APRIL 2010 REPORT

Jenny and Claus Waalers' Inonothing (Mannie) started  out this month in fine style with an impressive 2^nd Place at Burnham Market CIC***, he quickly backed up for another super CIC*** performance at Belton Park with a 6^th place. He then finished the month by entering into Super Star Status with his, by now, well documented WIN at Badminton CCI****. He is currently ranked as the top horse in the British Eventing rankings (for the second time this year). 

Watching is definitely more stressful!

 

Mike doing what he does best - posing!

That's what it's all about!

Sue White's Kilfinnie (Scottie) had a quiet month with just the one outing at Weston Park ODE where good performances in all three phases left well rewarded with a 5^th place in an Advanced section.

Martin and Suzi Belsham's Stormhill Michael (Mike) kick started back into top form with a classy WIN at Burnham Market CIC***, which he quickly followed with a 2^nd place at Belton Park CIC***, missing out on another win by just 0.5 penalties. Mike finished the month off in fine style with his double clear and 10^th place at Badminton CCI**** which caught the eye of many and certainly confirmed his ability at this level.

Sue White's Tiger Flynn (Tiger) had his first outings of the season this month and started with top form straight off with a 2^nd place in an Advanced Section at Weston Park. He followed this with a fantastic 8^th place in the huge Advanced class of Withington Manor.

Captain Fred and Penny Barker, Colm and Sally Mcginn, Angela Scott, and Sue Whites' Highspring (Tuk) is back into full work now and all vet inspections and reports look highly promising and certainly have confirmed the value of our hydrotherapy spa for the horses' legs.

Captain Fred and Penny Barker, Vicki Mace-Benson and Georgina Tapner's Wickstead Didgeridoo (Balloo) had a quiet time this month with just the one outing at Withington Manor where he found the spring air all far too distracting to be bothering with dressage but redeemed himself with an easy double clear in this hotly contested section.

Jane Gwillim-Davids' Carry on Joseph (Joe) also had a quiet time this month with just the one outing at Withington Manor where he found the novice run refreshingly easy, finishing on his dressage score for a 2^nd place.

Sally and Colm McGinns' Cheers Woody (Woody) has been sold to a young rider in Wales, so we hope to see him around the circuit looking after his new rider later this season.

Robbie and Mandy Burns' Yogi Bear (Yogi) has continued with his scintillating form, with 2^nd place in his first ever attempt at the intermediate level at Belton House, which is remarkable achievement!

Captain Fred and Penny Barkers' Kilronan (Tom) had just the one outing this month at Withington Manor where he continued with his super consistent form for a double clear in an intermediate section giving him a result of 3^rd place.

Vicki Mace-Benson and Georgina Tapners' Wickstead Ulara (Lara) found better form this month, finishing on her dressage score at Sapey in a BE100 section for 5^th place.

Georgina Tapner and her own Oki Doki X (Oliver) warmed up for their Badminton Debut perfectly by finishing on their dressage score at Sapey in a BE100 section. Their Badminton run in the Grass Roots Festival BE90 championships gave them both a fun and rewarding experience, finishing in the top half of competitors in this extremely hotly contested class.

Emily Drummond-Dunn and Sammie (Pedro) had a less than ideal preparation for their run at Withington Manor, which resulted in an ordinary performance in the dressage and show jumping phases, but fortunately Pedro redeemed himself with a great XC round to put a smile back on Emily's face!

 

MARCH 2010 TEAM REPORT

And we're off to a flying start! All of the horses have been performing to their best almost straight away in their early season outings, which is a great reward to all of the staff who have worked so hard over the bleak winter months. On this note we again welcome a new staff member to the team, Keanna Marsh who lives locally in Swindon and who is totally new to the Eventing way of life.

Jenny and Claus Waaler's Inonothing (Mannie) started off his season with an easy 3rd place in an Open Intermediate section at Tweseldown ODE, then the following week gave the Tapner Eventing Team a phenomenal 4th consecutive year of WINING the top AI class at Aldon ODE, with a classy performance that lead an all star field of competitors from start to finish, finishing on his dressage score.

Sue White's Kilfinnie (Scottie) has been Mr Consistent this month with a 4th place an Open Intermediate section at Tweseldown ODE, then the following week was 5th in the top AI class at Aldon ODE in which the top places were all closely knit and hard fought for.

Martin and Suzi Belsham's Stormhill Michael (Mike) had some minor soundness issues which prevented him from starting at Tweseldown ODE and so made his first appearance at Aldon where he enjoyed himself and just cruised around the XC having an easy time of it given that this was his first eventing competition since May last year.

Sue White's Tiger Flynn (Tiger) has frustratingly still struggled with some minor soundness issues, but with his over abundance of energy, he is certainly ready for fun times next month!

Captain Fred and Penny Barker, Colm and Sally Mcginn, Angela Scott, and Sue White's Highspring (Tuk) has made a pleasing come back into ridden work this month and so far has not given his riders too much excitement to cope with yet!

Captain Fred and Penny Barker, Vicki Mace-Benson's and Georgina Tapner's Wickstead Didgeridoo (Balloo) has had a busy time this month with three outings, firstly at Tweseldown where he had a nice easy run in a Novice section. He then ventured out to Aldon where after a very good dressage and clear Show Jumping, it was decided not to run him in the exceptionally boggy ground on the XC course. He then coped well in the Open Intermediate section at Somerley Park for a 5th place in this hotly contested section.

Jane Gwillim-David's Carry on Joseph (Joe) was also busy this month with 3 outings firstly at Tweseldown where he had a nice easy run in a Novice section. He then went up half a grade at Aldon to compete in the I.N. where he performed well for a 5th place. At Somerley Park he went up another half level to compete in an Intermediate section for a creditable 10th place in testing weather and ground conditions.

Sally and Colm McGinn's Cheers Woody (Woody) was also busy this month with three outings firstly at Tweseldown where he got his normal early season show jumping jitters. However these were put to the side at Aldon where a classy double clear gave him an 8th place and also the highest placed ex-racehorse prize in the form of a perpetual trophy cup. At the end of the month his form got even hotter with an exceptional WIN in the I.N. class at Gatcombe ODE.

Robbie and Mandy Burns' Yogi Bear (Yogi) has started his 2010 competition season with seriously hot form, starting out at Tweseldown with 2nd place in an Open Novice section, which was improved upon with a classy WIN at Gatcombe, once again in the Open Novice Section. We hope that Yogi can continue with his fine form next month!

Captain Fred and Penny Barker's Kilronan (Tom) was also busy this month with three outings firstly at Tweseldown where he easily slipped into 3rd place in a novice section. At Aldon he looked set to gain another top result until a tricky XC combination got the better of his relative inexperience. He obviously learnt from this and performed with high class in all three phases at Somerley Park at his first attempt at the demanding 2* level for a fantastic WIN.

Vicki Mace-Benson and Georgina Tapner's Wickstead Ulara (Lara) found her first outing at Somerley Park terribly exciting and was rather wobbly in all three phases!

Georgina Tapner and her own Oki Doki X (Oliver) started out in fine style by finishing on their dressage score at Somerley Park in a BE100 section for a well earned 4th place.

Zoe Wilkinson and We Found Nemo (Nemo) also started out in fine style by finishing on their dressage score at Tweseldown ODE in a BE100 open section, with an unhelpful dressage judge keeping them just out of the top placings.

Emily Drummond-Dunn and Sammie (Pedro) also achieved the number one eventing goal of finishing on her dressage score at her first outing at Tweseldown ODE for a creditable 10th place in a BE100 open section, which she followed up with another double clear at Gatcombe ODE in the novice.

 

FEBRUARY 2010 TEAM REPORT

This month the team have had the normal pre-season rush to get in as much show jumping, galloping and cross country schooling as possible before the first event in March. The weather was reasonably kind to us this time and we've not experienced too much disruption from Plan A! We would also like to welcome two new members of staff to the team, Caire Ludeks joined us with her own horse, Bambi.

Jenny and Claus Waaler's Inonothing (Mannie) started off his season with a nice BSJA warm up that gave him a 4th place in a 1.10m Open class at Summerhouse EC.

Sue White's Kilfinnie (Scottie) has been showing off in his BSJA classes, by gaining a 2nd place in the 1.10m Open class and then went one better in the 1.15m class with a WIN at Summerhouse EC.

Martin and Suzi Belshams' Stormhill Michael (Mike) was Mr Consistent at his BSJA outing with 3rd place in both the 1.10m open class and the 1.15m open class at Summerhouse EC.

Sue White's Tiger Flynn (Tiger) has had some minor soundness issues which has frustratingly stopped him from having too much fun this month, but that has certainly kept us on our toes at the yard with his resulting over abundance of energy!

Captain Fred and Penny Barker, Colm and Sally Mcginn, Angela Scott, and Sue White's Highspring (Tuk) has tested the new Equine Spa out extensively and proven its great value to the team with significant improvements in his injury meaning that he is due to come back into work in March.

Captain Fred and Penny Barker, Vicki Mace-Benson's and Georgina Tapner's Wickstead Didgeridoo's (Balloo) BSJA outing this month gave him an easy start to the season with a 7th place in the British Novice class at Summerhouse EC.

Jane Gwillim-David's Carry on Joseph (Joe) smoothly eased himself back into competition this season with a 7th place in the 1.05m open class at Summerhouse EC.

Sally and Colm McGinn's Cheers Woody (Woody) got off to a flying start this month at his first BSJA outing at Blewbury EC with a 3rd place in the Discovery class, followed by a 2nd place in the 1.05m Open class.

Robbie and Mandy Burn's Yogi Bear (Yogi) has been busy hunting this month with Mandy, trying to make up for lost days during the season with all the snow that plagued us this winter.

Captain Fred and Penny Barker's Kilronan (Tom) eased back into the season with a double clear in the British Novice followed by a 4th place behind his team mate Woody in the Discovery class at BSJA at Blewbury EC.

Vicki Mace-Benson and Georgina Tapner's Wickstead Ulara (Lara) has been busy both doing British Dressage (BD) with Georgina and also BSJA with Paul this month ensuring that she'll be ready to shine on the eventing circuit next month.

Georgina Tapner and her own Oki Doki X (Oliver) have also been busy doing both BD and BSJA this month giving Georgina much fun in the process.

Zoe Wilkinson and We Found Nemo (Nemo) have been leaving plenty of poles up when out BSJA this month which bodes well for their Eventing start next month.

Emily Drummond-Dunn and Sammie (Pedro) have had an exciting time BSJA this month, with Emily being very pleased at gaining Pedro's first BSJA prize money at Sumerhouse EC with a 7th place in the 1.05m open class.

GOOD LUCK TO THE WHOLE TEAM, WE WISH YOU A HAPPY AND SUCCESSFUL EVENTING SEASON IN 2010!

 

NOVEMBER 2009 TEAM REPORT

Obviously with no eventing competitions for the team during November there is not a huge amount to report on this month, but this gives us a good chance to look back on the team's achievements during the 2009 season.

In 2009 Paul competed in 78 National One Day Events (106 in 2008 decreased by 26%), 18 International One Day Events (CICs) (21 in 2008 decreased by 14%) 9 International Three Day Events (CCIs) (9 in 2008, no change).

From these competitions we achieved Five Wins (5 in 2008 no change) at National One Day Events and a massive 54 Top Ten Placings (55 in 2008). 2009 Winners to starters ratio of 7%. 2008 Winners to starters ratio of 5%. 2009 top 10 places to starters ratio of 51%. 2008 top 10 places to starters ratio of 40%.

The rankings for the 2009 Eventing Season have now been published and it is great that of the approximate 12,000 British Eventing members, Paul has achieved his best ever UK Rider Ranking, finally breaking into the top 10 with a ranking of 7th with 854 B.E. points (11th in 2008 with 610 B.E. points). From the team's results in all International Competitions Paul has achieved his best ever World Rider Ranking of 14th (25th in 2008)

British Eventing currently has approximately 14,000 horses registered as competing in Eventing and so it is great to have three horses recognised amongst the prestigious top 100 horses list (2 in 2008), Jenny and Claus Waaler's Inonothing (Mannie) continues to show his exceptional consistency maintaining his exact same ranking from last year of 9th, this year however with a increase of 56 points to 342 B.E. points (9th in 2008 with 286 B.E. points) Sue White's Kilfinnie (Scottie) burst into the top 100 list this year with an awesome 2009 ranking of 20th with 239 B.E. points. Martin and Suzi Belsham's Stormhill Michael (Mike) improved on his 2008 ranking of 98th to this year be ranked 66th with 124 B.E. points

In 2009 Zoe Wilkinson competed in 28 National One Day Events (12 in 2008 increased by 133%), 1 International Events (1 in 2008, no change). From these competitions Zoe achieved One Win (1 in 2008 no change) and a creditable 13 Top Ten Placings (5 in 2008). 2009 top 10 places to starters ratio of 46%. 2008 top 10 places to starters ratio of 42%.

In 2009 Georgina Tapner competed in 15 National One Day Events (4 in 2008 increased by 275%!!), From these competitions Georgina achieved Two Wins and an impressive 8 Top Ten Placings (2 in 2008). 2009 Winners to starters ratio of 13%. 2009 top 10 places to starters ratio of 53%. 2008 top 10 places to starters ratio of 50%.

Our Staff members for 2009; Zoe Wilkinson, Emily Dunn, James White, Georgie Jupe, Hannia Otffinowska and Tom Haynes. Special mention to Zoe and Emily for their exceptional loyalty throughout a turbulent year which despite the chaos which we have often found ourselves in have still held everything together to enable us to achieve the fantastic results of this season, and provide the utmost care for all of the horses of the team.

One of the Highlights of the year for the team was Georgina winning the best groom award at the Luhmuhlen CCI**** Event in Germany whilst grooming for Inonothing. This is an award that Georgina has been desperate to win at a four star event ever since Inonothing has been competing at this top level of the sport, so we are exceptionally proud of her achievement.

Thanks to our extended support team for 2009; Jamie Goddard of Goddard Farrier Services, Martine Wilke of Back in Line Chiropractic Services, and Sonya Nightingale of Highworth Physiotherapy Clinic have all put in a huge effort throughout the season to make sure all of the horses always have the best of care and are given the maximum opportunity to perform to their best ability at every one of their competitions.

The sponsors of the Tapner Eventing Team for 2009; Premier Equine International, Badminton Horse Feeds, Wickstead Farm Equestrian Centre, Care on Call (UK), Equestrian Federation of Australia, Point 2 Air jackets, Gatehouse Equestrian Hats and Westgate EFI have all given highly valuable support to make the efforts of the team so much easier throughout the season.

Paul and Georgina would like to express our thanks to our sponsors, our staff, our extended support team, our horse owners and of course to our dear friends, the horses, for a great 2009 season. With 2009 producing the best results ever for the team, 2010 is set to be really exciting!

 

OCTOBER 2009 TEAM REPORT

Jenny and Claus Waaler's Inonothing (Mannie) and Sue White's Tiger Flynn (Tiger) and Kilfinnie (Scottie) are now taking a well earned holiday after their season of Eventing and are enjoying lots of time in the field being mud monsters!

Vicki Mace-Benson, Georgina Tapner and Captain Fred and Penny Barker's Wickstead Didgeridoo (Balloo) competed in Dauntsey Park's Intermediate Novice section at the beginning of the month, as a confidence building exercise prior to his CCI** debut, which was mission accomplished with a good dressage score and easy double clear. Balloo then took a trip to France to take part the Le Lion D'Angers CCI** 7 year old World Championships, all connections thought Balloo put in a fantastic dressage test however the judges didn't seem to agree! After a strong start on the tough cross country track, Balloo made a minor error at a massive drop fence which saw him and Paul take a nose dive just 3 fences from home, a hugely disappointing end to their trip to France.

Sally and Colm McGinn's Cheers Woody (Woody) was in action at Dauntsey Parks Novice section, after putting in the best dressage of his section Woody did a clear show jumping round but then found the double of trakheners on the way home all too exciting and had a technical 20 penalties across country. The last event of the season saw Woody going HC in the Novice at Aldon where another good dressage and a fantastic double clear gave a positive end to Woody's season!

Captain Fred and Penny Barker's Kilronan (Tom), now a fully fledged member of the Tapner Eventing Team, put in another of his brilliant performances in all three phases in the Novice at Dauntsey Park, with Paul deciding to take it steadier on the cross country in prep for Tom's first Intermediate run at his next Event left Tom in 8th place. Aldon International saw Tom move up a level to Intermediate for the first time, and after a strong dressage and double clear with just a few time penalties from the cross country, Tom took home a fantastic 6th place, a brilliant result for his first time at this level and good way to end the season!

Georgina Tapner and her own Oki Doki X (Oliver) had a very good month of Eventing during October, firstly at Dauntsey Park, where a double clear and 30 dressage score was enough to take 3rd place in the Pre-Novice section. Then at the final event of the season, Oliver and George put in an outstanding performance in the Pre-Novice section at Aldon, to finish on their super impressive dressage score of 20 (which had Georgina literally dancing round the scoreboards announcing loudly to the world that she had just got a 20 dressage score!!), gaining a brilliant WIN for their final event!

Zoe Wilkinson and We Found Nemo (Nemo) had just one event of the season left at Dauntsy Park in the Novice section. After a good dressage and good show jumping and an unfortunate run out across country left Zoe and Nemo out of the placings for this month.