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Veteran Horse Society 2008 Dressage Finals
Kindly Sponsored by Vitamite Golden Oldies

Golden, yellow and black prevailed at South View in Cheshire on Saturday 4th October as the branding from Vitamite Golden Oldies, sponsors of the new for 2008 dressage championships for the Veteran Horse Society was reflected in rosettes, glorious sashes, rugs, numnahs and goodies awarded to the champions and winners down the line in the 3 sections. Entries were good for Prelim, Novice and Elementary classes. Indications are promising for huge growth in dressage for Veterans.
 
 ‘The interest in our unique rice based feed, Vitamite Golden Oldies, which is technologically developed especially for horses over 15 years old is immense. It just goes to show that those involved with Veterans really appreciate what they have to offer in wisdom and fun and really want the very best for them in return.’ Commented Yvette James for Mitavite UK who was on hand to present the prizes.  ‘The standard at the championships was impressive. Everyone made huge effort, cherished horses and ponies were turned-out to perfection. Some competitors commented that they had achieved their personal best, and at a championships that was really something to be proud of.’

The first champion to be crowned was the VHS Vitamite Golden Oldies Preliminary Championship to Tammy Ruffles from Suffolk riding her own Sterling who is 22 years old; they scored a fantastic 73.75%.  When Tammy first saw Sterling 10 years ago she decided she was going to buy him before she had even sat on him!  They have competed in Dressage and Showing ever since.   Reserve champion Janine Wain riding Pennlude Jet scored 72%.  Both junior entries, Tara Johnson riding Mountain Rose and Amy Cussons riding Kizzy, scored over 65% and were each presented with a special award.

Next up, the VHS Vitamite Golden Oldies Novice Championship went to Jennifer Hesketh from the Wirral, riding her own 23 year old Master Robin, with a very creditable 71.6%.   Jennifer has owned Master Robin for 11 years and has participated in Working Hunters, Eventing, Showing and Affiliated Dressage.   Following a serious accident in 2004 Jennifer did not know if he could ever be ridden again, fortunately he has demonstrated his full recovery with this win.  Reserve Champion went to Georgie Toole riding Brio who also scored 71.6%

Twelve year old Georgie Toole from Worcester riding Zoe Sleigh’s Brio went one better to compete and win The VHS Vitamite Golden Oldies Elementary Championship, scoring a tremendous 73.4%. One to watch for the future, Georgie caught the eye. At 19 years old, her pony Brio is her elder by 7 years! They do a bit of everything together including Eventing and Showjumping, which Georgie taught him this year - he had never jumped before.  She won the junior elementary Trailblazers championships at Stoneleigh this year and will be aiming for the 2008 Search For A Star. Reserve champion Dianne Ellerton riding Tom ‘O’ Hawk, they scored 69%

‘One judge, who also judges at Affiliated Dressage, commented that the standard was on a par with many Affiliated Dressage competitions!’  said Emma Holland, the VHS Dressage Organiser, delighted that the event went so well. ‘A massive thank you to Yvette from Vitamite Feeds for the top class sponsorship and wonderful prizes, without their generous sponsorship the final would never have gone ahead.   We also thank Yvette for coming and presenting the prizes.  Thanks to our judges Melanie Mitchell and Steven Shoemark and our writers Davelee Brocklehurst and Cathy Hyde.   Thanks to South View Equestrian Centre for use of the venue and the fantastic food!  Thanks to my mum Sue Holland who has had to put up with all my stressing getting the final put together and running the desk on the day.  And finally, to the all the competitors for attending, without you the final would never have been the success it was.  I look forward to seeing you all next year.’

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Photos by of Gemineye Photography please acknowledge them if printed.

For more information contact www.veteran-horse-society.co.uk Julianne Aston
www.mitavite.co.uk Yvette James 07751 521848 for Mitavite UK, Vitamite Golden Oldies