Despite only completing his first cross country competition in May, Uzello rounded off the season with an open win at the West Perthshire Pony Club’s pick-a-fence contest at Kirkton Farm, Doune.
The talented gelding, which is ridden by Fife policewoman Elaine McDonald, and which is on load from owner Jennifer Kent, has made a seamless transition from showjumping to eventing over the past five months.
“I got the ride on Oz earlier this year as my own event and dressage horse Wizzard was sidelined due to an injury,” said Elaine.
“He’s been totally fabulous though we did our f irst cross country together in May, shortly followed by his first dressage competition and after that I introduced him to eventing.
“He’s taken to it like a duck to water,” she added.
After making his BE debut at Belsay, Oz helped Elaine to achieve a lifelong ambition at Burgham.
“He scored a 10 for one of his movements in his BE100 dressage test,” she explained. “It’s the first time I’ve ever had a 10 on a score sheet.”
That score helped them to achieve 80% for their test that day, to progress to the jumping phases at the top of their section.
“Oz has showjumped all his days but he is absolutely loving eventing particularly the cross country. I have to give a heartfelt thanks to Jennifer for loaning him to me to compete.”
Reflecting on their round at Kirkton, Elaine added: “This event was my first time at Doune and it was a huge credit to West Perthshire Pony Club.
“It was so well organised and it’s a super course.”
Although Elaine felt Oz went very well, he is still slightly green: “He was so keen, though, and he loved the galloping sections of the course.”
They topped the open class by scoring the maximum points available stopping the clock closest to the optimum time from Hermione Bell and her event horse Vasco Gold Rush, which completed in overall second, and Mark Moran and Sea Breeze who took third.
The open Pony Club win was taken by Glenrothes PC member Debbie McGregor and her horse Mega Jackpot. The partnership travelled to Doune having recently taken an open win at the annual Inchcoonans Derby.
Meanwhile, so popular was the adult novice entry, it was split into two sections.
Section A was topped by Rhona McKay and Fizzical Presence. The win from Section B went to Stirlingshire rider Alison Bogue and her youngster Marqued Man.
Alison hopes four-year-old Kenny will prove a worthy successor to her BE rosette machine and 2014 Badminton Grassroots finalist Westenwind, which she sold recently.
A true project horse, Alison bought Kenny when he was a two-year-old from Alwyn McLain, and the pick-a-fence at Doune was his first ever shot at cross country.
“Our round was really great fun,” she reflected. “He took to it really well and showed very little greeness.
“He really seemed to enjoy himself.”
Alison broke Kenny herself last year. “We have just done a few little competitions over this summer, but my plan is to start BE with him next year,” she said.
The full thoroughbred was originally bred for flat racing. His mother was imported from the US in foal to the American racehorse Marquetry, although Kenny was foaled on British soil.
They did their first dressage test at the start of the year at Oatridge, coming second from 28 horses on a score of 71%.
“I’m really excited about his future after such a very promising start,” said Alison, who has ambitions to reach Novice BE and is confident that Kenny feels “brave enough” to take her there in years to come.
equestrian@thecourier.co.ukResults
12 years and under 1’ short course: 1 Anna Lyons, Ballyrush Harvey (Lanark and Renfrew); 2 Seona Scott, Jim (West Perthshire); 3 Evie Penderis, Percy (Strathblane).
10 years and under 1’6: 1 Carla Paterson, Sporty (West Perthshire); 2 Arianna Pia, Puzzle (Lanark and Renfrew); 3 Sophie Wilson, Fly (West Perthshire).
10 years and under 2’: 1 Madeline Bower, Penllyn Pirate (Lanark and Renfrew); 2 Sophie Lusk, Chiskin Jeroboem (Eglinton); 3 Alana Thomson, Princess Rose (Strathblane).
12 years and under 2’6 (section A): 1 Sarah Coutts, Paddy (Strathearn); 2 Jessica Smart, Tia; 3 Molly Mahoney, Caebryn Finn (Strathblane).
12 years and under 2’6 (section B): 1 Isla Kirk, Wallace’s Pride (Eglinton); 2 Jessica Mcculloch, Mr B Pickle (Stewartry); 3 Morgan Cooper, Smarty Pants (Forth Valley).
Novice 13 to 16 years: 1 Maddy Frame, Tinky (West Perthshire); 2 Molly Bower, Noble Elton (Lanark and Renfrew); 3 Jenny Holdsworth, Millie (West Perthshire).
Novice 17 years and over (section A): 1 Rhona McKay, Fizzical Presence; 2 Susan Robb, Tina; 3 Leanne Keane, Dougal.
Novice 17 years and over (section B): 1 Alison Bogue, Marqued Man; 2 Sarah Mccafferty, Acapulco SP; 3 Jane Westgarth, Solloway Ladies Charm.
Open Pony Club: 1 Debbie McGregor, Mega Jackpot (Glenrothes); 2 Louise Howat, Crispy (Fife Hunt); 3 Lucy Ross, Transy BM (West Perthshire).
Open: 1 Elaine McDonald, Uzello; 2 Hermione Bell, Vasco Gold Rush; 3 Mark Moran, Sea Breeze.