In early December 2007 at the Auckland Manukau Dressage Group Festival of Dressage the consistent combination of welsh cob x tb B. Shamrock and rider Samantha Winn accumulated 9 points to win Reserve Champion for Level One.

During the two days of competition they rode in four tests. They improved with each test going from 6th place (on grass) for test 1.1, 4th (on Cushionride) for test 1.3, 2nd for test 1.4 and yet another first in test 1.6. Shammy revelled in the atmosphere and I noticed she enjoyed moving to the music being played in the Novice Musical Freestyle.

The first day had a brisk wind which funnelled down the Clevedon Valley, some overnight rain meant Shammy was ridden in studs for the first time. Her reaction was of some puzzlement. The surface of the Cushionride arena had several holes at the corners and other high use regions but all competitors had to contend with this problem. Shammie solved this problem by refusing to step in the holes and subsequentlly went quite deep in her corners. Test 1.6 was ridden on a good part of the cushionride surface.

Shammie and Sam win test 1.6

Shammie and Sam win at AMDG Spring Series