From 18th – 21st April SCDC Members took up camp at Arena UK in Lincolnshire and buckled down to represent the Wessex ICD Region – competing with many other regions from Wales and Scotland to our Dorset neighbours. Four of our qualifiers were competing and as SCDC Chairman Julia says “Team Wessex did everyone proud and between them won several rosettes, they all drove really well and were buoyed by the team supporters who were with them every step of the way. All present had a really good Championships.”

Hear from some of our competitors below about their experiences…

Ella Parker – Novice Pony – 4th

My experience at the championships was fulfilling, enjoyable and overall an amazing experience to be able to compete at such a prestigious yearly event. The best bit for me was the whole experience of competing at this show representing our Wessex region and bringing home ribbons with my family & friends cheering me on. I’m now looking forward to lots of fun over summer and once I’ve taken a short break to have my baby (due in August) I’ll be back in September to prepare and hopefully have another successful and enjoyable winter in 24/25.

Jane Scott – Novice Pony – 3rd

This was very unexpected as we started the winter slowly trotting the obstacles, and decided to give the championships a shot late on. The best bit was how much the pony enjoyed the obstacles, and how close the competition was between us and Ella from SCDC, also meeting new people and the support/compliments from our club members. We’re looking forward to learning to gallop, ready for next time!

Elizabeth Howe – Intermediate Pony – 11th

My experience at the championships was incredibly enjoyable particularly as the sun came out! The venue is outstanding and the organisation is top class. It’s a privilege to qualify and attend. The best part for me and the part I’m most proud of is being in 1st place overnight in Intermediate Pony after P&P and cones. We have struggled with dressage previously so to do a good test meant the world for me and my pony. I’m now looking forward to giving my pony a holiday and then enter some arena events later in summer before starting the whole qualifying process again – I can’t wait, I just love the indoor competitions!

“The championships for me is always a good time to catch up with friends. The event was well organized and most competitors were in the right place at the right time. Helping to prepare the food for the stewards and sponsors in the morning meant in the afternoon I got to go round and do several different tasks. It was good to see all the different things stewards do to keep the event running smoothly. The best bit was to see how well our Wessex members did. Some classes were quite large. Well done everyone.

Gillian Stoneman – SCDC Safeguarding Officer & IDC Steward