CRICKLADE’S Kellie Watkins and her ex-racehorse Crewezando have beaten the odds to secure a double win at the Abbey Dressage Equestrian Centre Winter Championships in Gloucester.

They took the lead after the second leg of the series, which ran from October to February, and were never overtaken.

An impressive total of 45 points from their placings meant they were crowned both Open Champions and Racehorse to Riding Horse Champions, finishing with clear leads of 17 and 11 points respectively.

Kellie had no desire or expectations to compete ‘Zando’ when she bought him for the princely sum of £400.

Then three years old, the bay gelding already had a failed career as a Flat racehorse behind him and was destined for the slaughterhouse.

Saved from that fate, Zando broke his leg in two places while in his paddock, leaving his life hanging in the balance again.

But thanks to the expert staff at the Newmarket Equine Hospital, combined with months of rest and Kellie’s patience and TLC, he made a remarkable recovery.

After a few lessons with Kellie’s dressage trainer, Marie Kent, it became apparent that Zando had a flair for the discipline, and since the pair’s first ever show last June – when they gained a third and a fifth – they have never looked back.

Kellie said: “Zando has overcome a lot in his short life, and turned into an unexpected superstar.

“He’s the sweetest little horse with the biggest heart. He tries his hardest for me all the time. What he’s achieved is unbelievable and I’m so proud of him.”

The pair are based at Chelworth Fields Livery in Cricklade.

They have already qualified for the RoR (Retraining of Racehorses) Racehorse to Dressage Finals later this year, and claimed one of the two qualifications they need to go through to the British Dressage Summer Regionals, after just three outings.

Kellie added: “If we made it to the National Finals it would be amazing.

“He's just turned six and only 15.1hh but he holds his own against older, bigger horses that are bred for dressage, with big movement and paces.

“To think a couple of years ago this talented little horse was just another unwanted ex-racer.

“I can’t thank my trainer, Marie Kent, enough for giving us the confidence and desire to do all this. We’ve both put in endless hours of work with Zando and the results speak for themselves.”

TWENTY-TWO of Britain’s leading young event riders put the finishing touches to their pre-season preparations at Hartpury College this week when they took part in a two-day performance training camp. The camp took in all areas of the riders and horses’ fitness, including ridden sessions, sport psychology, strength and conditioning, veterinary and nutrition.

The British Equestrian Federation’s (BEF) England Excel Talent Programme joined forces with British Eventing (BE) to deliver two days of intensive tuition with world class coaches.

The selected riders, from the BEF England Excel Talent Programme and the BE Young Rider and Junior Programmes, benefited from one-to-one dressage training sessions with international judge Angela Tucker, simulated cross-country practice with Young Rider team selector Caroline Moore and showjumping coaching from one of the leading British accredited coaches Kenneth Clawson.

Out of the saddle, the riders learned about the importance of musculo-skeletal and muscle well-being in event horses from equine physiotherapist Helen Mathie.

They also took part in talks on equine fitness regimes and injury prevention from team vet Mark Lucy and feeding for performance from Paul Nicholls’ assistant trainer, Dan Skelton.

The main aim of the Young Rider programme is to select a squad to represent Great Britain at the Young Rider European Championships.