2009 TOPSPEC CHASERS CHALLENGE FINAL, 11th October 2009 FULL RESULTS HERE The Chasers Challenge Final at Catton Park on October 11th was not as lucky with the weather as the Dressage & Show Jumping Finals were in August. But the sporadic light drizzle failed to dampen the spirits of the competitors although it did cause some parts of the course, especially the show jumping section, to be a little slippery. Of course the sun waited until the last of the prize giving before coming out revealing a  stunning mix of autumn colours across the Park. Last year the age range of competitors was seven to seventy seven but it was not quite so dramatic this year at only nine to seventy one. The youngest rider there was Leah Cooper who managed a creditable sixth place in the Junior Minimus. The most senior rider Alan Evans came second in the open with the first five riders all clear only time separating them. Sarah Beattie in first place was just 14 seconds off the bogey time a very well judged ride. The age range demonstrates one of the great attractions of the Challenge, as did the pairs class with parents paired with children and horses with ponies. Louise Thorpe paired with her daughter Harriet finished second and being asked at the finish how it went Harriet was quick to answer `I did better than Mum`. The best matched pair selected by the commentator were Kate & Charlotte Dennis who finished sixth on a smashing pair of ponies. Another feature the riders seemed to like is the fact that no rider is eliminated after three refusals they carry on and complete the whole course. The result is that they all feel that they get their moneys worth. Soliciting comments from the riders as they finished became a little monotonous with so many Greats, Brilliants, Terrifics and even a Cool. Asked to elaborate after saying it was brilliant Claudia Richardson, riding in the open, added `a beautiful setting, excellent jumps and very well organised, will be back next year`. Looking at the beautifully turned out and smiling tiny riders it was hard not to wonder if an Olympic star of the future was not starting to make their way up the ladder. UK Chasers & Riders sets great store on helping riders enjoy the horses more and seeing the reaction of these riders they are certainly achieving that aim. One wise spectator remarked that it was not about winning, pleasant as that maybe, it is about improving on your own personal best each time you compete. That sums up this event very well. Robin & Kate Neilson, the owners of Catton Park, Erica Byrne the organiser with her cheerful and very competent team should be credited for a great day. Topsec the main sponsor for prizes together with Equine Affairs, Global Herbs and of course UK Chasers are also due thanks. FULL RESULTS HERE Unfortunately the attending photographer does not have a website, however if you would like to see your photos from the Finals, email the photographer direct at wparrott@ukonline.co.uk giving your competition number then they will get in touch.
PHOTOS FROM THE UK CHASERS CHALLENGE NATIONAL FINAL 2009   Jenny Cole and Lady Marmalade competing in the Open class Look at that leap! Leah Cooper riding Amos competing in the Junior Minimus Alison Merrit riding Titch came 3rd in the Open class (Alison and Titch had a good day, also winning the Pairs class with Alex Riley on Paddy)   PRIZEGIVINGS Winner of Class 1a - Junior Minimus Tamsin Abbott riding Moomin Class 1 - Senior Minimus Amanda King riding Gemini Class 2a - Junior Novice Francesca Page riding San Fransisco Boy Class 2 - Senior Novice Kayley Brooksbank riding Indy Class 3 - Pairs Alison Merrit riding Titch and Alex Riley riding Paddy Class 4 - Open Sarah Beattie riding Wayward Apache CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR WINNERS!! We look forward to seeing everyone again at next year's competitions!
What is the UK Chasers Challenge? The UK Chasers Challenge competition is unique to UK Chasers & Riders. It is open to every rider at every level and is none competitive in the sense that it is not the fastest horse that wins so it gives everyone a fair chance. The Challenge is designed to test cross country skills, control and judgement of horse and rider. The competition involves: Cross Country Jumping Section -   jumping round a cross country course over a variety of jumps  Class 1 Minimus  no higher than 1’6” Class 2 Novice 2’6”  - Class 3 Pairs 2’6”  - Class 4 Open 3’6” Walking Section   -   250 metres Gate Section  - open and shut a gate Show jumping Section   - no more that 6 show jumps The whole competition is timed, penalties will incur for refusals or omitting fences, dislodged show jumps, breaking out of walk in the walk section or omitting to close the gate. NO Rider will be eliminated but could be asked to move on to next obstacle. THE CATCH!!! There will be a bogey time already sealed in an envelope and the winner is the nearest to the time!   The time will be set at a sensible pace to allow time for obstacles and distance to be covered safely - the speed of travel will be between 238 and 277 metres per minute. For the serious people: Full details of the course length and all compulsory elements will be available on arrival.  Entrants must then use their skill and judgement allowing for ground conditions etc to assess the bogey time! For the fun people – just have a go and enjoy it!

The Challenge Competition is designed to be a fun competition to be enjoyed by all - have a go and test your Cross Country skills!