Champion Born to Shine on the Centre Line: Claire
Claire Dawson and Sunnybrowe Prince from Cheshire placed 5th in the BD Equetech Online Championships 2020 at Introductory level.
How did you get into horses? Tell us as much as you can!
I started riding at two years old when my Mum got me my first pony, a Welsh section A called Bella.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself!
I love my ponies! 
Tell us a bit more about your horse
Sunnybrowe Prince (Mac) is a 19-year-old black Fell gelding.
Where did you find each other and how long have you been a partnership?
I've had Mac for nine years now and my friend, a successful native pony producer found, him for me. She produced him for a couple of years and she qualified him for Horse of The Year Show.
Have you got any funny stories about your horse?
Mac is such a character. He loves activities and he is waiting for me every morning to see what we will be doing that day - he's always smiling.
What level do you compete at?
I ride at Introductory and Preliminary and we also enter the Veteran Horse classes.
How do you prepare for a dressage test? Any top tips you'd like to share?
To prepare for a test, I do lots of hacking out and when I'm practicing in the arena I do lots of serpentines, lots of transitions and 20 metre circles. I also practice certain parts of the test and then ride through the test to make sure it flows.
What do you want to achieve in 2021?
We're really looking forward to doing our Dressage Anywhere tests. Competing as an individual and as part of a team is fantastic.
What's your biggest challenge?
I don't really have any challenges - we just go with the flow and enjoy what we do.
What's your biggest achievement to date?
To place 5th in the Dressage Anywhere Rider League with Mac and 5th in the Restricted Intro BD equetech Championships 2020 has been a huge achievement for us. It’s amazing!
How did you first hear about competing with Dressage Anywhere?
My friend introduced me to Dressage Anywhere.
What's your favourite thing about competing with Dressage Anywhere?
I love being able to do a test every month and to be judged by international judges is really fantastic - gives us something to work towards.
How long have you been riding with us?
1 year and 3 months.
What would you say to someone just getting started in dressage?
Just enjoy it. Take your time and don't rush.
Quick Fire Round
Geldings or Mares?
Geldings
Tea, Coffee or Other?
Coffee
Hacking or Schooling?
Hacking
Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter?
Summer
Bays, Greys or Chestnuts?
Bays
Wellies or Heels?
Wellies
Crisps or Chocolate?
Chocolate
