Rob Barker, a rider with a superb British Dressage National Championships record, continued his winning ways taking a third title in three consecutive years.
This time it was victory in the TopSpec Medium Silver on day two of the championships on board Charlotte Dujardin’s River Rise Isabella, the tall six-year-old daughter of Don Frederic impressing the judges panel to earn 70.37%.
Said Rob: “She’s an amazing horse and is still getting used to the bigger atmospheres. She is a lot more used to the local shows and gets better and better every time. I’ve done quite a lot with her but I’ve had a lot of help from Charlotte. She has no weakness it’s just experience!”
About his test Rob added: “Last year she didn’t walk when she came here but I got my walk today which I was really pleased with.
“We take it step by step with her to produce her as a horse for the future, I kept a lid on it today and it was good fun. Her walk, trot and canter is amazing it’s just about steering her and making sure I do the right thing!
“Charlotte doesn’t put any pressure on but I put a lot on myself. She helps me a lot and I want to do well because she gives a lot of time to me so I want to give it back in a way.”
Charlotte will make the decisions on what’s next for the super talented mare, Rob concluded: “I’m so lucky to be able to ride her and every time I sit on her I’m grateful, we just take it day by day.”
Second place belonged to Maria Collins who scored 69.56% with her and Dorothy Taylor’s Exclusive Gem, whilst Maisie Hodge and her own Garant H completed the top three with 68.56%.