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2012 Intermediate Open Champion

British Reining Championships

Michael and Baileys are 2012 British Reining Champions. Pic: Photo-Events UK

Michael is the 2012 British Reining Intermediate Open Champion following an awesome run in finals at the British Reining Championship Show held on 6-7 October at the Oakridge Arena, Nottinghamshire. Michael rode his home-produced, seven year old Quarter Horse mare Smart Rebel Girl to a score of 71.5, the highest score of the Championship classes. The pair beat Team GB riders Lee Rutter and Doug Allen, who each had multiple horses entered.

Michael said of his achievement, ‘I know my mare can score well in all manoeuvres but she is a tricky one to get settled in her head. She is very sensitive to things going on outside of the show pen but she felt so good in the warm up that I thought I’d just go for it and trust her. She was with me every step of the way. I am so proud of her, especially in such company!’

+1/2 for Mary Stephens

Mary circling

Mary Stephens +1/2 on her circles

Congratulations to Rookie Mary Stephens for an awesome few runs on her young reiner Aprils Little Lloyd (Lloyd). Mary rode fabulously and impressed the judges in her circles particularly, scoring +1/2 for the manoeuvre in both directions. We all know how hard it is to ‘plus’ on circles, so well done Mary and Lloyd, who are still only competing in Rookie and Limited classes.

We are especially pleased for Mary as it was only a short while ago that she suffered a broken ankle, which meant no riding for two months.

Garden of England Success

NRHA $500 Limited Open Pewter Trophy

NRHA $500 Limited Open Pewter Trophy

The Garden of England International Festival of Western Riding (18-22 July) was a great success for Michael and his Quarter Horse mare Smart Rebel Girl (Baileys). They were placed in all their classes, won a highly competitive NRHA $500 Limited Open (pewter trophy) and took reserve in the NRHA $200 Novice Horse Level 2.

Thank you to Collin Underwood for his sponsorship and Ann-Marie Underwood for her excellent grooming, which made all the ML Training horses look so good at the show.

Western Riding Demonstration

western riding demo

Western riding demo at Liphook Equine Hospital

Michael demonstrated the finesse of reining at Liphook Equine Hospital’s Open Day on 14 July. The demonstration was very well received by the large crowd, especially the bridleless part of the display.

Liphook Equine Hospital is based on the Hampshire / West Sussex border and is one of the largest specialist equine veterinary practices in the UK. The Open Day was held to celebrate the opening of the hospital’s new facilities.

Carol Ball is GOE Circuit Silver Medallist

Carol Ball and Winning In Vegas

Pic: Lewis Harding

We are very proud of client Carol Ball and her horse Winnin In Vegas (Winni) who were crowned Reserve Champions in the WES Novice Rider and Novice Horse Championship at the prestigious Garden of England Circuit. The pair received a sash and silver medal for each title following two shows of great riding in a variety of classes. The competition was tight and the classes well supported. Winni is a lovely seven year old Quarter Horse mare by DA Steady Vegas out of Nic A Winner, bred at Wye Oak Quarter Horses and started by Michael.