New obstacles catch out some at Deer Park
Riders first tackled a show jumping track before then going on to the cross-country course.
The open 3ft 6in course caught riders out early on with a new "skinny" tractor tyre at fence three robbing several of their chance in the line up. The water complex, followed by a narrow suspended log set on the brow of a hill, also called for an accurate approach, but jumped well.
The winner finally emerged as lawyer turned legal English lecturer Jacqueline Jones-Parry, who proved that age is no barrier to success.
Jacqueline, who rides from Jill Carenza's Cotswolds Riding School at Stanton, near Broadway, received her Irish Draught cross Thoroughbred mare Aoife as a 50th birthday present five years ago, and hasn't looked back since.
"My husband David brought her for me and I've produced her with help from Jill, who has made us what we are," said Jacqueline. "The cross-country course was a varied, challenging one at Deer Park – and very good fun."
The duo has also evented to pre-novice level, team chased and twice taken part in the North Cotswold Hunt member's point-to-point at Paxford.
Runner-up was fellow "veteran" Caroline Bevan, 50, from Northleach, with Atlanta, another Irish Draught cross TB. The mare, now 19, has been with Caroline for 13 years and they are Deer Park regulars.
Victoria Moore sped through the cross-country timed section to head the 2ft 9in over 14.2hh class on Fancy her three-quarters Arab chestnut mare. "She not what many consider a typical chestnut mare at all – she's very willing, reliable and honest," said Victoria. "The cross-country course was tricky and Fancy had a good look at the new "fort" structure at the water complex – I just kept kicking on and she jumped it fine."
Cotswold Vale Farmers Hunt Pony Club's Emily Shea, 13, led the 2ft 9in under 14.2hh class, coming home just over a second quicker through the timed section than runner-up Maddy Cantrell. Her partner was the 13.2hh grey pony Sam, passed down from older sister Alice and a family stalwart who is on a variety of Pony Club teams.
Maddy, 12, the granddaughter of Deer Park owner Brian Babbage, rode 14.2hh Lamiabellezza. The pair, sponsored by Equestrian Needs, has recently started Junior BSJA show jumping.
Alex Phillips blasted round the timed section on Ipredictariot in the 2 2ft 3in horse section, leaving their nearest rival seven seconds adrift, and Shelley Kirby and Spirit just got ahead of Holly Osborne in the equivalent pony class.
Course owner Brian Babbage paid tribute to the band of volunteers - jump judges, stewards, ring helpers and the rest – that make every event possible.
The cross-country course was created using the expertise of renowned course builders the Willis Brothers, and the venue is open for schooling all year round.
Clinics with eventer Leonard Goerens are also planned. For more information, visit deerparkcrosscountry.co.uk, or phone 01242 820881 / 07976 262547.
By Kate Healey
