrilled to welcome an eclectic mix of riders to this year’s dressage including last year’s GP winner Michael Eilberg, Paris team bronze medalist Becky Moody, Tokyo travelling reserve Gareth Hughes, well recognised father and daughter Paul and Bobby Hayler, while Amy Woodhead is joined by her eventing sister Holly Woodhead.
High Profile classes provide a rare opportunity for dressage fans and supporters to enjoy FEI classes on British soil with many of the nation’s top combinations using the opportunity to gain mileage for international status, or to compete for National Championship places.
Facility Price Rise from June 1st 2025
The new prices for the facilities will be as follows from June 1st:
Farm Ride: £27 per horse
Short Farm Ride: £20 per horse
80 Acres XC Schooling: £35 per horse
Summer XC Tech: £30 per horse plus £10 poo picking deposit per horse
Winter XC Tech: £40 per horse plus £10 poo picking deposit per horse
SJ Arena: £30 for 1 horse for 1 hour and £10 per horse thereafter.
Somerford Horse Trials 2024
It is with great regret that we announce the cancellation of this year's International Horse Trials. After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision due to challenges in securing a cost-effective insurance policy for potential bad weather. We understand the disappointment this may cause, and we share in that sentiment.
As an organization committed to upholding excellence, it is imperative that our events are not only sustainable but also profitable to ensure their continuity and success.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all of our fantastic sponsors, especially our title sponsor and partner Baileys Horse Feeds, for their unwavering support over the years, which has been instrumental in ensuring the event's continued success.
We are immensely grateful to our dedicated team of volunteers, whose selfless dedication and generosity of time are truly invaluable. In particular, we would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the late Cliff Parry, who made significant contributions in the scoring team for the horse trials and numerous other events at Somerford. His presence will be deeply missed, and his impact will always be remembered.
SOMERFORD PARK INTERNATIONAL 2023 - CANCELLED
19.5.23
Somerford Park International Horse Trials 2023
It is with great consideration and regret that we are cancelling Somerford International Horse Trials 2023.
We have come to this decision for the following reasons, firstly and most concerning is the Insurance situation, Somerford is not prepared to run without abandonment insurance including the adverse weather policy.
Having built up a trust with our client base over several years we are not prepared to jeopardise this and leave our clients out of pocket in a challenging economic climate.
We self-insured last year and due to the high volume of cancellations this year the cost for us to insure has escalated by over 100% and is proposed to increase by a further 26% next year.
Events are now expected to absorb more costs passed on from the governing bodies as well as the escalation in costs to stage an event.
We have always worked at generating sponsorship and have long standing mutually beneficial partnerships which were created to take the event forward, however this sponsorship money has now become the lifeline for the event to run.
Somerford has always produced the event as a showcase to reflect our business and has not had the expectation of running with financial surplus. We are now looking at the risk of a large financial loss at a level we are not prepared to absorb.
We would like to thank all of those who have supported Somerford Horse Trials, whether that be as a sponsor, rider, volunteer, trade stand or spectator over the years.
We hope this is not the end to eventing at Somerford and that some changes within the governing body can be made to protect and improve the sport we all love.
Somerford Park Farm