Sarah Holmes, one of our Haddon Training learners on the Isle of Wight, has won the Stubbing Court Training SkillHORSE competition for Advanced Apprentices.
The competition was originally scheduled to be held at Chatsworth International Horse Trials in May but it was rained off. It was re-scheduled for Thursday 10th September, at Osberton International Horse Trails. There were six Advanced Apprentices in the final - one from Lite Training, one from Duchy College, one from Chichester College, two from Stubbing Court Training and Sarah.
They all had to groom, plait, lunge, do flatwork on two horses, jump two horses in the main ring (up to 1 m), be interviewed by the event's FEI Veterinary Delegate and be interviewed by Mark Kyle. Mark Kyle also did all the judging for each section. Ian Stark had originally agreed to judge all the sections but was unfortunately not well enough following a period in hospital.
Sarah was mentored by Jane Holderness Roddam, Corinne Bracken and Robert Pickles - so many thanks to them for their support. Many congratulations too, to Moira London - Sarah's assessor - a great accolade to have one of your learners winning this high profile competition. Sarah will be receiving a £ 500. Training Bursary as her first prize which I have no doubt she will find very helpful.
Congratulations to all the Haddon Training team involved in putting her forward for,and supporting her through the competition. Many thanks must also go to Sarah's parents who have supported Sarah through this competition, travelling up and down the country from the Isle of Wight - particularly frustrating when Chatsworth was rained off.
For more about Sarah, her training and winning SkillsHORSE follow this link.
11/09/09