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Springwind Catwalk, known as Fred, is a 15.2hh, 8 year-old gelding sired by Jack’s Delight, owned and ridden by Tayla Brooks. The partnership won through two tough rounds to take the title. Their clean and expressive second round performance clearly impressed the judges and earned them a score of 72.04% and the Championship title.

Tayla said, “It feels amazing – a bit surreal really Springwind Catwalk felt mega today – he was really ‘on it’ in both tests”. Tayla primarily events but started pure dressage under the advice of trainer Paula Holden, “I did it to improve our eventing scores but I never imaged it would lead to this!” Describing ‘Fred’ Tayla says, “He’s a really chilled out, cheeky horse and makes us laugh on the yard. He has it all – everything you’d want in a horse.” The pair will now aim to secure Elementary qualification, and with their eventing hats on, qualify for the Badminton Grassroots Championships in 2018.

Petplan Equine, one of the UK’s specialist horse insurance providers, has sponsored the Area Festivals for 18 years and is looking to the future with an even bigger competition for 2017/18. 27 Area Festivals will take place from which qualification for eight Area Festival Finals can be achieved. The top horse and rider combinations from the Finals will then go on to compete in the Area Festival Championships at Hartpury College, Gloucestershire in April 2018. In addition there will be a dedicated competition for under-18 riders.

“Working with British Dressage to develop the new look Petplan Equine Area Festivals for 2017/18 has been very exciting,” commented Kate Hopkins, Marketing Executive at Petplan Equine. “The Area Festivals have been a huge success and we want as many riders as possible to experience the thrill of competing in championship-style conditions, so we are encouraging all grassroots riders to aim for the stars! We would especially like to congratulate Tayla and Springwind Catwalk on their fantastic win and wish her the very best of luck for the future.”

British Dressage’s Chief Executive Jason Brautigam said: “I am so impressed with the level of participation in the Petplan Equine Area Festivals series. This amounts to an astounding almost 50% of all British Dressage members qualifying to take part in the series, which is something to be applauded. Next season will herald a new chapter for this dressage favourite. The new format is the result of a great deal of planning and member consultation to arrive at a series within reach for so many more riders.”

Further information about the Petplan Equine Area Festivals and how to qualify for next year’s finals is available from the Petplan Equine website at: www.petplanequine.co.uk/area-festivals/

ENDS

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EDITORS NOTES

Petplan Equine offers comprehensive insurance cover for horses and ponies aged from 30 days old. Established over 25 years ago, Petplan Equine understands the evolving equestrian market and strives to enhance knowledge and understanding of the equine world through employing horse enthusiasts and working closely with the equine industry.

Petplan Equine is part of the Petplan brand. Founded in 1976, Petplan is the UK's largest pet insurance provider, offering comprehensive cover for dogs, cats, rabbits and horses.

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