RSPCA George and 11-year-old Theo Charnley proceed to make waves and seize hearts on the nationwide dressage stage, putting second within the under-21s prelim silver on the Petplan Winter Area Festival Championships on 70.62%.
The RSPCA rescued George’s dam, uncared for, from the aspect of the street whereas she was pregnant with him, and he was later born below their care. Theo and his dad Paul rehomed George as a two-year-old over lockdown and backed him themselves – a reality made much more outstanding whenever you be taught Theo hadn’t actually ridden earlier than.
Fast ahead 4 years and Theo is now a budding skilled, with a eager eye, whose dressage position mannequin is Becky Moody. He’s even beginning to meet up with Becky on the subject of nationwide titles, having already received the under-21 intro title on the British Dressage (BD) Quest National Championships and the intro title on the SEIB Trailblazers Championships in 2023.
However, this was his first Winter Area Festival Championships and he was happy together with his efficiency: “We got the right canter across the centre line which was good because we’ve been struggling with that – he did really well and was so well-behaved.”
The judges had been actually impressed, with the mix’s marks by no means falling under six, with the best reserved for the collective marks on Theo’s position and outcomes.
The mixture will now stay up for the summer season regionals and transferring up the degrees to novice, for what might quickly be their final hurrah between the white boards collectively, with Theo rapidly outgrowing the 12hh pony.
Fortunately, regardless of receiving a number of affords, George “isn’t going anywhere” in response to dad Paul, and the mix, who’ve carried out a lot to carry consciousness to what rehomed rescue ponies can obtain, will proceed working collectively, however in a brand new self-discipline.
“We’re retraining to drive and he’s already starting driving with the British junior squad,” Paul defined. “So when Theo is too big for George – which will be quite soon – they can still continue their journey together.”
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Credit: Kevin Sparrow Photography
Credit: Kevin Sparrow
Credit: Kevin Sparrow Photography
Credit: Claire Charnley
Credit: Future
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H&H dressage and sport horse editor
Oscar graduated from York St John University with a grasp’s diploma in Literature in 2021 and joined Horse & Hound in October 2023. Oscar labored for high dressage rider Emile Faurie for 4 years after ending an equine administration course at school. Under Emile’s tutelage, Oscar competed on the 2015 National Dressage Championships and travelled with Emile’s horses to CDIs at Aachen, Vidauban, Saumur and Achlieiten. Oscar continues to compete in dressage, alongside his day job.
