Gerard Horst competed with Stapleford Shake A Leg at the Dutch Championships Para Driving from 31 July to 4 August on the beautiful competition grounds of the Equine Centre in Exloo.
On 2 August, Gerard had to drive the dressage. The dressage ring was beautiful. But again Gerard made two trial mistakes, which earned him 15 penalty points and a low rating for the parts concerned. In the end, the dressage resulted in 86.36 penalty points.
Then the marathon was driven on 3 August. The A section was driven tightly within the time limit and thus did not result in any penalties. The B section with the obstacles went according to plan. Except in obstacle 2, where a ball was driven off the obstacle, no penalties were incurred. However, hurdles can still be driven more efficiently so that less time penalty points are incurred. Total score in the marathon was 121.96 penalty points.
The cones test followed on 4 August, a tough test with a tight time limit. But the ultimate goal was achieved: no dropped balls and within time (and that with only 0.4 seconds !). In the end, Gerard with Stapleford Shake A Leg was the only clear combination in the cones tests on the Dutch Championships.
With a total score of 208.32 penalty points, Gerard ended up with Shake A Leg in 5th place in the final ranking of the Dutch Championship para driving.
A result to be satisfied and proud of! And with great thanks to the occasional groom Raymond Letteboer.