Reaching The Halfway Point

As our time in The UAE meets its halfway point, we’re looking back on what has been an incredible start to the season. 

Our campaign kicked off at CSI3*-W Al Ain. Wasting no time, Shane’s team kicked off as they mean to go on! Z7 Ipswich took 2nd in the 1.45 and Scarteen just behind in 5th. Shane made his international debut with 6-year-old Z7 Pink Panther, picking up 4th place in the CSIYH1* class. As for Katie, BE Alcantara (Colmar x Contact Me) did not touch a fence all show, with two placings in the CSI3* 1.25s and jumping a clear round in the CSI3* 1.30. She certainly is following in the footsteps of her impressive father. Katie and Z7 Regal Don finished the show by jumping a foot-perfect round in the CSI3* 1.45 Ranking Class for 6th place. 

Continuing her electric form, Katie & her team picked up only top 10 placings at CSI2* Dubai. Z7 Regal Don took 8th in the 1.40 and flew to gain more ranking points in the CSI2* 1.45 Grand Prix, placing 6th. Image De Coquerie impressed in the CSIYH1* 6-year-old classes, with a 6th day one and a 2nd place in the final. BE Alcantara jumped more flawless rounds in the CSI2* 1.25 & 1.30 for two 4th places. 
Shane piloted up-and-coming stallion Lucky Luck (Grandorado TN X Canabis Z) into 6th place in the CSI3* 1.30 and stable favourite, Can Ya Makan to 3rd in the 1.25.

Meanwhile, Darcy meant business back home, taking Morris & Aintree Pony Premiers by storm, qualifying each of her rides for at least one class at The Winter Championships! The journey to Morris Equestrian Centre was made worthwhile, with  Pixie winning the JA/JC Blue Chip Sparkle, One Sharah taking 3rd in the Winter JA Classic, and Kunis picking up 1st & 2nd place in the Children On Horses 1.10 and 1.20 Winter Qualifiers. 

Doing two better with One Saharah at Aintree Pony Premier, they took the well-deserved win in the Winter JA Classic. Pixie slotted into 5th place in the JA/JC Handicap, and Kunis into 3rd place in the Children On Horses 1.20 Winter Qualifier. We could not be more proud of Darcy; seeing all her hard work pay off is such a reward.

Next on the calendar was CSI4* Al Shira’aa, which proved to be an exceptional show for Shane. Superstar of the show, Z7 Ipswich, jumped into 2nd place in the CSI4* Ranking Class and 6th in the 4* World Cup Grand Prix. Stablemate Scarteen sped to 2nd in the 1.50 5* Grand Prix, and Haya jumped some fantastic rounds in the CSI4* 1.40s. 

Nine-year-old Koh-I-Noor has gone from strength to strength this tour, placing in the CSI2* 1.40. Other horses who have undergone impressive improvement this tour include Image De Coquerie, who jumped only clear rounds in the CSIYH1* 6-year-old classes and BE Qvikly Star, homebred sired by Colmar, placed 10th in the CSI2* 1.30, both with Katie in the saddle. 

We had the pleasure of welcoming Lauren Caroline to the team for the CSI2* Al Ain Ladies Show. Lauren won the Ella Popely Award in December, which included a year under the guidance of Shane and the rest of Breen Equestrian. Lauren took the reins of Z7 Pink Panther, BE Qvikly Star and Koh-I-Noor for the week, accumulating lots of placings, including 6th in the 1.20 Final with BE Qvikly Star, a 5th in the CSIYH1* 6-year-olds and a 6th place with Koh-I-Noor in the 1.40. It is incredible for Lauren to achieve these results while riding these horses in such a short time. We are excited to see what’s to come from her this year!

Katie piloted consistent 6-year-olds Z7 Continuum and Image De Coquerie to clear rounds in the CSIYH1* Final, with ‘Image’ landing in 7th place. Proving just why they are faithful yard favourites, Z7 Regal Don and Can Ya Makan jumped clear in the CSI2* 1.35, as well as Z7 Regal Don placing 7th in the CSI2* 1.40. 

CSI4* Sharjah proved to be a show to remember for Katie, taking the win in the CSIYH1* Final with Image De Coquerie – A class Team Z7 riders have excelled in over the last seven years, taking the win six times! Z7 Pink Panther and Shane took 2nd, with Katie and Z7 Continuum in 7th. Improving with each round, BE Qvikly Star took a phenomenal 2nd place in her first CSI1* 1.35 Grand Prix with Katie in the saddle. 

Shane’s team of experienced horses did not disappoint either; Scarteen was his usual speedy self, picking up 3rd in the CSI4* Ranking Class and landing just outside the top 10 in the CSI4* Grand Prix, jumping an excellent clear in the first round!

Now, all eyes are on CSIO5* Al Forsan for Shane and Katie. As for Darcy, she turns her head to The Winter Championships. As always, it truly takes a village to achieve such consistent, incredible results. Thank you to all our team who make this possible!