07/03/2024
ELITE CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS 2023
The 2023 season saw 6 teams compete throughout the 7 shows and the bonus 1 day event at Alresford which was a double point event. It also featured 2 advanced teams that stepped up in the one-day show.
The elite class is the top class for the teams with the most experience and speed. It consists of the most intense and high-speed racing, with speeds of up to 33mph (recorded) so far!
7th place- The Nightmares earning 20 points this season from competing at the one-day, double point scoring show, Alresford. This Southwest based team is made up of James Cain who was on the board and Sarah Bunny on the horse tinks, who has two previous careers in racing and polo.
7th place- Just Drag earning 20 points also from competing at the one day, double point show, at Alresford. This team made up of Emily Grey on the horse, Sean Mason on the board and new horse to the sport Rolo, were the advanced winners of 2023.
6th place- Spare parts earning 85 points, attending 4 of the competitions this season. This team made up of Luke De-chasterlain on the board, his fiance Amy Fordham on the horse and horse Archie.
These guys also proved what they had by being one of the four teams chosen to go international at the Prague play offs! We hope to see more of them next season.
5th place- Dead pigeon earning 103 points. Consisting of Charlie Buss on the horse, Aiden Beamish on the board and Moretti and orangyboom sharing the horse duties. Moretti is still young and is new to the sport, but she has definitley proved herself to be a speedy little horse who learns quickly under the rein of Charlie. Orangyboom new to the sport has also proved herself this season.
4th place- Just wing it earning 236 points. This team is made up of Annette Rush on the horse, Sandy (Alex) Oakman on the board and new horse on the block Harry, who stepped up when Tarra went lame after Burghley and had to retire from her horseboarding career. Harry who is built like a barn with a big chest and a leg in all four corners has proved himself to be one of the best horses this season. The team had to put in a bit of work when bringing Harry in as he was completely new to the sport but they put themselves in the mix at the top, with Harry learning quickly and proving he has what it takes. We really look forward to seeing how far this team can go next season.
3rd place- Top 'N' Tails earning 258 points. Consisting of Amy richards on the horse, Caveman Ryan Roberts on the board and little horse Indy. Indy as always showing that although she is small compared to the rest of the elite horses can still put up a fight and show them what she is made of. Little ex-showing pony Indy showing her true horseboarding eliteness by getting the team through Amy loosing both her stirrups on the weave.
2nd place- Blues 'N' Twos earning 286 points. Consisting of Amy Richards on the horse, Caveman Ryan Roberts on the board and super horse Sally, this team were right in the mix for 1st place this season but didn’t quite make it. Sally has only been horseboarding for a few years but has proven that she is a force to be reckoned with. All through the season it was a close fight with Chill Winston who ultimately tipped them to the win. Ryan winning the boarder championship and Amy winning the rider championship this season show they are both pros in the competition. This team winning 6 out of 32 bonus points is a good achievement, showing they have the speed. This season saw this team set new course records, matching the speed record and winning the Prague play offs!
1st place and ELITE CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS FOR THE 2023 SEASON- Chill Winston
Earning 299 points this season, the team was made up of Charlie Buss on the horse, world record holder Aiden Beamish on the board and Winston the horse (With two stand-in horses Orangyboom and Hope Kia). Aiden was a new boarder for the team this season whilst regular boarder Ross Towner mixed things up in the commentary box with Daniel Fowler-Prime. Hope Kia is actually All the gears horse but the team helped to save the last competition at Sandringham by allowing them to race Kia when Winston unfortunately went lame. A massive, big up for the sportsmanship shown by this team! Orangyboom helped keep the team in the lead by standing in when Winston was lame. A strong start to the season showed these guys winning the first competition at Thame, winning every single heat, then the second at East Anglia and taking home the cup. Winning 17 out of 32 heats this season and gaining 5 bonus points ensured their ultimate win of the season.
Finishing the year at the Prague play offs in November was the second time this team had been international. Fighting tooth and nail with Blues 'N' Twos this season it was very close but these guys proved they still have what it takes to win.
Behind the scenes this year has been incredibly busy for the committee/refs/groundcrew, doing regular interviews, podcasts, media and getting ready for the Prague play offs in November. It has been one of the best years for Horseboarding so a massive shout out to everyone who has made this year so epic! Here’s to the 2024 season!
Written by Lauren Oakman
