Weston Lawns Equestrian Centre played host to a bank holiday bonanza of show jumping at the weekend, with riders of all ages and abilities taking part in a packed programme of events. The weather held out for us and the sun even made an appearance which meant the going was perfect.
Among the highlights was the Amateur & Veterans 2022 championships, which saw some close competition in all categories. The Weston Lawns Grand Prix was another hotly contested event, with riders battling it out for a place on the podium. And in the Stuart Crutchlow Memorial Trophy class, which is always hotly contested, there was some spectacular riding on display.
Megan Cowan riding Tullycars Peekaboo. Photography by Simon Coates Photography
Megan Cowan was our 2022 Leading Amateur Horse/Rider combination bagging herself the £500 bonus after collecting points over our 3 Category 1 stay away shows. It was very close right up to the end with the lead in the points chopping and changing over the weekend between Chelsea Dowling with SLR Seawolf and Megan with Tullycars Peekaboo. Megan having a win and a 2nd place on the final day for points meant she overtook Chelsea winning the title by 13 points. Well done to you both, you fought a cracking battle to the end!
Nigel Thorpe riding Obey D. Photography by Simon Coates Photography
Weston Lawns proudly hosted the 40th Stuart Crutchlow Memorial Trophy class last week. The class has been a highly coveted one since it was first introduced in 1982, and this year's winner was Nigel Thorpe with Obey D. The presentation was made by Samantha and Pheobe Crutchlow, who did an excellent job of keeping the crowd entertained. A big thank you goes out to all of the participants and spectators who helped make this year's event a success. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year for another exciting class.
AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY ROSTRUM WINNERS INCLUDED:
The 85cm was won by Taylor Marsh with Mr Valentino III
The 95cm was won by Talish Davis with Cillmhuire A Cara
The 1.05m was won by Emily Morris with Westpoint Foreign Affair
The 1.10m was won by Victoria Douglas-Jones with Zarelli X
Megan Cowan Amateur Horse/Rider
Nigel Thorpe with Obey D Stuart Crutchlow Memorial Trophy
The winner of the Major Veteran Championship 2022 was Jo Carlin with Zamzibar
The winner of the Midi Veteran Championship was Gemma McKay with Cabracorde
The winner of the Mini Veteran Championship was Donna Cope with TGF Colour Confetti
Synovium Accumulator winner was Amy Kemp with Zosienus
The Amateur & Veteran Two Fence challenge saw a tied win between Vicky Hipkins with Gift and Nicole Greensmith with Billy Huckleberry who both cleared a huge 1.45m Triple Bar and Upright to take the title.
Evening Entertainment
Weston Lawns Friday evening entertainment saw a night of Gary "Elvis" Shires the Elvis Presley Tribute artist. Covering the Kings 50's 60's and 70's hits, Weston Lawns were filled with the sounds of some of Presley's most popular songs. Shires' performance brought back memories for many in the audience, who danced and sang along to classics such as "Hound Dog" and "Suspicious Minds". The atmosphere was electric, and it was clear that everyone was enjoying themselves. At the end of the night, there was a huge round of applause for Shires, who had put on an incredible show.
Saturday evening's entertainment was a real party with some popular tunes, lots of dancing and singalong. The professional DJ made the night even more fun with his great music selection and ability to get everyone on the dance floor. The dance floor was packed all night and there were plenty of smiling faces and laughter to be heard. Weston Lawns is definitely the place to be on a Saturday night!
The Weston Lawns team were delighted with the turnout and are already looking forward to next year's event.
Thanks to everyone who took part and helped to make it such a success!