Brit’s lasting legacy at Larkhill

Exactly ten years since sadly losing eventing legend Headley Britannia when she was happily out XC schooling, five of her grandchildren have done her proud.

Lucinda’s four homebred youngsters – Upsi Britannia and Upper Class Brit (embryo transfer twins by Upsilon and Little Britannia), Britannia’s Bijou and Pure Britannia – all ridden by Lucinda’s 18 year old daughter Ellie, went double-clear at Larkhill, with both mares finishing on their dressage scores to win their sections.

Having done just two BE80’s and one BE90 as a 4 year old with working pupil Robin Klaver, Upper Class Brit (Daisy) came straight out to Larkhill for her first event of the season at BE100. To win it on a dressage score of 25.5 is testament to her fantastic attitude, focussed temperament and movement.

Proving a popular stallion this season with three visits to stud under his belt already, Sports pony Britannia’s Bijou’s ability is never in question. Effortless jumping across country and show jumping saw him achieve yet another double clear at BE100. Ellie is now looking forward to going bigger with him this season!

5 year old gelding Upsi Britannia continued the theme of the day with another double clear in the BE100, ridden by Ellie. And Greta Mason also had a successful event in the BE100 with her gelding by Britannia’s Mail, Rule Britannia II. Lucinda says “I always love seeing Britannia’s Mail’s progeny coming through the ranks with the top riders.”

Star of the show however has to be 6 year old daughter of Britannia’s Mail, Pure Britannia (Perdie), who, not to be out-done by her relatives, did a lovely test for 32.8 and an easy double-clear (one of only two combinations to finish on their dressage score) to win her Novice section. Ellie Fredericks’ ambition for her is to go to Chatsworth 2*, although this promising young mare is currently for sale.

Lucinda comments “Larkhill was a fantastic event with a fabulous new cross country course layout, beautiful ground and a cleverly built show jumping course that required good jumpers. The XC was flowing, bold and gave the horses and riders a good blow-out. It was exciting to come here with my homebred youngsters for their first event of the season and I am absolutely thrilled with their results, particularly the mares. What a legacy Headley Britannia has left us – true girl power!”

Image: Ultimate Images