Isle of Man Steam Packet and Ballaseyr Stables scholarship recipient, Hannah Goodby, returned to the Island recently after a successful campaign showjumping the length and breadth of England, chasing qualifiers for the two national showjumping championships.
After qualifying for two classes at the Festival of Showjumping, at Vineyards, Shropshire and Birchinley Manor, Rochdale, Hannah decided to take the gamble of shipping the horses to the events.
At Vineyards she managed to gain fourth spot in a three round semi-final and in Rochdale a second placing in a 1.20m open.
Due to foot and mouth restrictions causing a lot of events to be postponed, the qualifiers have been much more difficult this year as the entries have been exceptionally high.
At a five-day show held at David Brooms’ estate in Wales, Hannah and Monty scorched round in the 1.15m select Scope qualifier. They held the lead from a field of 126 for a long time only to be pipped into third position but still gained a place at the Scope festival at Stafford county showground.
Earlier in the day Hannah competed in monsoon conditions in a newcomer semi-final, which was a direct qualifier for the Horse of the Year Show. From 114 starters, most of them well-known riders, she reached the third jump-off after two immaculate clear rounds. However with a tricky course standing at 1.35m, Hannah knocked two poles but ended in a very credible 13th place.
Monty will be kept fit until the two festivals in August and September while the younger horse, Carrie (Keltic Star), will continue competing in order to gain more experience
Thanks go to Manx Sports Aid, Isle of Man Steam Packet and Ballaseyr stables.
