FEBRUARY/MARCH 2023 ISSUE 158
The New Forest Point to Point
Meriksayre Sea Duble In the Spotlight
London International Horse Show info@showingworldonline.co.uk | February/March 2023 Issue | The Native Pony | 1
2 | The Native Pony | February/March 2023 Issue | info@showingworldonline.co.uk
A word from our editor Dear Reader, Wow! Here we are at the beginning of a new print year, and I can scarcely believe it’s almost March already. Royal International Horse show qualifiers are just around the corner, and HOYS ‘Golden Tickets’ will be up for grabs shortly afterwards, as well as London International Horse Show qualifiers. I’m not yet ready to toe the season starting line, but I know that many of you out there are, and I’m excited to see the new faces you have to show this year. I’m also looking forwards to see how the new opportunities for amateurs to compete at large finals unfold. It’s wonderful to see showing becoming more inclusive. Meanwhile, those of you not so fussed on showing have also been pretty busy! I absolutely love seeing posts of you and your ponies holding your own against apparently ‘sportier’ breeds and giving them a run for their money. I’ve long purported the versatility of our native breeds, and you’re out there proving it to the world, so I salute you! Especially when jumping enormous fences! This issue is yet another packed one. In fact, when it came to printing time, we found we had overrun, and needed to save some treats for next issue! Last year, the first issue of the year was one of my favourites, and I have loved seeing this one pulled together, too. I think it’s the glorious contrast between the mud-splattered racers at the New Forest Point to Point and the pristine, polished ponies at the London International, as well as all in between, each as fabulous in their own rights as each other. I hope you enjoy it all as much as me! As ever, please do keep me in the loop on what you are up to with your natives. From fundraising trekks to Badminton Grassroots, horseball, to showjumping, endurance and dressage, I want to know about it so that we can share your story and celebrate your successes in the pages of Native Pony. My email address is beth.simons@showingworldonline.co.uk Native Pony is indebted to the wonderful folk who give up their time to collate news of each breed and to bring you informative columns, as well as Ruth for her stunning photographs and commentary. I cannot stress how invaluable they are to me. If you are reading this and collate one of our pages, thank you so very much for your constant help and often advice, too; I am looking forwards to working with you for another year. Yours, Beth
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Contents Features 9.
In the Spotlight: Meriksayre Sea Duble
11. LIHS: The Shetland Grand National 14. The New Forest Point to Point 16. Re-Riding History 31. LIHS: The natives
Regulars 21
27. Ruth on the Hoof on Eriskay 44. Breed News
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31
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COVER PHOTO: Photo by Tristan Jones @theshootingphotographer Disclaimer: The view and opinions expressed within the magazine are not necessarily those of the editor or Showing World Limited and while every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in the magazine is correct and current at the date of publication, Showing World Limited will not accept any liability. Showing World Limited will not be held responsible for the appearance of photographic material supplied without the necessary consent, copyright and/or photographer’s details.
In addition, Showing World Limited offers no guarantee of publication and reserve the right to edit any reader’s letters, press releases, reports and articles submitted. Showing World Limited 2023. All rights reserved. No part of Native Pony may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted or shared in any form or by any means, including, but not limited to; electronic, mechanical, digital, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior written permission of Showing World Limited.
4 | The Native Pony | February/March 2023 Issue | info@showingworldonline.co.uk
Barbara Wilson 5th May 1932 – 30th November 2022
A life well lived As the Hunting and Native Pony World pay their respect to a lifelong supporter, breeder and International Judge it is only fitting to acknowledge Barbara’s legacy. ‘B’ started riding at a very young age as her parents Arthur and Bryan ran a riding school in North Yorkshire. Just prior to WWII, the family moved to Hardingley Farm, West Yorkshire in the heart of the Rockwood Harriers Country. This was to be Barbara’s home for the rest of her life. Barbara is photographed hunting with the Rockwood Harriers on the 16th October 1948, accompanied by her Mother, as she always was in those days. Under the guidance of Teddy Lumb and Frank Woodhead, Barbara progressed to First Whip, an extreme honour for a female of her generation and a credit to her riding ability. Aged 17, with a desire to travel, Barbara took up a position on a Dairy Farm in Wiltshire and hunted with the Beaufort. Returning to West Yorkshire a couple of years later, she won a WRCC scholarship to Newton Rigg to study Dairying and Allied Subjects. Her qualifications took her to Denmark. Unimpressed by her rat-infested accommodation, Barbara returned to the UK. In 1955 she responded to an advert in Horse & Hound to work at a Shetland and Highland Stud in Aberdeen. Two weeks later, she and her trusted fixed-gear bicycle boarded the train in Huddersfield to meet Miss Richie at the Netherley Stud. The first year she was there they went to the Royal Highland Show and one of Mrs Richie’s Shetland ponies took Supreme Champion. For the next 17 years, Barbara returned to Netherley Stud from May to September. This is where her love for Shetland ponies began and many friendship formed. In 1972 Barbara’s father suffered a heart attack and so she returned to Hardingley to help run the family farm. It was then she started selectively breeding her own Shetlands. Her Hardingley Stud produced some 51 foals, in the years to 2015, when she officially stopped breeding.
Barbara with her Shetlands
Barbara’s Horse of a life-time, was not a Shetland but Sparkle, a Cleveland Bay mare who she hunted with the Rockwood Harriers for 14 seasons after which time she retired to stud. Sired by Knaresbourgh Jack, Sparkle’s first foal was a stunning colt, which Barbara named Tam O Shanter. Tam was recruited by the Royal Mews and renamed “Calgary”. For many years he was the Queen’s carriage lead horse. Finishing his Royal duties Calgary returned to West Yorkshire, his final years were spent at Hardingley Farm educating the youngsters. Barbara had numerous stories and anecdotes about her visits to the Royal Mews to see Calgary. Amongst her wide equine interests which included all native breeds, she was a welfare officer for the BHS in West Yorkshire. She was involved in a variety of local riding clubs and agricultural shows. A lifelong member of the Rockwood Harriers. And above all a renowned International Judge. Barbara remained a very active member of the Shetland Pony Stud Book Society, becoming a member in 1963 and a life member from 1974, serving several times on the council. One highlight of her judging career was being asked to be one of the judges for the SPS-BS Centenary show and celebrations held at Ingliston in1990. Barbara’s extensive knowledge and wicked sense of humour will be greatly missed by all those who knew her.
“And a knife, a shilling and a piece of string is all one ever requires.” Barbara Wilson, who will be greatly missed.
info@showingworldonline.co.uk | February/March 2023 Issue | Theand Native Ponyin| 1948 5 Barbara with the Rockwood Harriers her mother