OKEHAMPTON-based rider and trainer, Michael van Houben had a triumphant return to affiliated horse trials recently, following a 12-year break from the sport. Competing at Duchy Horse Trials on two horses, Known Associate and Epic Landmark, Michael laid down an early challenge in the dressage arena, forfeiting only 22 and 25.5 penalty marks respectively. Known Associate, owned by Gemma Sage, produced one of only four show jumping clear rounds in his pre-novice section which he went on to win. A steady clear round cross country accrued 4.4 time penalties, finishing on a commendable score of just 26.4, almost 11 points ahead of his nearest rival. Ann Woodward-Sheath?s home-bred Epic Landmark has recently joined Michael?s string of competition horses and although not clear show jumping, this new partnership achieved a clear round cross country well inside the optimum time, earning them a well deserved fifth position. Both horses are now being prepared to compete at Hatherleigh Horse Trials on August 14.
