Release date: 06/08/2011 |    

Saturday 6th August

Special Invitational 1.15m

Irish competitor Joanne Sloan-Allen took out the Special Invitational 1.15m with Chekane beating home two Belgian riders Kelly Hermans (Wilke) and Fanny Machiels (Uquique)

Pictured above; Kelly Hermans and Wilke

Joanne was happy with the results. “The mare Chekane only came to me last Sunday and I decided to start her in a small class.  She is a super mare and very careful and can really jump.  Hopefully she will be a good one for the future.”

Joanne comes to Europe each year with a team and this year has brought 8 horses. “We base in Belgium, at Carol Cox’s place: horses, three kids and crew in tow.” She said. “It is so far to travel from Ireland so we normally stay the summer.”  It’s great for a success today as last year just before this event I broke my leg and was so disappointed that I couldn’t compete.”

“Valkensaard is my favourite event to come to and I always have success.  My kids have grown up coming here as I never miss a year.  The two weeks of jumping is a great place to start new horse sand produce the ones that are going even further.”

Joanne added, ”The ground is always perfect, the jumps excellent and the horses gain so much good experience.”

Joanne Sloan-Allen (IRL) and Chekane

Photo credit: Sportfot/www.sportfot.com