Burghley Horse Trials: Close competition in Pony Club event

South Notts PC; (L to R, Ebony Sheppard on Kantijes Wizkid, Alsha Selby on Ronco, Millie Catley on Pandora and Charlie Catley on Abercombie) winners of the Pony Club Team Jumping during The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials near Stamford in Lincolnshire, UK, on 2nd September 2015 EMN-150509-111806001

It was, however, a competition that went right to the wire on Thursday (September 3) and the result of the two-team jump-off against the Fernie, depended on the final combination Charlie Catley and Abercombie of the South Notts, who had no option but to go clear for his team to win. They did and were the only combination of the day to produce two clear rounds in what was a competition of ups and downs for most teams.

“I knew we could do it but I was panicking when I came in as I knew it was down to me and she did clip a couple but thankfully they stayed up,” said Catley, who was also a novice section winner at the recent Pony Club Championships with eight-year-old Abercombie.

Not one team produced a zero score; the Fernie and the South Notts ended on four faults and from third to sixth only eight faults divided the teams. The Brocklesby were the fastest eight faulters and took third prize.

Leading event rider, William Fox-Pitt who is competing at Burghley and has won here a record six times, presented the prizes to the teams. The competition was supported by the Animal Health Trust.

Results:

1) The South Notts: Millie Catley – Pandora, Alisha Selby – Pandora, Ebony Sheppard – Kantjes Wizkid, Charlie Catley – Abercombie

2) The Fernie: India Pover – Satchel, Clarissa Ingram – Trebor, Chloe Pearson – Garryduff Chacoa, Lucy Frankham – Diamond Chacoa

3) The Brocklesby: Milly Petchell – Jumping Jack, Paris Kirkby – Columbine, Hannah Clark – Jessop Regal Romanie, Danielle Johnston – Elton John