What a fabulous event it was Cricklands, and Alfie and I thoroughly enjoyed our first national of the season. It was a wonderful atmosphere with so many competitors taking part and there was such enthusiastic support from the hard-working volunteers and stewards who helped to make it so successful.

One of the aspects that makes Cricklands such a great national event is that it runs alongside the only FEI international in the UK. It gives non-FEI drivers, as well as spectators, the opportunity to experience an international style event first hand on British soil. You can follow every stage of competition – the vet inspections and trot ups, and the performances in all three phases, while appreciating the high standards of turnout and training. It gives you much to aspire to and this year, Chepstow FEI showcased the full range of adult and young driver classes, as well as young horse classes.

Another benefit was that national drivers could experience the same courses set for the international competitors.  For the grassroots competitors, there were Gateway classes on the Sunday, organised by the Forest of Dean Driving Club. These were well supported with 10 entries.

The whole event was very well organised, with convenient stabling and facilities which make it a great place to stay while competing. There are great viewing opportunities around the arenas and the marathon obstacles, so it was easy to settle into watching others and catching up with friends as well as making new ones.

The ‘Continental style’ marathon – with laps rather than sweeping out across a large estate – also make this a very different competition to the usual British style nationals or club events. It is how marathons on the Continent are run nowadays and the format added to the international feel of this unique UK event.

Many of the competitors in the FEI classes were based in the UK and most were keen to get their 2* star or 3* competitions.  For the Young Drivers hoping to go abroad this summer, it was a great opportunity for them to take advantage of a home international to build experience.

A few drivers ventured from overseas. I was pleased to be parked close to my fellow Para driver Emma Golding, who had brought her super pony Mossy from Ireland. We found time to relax and catch up, and Emma very kindly kept my power pack fully charged for the quad. We hadn’t competed at the same event since the FEI Para Driving World Championship in Lähden in September 2026.  Emma was doing the FEI 2* Pony class while Alfie and I competed in the national Para class.

Alfie was excited to be out and competing again, and I was grateful to have POD support to help me harness him up and warm up with some pre-competition training. Alfie piaffed all the way from his stable to the trailer but thankfully, being such an experienced competition pony who knows his job, he settled down during the training session.

The David Broome Event centre is one of our favourite venues. For many years Alfie was based at Cricklands when James Broome drove him in his pony pair, and Alfie always loves jaunting around his old home turf and seeing James and David. I’ve had Alfie for 14 years now, but our indoor driving events are on the outdoor arenas at Cricklands, so it’s somewhere he knows well.

This event was especially exciting with so many competitors and sporty horses. This set Alfie into international competition mode, and he made the most of the opportunity to show off and amaze people with his spritely moves and turn of speed. No one could believe he is now 25 years old! There is no way he wants to retire yet, although I won’t want to put him through travelling abroad again.

I had amazing support from friends. Laura helped me preen and prepare Alfie and Tim Bradford kindly partnered us for the dressage. I really appreciated his professionalism in helping to settle Alfie who didn’t like the FEI steward’s checking of his noseband.  I suspect Alfie is convinced that hands around his mouth should be inserting treats! Fortunately, all went well in the dressage arena.

I was very lucky to have the very experienced Lucy Scott on the back for the marathon and I’m very grateful for all the confidence and support she gave me. It was very slippery and I was not looking forward to obstacle 7, which is on the hill across the camber.  But I needn’t have worried and we had an absolute blast, and we finished with smiles all round despite the wet and cold.

For the cones, I was very grateful to Esther Rawlinson for jumping on the back, moments after finishing her own event with Henry. They had a top placing in the Gateway ODE and then a quick costume change, ready for our cones. I was pleased that we went clear.

The prize giving for my class was in the carriage and Alf certainly enjoyed strutting his stuff on the lap of honour. I think he thought he was back at the World Championships! The FEI and key national prize givings on foot on the podiums were amazing photo opportunities giving wonderful memories for the top three in each class. The event also hosted the British Carriagedriving Single Horse National Championships ahead of their FEI World Championships this summer and this class was keenly contested.

Joanna Broadbent led the dressage with Phoebe Matthews hot on her heels, less than one penalty behind. Sue Mart took top spot on the marathon ahead of Phoebe, and Lindsay Falloon won the cones with one of the very rare double clears of the day, while Phoebe had an unlucky ball down. Phoebe’s consistent performance across all three phases gave her the class win and she was delighted to be crowned the worthy National Champion. Phoebe is a young driver and an exciting talent, who certainly has a great future ahead of her.

The Gateway classes on Sunday were a special addition to the event and they gave the excitement of three phase competition in a one day format familiar to those who like to compete in indoor driving trials. These classes make driving trials easily accessible. The Forest of Dean Club, who also provided stewards and volunteers for the earlier blustery days of competition, had a sunny and dry day for these popular classes. James kindly brought the equipment down to the field and the obstacles and cones courses were designed by Malcolm Brown; Sandra Fisher judged the dressage.

The biggest class, with six entries, was Gateway Allcomers won by Emily Healey who took top spot in dressage and cones, with Esther in second place after winning the marathon and best club member. Jane Hendy was thrilled to win the best cones. Neil Edwards won the multiples with his delightful pony pair. Liz Whitehead from the Newcomers class was delighted to be awarded the best dressage of the Gateway competition on 37.60.

The Newcomers class was won by Lisa Perrott who said, ‘Merlin and I had a fantastic time competing in the Gateway Newcomers class at the David Broome Event Centre and I would like to thank Jane Gillman and her stalwart team of helpers, along with judge Sandra Fischer for enabling us to enjoy a fantastic day of competition. The camaraderie was exceptional with several competitors, including coach Rowena Moyes, helping to build obstacles at the start of the day. Sara Jane Hayes kindly attended to capture the essence of the day’s competition.’

Everyone really enjoyed their day and gave lovely feedback. Having the whole Gateway event professionally photographed by Sara Jayne Hayes again gave lots of lovely memories to treasure. Sarah was kept very busy on the other days in the main arenas along with Paul of TT Photography who also covered all the National and International classes. There are so many fantastic photos for all the competitors that they are truly spoilt for choice.

The Chepstow-Cricklands event was a great success at all levels and is certainly a highlight on BC’s calendar.  It was especially lovely for my family because Dad felt up to joining Alfie and I. Though he is adjusting to his new normal after months in and out of hospitals and is having to take things much easier, he coped remarkably well.  He was very touched that so many people chatted to him and asked him how he was doing.

An army of friends made it possible for me to enjoy this event. A huge thank you to everyone who helped us to have a wonderful weekend at Chepstow for Cricklands National and if you haven’t been before, it’s definitely a date for your diary next year!