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REPORTS: HOYS SPECIAL
“King Clovers Pride (aka Walter) and I won the SEIB Search for a Star at Bury Farm and qualified for HOYS back in June, since then our journey has been some what challenging. “Walter sustained a minor injury which meant that 2 months prior to HOYS he was on box rest meaning we were not able to prepare or train for the event. It was always touch and go if we would even make it. I first rode Walter the evening before our class in the Topspec Arena - Walt was on his toes to say the least, it was all very exciting but I was very reluctant to ride him as I would normally because I was so worried I would cause him to be lame. But he was being quite a handful - quite within reason as he’d come from being stabled to HOYS! My friend gave me some good advice and Walter soon settled and was back to his usual sane self. “The next morning was D-day! I woke up at 4am and went out to see Walter, hoping he was sound and that the shenanigans from the night before hadn’t hindered our day. I got him out and hurray, he was absolutely fine! So we got him ready for show time! “He looked amazing, felt amazing - we were ready to rock and roll! Who would have thought he had not been ridden for two months prior. We entered the arena first and I had the biggest smile on my face - it was the most amazing experience one I’ll never forget! To top it off we were placed third. All I was hoping for was sane and sound...to be placed in the top 3 was icing on the cake! “That day would normally be one of the saddest in my life as the 5th October was the day I lost my lovely mum only two years ago. However I strongly believe she was with me every step of the way.” - Roberta Baston (Herts)
“Myself and my horse Churchtown Minstrel (Charlie as he is known to his friends) competed at HOYS. It was my first time riding at HOYS and Charlie’s second after placing third last year. We competed in the Coloured Traditional, Native Cob Horse class (CHAPS) on the Sunday. With a 4am alarm ready for the 5am working-in in the International Arena it was a long day! “My nerves where high for the class as it was only my third competition on him, so for such a new combination there was quite a bit of pressure! We had however already proved ourselves with a seventh (out of 43) at the Royal International earlier on in the season (our first show!) so knew we could do it. We were trilled with lovely scores to finish in joint-eleventh, just out of the placing! We are hoping to train hard over the winter so we can be back there next year!” - Hanna Sillitoe (Essex)
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“Livie Smith and Brookwater Carousel were eighth in the Price Family First Ridden. “This was their second time competing at HOYS with a third in the same class in 2017. “They qualified at South of England two consecutive years - a lucky show for them!”
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“Livie Smith and Westfirle Golden Oriole on their HOYS debut in the M&M Fiirst Ridden finishing in twelth place!” - Kate Smith (Essex)