HOLSWORTHY dressage rider and trainer, John Chubb, made his international dressage debut for Great Britain at the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) Consours Dressage International (CDI) 3* competition in Arnac-Pompadour, France from June 23-25.

Eleven nations were represented at the event and as well as the expected participation of established dressage riders from Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and France, the competition also saw riders from Canada and Thailand taking part.

Riding Wringler, a 14-year-old grey KWPN Dutch warmblood by Rhodium out of a Pion mare, Chubb achieved marks in the mid-sixties in both the Prix-St-Georges and Intermediate 1 classes.

Wriggles, as Wringler is known at home, is owned by Mandy Medcraft from Tavistock. She bought the horse three years ago for Chubb to ride and the pair haven’t looked back since.

Talking about the event, John said: “This has been a great experience and one that would not have been possible without Mandy, my support team, sponsors, friends and family.

“As well as our achievements, it has been brilliant spending time with the other British team members.”

Owner Mandy was also excited about seeing Chubb and her horse selected for international duty, adding: “John is an absolutely brilliant horseman who has worked his socks off to get Wriggles this far.

“People seem to forget that to achieve this level of competition demands hard work, dedication and total focus; John has those qualities in spades. I’m so very pleased for him, Wriggles and our technical staff.”

Chubb grew up with horses around him, and prior to his career as a dressage rider, used to event and show jump. He is now based at Coles Mill Stables training yard in Holsworthy.

John added: “My first international competition experience has been fabulous. I’m so proud of my team and supporters for making this happen and every element has been an adventure and learning experience. Wriggles has been so accepting and coped amazingly with everything. He is a star.”