Richard and his top ride Alfies Clover completed clear rounds of cross country and showjumping to come tenth at this year’s premier CCI 5* Badminton Horse Trials. Richard is on the record as saying he was hoping for a top-ten finish this year, so mission accomplished!
The duo produced a faultless showjumping round on the Sunday having gone clear the day before to lie 17th in the overall competition. They then had to wait as the remaining top riders picked up jumping penalties in the final round to put Richard and Alfies Clover up to tenth place.
“Job done,” said a thrilled Richard after the final places were announced. “Alfie relished the excellent galloping track at Badminton. He was foot perfect and in perfect rhythm around the cross country, and never looked like making an error.”
“In the showjumping I knew he wouldn’t touch anything, but it’s been a while since he’s been in such a packed stadium with all that tense atmosphere, and he had so much energy, I needed to make sure I kept him up to the task in hand.”
After two years of limited high-level competition pressure during lockdown, Alfies Clover took to the three-day event with enthusiasm and energy. The pair are now targeting the only other UK 5* Horse Trials event this calendar year, the Burghley CCI5*, 1-4 September.
About Team Jones
Team Jones is based at Lowlands Farm in Rutland. Richard Jones is emerging as a top international eventer – in the top ten at Burghley and at Blenheim in 2018 – and his wife Victoria is going from strength to strength, building her international dressage career. The team has just finished a cross-country training field to add to their facilities so that training can go on for youngsters and established eventers alike.
Team Jones is sponsored by leading horse feeds manufacturers Dodson and Horrell, saddle pad designer Sedelogic, e-bikes provider Eco Voltz, sports photographers Julie Priestly, artist and photographer Deanne Ward, Stierna Equestrian Sportswear, equestrian glove distributor Hirzl UK, performance riding bootmakers Petrie, and IBA International media relations consultancy.
Find out about what’s happening at www.teamjonesequestrian.com, follow them on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram – and check out the new TikTok account.