Gracie Wins Suregrow Elementary Freestyle Regional Final

Young dressage rider Gracie Catling has been taking the dressage world by storm and has qualified for the prestigious British Dressage Winter Championships.

Gracie and Henton For Fun took the Suregrow Fertiliser Winter Elementary Freestyle Regional Champion title on an impressive score of 72.12% at Addington Manor Equestrian Centre.

Just 15-years-old Gracie has been riding from a young age, with her mother Julia a British Dressage judge offering much support.

Known at home as Billy, Henton For Fun is a former ride of eventing legend William Fox-Pitt, until leg problems, meant he had to be retired from jumping. Previously owned by Tara Glen, Billy was kindly gifted to Gracie and has really taken to pure dressage.

The bay gelding is a 12-year-old Hanoverian x New Zealand thoroughbred and has been with Gracie for eight months.

Said Gracie: “I am so excited to take Billy to the finals, he loves showing off in the ring and is extremely lovely to ride and be around.

“Billy went perfectly; he couldn’t have gone any better and didn’t put a foot wrong. He loves the music and seems to just relax and perform in the arena.

“This year I hope to move Billy up to medium level and compete at Junior FEI.”

Said Jonathan Cox of Suregrow Fertiliser: “We are delighted to sponsor this championship, its brilliant to see such a high standard of competitors, and congratulations to Gracie and Billy.”