HATHERDEN-based Clare Harwood is celebrating after capturing a prestigious national dressage championship.

Clare rode her eight-year-old Alley Kazam to win the Equissage Elementary Freestyle Championship at the Horse and Hound Winter Dressage finals.

Held at Solihull Riding Centre, the final saw 19 competitors coming forward after qualifying at events throughout the winter.

Clare of Hatherden near Andover was delighted with the win on the Latvian-bred Alley Kazam.

The series was supported by Equissage, well known throughout the equestrian world for their Equissage physiotherapy system for horses, which has proved hugely popular among dressage competitors.

Clare trains with Emile Faurie and looks forward to her monthly lesson, with the Olympic competitor. She previously trained with Jennie Loriston-Clarke.

Tim Savage of Equissage congratulates Clare Harwood and Alley Kazam on their win

"It is wonderful to win the Equissage final. The music I chose for the test was Abba, by James Last, which was great to ride to.

"Alley Kazam was last year's Novice Freestyle winner so to move up a grade and win again is very special."

Clare bought Alley Kazam 18 months ago through an advert in Horse and Hound and has high hopes for him.

"We are now ready to move up a grade and are looking forward to working towards our next goal."

Tim Savage of Equissage said: "We were delighted to support the Elementary Freestyle series, and wish Clare further success."

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For further information visit www.equissage.co.uk

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