Midlands Carriagedriving

Midlands’ Final ODE sees some new faces in the line-up

16 July 2023

Alice Lockett’s diminutive Shetland mare belied her 16 years and fair rocketed round the cones and obstacles, having first ‘endured’ the dressage.

Alice Lockett

Laura Wray was driving a pair of Shetlands who were also keen to get on with the fun side of driving trials while Jeannie Jordan, driving an eye-catching chestnut pony, was attempting outdoor trials for the first time, having previously competed indoors.

Laura Wray

All was going well as Jeannie led both the dressage and cones phases in the Novice Pony class but was caught out in Obstacle 1 when missing a gate, leading to an unfortunate elimination.

Jennie Jordan at her first outdoor competition.

Mike Rhodes and his wife normally enjoy just driving round the lanes with their pair of cobs and this was Mike’s first attempt at any dressage and cones, this time driving a single, in Novice Pony. It was a great learning experience for pony, Mike and his wife and the club hopes to see them out again.

Mike Rhodes completes his first cones course.

Following Jeannie’s exit, Margaret Wharmby won Novice Pony, as did Linda Wiggin (Intermediate Pony) and Catherine Brockie who was out for a trial run with a pair of grey ponies (Pony Pair).

Catherine Brockie

Mary Fuller overcame her horse’s fear of sheep to lead from start to finish in Novice Horse with Jon White in second place and Rosemary Armstrong third.

Another to lead throughout was Chris Ainscough (Open Horse) who produced yet another lovely test to score 49.8, one of the best cones scores of the day and beautiful flowing lines through the obstacles.

Chris Ainscough

The threatening rain came down hard on Mark Riley during his test, but his horse kept going nicely for 56.45 and a final second place with Gemma Owens in third and Rachel Reilly, who produced her usual good obstacle times, in fourth.

Mark Riley performs Dressage in the rain.

Rachel Reilly

It was an excellent way to end the run of ODEs at Anslow and now the club moves on to three Two-Day events; Onley Grounds on 29 to 30 July (incorporating Regional and Club classes as well as the British Young Drivers’ Championships), the new venue of Brailsford in Derbyshire on 19 and 20 August plus Oasby in Lincolnshire on 2 and 3 September.

ANSLOW EVENT RESULTS ⏱ >

For more news, information and to enter online visit www.midlandscarriagedriving.co.uk and also follow the club on Facebook.