Rising equine stars had the chance to shine at the recent Lycetts British Eventing Young Horse Championships at Osberton International Horse Trials (29 September- 2 October).

Young talents

The first Young Horse Champions were crowned on the Friday in the Four and Five Year Old Championships. The Four Year Old Champion was Cekatinka (by King Kolibri and out of a Julio Mariner mare). This Dutch bred bay mare is owned by Judy Bradwell and was ridden to victory by Rosalind Canter. 

“I am delighted with her performance; she handled the atmosphere incredibly well. I have been working hard on her dressage this season and it seems to have paid off. I have been riding her since she was a three-year-old, and helped back her - with Judy - which makes this victory all the more special. I think she has an exciting future ahead of her and I’m already looking forward to next season” said Rosalind.

How does it

The Five Year Old Champion went to Belco (by Hold Up Premier and out of a Ahorn mare), who was also bred in the Netherlands. Belco is owned by Hows Racesafe and was ridden by Tom How.

“It’s the first time I have competed in these Young Horse Championships, and I will hopefully be back next year with Belco to contest the six-year-old class," said Tom. "He put in a foot perfect performance, he was so bold and brave across country so I couldn’t ask for anything else. It has been a great experience to expose a young horse to this type of atmosphere and event; I know it will put him in good stead when moving up the levels” said Tom.

Kitty is King

In the Six Year Old Championships, Kitty King rode Jane Murfett and Frank Inns ‘Persimmon’ to take the title. By Salute RP and out of Verdieta this AES gelding proved that he has a great future ahead of him.

“Percy only started eventing this year, having previously show jumped abroad. We nearly sent him back after the first week as he was spooky, but he’s a natural across country” said Kitty.

John-Paul Sheffield claimed the Seven Year Old title on Jane Heerbeck’s ‘DHI Zatopek B’, a Dutch-bred horse by Lando and out of Scarabouche. He commented: “The Championships was my aim for this year and I’m so pleased to be in this position. It’s been a tough year at times to get this horse to this level but it’s a great result.”

Klimke on form

In the CIC two-star, Ingrid Klimke finished as she had started three days before, on perfect form.

Ingrid said: “It has beena wonderful weekend, I’m so pleased with the way Tabasco has performed in all areas and very excited about next year. I’m so glad we made the decision to come.”