Blazing a trail

If there’s a grassroots championships you’d want to aim for, it’s got to be Trailblazers. Let’s meet some of this year’s winners

Every July, thousands of amateur competitors of all ages descend on Stoneleigh for the SEIB Trailblazers Championships, having come through qualifiers held across the country over the previous months. They feature showjumping, showing, dressage and combined training classes – and they’re the grassroots championships everyone wants to win. We talked to a few of this year’s champions after their final rounds…

Showjumping

Timy Orritt – Senior 1m champion

Last year’s 1m winners, Timy Orritt and Oops A Daisie Maisie retained their title in this class. “There was quite a bit of pressure as there weren’t many clear rounds,” said Timy. “I had a pole down yesterday but managed to finish second so I was in a good place coming into the final round. “By the time I went, there were two clears so it was doable. We were last to go in the jump-off and she was amazing. “I won it last year and won it this year – now I’m thinking hattrick next year, or do I finish on a high?” Timy has owned the mare, who came from Ireland, since she was a four-year-old and they’ve literally grown up together. “We’ve been coming since 2011. The atmosphere is lovely, people are so supportive and the organisation’s fantastic.”

Anne Coombs – Senior 60cm champion

Anne was crowned champion on Carbonado Joe, a horse she purchased for just £1. “It was a tricky one as we were last to go,” said Anne. “We won the previous day so we were on top points but we needed to get a semi-fast clear to close the championship and that’s what we went and did.” ‘Joe’ had previously won at Trailblazers with a friend of Anne’s and she was delighted that both their names will now appear on the trophy. The pony was initially on loan and Anne described him as a bit of a character and eventually managed to buy him for £1. At the time, he wouldn’t load or hack and his go-to was rearing. It took two years of intense work and taking a slightly different approach, but thankfully he always loved his jumping. “He owes me nothing – he’s a lovely person inside and out,” Anne finished. “He’s been poorly the last couple of years with asthma and had some throat operations, so to feel him back at his best is amazing!”

Combined training

Emma Moore – Prelim/60cm horse champion

Emma claimed this first championship win on what was her fourth visit to Trailblazers. She won it with her 21-year-old U2, who’s proving he’s not quite ready for retirement. The combination qualified at Allens Hill and secured the championship a clear four points ahead of reserve champions, Suzanne Hardy Smith and Maisie. “He went really well. I don’t usually ride on grass and in the first test I thought he was a little tentative,” said Banbury-based Emma. “But it actually kept him listening and he was nice and consistent. “He loves his jumping so he was really enthusiastic but the pressure was firmly on in that last round. “He behaved beautifully – we had one little tip of a pole but it stayed, I’m absolutely over the moon with him.”

Claire Staniland – Prelim/60cm pony champion

A regular visitor to the Trailblazers Championships, Claire’s persistence paid off and her two-hour trip from Hertfordshire proved worthwhile when she claimed the championship with her 12-year-old mare, Cissy B. Claire has owned her fabulous pony for five years following a 26-year break from riding and competing, and started showjumping before switching to combined training. The combination, who qualified at Brook Farm in Essex, notched up a sixth in the warm-up, a second in the first round and a win in round two, culminating in their top spot in the championship. “I can’t believe we’ve won!” said Claire afterwards. “She’s absolutely brilliant, she’s just the best pony. “I’ve had a fab week also coming ninth in the fancy dress. I’m over the other side of 50 and I feel like I’m 15!”

Dressage

Tish Baily – Senior Prelim champion

Tish Baily and Finlows Rendezvous clinched this title on what was their second visit to Trailblazers. 62-year-old Tish, who lives in Nantwich and qualified at Reaseheath College, described ‘Louis’ as “an amazing little horse to have” and a privilege to have him – without him she wouldn’t have continued riding. “I’m so overwhelmed and excited and happy, it’s just been amazing,” said Tish, who was attending the championships with a few friends. “I never expected it. “Louis came to me about four years ago. I’d had two very bad accidents in 20 months, having broken my back and then later breaking my pelvis, and this little horse was offered to me and he’s given me huge confidence to carry on.”

Zoe Clewlow – Junior Intro champion

11-year-old Zoe was a first-time winner. With her 21-year-old evergreen pony, Chester XXI, she pipped Isla Rose Edward into reserve with a final score of 140.43. The combination qualified at Berriewood Farm and, ambitious as any competitor many times her senior, Zoe was keen to get a championship under her belt. “My Intro on the final day probably secured it for me – Chester’s trot work is really nice,” said Zoe. “I had a lot of nerves, so it was Chester’s experience that got me through.”