Dorset’s Charlie Sawyer celebrated twice at the LeMieux National Dressage Championships, winning both the Childéric Saddles Elementary Silver and Dodson & Horrell Novice Silver Championships.
In a hard-fought Childéric Saddles Elementary Silver Championship, 25-year-old Charlie and the giant 17.3hh Contrendro son, Chico Too, secured top spot with a score of 73.13%.
The first seven combinations all broke the 70% barrier, but Charlie and the 12-year-old gelding got the nod with an expressive, accurate performance that earned them top marks across the board. This is a first national title for the Dorset-based rider, who trains with Carl Hester and is also a UKCC Accredited British Dressage Coach.
“I’m absolutely over the moon,” smiled Charlie following the prize-giving. “I came here to be happy with a top ten finish so to achieve this is amazing!” Their win is all the more remarkable as ‘Chico’, who is owned by Charlie’s mum, Sarah, was forced to undergo a two and a half year rehabilitation following kissing spine and arthritis of the facet joints. Before the diagnosis, Charlie knew something wasn’t right as “he always gives 100% – he’s never idle”. His rehabilitation is ongoing but Charlie said: “We’re getting there. He seems very happy and is loving what he’s doing.”
“Days like this make you realise why we do it. It’s not always easy as there are so many ups and downs with horses but even on bad days I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Behind every great rider there’s a great team, and this is oh-so-true for Charlie as he’s quick to credit his family for all their support. Whilst mum Sarah is here at Stoneleigh, his dad and his girlfriend Alex, who travels here tomorrow, are at home looking after the horses. “Alex and Dad know how we do things on the yard so I don’t have to worry about a thing,” he said.
Moving onto the Dodson & Horrell Novice Silver Championship, the pair’s confident and expressive performance was awarded 77.37%, one of the highest scores of the Championships.
“I never expected to do this. For him to win two – I don’t know how to explain it – It’s unbelievable!” said Charlie, clearly delighted. “I knew in the test that it was good and was smiling coming down the last centre line. Everything happened – it felt a really good, solid test.”
Chico was undoubtedly at home in the arena and was in no way fazed by the blustery conditions at the Stoneleigh venue, improving even further on his super performance the previous day. “He’s always better on the second day, once he’s had a chance to familiarise himself. He doesn’t show nervousness by spooking, he just goes within himself a bit. He always allows me to put my leg on.
“He’s one in a million with his attitude,” said Charlie fondly. “He’s very responsive for a big, solid horse and stays nicely sensitive. Today he felt together and we were able to give a bit more as he was rounder, more supple, and more confident.
