First Hadlow dressage show of the year is hailed a success

The sun came out for Bank Farm Stables’ first “in-house” dressage show of the year on Saturday 26th March, which saw 16 riders and 14 horses compete.

There were five classes in total, ranging from walk and trot tests up to advanced medium tests.

Class One was a walk and trot test and the overall winner was Charlotte Yates, who was riding Solo, who is owned by Jackie and Philip Vernon.

In Class Two, which sees competitors walk, trot and canter, Janice Jackson took the top prize with Mr Flash, who is owned by Rosie Pratley. Janice also took second place, riding Jackie, who’s owned by Trish Boag.

Slippy, ridden by Rosie Larchet, took the first place rosette in Class Three, while in Class Four, Claudia Graham was the overall winner with Henry.

In the fifth and final class Alison Nye-Warden was announced the winner, riding Ravel.

There was also a special moment for the day’s youngest competitor, 12-year-old Zara Fletcher (pictured at the top of the page), who rode a lovely test on Rodney, who at 26 was the oldest horse to take part. Rodney is owned by Claire Harrison.

Following the dressage show, a session of clear round jumping also took place outside in the jumping arena. Helen Almond, riding Daisy, completed a clear round, ensuring she took home a rosette.

Bank Farm Manager Jeanette Taylor said the team are hoping to host some more events over the spring and summer. She said: “It was a really nice day and sunny, but not too hot. I have had quite a few messages from people to say thank you for such a super day with a lovely, encouraging atmosphere.

“It was so nice to see everyone looking so smart and dressed up in their show gear and we are so proud of everyone who took part. It was a really supportive day with everyone willing each other to do well.

“People want to come here to Bank Farm to get away from work and daily stresses – it’s a real home from home. We are like a big family really – one of our liveries described it to me recently as her ‘Bank Farm family.”