Youngsters take a big leap ahead

MANY of Guernsey's future equestrian stars could be seen in annual action at La Carriere Stables' Winter Jumping Championships. It was Charlie Setters, riding Robin, who set the pace to win Greg Forino Flooring's class one on leading rein.

Tia Gardner went on to take the next two classes, riding Popsy, leaving Lara Cuddihee, on Angel, in a good, close, second place on both occasions.

Gardner's huge improvement over the winter made her a joint winner of the La Carriere Trophy for most improved rider throughout the season and she shared it with her mum, Tammy.

Riding her horse, Just My Shadow, Tammy picked up a good second place behind Crystal Simon, riding a very fast jump-off on her horse, Mystic Dawn.

The Collas family's 128cm championship was very clearly won by Maddie Wilson, riding Mockbeggar Samuel. She had already won The Lesley Johnson 2ft class.

Lara Cuddihee rode Angel very quickly in The Zip-Up Minimus championship class, but it was Kayleigh Simon, riding Popsy, who cut the corners even more tightly to take home this trophy along with the Valley and Sugar Trophy for scoring most points throughout the season in the restricted section. She shared this with Lydia Collas, riding Robin.

Collas managed only a third place in the Dorey family's alternative championship class, but it was a valuable point gained to put her on equal points with Simon.

The alternative championship was won very ably by Vicky Guillot, riding Guinness, and once again Cuddihee took second place, this time on Pie.

The CLIC Sogecore Insurance Managers single accumulator was an exceedingly close battle. Crystal Simon went early on and set a very good time of 31.7 with maximum points.

Shelley Tostevin, riding Jumping Jack Splash, looked unbeatable, clocking up 31.3, Tammy Gardner was just a fraction slower at 31.9 and last to go was the winner, Rachael Mauger, who, on pony Galway de Gohrel, clocked 30.9.

Mauger had a great day.

She and her partner, Gally, went on to win the Yorkshire Guernsey's junior championship class from Sophie Walden, riding Grandstand Acrobat, and an unlucky Natalie Moorat on Irish Officer Dibble, who really went for it, but accrued four faults by just rolling a pole, which left them in third place.

Eleanor Ferry rode Beau to a very fast time and it was Sally Hunt, going last in the class riding her mum's horse, Midnight Warrior, who clinched first place and is the Broe-Bougourd family's senior novice champion.

She has been unbeatable in this class all season and in the evening was presented with the Keyprice Trophy for gaining the most points throughout the season in the open section.

Maddie Wilson and Mockbeggar Samuel were second and Mauger and Galway de Gohrel were third, just half-a-point behind.

A good little pony to watch out for this season is Oberon, which should have been ridden by Alicia Falla but unfortunately she was in bed with a high temperature.

Sister Eleni was lucky enough to ride him and took home a couple of rosettes for her poorly sister.

The next competition will be in September.