Day 3, Amateur Showjumping Liverpool Internationa
Show Jumping :: Everything Horse :: Liverpool International Horse Show
Another area for acknowledgement, and well deserved praise, is the Amateur Show jumping that takes place at Liverpool International each year. Here we take a look back at a snapshot of competition that kicked off Monday’s day of top-class action.
Melissa Races to the Finish Line
Melissa Garry led an exciting race for a stylish victory to open day three of the TheraPlate UK Liverpool International Horse Show. Little more than a second separated the top four finishers in the John Deere at Turner Groundscare 1.25m amateur speed class.
Melissa, from Westerham in Kent guided horse, Hotesse, home in a time of 48.38 seconds. The finish time edged out runners-up Tracy Holder and Crispina Z by just 29 hundredths of a second. Ireland’s Carol Gee was the early leader, but she had to settle for third on Fernhill Clooney, with Eleanor Hall Mcateer taking fourth aboard Crisanta.
Elah Conway Steals Last Minute Win from Grace Wallace
Action at the M&S Bank Arena continued before the doors were opened to the crowds awaiting the afternoon’s performance. The Clipmyhorse.TV amateur 1.15m speed competition witnessed a dominant display by Elah Conway and 11-year-old mare Acapella as they made the most of a late draw to take the class with time to spare. And in doing so, the Barnet rider thwarted Cheshire-based Grace Wallace’s bid for a second victory in 24 hours.
Their time of 56.02 seconds proved well clear of the field, with Grace taking second aboard Ecarentina.
Elizabeth Cunningham and Fabienne C were third, clocking 58.96 seconds, with Denmark’s Nadia Affi finishing fourth on Damiro Vd Dresseling.
Tabitha’s Prolific Run Continues
Prolific winner, Tabitha Kyle hit top form taking the Wicks Group 128cm Championship during the afternoon’s performance. The 12-year-old rider, who is based in Leicestershire, has triumphed at major shows all over the country, and this time it was the 19-year-old pony Living the Dream that delivered the goods for her.
Five combinations from 19 starters made the jump-off, with Lucy Bowen-Howard and Toorboy Tommy holding the lead in a time of 31.13 seconds before Tabitha took centre-stage. And it was an impressive display under pressure, clocking 29.52 seconds to continue a rich vein of form.
Lucy took second spot, with Emily Irvine and Bunbury Conquest in third and Abigail Gladstone, riding Remote Controlled, finishing fourth.
“It’s a dream come true,” a delighted Tabitha said.
“I have been trying for the past two years, and it is an amazing opportunity Nicky Creasey has given me to ride her pony.
“I have been riding this pony for about 20 months now, and it felt like it was a jump-off for me today.
“The course really suited my pony, and it is great to win here again. I am very happy.”
Brilliant Winning Double for Tabitha
Tabitha Kyle completed a brilliant double by winning the P. Gowans Civil Engineering 138cm Championship. only two hours after taking the 128cm (above story).
Her second win of the day meant that she not only ends 2019 with a double at Liverpool, but a double at the Horse of the Year Show too, not to mention the other 150 wins in all competitions. Those remarkable statistics underpin an amazing talent who, at just 12-years-old, continues to thrill audiences with her outstanding riding.
As in the 128cm class, she won from last to go in the jump-off, this time riding Playboy Van De Zoetewei. Rachel Proudley and Buttons Two had set a scorching pace in 27.68 seconds, but Tabitha went more than two seconds quicker to take top honours, with Lauren Caroline and Jacoloupe in third and Poppy Deakin, riding Astral Ruben, finishing fourth.
“I have won three on the trot now of the 138cm class here at Liverpool,” Tabitha said.
“I hit the wing pretty hard on my first pony in the jump-off (Lissduff Royal), and that pushed me back in my confidence a bit.
“But as as soon as they opened the gate, I just concentrated on the round with my second pony.
“It’s an amazing feeling, just so great. I am thrilled just to be invited here again, and it has been such a great experience.”
Today will conclude another thrilling year’s action of top-class equestrian sport for Liverpool International Horse Show. From the Grand Prix Dressage and spectacular displays to the Show Jumping Liverpool is without doubt now a staple equestrian event in the sport’s calendar. As we congratulate show director, Nina Barbour and her team for yet another fabulous show, we now look forward to the Estates next equestrian event, the 2020 Bolesworth International Horse Show.
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.