‘My little miracles’: owner’s jumping success after nursing two horses through long rehab
Charlotte Arnold excelled in Stainsby Grange’s newly opened outdoor arena to claim first and third in the 1.30m open incorporating the Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP Royal Highland Show (RHS) young masters qualifier.
Charlotte, who returned to competition at the end of February after a two-month winter break, headed the line-up with her 10-year-old Plot Blue x Voltaire mare Leestone Blue Voltet (pictured), also collecting third with nine-year-old gelding ABC Caruso.
“They are both my little miracles,” said Charlotte, who previously nursed both horses through long rehabs following surgery. “They are both mine, I enjoy them and they will stay with me for ever.”
Mare “Porky” was a consistent winner through five-, six- and seven-year-old classes but then had 18 months off following a hock operation at the beginning of lockdown.
“Lockdown was beneficial as we were in no rush to get her back,” Charlotte said. “She is a happy hacker through the week and we only really jump at shows – she’s probably only jumped five times since October. I do a lot of hacking to get them as strong and as fit as I possibly can, so they are always kept fresh and happy.”
Although Porky has stellar breeding, Charlotte describes her as a “dumpy, funny-looking little thing”.
“She is so competitive around 1.40m and 1.45m, a 1.30m was quite easy for her,” she said.
Talking about Stainsby’s new facilities at the Cleveland equestrian venue at Thornaby, Charlotte said: “They almost give the arena a championship feel, there are flowers out and a lot of effort has gone in. It was a really competitive class and winning a 1.30 there felt more special than normal.”
You can read all the latest showjumping news in this week’s Horse & Hound, in the shops on Thursday 21 April.
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