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U25 GRAND PRIX PROVES THE SWEETEST SWANSONG FOR LUCARNE DOLLEY
Article by Jess Roberts Photos by Libby Law Photography
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The Grand Prix title was decided on just one test: the Musical Freestyle. While there were just two entries, the judges were treated to some quality work from Lucarne and Waikato’s Amy Sage on RM All About Me. Lucarne and Ardmore (Anamour) displayed their usual harmonious, polished style to finish on 69.117 and sealing the deal on their fifth consecutive U25 national title. In addition to the KH Arvan trophy awarded to the U25 Grand Prix champion, the pair also took home the Fissenden trophy for the highest points for the fifth time and the NZ Hanoverian Society sash for Level 5 and above.
For Lucarne, this being her final Youth Festival it was the end of an era. “It did feel strange to think this was the last time I would compete at this show - this was one that we always really, really looked forward to on the calendar because it was the most open and welcoming show for young riders. I know when I was much younger - not so much now - it would be quite intimidating going to the big shows with all the adults and professional riders and that kind of thing, it was quite scary,” she remembers. “But this one was super encouraging and supportive and it was fun to be there with all your friends.”
After finishing university last year, Lucarne is now a qualified physiotherapist and works full time in her hometown of Cambridge. That means she’ll sit the Land Rover Horse of the Year show out this year - “it’s such a big, long week down there, I just have to prioritise being a grown up and working!” - but has her sights firmly set on the 2023 Bates Nationals at the end of March.
Balancing her career with having a team of three horses in full-time work “can be a bit tricky!” laughs Lucarne. “I just prioritise the ones that are the most important each week and go from there. Luckily one of them is just a 4-yrold so if he gets left for another day it’s not the end of the world. It might be a different story in winter… I might be saving up to put some lights in!”
You get the feeling that this talented quiet achiever has only just got started…
