Northern Region members of British Dressage have won the prestigious 2012 Senior Inter-Regional Dressage event at Keysoe Equestrian Centre (19 – 20 May). The team, entitled ‘Northern Engagement’ was the overall champion out of 35 teams fielded by eight regions from across the UK.

The Northern Engagement team members were Charlotte Hinchliffe from Sheffield riding Treliver Diorissimo, Laura Steel from York riding Moonlighter, Cara Shardlow from Scarborough riding Detonator and Tracey Kibler from Northumberland riding Diamond Pantera.

The Northern Engagement team was the over-night leader on Saturday with both Cara and Laura gaining just over 70% in their first tests and both leading in the individual championships. However, the team from the Eastern region was only a few marks behind them going into the second day.

On Sunday, Tracey was the first rider to go in the Elementary class and delivered a foot perfect performance on Diamond Pantera to set the scene for the other team members. Laura Steel felt the pressure after her win on Saturday with Moonlighter; however they could not top the 70% of the previous day and gained 66.45%. Charlotte Hinchliffe and her chestnut mare Treliver Diorissimo experienced a challenging first day but their sound performance on Sunday put pressure on their Eastern rivals.

Cara Shardlow and the current Home International Novice Champion, Detonator were the last team members to compete. In a pressurized situation, Cara rode for a win, scoring 68.53% to take the lead. The Eastern team was unable to make up the ground, leaving Northern Engagement as winner of the team event.

The Northern region also had another team in the top ten. Team ‘Hampton’ finished in seventh place. The team included riders Lindsay Hancock (West Yorkshire), Libby Norton (Leicestershire), Tracey Liddle (York) and Jessica McDougall (York).

The Northern region sent a full quota of six teams with riders ranging from Preliminary through to Medium level. All riders were presented with a goody bag from the region along with a saddle cloth provided by Sue Carson Saddles, regional sponsors and the event was also supported by Freedom Dressage.

For further information, contact Sarah Overson at British Dressage on 02476 698819.