Sharon Jarvis, Stella Barton and Bridget Murphy. Image: Jessie Downs.
Australian riders in action at Hartpury
By Equestrian Life
A strong contingent of Australian riders are currently in action at Hartpury Festival of Dressage in the UK, where CDI3* and CPEDI3* classes are on offer.
The action kicked off on Tuesday, with three Australian para dressage riders competing.
Sharon Jarvis contested the Grand IV Grand Prix A, finishing eighth with Femma Lijbra (ZiZi Top x Zebulon) on 66.611% and 11th with Furst Crusador (Jazz x Rhodimant) on 65%. On Wednesday in the Grand IV Grand Prix B, Sharon was fifth with Furst Crusador on 68.378% and 10th with Femma Lijbra on 66.676%.
“To be amongst the place getters at this competition really means a lot to me,” said Sharon following Wednesday’s tests. “Both horses tried really hard for me… It has been an absolute pleasure to ride these horses and be involved with all their connections. I have loved being a part of a fun Aussie team here, [it] has been great fun too.”
Stella Barton competed in the Grade I Grand Prix A on Tuesday, scoring 60.66% for ninth with Hera Buxton (Zamboucca). On Wednesday, they scored 62.167% for ninth in the Grade I Grand Prix B.
“I had such a lovely ride and Hera was more relaxed and on the job today,” said Stella follow the second day of competition. “Competing at Hartpury Festival of Dressage has been such a wonderful experience that I will cherish forever.”
The Grade II Grand Prix A class saw Bridget Murphy finish sixth with Delphdale Alice on 63.138% and seventh with Lyndhurst Soldier (Lovelyhill Cranborne Heights) on 62.621%. On Wednesday in the Grade II Grand Prix B, Bridget was sixth and seventh again, improving with both horses to score 65.933% with Delphdale Alice and 62.4% with Lyndhurst Soldier.
“I was feeling much better having got day one out the way, and it definitely translated into the work I got out of both Charlie and Alice [on day two],” said Bridget of her tests.
All three riders have travelled from Australia to compete, and have only been riding their UK-based horses for a relativly short amount of time.
Well done to all, and Equestrian Life wishes Sharon and Bridget the best of luck in their Freestyle tests on Thursday!
Fellow Australian Jayden Brown is also entered for Hartpury, with WillingaPark Sky Diamond and WillingaPark Quincy B set to contest the CDI3* Grand Prix on Friday.
You can view draws and results from the event here.
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