Twynolm Lass ‘Fiona Stryjewski’ a Dressage rider, and her 7 year old Horse ‘Devon-B’ a Dutch warmblood who Fiona has owned since July 2014, Won the elementary restricted class at the Petplan Area festival at Aintree last weekend.
Fiona who also does dressage coaching with Stewartry pony club, works for ‘Robinsons Scotland Ltd’ in Lockerbie as General Manager told DGWGO Sports News “There were 38 competitors in the class who qualified to be in the area final. The class started at 7.30am and we were on at 8.15am. The class did not finish until 1pm. ”
“The tension was unbearable as it was such a long wait – my mum and I were trying to kill the time and each time we went back to the scoreboard we were expecting our score to have been beaten!
At 1pm we knew that I had finished in the top 10 , so were required to take part in the prize giving, but with four scores still to go up, I had to go and get myself and Devon ready – still not knowing if we had earned a qualifying place (top four qualify for the National Petplan Championship to be held at Hartpury College in April 2016) When we returned for the prize giving the final scores were still not up. Finally at 1.35pm, waiting to go into the prize giving – my mum gave me the thumbs up – we had WON! – When I qualified and entered the competition the goal was to finish in the top 10 and if I was really lucky to finish in the top four – and secure my place in the final at Hartpury in April – and in doing so achieve one of my Dressage ambitions.”
Fiona went on to say “The prize giving was amazing – leading off the lap of honour with the fabulous sash round our neck – with the top ten then getting a lap just myself and Devon in the arena – it was the best feeling and something I will never forget! I could not believe we had actually won the whole class. All three judges (sat at different part of the arena) had placed us first.”
Fiona’s other achievements this year – competing in the Regional Finals in Yorkshire (at Novice Open level) in the summer and being selected as a member of the Scottish dressage team for the Senior Home international (also at Novice Open Level) held at Hartpury back in August. Though we were not in the placings at either the experience all helps to build the partnership between Devon and myself. (Note: elementary is the next level up from Novice)
Fiona said “None of this would have been possible if it was not for my parents and my Uncle helping me to buy Devon (my first “proper” dressage horse) back in July 2014, without the training given by Jo Hamilton in Edinburgh and Clive Halsall in Preston (we had stopped in at Clive’s on route to Aintree for a pre-competition run through to tidy things up), without the experience and lessons other horses have given me over the last six “dressage years” and without the help and support from my friends. Hopefully this is only the start for Devon and myself….”
“My mum had came with me to Aintree and my Dad had the equally important job of staying home and looking after my other horse and dog!”
Fiona now goes on to compete in the National Championships held at Hartpury College in April 2016
