Move over, seasoned riders – there’s a pint-sized dressage star making waves in the British Dressage scene! Twelve-year-old Sally Howell and her beloved 14.2hh gelding, Son of Orion, absolutely dominated two consecutive competition days, claiming an impressive five class victories in just 48 hours. And if you think that’s impressive, wait until you hear about her unwavering commitment to becoming a professional rider.
Five Rosettes in Two Days: An Incredible Achievement
Sally’s remarkable weekend kicked off at Lluest Equine Centre in Aberystwyth, where she and “Sonny” claimed victories in both a novice and elementary class. But the excitement was just getting started! The following day at Little Mill Equestrian in Carmarthenshire, this dynamic duo added three more red rosettes to their collection – two novice wins and an impressive elementary class victory.
What makes this achievement even more noteworthy? Sally was the only junior competitor in many of her classes, competing directly against experienced adult riders. That’s not just talent – that’s genuine courage and skill.
A First Elementary Test to Remember
Saturday’s elementary class held special significance – it was Sally’s very first attempt at that level. Her proud mum, Lynn Howell, explained the preparation behind this milestone moment.
“She’s been working hard at that level all winter, and I thought they were ready to go out,” Lynn shared. “We were absolutely thrilled with how it went.”
The scores told the story of a young rider firing on all cylinders. Sunday’s performances saw Sally achieve just under 72% in both novice tests and just under 70% in the elementary – all while remaining the only junior in her classes. That’s the kind of performance that turns heads in the dressage world.
A Bond Built Over Two and a Half Years
Behind every great young rider is an equally great equine partner, and Sally and Sonny’s relationship is genuinely special. The pair has been together for two and a half years, and according to Lynn, Son of Orion isn’t just a competition partner – he’s “the love of our life.”
“He’s truly Sally’s best friend,” Lynn emphasized. “He’s wonderful, through and through.”
It’s this deep partnership that shines through in their performances. Sonny clearly trusts his young rider completely, and Sally clearly adores her gelding with every fiber of her being.
A Track Record of Success
This incredible two-day haul isn’t Sally and Sonny’s first brush with victory. The pair previously claimed wins at the prelim level during last year’s Bronze Championships, and they impressed judges by finishing seventh in the prelim at the Petplan Area Festival finals back in April.
Each competition is another stepping stone on an already impressive career trajectory for this young partnership.
Second Place Is Simply Not an Option
So what drives a 12-year-old to compete so fearlessly against adults? Her mum has the answer: pure, unyielding determination.
“She wants to be a professional,” Lynn said with obvious pride. “That’s the only thing that comes out of her mouth.”
And this isn’t just idle childhood dreaming. Sally’s dedication is evident in everything she does. When her mum pointed out that her 15-meter circles needed work, Sally’s immediate response was telling: “I’m never doing that again.” True to her word, she practices relentlessly – both in the saddle and away from it.
“She’ll go over and over it, sit there with her plastic ponies and ride it round her toy arena; that’s how she is,” Lynn explained. “It’s been about dressage from day one, and second place is never good enough.”
The Future is Bright
With performances like these, an incredible work ethic, and a partnership with Sonny that clearly brings out the best in both horse and rider, Sally Howell’s dream of becoming a professional dressage rider doesn’t just seem possible – it seems inevitable.
The British Dressage community should definitely keep their eyes on this rising star. If Sally continues on her current trajectory, we’ll be seeing a lot more red rosettes and impressive test scores in her future. And judging by her attitude, she won’t settle for anything less than excellence.
Now that’s the kind of competitive spirit and horsemanship we love to see in the saddle!