30 May 2022
First three-star show ever in Hopetoun was successful
The first FEI 3* event to be held at Hopetoun in Scotland has completed Sunday. Course designer Johan Jacobs designed a free-flowing course that made the most of the terrain, provided technical challenges for advanced competitors while still being accessible for the grassroots drivers attempting their first national event.“When I saw the actual site of the marathon, I had to alter my plans slightly, because what would have worked well on flat ground in Netherlands, might well prove too taxing on the rolling hills of the beautiful Hopetoun Estate”, Johan Jacobs explains.
Hopetoun was a Selection Event for both the GBR Single Horses and GBR Horse Fours with wins for Harriet Bradford and Mark Carruthers respectively
Chris Manger ended up driving the event Unicorn as an HC competitor after one of his team of Friesians unfortunately went lame just before the dressage. “Although the course seemed intimidating when I first walked it, once I studied it, there were some really nice flowing routes to be found”, he said.
Main Sponsor Margo Smith, coming a creditable second to an international driver in the Horse Tandems Class was delighted with her horses’ performance and the fabulous atmosphere in only their third competition together. Sponsor Janet Pilling, who also sponsors events on the continent, said that the Gateway competition was a wonderful opportunity to introduce a young horse to a competition environment in a safe and welcoming way.
Marion Koornneef was President of the Jury and commented on the very friendly event in marvellous surroundings. It was lovely to welcome back commentator Debbie Wicks, daughter of the late John Cowdery who, along with HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, was a leading light in the development of carriage driving as a sport in the UK.
The cones provided particularly testing with no clear rounds except in the course for the Gateway classes
Photographer: Gillian Fleming. Driver: Harriet Bradford
