John Marsden from Henbury in Cheshire took the honours in a prestigious national final for British Horse Society Registered Instructors at Royal Windsor Horse Show yesterday.
The Martin Collins ‘Instructors Challenge’ is a combined training competition open to all BHS Registered Instructors. Finalists earned their place in the final at a series of regional qualifiers held across the UK.
The competition is run according to British Dressage Combined Training rules at Novice Level. Competitors cannot have ridden internationally within the last ten years and must be listed on the BHS Register of Instructors.
John, who teaches freelance in the North West area, received his prizes – including a cheque for £800 – from Captain Mark Phillips FBHS.
Speaking after the presentation he said: “This competition is excellent. It’s very educational for the horses and also for the young trainers. I really enjoyed it, I came to Windsor when the Horse Trials were here but I have never been to the show before – it’s great.”
John rode ASP, a nine-year-old mare he owns jointly with Susan Stewart. Mrs Stewart bred the horse herself out of ESP – a horse with whom John achieved great success at 2* three day events.
He said: “ASP’s a really good mare. She can do a very good test and she’s a good jumper so there was no reason why she shouldn’t put up a good performance.
Sue Tupman BHSI from Bewdley, Worcestershire took second place with her horse Circus Boy, while Sally Billing BHSII and Skycrest from Hook in Hampshire came third.
John is available for lessons in the North West area. For more information please contact 01625 421379 or 07881 846756.