JULES Reed, from Stratford-upon-Avon RDA (Riding for the Disabled) group, became joint RDA National Champion in the countryside challenge senior class at the RDA National Championships at Hartpury College.
The championships are the biggest event of their kind in the world and 400 competitors from 100 RDA groups across the UK took part. Competition classes included showjumping, countryside challenge (a type of obstacle course), dressage, carriage driving, vaulting and horse care.
The Stratford group had six riders entered in both the countryside challenge and dressage and they all achieved great results.
In the countryside challenge, as well as Jules, Leo Burbidge was fourth with 82.75 per cent, Jack Tandy was fourth with 78.25 per cent in the Junior class and Matthew Lane was sixth with 75.75 per cent in the Independent class.
Jo White gained 60.5 per cent in the Grade 1 dressage class and Isabella Benfield was second in the Junior combined dressage and countryside challenge class with 69.43 per cent and also gained an amazing 89 per cent in the horse care and knowledge competition.
Donna Jenkins, group organiser of Stratford RDA, said: “Our riders concentrated so hard and were up against stiff competition. The volunteers had polished our ponies who got good results in the ‘Best Turned Out’ and everyone looked very smart.
“Hartpury College is vast compared to our normal riding venue and could be very scary, but all our riders were confident and rode well.
“We are so proud of all of them, they should all feel delighted with their results and being part of this fabulous event.”
The Stratford group is based at Home Farm, Compton Verney, and rides out on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. For more details, visit www.rda-stratford.org.uk.
