Saturday 9 August 2014

Ian White Memorial Trophy 2014




Winner: Julia Rogers and Majestic Drifter
Henry and I had a fantastic day at Smiths Lawn horse trials with the BE100 Ian White Memorial Trophy attracting a full section. The standard of turnout was excellent this year so the judging was tough but great fun. Armed with my trusty clipboard I looked for overall smartness, evidence of extra effort such as quarter marks, and lots of pats for the horses. George Pennington with Rathsallagh Royale and Katie
Katie Thrower & Owt For Nowt
Thrower with Owt for Nowt were the joint winners of the Willow Best Turned Out prize, with their turnout remaining spotless in the crosscountry phase too.
George Pennington & Rathsallagh Royale
The lovely Fiona Scott-Maxwell, equestrian photographer extraordinaire, joined us and took our fabulous photos. Pru and Tegan from the Sue Ryder hospice at Nettlebed sold krispy kreme donuts to raise money for the important care and services they provide. The overall winner of the section was Julia Rogers with Majestic Drifter, who was also a close contender for the best turned out prize. Her win was made more poignant by the fact that a relative was currently undergoing chemotherapy so the trophy meant all the more to her. Paul Schroter with Zorro Rocco was the winner of the Moose trophy, being the highest placed competitor who completed the crosscountry phase closest to the optimum time.
Paul Schroter & Zorro Rocco
My intention for the trophy has always been to support BE100 amateur owner-riders - to give them a class in which they are competing on a more level playing field than a section where professionals can compete alongside. So it was heartening to see all the top 10 competitors attending the prize giving, which illustrates the enthusiasm for this class.

The team from Sue Ryder
Thank you to Henry for hosting the prize-giving and for giving such a lovely tribute to Ian. Thank you, as well, to our fantastic sponsors: Gill Watson, Elizabeth Hough, Protexin, Bossy's Bibs, Equilibrium Trizone, and Crisy Salmon and to the Smiths Lawn organiser, Tissie Reason We really couldn't do this class without your support and fabulous prizes.