Kim Young from Clarebrand, Castle Douglas and her 5 and half year old dutch horse ‘First Miss Sunrise A.S.’ qualified for the British Dressage National Championships held at Hartpury College in Gloucester 6th-10th April 2016, when they competed and won the Novice Open regional title on 71% and also won the Novice Open Freestyle regional title on 73% and came 3rd Elementary Open Freestyle class on 72% at the Scottish regional winter dressage Championship Finals 2016 held at Morris Equestrian centre in Ayrshire at the weekend.
Kim told DGWGO “I Miss Sunrise as a just backed 3.5yr old so have produced her myself with help from my trainers Jill Grant and Clive Halsall. Back in 2015 she went to Young Horse finals at Hartpury Festival of Dressage and placed 9th. She qualified for the National Championships at Stonleigh and placed 12th in the Novice Open class. She finished the year becoming Scottish Novice Open Champion on 76%. We don’t get the same level of training opportunities in Dumfries and Galloway as some other areas and lets not even talk about the weather situation for the last 4 months. Not exactly conducive for allowing consistent training in preparation!”
Kim went on to say “We’re a small area in terms of affiliated British Dressage members so to get myself, Fiona Stryjewski ( Who also Qualified for the National Championships) , Isla Foley, Shona Morton, Emily Galloway and Dugald Forbes all representing D&G was great success in itself.”
“At the weekend it was the winter regional champs and we came 3rd in the Elementary Open Freestyle class on 72%. Won the Novice Open regional title on 71% and also won the Novice Open Freestyle regional title on 73%. Both these wins give us direct qualification for the Winter champs in April. So its about the top 25/30 competitors from around the UK that compete at each level for the title there.”
“I’m super chuffed at our efforts from the weekend and to win two classes was fantastic result. Fiona winning her class meant d&g took 3 titles which is just awesome!”
“I also receive support locally from Gaynor Ranshaw, who is a certified WOW saddle fitter. She checks the horses saddle regularly to ensure it is fitting correctly which allows her to move as freely and comfortably as possible.”
Full report about Fiona Stryjewski’s success can be read here
