HORSE breeders from Gloucestershire enjoyed great success with their young horses at the Baileys Horse Feeds/ British Breeding/British Equestrian Federation (BEF) Futurity held at Hartpury College.

Two young horses from the county attained elite premiums (9.00 or above out of a maximum 10.00) at the assessment day. An elite premium indicates that the horse has the potential to perform at international level.

Nikki Carmichael from Fossebridge, bred the top-scoring horse of the day, filly foal Jumbelissa who attained an elite premium of 9.06 in the eventing section.

Nikki bred Jumbelissa for her daughter Zoe Carmichael, a three-star event rider to produce and compete. Nikki also bred and owns filly foal Florissa who scored a higher first premium of 8.67 at Hartpury, meaning it has the potential to perform at national level.

Nikki said: “These are the first foals we have bred; it is very exciting”.

Katie Bailey from Newent, who works as a rider/groom for dressage Olympic gold medallist Carl Hester, gained the other elite premium of 9.02 in the dressage section with her filly foal Hillgrounds Fravola bred by Clare Skinner and owned by Katie.

Philip Tuckwell from Tetbury owns and bred three-year-old gelding Quinnox, who attained a higher first premium of 8.98 in the eventing section.

Philip said, “This is the first time Quinnox has been to the Futurity and I am very pleased with him. He was well behaved and jumped great.”

Quinnox will now have a rest before being aimed at the Burghley Young Event Horse class next year.

Philip added: “With his breeding, Quinnox will either have a career as an eventer or a showjumper.”