The SEIB Trailblazers Championships are over for another year, and what a championship it was. 

Dodson and Horrell Dressage Championships took place on the first half of the week. Warm up competitions gave competitors valuable arena experience before commencing with the first and second rounds on the weekend. Scores were calculated throughout the weekend to determine the reserve and champion at all the ranging levels, from Introductory to Elementary. Top level judges were treated to a variety of breeds, even a mule that had some moves.

SEIB Trailblazers

SEIB Trailblazers

Supreme Products Showing and Working Hunter competitions were also held on the grass arenas; demonstrating the superb turnout of both horse and riders, with the Judges being very impressed with the quality of competitors. Winners of each section went forward to compete for Supreme Champion and Reserve for ridden, In Hand and Working Hunter, with a special award for each from Supreme Products and Hiho Silver.

The Master Class in the Park, on Friday evening, was hosted by International rider and 5* Judge Isobel Wessels. Who gave everyone an insight into how to train a range of horses, as her riders displayed different techniques on a talented four year old and Isobel’s Grand Prix horse. Question and answer time provided riders with an opportunity to ask for more personal advice, in order to gain extra marks for competition days.

It was then the turn of the Show Jumpers competing over four days in the Albion Show Jumping Championships. Fences from the 2012 London Olympics were used within the courses built by international course designers Paul Connor and Nigel Jess. Competitors were technically tested but regardless of the height everyone rose to the occasion.

Griffen NuuMed Combined Training Championships also took place, testing the rider’s proficiency in both dressage and show jumping. Levels again range from Preliminary to Elementary with the heights of the fences increasing as the levels progress. After all the scores were calculated, from both phases, both pony and horse Champions and Reserve Champions were crowned.

Graham & Tina Fletcher, accompanied by their son Ollie and rider Alfie Bradstock, delivered the second Master Class but this time in Show Jumping. Graham explained complex training methods in an easily understandable way, so that all riders could use the advice to their advantage. The inclusion of crowd participation kept everyone hooked and added pressures on to the boys to not get it wrong.

The SEIB Trailblazers Championships are a major event in the UK calendar for unaffiliated riders and are held in great esteem, as not only is it a Championship with something for everyone, but also a great family holiday. So don’t forget to kick start your 2018 campaign, good luck and hopefully we shall see you soon.Highl