That was the season that was ... AGA style! Part 2

As the countdown continues towards the start of the new season a thought occured to me, why not pen a review of the 2011/12 AGA Ladies Open Series. It presents a good opportunity to set the scene for what I am sure is going to be another exciting series, and also gives me a chance to post some more of Beazo's superb photos.

The AGA Series and the inaugural AGA Total Control Lady Riders' Championship reached a thrilling climax at Cheltenham in May, but during the preceeding five months there were lots of memorable moments and great performances in the saddle. The story continues in the rain at Ston Easton ...

Ston Easton - Mendip Farmers

Gina sluices through the mud to bag 10 AGA points, while in the background you would never think that Claire is riding a grey ... unless you look at the rear end!

Gina smiles as the rain keeps falling and the mud gets thicker.

 This is definitely the wettest photo of the season ... and Gina is still smiling.
Milborne St Andrew - South Dorset

Following the Glastonbury like scenes at Ston Easton the previous day, we arrived at Milborne St Andrew to be greeted by beautiful sunshine! It's a proven fact that sunshine puts a spring in your step and we had the AGA signs up in no time at all.

 The sunshine put a spring in Double Mead's step and the mare romped home to cries of "go on Meady". Alex Dunn was delighted with the 10 points and joined Mr AGA Pointing for the presentation  - who adopted his now familiar "smiley" pose.
Howick - Curre and Llangibby

A visit to Wales would not be complete without a romp for Chesnut Annie ... and that is exactly what we got today. The sun shone and Sally Randell was the latest lady rider to be able to add a John Beasley interview to her CV.

Mrs AGA Pointing and her new friends Flo and Rebecca, she would have quite happily put Flo into the back of the AGA trailer and brought her home ... although I think Rebecca may have had something to say about that!
Didmarton - Duke of Beaufort's

Another win for Alex Dunn - this time by 12 lengths on Picaroon, raised hopes that Mrs Dunn was about to launch a title challenge and put herself firmly in the frame to win a new AGA Total Control cooker.

We also saw the second contender for "most family members in the presentation photo".
Charm Park - Derwent

This rainy, cold day at the beginning of March saw the first of two visits to Yorkshire within a week, and as you can see from the photo above the fun loving lady riders in Yorkshire were pleased to see their favourite national sponsor! 

Sammy Drake was in fine form and booted Optimistic Harry home through the mud to win the first of her AGA clocks - the second one would soon follow!
Tweseldown - Chiddingfold, Leconfield & Cowdray

Mount Sandel was a 20 length winner in the snow ... yes, I said SNOW!

It was cold, really cold, but you know what? It didn't matter, we still had a great day, as did Frankie Hickman who really enjoyed this win. 

Shelter was swiftly sought for the presentation!
Dalton Park - Holderness

What a difference a week makes, Yorkshire for the second week in succession and this time we had sunshine and blue sky ... and the blue jumper had a run out!

The 5 length win on Keeverfield put Sammy firmly in the picture to win the AGA as we approached the final third of the season.
 Brocklesby Park - South Wold

Defending AGA Champion Billyvoddan put himself firmly in the Cheltenham picture with a hard fought win here, a win which also kept his pilot Jane Williams firmly on course for the national title.

A very thirsty champion has a well earned drink!
Garnons - South Herefordshire

A new name appeared in the AGA Total Control table as Rachel Leyson steered Shake The Bottle to a stylish victory.

With 10 AGA qualifiers left the championship battle was really starting to take shape, and another title challenge was about to be launched the following weekend.

part 3 to follow ...