Trio qualify for RDA National Championships

THREE riders from Stratford-upon-Avon Riding for the Disabled have qualified for the RDA National Championships, the biggest event of its kind in the world.

Isabella Benfield earned her place in two events after the West Mercia qualifying event at Stourport Riding Centre.

Sasha Simonnet, competing at this level for the first time, and Jo White also booked their places for the nationals which will be held from 15 to 17 July at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire.

There was more delight for Sasha, from Preston-on-Stour, when he was awarded the Rosemary Stretch Memorial Shield for the Warwickshire rider with the best Countryside Challenge score, which was presented by Rosemary’s son, Gordon.

Stratford had eight riders competing in the Countryside Challenge, Dressage and Show-jumping classes, with both Sasha and Ellis Thomas competing at this level for the first time.

Donna Jenkins, group organiser of Stratford RDA said: “It was lovely to see the smiles on our riders’ faces as the competition was well supported and it was a busy and tiring day. Taking part in this event was a great achievement and they all rode well.

“We are so proud of all of them and of course especially proud of Jo, Sasha and Isabella for qualifying. We look forward to the smiles again when they compete at the RDA National Championships in July.

Results - Dressage: Junior classes 1 Isabella Benfield on Henry (unled) (Championships qualifier)

Senior classes 2 Jo White on Badger (qualifier).

Countryside Challenge, Junior Classes: 1 Sasha Simonnet on Keira (qualifier); 2 Isabella Benfield on Henry (qualifier); 5 Jack Tandy on Marco; 8 Charlotte Seager on Keira; 13 Ellis Thomas on Marco.

Senior Classes: 4 Matthew Lane on Badger (unled) and 8 Jules Reed on Keira.

Showjumping Level 1: Junior classes 1 Charlotte Seager on Keira; 2 Jack Tandy on Marco; 3 Sasha Simonnet on Keira, Ellis Thomas on Marco.

Showjumping Level 2: Junior class 3 Isabella Benfield on Henry.

Senior classes 1 Jules Reed on Keira (led); 1 Matthew Lane on Badger (unled).