The September 2011 Martin Wilkinson Rider of the Month is seventeen-year-old Paris Gainsford, who was this month named as the senior novice champion at Norton Heath’s Dressage Championships. Paris is based in Brentwood, and scored a double win with Tessa Holland’s ‘The Big Fella.’ First, she took the red rosette in the novice 28 warm-up class; before being crowned as the novice champion.
‘The Big Fella’ has the stable name Parker, he is a nine year old Gelderlander gelding, is owned by Tessa Holland and is liveried at Oakleigh Farm in Hutton Brentwood where Paris is the Head Girl.
“I was fortunate to be offered the ride from Tessa roughly two months ago” said Paris, adding “As I have a young eventer who is still in training, it was a brilliant opportunity to ride an older more experienced horse.
“Parker has been trained by Tracey Wright and I am currently having weekly lessons with Tracey to bring the partnership together.
“Although Parker goes well on the flat he has not had much arena experience and if he keeps giving like he has on the last few outings I would love to affiliate him.”
“Our Novice tests went really well at Norton Heath. He is usually a little tense and does suffer a little from ‘stage fright’, but I talk to him before we enter the arena and he settles enough to concentrate and listen to me to keep it together. I’m sure the more we go out the better he will be. Parker is a stunning specimen of his breed and I am extremely grateful for the ride and thankful to Tessa Holland and Tracey Wright. I do hope Tracey is proud of our result today!
Paris is currently studying for her BHS exams, and have worked on a full Livery yard since leaving school.
Despite her ability in the dressage arena, her real passion is eventing; “I have ridden BE and BD, but until now have never quite had the horse to take me up the levels.”
As well as riding Parker, Paris has bought a young Dutch cross Irish gelding called ‘Pops’. He is now five and she is training him with local event rider Juliet Cottey and dressage rider Samantha Thake.
“I hope he will be the horse to take me up through the levels,” says Paris, “although it will take me a few years I’m sure!”
“I love riding Parker. Although he is like an armchair he is not an easy ride. You cant just sit there. I’m of the opinion that with horses you never stop learning, and I am privileged to be able to put into my young horse everything I am learning from my rides on Parker.”
