Posted: 20th September 2019 | Back to news feed
Ashley and His Highness Win TopSpec Medium Gold at British Dressage National Championships
It was a day to remember for Ashley Jenkins and His Highness when winning the TopSpec Medium Gold at the British Dressage National Championships.
The elegant British-bred His Highness was crowned king of the class under the expert guidance Ashley Jenkins with the duo scoring 73.94% to top a competitive class.
Photo: TopSpec Regional Manager, Laura Cooper presents Ashley and His Highness with their prize.
Owned by Jamie Reynolds and Cherry Elvin, and bred by Cat Austin, His Highness is no stranger to success at the LeMieux National Championships, having won the Novice Gold title in 2017.
Said Ashley: “He just went in there and focused. The suppleness, frame and balance were really good. He was Novice Champion in 2017 and placed third in the Elementary last year, he’s been really consistent.
“We’ll crack on with the changes now, he loves his work and loves to learn new things. We’ve had him since he was a foal, he was bred by my friend Cat Austin.
“He’s not been easy but we have a really good relationship, he used to be really scared of things but he takes lots of confidence from me now. He can take a long time to get used to different surroundings!
“He’s actually really grumpy but he’s a big character – that’s what makes him special!”
Annabella Pidgley took second with her 2019 European Pony Championships partner Cognax IX and Alex Hardwick placed third on board her mother Sally’s Glasgow MH, another former championships winner.
Third Title for Rob Barker in TopSpec Medium Silver at British Dressage National Championships
Rob Barker, a rider with a superb British Dressage National Championships record, continued his winning ways taking a third title in three consecutive years.
This time it was victory in the TopSpec Medium Silver on day two of the championships on board Charlotte Dujardin’s River Rise Isabella, the tall six-year-old daughter of Don Frederic impressing the judges panel to earn 70.37%.
Photo: TopSpec Regional Manager, Laura Cooper presents Rob Barker and River Rise Isabella with their prize.
Said Rob: “She’s an amazing horse and is still getting used to the bigger atmospheres. She is a lot more used to the local shows and gets better and better every time. I’ve done quite a lot with her but I’ve had a lot of help from Charlotte. She has no weakness it’s just experience!”
About his test Rob added: “Last year she didn’t walk when she came here but I got my walk today which I was really pleased with.
“We take it step by step with her to produce her as a horse for the future, I kept a lid on it today and it was good fun. Her walk, trot and canter is amazing it’s just about steering her and making sure I do the right thing!
“Charlotte doesn’t put any pressure on but I put a lot on myself. She helps me a lot and I want to do well because she gives a lot of time to me so I want to give it back in a way.”
Charlotte will make the decisions on what’s next for the super talented mare, Rob concluded: “I’m so lucky to be able to ride her and every time I sit on her I’m grateful, we just take it day by day.”
Second place belonged to Maria Collins who scored 69.56% with her and Dorothy Taylor’s Exclusive Gem, whilst Maisie Hodge and her own Garant H completed the top three with 68.56%.
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