BYRDS Inter-Regional Competition: A Hat Trick for the Northern Region
The 2012 BYRDS (British Young Rider Dressage Scheme) Inter Regional event took place at Keysoe
College Equestrian Centre, Bedford (30 Jun – 1 Jul). And the Northern Region made it three major
competition wins on the trot, as the team Northern Impulsion took the title.
The BYRDS Inter-Regional is an annual competition hosted by British Dressage to encourage and develop
dressage amongst young riders. This year’s event was well supported with 36 teams of young riders
from across the country taking part over the two days of competition. Riders rode one test each day and
the scores from both days were added together to give the final results. Each rider was selected at their
relevant Squad level (A, B, C or Fledgling) and the dressage tests were marked on the rider’s position,
effectiveness, influence and accuracy.
Northern Impulsion finished on 25 points: 18 points ahead of second placed Wales Teifi. North West
Gigolo were in third place and the Northern Collection team came fourth overall.
Northern Impulsion, the winning team, was made up of nine-year-old Millie Moncrieff (Harrogate), 12year-old Harriet Walker-Smith (Derby), plus sisters Beth and Roxanne Shipley (York) aged 14 and 17
respectively. Beth and Roxanne demonstrated their skills and composure in the dressage arena both
gaining top three places on each day. Beth’s performances secured her the prestigious title of National B
squad Champion whilst Roxanne came second in A Squad, therefore qualifying for the A Squad
Championships later this month. Roxanne will be joined at the Championships by fellow Northern region
rider Alex Hellings who finished second in the A Squad section.
Harriet Walker-Smith rode John Boy George at the event, one of the more senior ponies competing at
the Inter-Regionals. He “gave Hattie the time of her life” according to Harriet’s mother, by winning the
National C Squad Title. George has assisted many riders through BYRDS and also one of the regions Para
Dressage riders Kathryn Wheelock. Hannah Smith-Hilliard on the Medicine Man also contributed to the
regions success with fourth place in the C Squad Championship.
BYRDS and British Dressage newcomer Milly Petchell rode another of the regions familiar BYRDS ponies,
Murphy to take fifth place in the Fledgling Championship.
“I am delighted with the team’s success and am thrilled that we now have 3 consecutive titles in the
Northern region” says Sarah Huntridge, Northern RDO.
“BYRDS forms an integral part of the region’s training programme and we have seen a rise in the
number of new members from a variety of disciplines. This competition gives riders great foundations
for dressage due to the way in which the tests are marked. We are very lucky to have such a dedicated
BYRDS committee and regional representatives who ensure that all riders of all ages are supported
throughout their stages of learning. I was overwhelmed by the number of talented riders at the
competition and felt very proud to be part of it”
The Northern Regions Team – In the sun!
And now in the rain – but we know how to improvise in the North!
Northern Impulsion (L – R) – Roxanne Shipley, Harriett Walker Smith, Millie Moncrieff and Beth Shipley
with BYRDS Director Janet Horswill