It was full steam ahead for the dressage season at Brechin Castle Equestrian, when the first competition of 2015 was supported by bumper entries.
Taking a double of wins across both the Novice 22 and Elementary 43 tests and in doing so relegating her partner Neil Calvert into a second placing in the novice was Pam Atagan and her Welsh section D called Sam.
Pam, who works as a chef in the Sultan Turkish Restaurant, in Forfar, has owned the now 20-year-old gelding since he was a five-year-old.
“I bought him from Mr Conchie (Sr) back when he was stabled with him,” Pam said. She added that Sam has proved a fabulous servant and Jack of all trades over the years, competing in everything from cross country to showjumping and much more recently in dressage.
Reflecting on her performances at Brechin, she said: “My tests could have been a bit smoother, but all in all I was very pleased with how we did.”
Pam and Sam will contest the Scottish Veteran Dressage championships this weekend. “I’d like to continue improving my scores this year. Brechin is a very friendly venue.”
The winners of the Novice 28 test were successful Tayside Dressage Group and BYRDS partnership Zoe Florence and Hirstmund Merlot.
in tHe Prelim 19 test, Katie Blewitt made the most of a return to the dressage arena to take the class win. it was the first time her horse Solus of Marisland had been out to a competition since the trailer he was travelling in was involved in a road traffic accident on the A90 motorway.
“Solus was a star throughout the ordeal,” explained Katie’s mother Val.
“He has a real bond with Katie and trusts her totally.
“He unloaded from the trailer following the incident at the side of the motorway and was happy to load again shortly after.
“The driver of the vehicle which hit the trailer was charged with dangerous driving,” she added.
Having spent the winter months concentrating on their flatwork, the partnership is another to head to the Veteran finals this weekend.
Katie said: “Solus has been with us for more than seven years now and i wouldn’t change a minute of it.
“He turns 16 next month but sometimes it feels like i have a six-year-old.
“His age doesn’t affect the amount of energy and excitement he has forlife, which I love,” she said. Katie conceded she had her mind set on not putting Solus back into a trailer following the accident and did not particularly want to travel him anywhere but she was glad she put those ghosts to rest to go to Brechin.
“The test rode very nicely. I felt he was really listening to me and was quick to respond to my aids. It is also one of my favourite prelim tests as it flows very well.”
Katie now plans to continue with a season split between dressage, veteran showing and the occasional cross country.
equestrian@thecourier.co.uk Result Intro A: 1 Kate Robertson, Aria Silver Dream, 64.1; 2 Heather Bowman, Charlie, 63.7; 3 Rachael Cumming, Elizabeth, 63.3. Prelim 7: 1 Kirsten McGregor, Soldier, 67.8; 2 Laura Fairburn, Banoud, 66.3; 3 Michaela Watt, Zeus, 65. Prelim 19: 1 Katie Blewitt, Solus of Marisland, 67.3; 2 Neil Calvert, Diamond, 67; 3 Louise Watt, April Showers, 66.8. Novice 28: 1 Zoe Florence, Hirstmund Merlot, 65.6; 2 Michaela Watt, Zeus, 64.6; 3 Laura Fairburn, Banoud, 63.3. Novice 22: 1 Pam Atagan, Sam, 62.8; 2 Neil Calvert, Diamond, 61; 3 Margie McIntosh, Milligan, 59.8. Elementary 43: 1 Pam Atagan, Sam, 58.1.