The fourth edition of the Young Horse Championships this week, the third in partnership with Al Shira’aa, includes the official British Showjumping Young Horse Championships with qualifiers for the World Breeding Championships at Lanaken in September.
The first two days of the event have been bathed in sunshine which, as extreme heat warnings hit parts of the UK, has proved to be a test of strength and perseverance for all involved with the event.
However, as they say, the show must go on and go on it did...
Day 1: Wednesday 10 August
First out were the 4yo horses in the Ashdale Sports Horses Ltd class. 36 out of 74 qualified through to the final on Sunday. Next up was the Windmill Farm Estate 6yo qualifier. Laura Mantel/Dam Diamant Z won the class, followed by Nicole Pavitt, Q-pleasure Van Seven Oaks and Laura Mantel/NFS Angelina.
The Dallamires Stables 5yo horse and riders were next in the ring. Nearly half of the 109 riders went through. The NexGen CS12* welcomed 76 participants to the Castle Arena, with Ali Hamad Al Kirbi, riding for title sponsor Al Shira’aa, heading the class on his gelding Dubai de Vie.
Finally for day one, the Al Shira’aa 7yo qualifer saw a great performance from Nicole Lockhead Anderson riding her own horse Emerald Irish Cruise, followed by Damien Charles/Presley OL, George Whitaker/Zirocca Zoom.
Day 2: Thursday 11 August
The day got underway with the Ashdale Sports Horses 4yo qualifer 2 in which 33 of the 70 went clear, meaning a total of 50 qualified through to the final on Saturday. The largest class of the day was the Dallamires Stables 5yo Championship qualifier 2. A substantial 111 riders lined up for this popular class – the class was won by Carmen Edwards/Escape the Gossip.
The final class of the day – the Old Lodge Stud CSI2*Two Phase GP qualifier 1.40m - welcomed a round 100 competitors to the arena. Richard Howley from West Ireland headed the class, taking the win on his gelding Chinook. He was followed by George Whitaker/Peanut and Carmen Edwards/Happy Valerie.
Bolesworth Elite Foal Auction
Away from the sporting arena, the Bolesworth Elite Foal Auction takes place at 8.45pm on Friday 12 August. Commenting on the Auction, Garry Merton, of the Bolesworth Elite Foal Auction team, said “We have a real range of top-class sires with some of the most sought after in the World, including Chacco Blue, Diamant de Semilly, Cornet Obolensky, and a selection currently performing at the Herning World Championships. The calibre of this auction is such that the fillies would make a valuable addition to any breeding programme, and many of the colts have clear stallion potential.
Potential bidders should visit www.bolesworth.auction to register. To book a place at the auction contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Lot enquiries should be directed to Garry Merton on 07775 662 022.
The 2022 Al Shira’aa Bolesworth Young Horse Championships are free to spectators every day until Sunday the 14th of August.