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.