Area 21 Horse Trials Sunday 5th July 2026 @ Parc Mill, Gower
Another wonderful day of competition with riders and horses enjoying excellent conditions and a fantastic atmosphere throughout the event. A super show jumping course with excellent going, despite all the hot weather we have been experiencing of late. The cross country course was equally well-presented, offering a fair and enjoyable challenge for both horse and rider. The team at Gower Riding Club had put in a vast amount of work prior to the event, with the addition of a lovely new loop through a wooded section, at the club owned site. The course presented sufficient questions, with no shortage of challenges to test both horse and rider while still encouraging confident, forward riding.
The 28 starters, made up of individual and team members from Brechfa, Cwm Derwen, Cwmaman, Gower, Tivyside and West Wales Riding Clubs began the day with the BE Dressage Test 91 (2009) judged by Ms. Briony Cutler. There were some excellent tests ridden, setting the tone for a competitive day. The show jumping phase, judged by Roger & Helen Evans then provided plenty of interest, with combinations tackling a challenging course and producing around 17 clear rounds.
The cross country phase commenced around 2pm, and though the day was pretty warm, there was also a welcome sea breeze to help keep horses and riders comfortable throughout the afternoon. This course of around 22 fences, included a large tree trunk at fence 4, which caused issues for some early in the course, quickly followed by 2 down hill brush style fences. The water jump with an alternative option again this year, was available for those not so keen on taking a paddle, but involved a time consuming route. The fences included an 'owl hole', and the new log drop in to the woods, with a curved route back out into the sunshine having negotiated a step up, and then a further 2 jumping efforts before finishing back in the main jumping arena. The Gower R C must be commended for hosting this wonderful Area event, and the time and effort in preparing for the day. There were so many who made the day possible, OS Jonathan Pett accompanied by Tracy Maczka, also Amy, Fiona & Paul Herbert, Briony, Roger & Helen, Karen Manuel, and the vast number of volunteers from the clubs who stewarded etc.
The top 4 placings all completed on their dressage scores, with Joanna Collins (Tivyside) taking first place with a dressage score of 23.7, closely followed by Petra James (Tivyside) on 24.5, Dee Nix (Cwm Derwen) in third with 32.8 and in fourth place Lowri Kenniford on 33.8. The winning team was Cwm Derwen, on 103.8, whose consistent performances across the day secured them the top spot. Second team placing went to Gower on 161.7. Rosettes were presented by Paul, and those present acknowledged the work that Jonathan Pett had provided over a number of years to the Area as the OS.
The next event at the Gower will be Area Combined Challenge, details to follow.
Area 21 Combined Training Sat 13th June 2026 @ Little Mill Equestrian.
Well that's a wrap for another year!!
Huge thanks to everyone who supported the Area 21 Combined Training Qualifier at Little Mill Equestrian. We were blessed with warm sunshine and light winds which made for a very enjoyable day. We saw some lovely tests and sj rounds with West Wales RC taking the Novice Team competition and Cwm Derwen RC taking the Open Team title. Well done to all.
There are many to thanks, firstly 'team' Little Mill, our OS Jonathan Pett, Dressage Judge Donna Sweeney, Show Jumping Judge Lin Herridge, Course Builder Julie Barnett, Paramedic Gill Irwin & Photographer Rhian Mai.
All of our fantastic volunteers, Petra & Robert, Karen Jones, Lily Pett, Ruth Maczka, Scorers Paul Herbert, Rianne & Rhian! and all the club stewards. If we have missed anyone we are sorry! It takes a great number of volunteers to help run these events. Until the next time....
