Showing World November 2022 (171)

Showing World Issue 171 November 2022

Issue 171 - November 2022

A Bumper HOYS Report!

Reports from NPS Area 26,

the South West Hairy Pony Festival, Heritage Championships, the Veteran Horse Society Championships and so much more!

Dani the Champion of the World!

We talk to producer Danielle Heath

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A Note From Our Editor Dear Reader, I can scarcely believe that HOYS is over for another year, and we’re staring straight into the barrel of winter! Moreover, I can scarcely believe that this is my final Showing World for 2022. In short, reader, we have survived our first year together!

I hope that you enjoy the issue, which naturally focuses predominantly on a marvellous HOYS, but there’s lots more, too, and I hope that you enjoy it.Speaking of HOYS, if you came to see us, thank you. I loved meeting you all.

By the end of the week I was both exhausted and fired up for next year. Funny that!

Of course, whilst we are on our final print run of the year, the team is far from kicking back. Our focus, even as I write has turned to the SEIB British Showing Awards and I dearly hope that I see you there on December 3rd. For full details on finalists, please head over to our website, and cast a vote while you are there.

We’re also comitted to bringing you news and yet more content via our website, our newsletters - which are free so get signed up - and our social media, so make sure you’re keeping an eye on all three!

Finally, it would be remiss of me to end this final letter of 2022 without a heartfelt thanks to the friends who have gone above and beyond to support me this year; you will know who you are.

- Beth

TALKING POINT: HOYS and its aftermath I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoyed HOYS. I can also honestly say that I believe most of the competitors and spectators that I spoke to and saw also thoroughly enjoyed HOYS. Please, if you get the chance, thank the team that work all year round to make it happen. Dreams become a reality in those arenas, and those arenas happen because they make them happen. Do you see where I am going here?

As for the showing, what a supreme line-up our judges ended up with! Was there a dry eye in the house as View Point and Robert Walker walked one final time down the centre line?

Probably not. They really are an incredible partnership.

In the pony supreme, too, we saw some fabulous ponies and young riders. In my ten years in the classroom, I most adored the children and teens who tried their hearts out and smiled, irrespective of how tough they found it. So, it’s probably of little surprise that I was melted by the pre-judging of the pony supreme. Whether they pulled it off or not – and most did – what a supreme effort

- excuse the pun - we saw from each as they made a bid for that supreme title. My most sincere congratulations to little Elsie Lynch and Noble Peppermint on their crown!

When speaking to an experienced and long-standing steward a week or so later, he commented on how smiley the children in the mini classes were. How lovely!

As a reult, I was greatly saddened to see children and their ponies criticised on social media, especially when those children had been so delightful.

In fact, I’m saddened that we have to talk about social media and its ugly, ugly side once again. After such a wonderful show, I’m loathed to give too much time to negativity.

But I will just say that I feel some people need to go back to childhood and watch Disney’s Bambi. As Thumper says, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all.”

Of course, we could criticise his grammar on Facebook, but instead, we could keep schtum and appreciate the sweetness of the sentiment. Catch my drift?

At the beginning of the year, I spoke about the ratio of mares, geldings and stallions in native classes. With just one mare taking a top spot in the open, junior and mini classes (Welsh section D mare Ringside Top Dollar), it seems we’ve a similar problem again.

In contrast the age-limited pony classes saw girls rule. To be clear, I mean quite literally girls, not mares!

Being geeky, I was fascinated that the first and second ponies in the three lead rein finals – the mini show ponies, show hunter ponies and mountain and moorlands – were all led by men, but four of the six ponies were ridden by girls. Yet when I looked at the supremes, there were more adult male riders than adult lady riders. When they have such prominent role models in showing, where are the young men to follow in their footsteps? Are we losing a future generation of showmen to other disciplines? Will they ever come back to it? I’m interested to know your thoughts.

Beth

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Contents 11 22

VHS Championship Chewing the Chaff with Victoria Harker

38

South West Hairy Pony Festival

42

The Supremes

46 The Price Family Supreme In Hand Final

49 Intermediates 60

The Plaited Workers

78

SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse 2022

78

86 SEIB Search for a Star

38

Front cover: Robert Walker riding View Point Photo by 1st Class Images

Editorial: Beth Simons

beth.simons@showingworldonline.co.uk

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42 Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the editor or Showing World Ltd and while every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained is correct and current at the date of publication, Showing World Ltd will not be help responsible for the appearance of photographic material supplied without the necessary consent, copyright and/or photographer’s details. In addition, Showing World Ltd offers no guarantee of publication and reserves the right to edit any reader’s letters, press releases, reports and articles submitted.

Showing World Ltd 2022. All rights reserved. No part of Showing World may be reproduced, stored in any 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 Ltd.

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Lovelyhill Folklore ridden by Vikki Smith

BSPS Heritage Championships

Bergli Dreamwatcher ridden by Ella Freeman

Report by Celeste Gall Photos by Equinational “I feel like we have become one this year,” admitted Vikki Smith after she secured the supreme heritage title aboard the eye-catching blue roan New Forest stallion Lovelyhill Folklore (George). Owned by Penny Sutton and Peter Rowe, George capped a successful second season with Vikki by taking the open mountain and moorland working hunter pony championship here, as well as booking his ticket to London International Horse Show, before performing flawlessly in the evening finale to land their first supreme together.

Only the week before at HOYS, Vikki and George did an impressive one-two, winning the ridden New Forest pony of the year title and then jumping clear around a technical track to stand second in the mountain and moorland working hunter pony final. The pair won three HOYS working hunter qualifiers this season, standing champion twice and finished second at RIHS in the ridden final against the Connemara ponies. “His conformation is fabulous so he is built to do both classes and I really think we just ‘get’ each other,” said Vikki, who was the first person to ever jump him. “I knew from the first jump that he was incredible,” she added.

Shetland ponies rule Shetland ponies dominated championships, impressing judges with their safe, workmanlike attitudes and delighting

their young riders. The mini supreme went to nine-yearold Ella Freeman aboard the black Shetland gelding Bergli Dreamwatcher (Bob). Now a six-year-old, Bob came to the family as a four-year-old from Anneli Whitehouse with plans for him to be broken and then return to her stud as a working stallion. At only 4ft11, Ella’s mother Laura usually breaks in the ponies. “About six weeks in to backing I had a very bad accident on the yard that put me out of action for months, but I didn’t want to stop with Bob so I asked Ella, then seven, if she would continue his education with my help,” explained Laura. “It became clear to me that Bob and Ella were going to be very special together so between Anneli and I we decided that he was going to be a fantastic child’s pony so I then purchased him and gelded him,” added Laura.

Their prediction proved fruitful as here they won the restricted tiny tots first ridden and stood restricted champion en route to the mini supreme victory. Ella, who is part of the Shetland display team with Bob, also loves dressage and jumping with him. “Things like this don’t usually happen to us, they’ve never even done an evening performance together but just took it all in their stride,” said Laura, who hopes the pair will contest the first ridden and open RIHS and HOYS qualifiers next season.

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Another black Shetland turning heads was Sarah Dowson’s five-year-old mare Addingham Gabi, who landed the open RIHS mini championship after winning the lead rein qualifier with six-year-old Sophie Wall in the saddle. Sarah, who has owned her since a yearling, has also broken Gabi to drive and although unshown as a driven pony, finds it a great way to keep her fit. “She’s not ridden much at home as my friend’s daughters Sophie and Frankie (3) can only ride around their other commitments, but she’s a proper safe children’s pony,” said Sarah, who led the pair to win the class.

Five-year-old Alexia Lilley finished second and reserve champion open RIHS mini champion with her promising new ride, the piebald Shetland Briar Puzzle. The pair, led by mother, Amy Southworth, also headed a huge tiny tots lead rein class and secured the tiny tots championship too.

“We first saw Puzzle at the Shetland performance show in the summer and we absolutely loved him. He’s such a great stamp of a Shetland; up to height and beautifully put together,” said Amy, who will lead them in HOYS and RIHS qualifiers next season, whilst Alexia will contend first ridden and open qualifiers on her charismatic Shetland Pinglewood Pasha. The diminutive pairing of Alexia and Pasha narrowly missed out on both HOYS tickets at the end of the summer, and made a great impression here finishing second in the RIHS Pretty Polly first ridden and standing reserve champion and third and highest placed Shetland in the open RIHS first ridden qualifier. “Pasha is the ultimate mother’s dream pony since the day she arrived as a two-year-old. They enjoyed a fantastic first season off the lead together standing supreme at the British Palomino Society national championship show and reserve ridden supreme at the Shetland Pony Society performance show. They have a very special bond,” added Amy. Booking their return ticket to RIHS to defend their mountain and moorland Pretty Polly lead rein title was eight-year-old Alyssia Jones and her exquisite Dartmoor gelding Nappa Pericles. The pair, led by mother Amanda, also clinched the mini Pretty Polly championship and stood third and highest placed Dartmoor in the open RIHS lead rein qualifier.

Addingham Gabi ridden by Sophie Wall and led Sarah Dowson

Karl Morris, who judged the RIHS Pretty Polly mini classes and championship said: “My champion combined exceptional quality, confirmation and breed type and was everything I would look for in a lead rein. I always judge the championship as a separate class and the second placed first ridden pony showed the manners of a true child’s pony to stand reserve.”

‘I’m feeling optimistic’ When Sarah Gemmell’s eight-year-old Fell pony stallion Geordans Oliver II started showing a lot of uncharacteristic behaviour, she knew something wasn’t right with him. After many months, he was finally diagnosed with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). “He had qualified for RIHS in the mountain and moorland working hunter pony class on his first attempt in Scotland and it was downhill from there,” explained Sarah. “We didn’t attend the final as it would have been a seven hour

Nappa Pericles ridden by Alyssia Jones and led by Amanda Jones

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Pinglewood Pasha ridden by Alexia Lilley

journey for us and he was desperately not right and when we discovered what it was, there was not enough time. It has been a rollercoaster to get him back on track.”

With the Heritage championships their first show back since his diagnosis, they certainly showed just how effective Sarah’s strict diet and fitness regime has been, winning two classes. “He has lost about 30kg since we changed his routine; he is worked five or six days a week and has been away for swimming rehab twice, where he stays for a week. That has really done wonders for his fitness,” said Sarah, who also had success with her sixyear-old Highland pony stallion Strathleven Achiltibuie (Buie), who clinched the novice working hunter pony championship. By Islesman of Mendick, he was purchased as a three-year-old and Sarah has enjoyed competing him in a variety of competitions this year, including show jumping, dressage and eventing. “He’s very versatile, but has always been in the wings with Oliver taking precedence. He jumped clear all weekend and was an absolute delight,” said Sarah, who opted to ride Oliver in the evening novice working hunter pony championship as she had both through.

“Emma Burrow, who broke Buie as a four-year-old, and is the only other person to have ever ridden him, rode him in the evening for me,” explained Sarah, who will contest both HOYS and RIHS WHP qualifiers with both ponies next season.

Another Highland stallion with Mendick breeding, Marksman of Mendick, certainly showed his potential as a future star winning their restricted ridden class, as well as winning their novice ridden section and standing reserve champion novice. Owned and ridden by Amber Thorpe, the six-year-old has been kept as a true novice this season. “We love taking our time with him and giving him a chance to settle in the ridden classes,” said Amber, who travelled to Scotland with her mother Clair to view him. “We fell in love with him as soon as we saw him; he has the most amazing temperament,” said Amber, whose results with him this year include supreme novice ridden at Midland Counties and champion in the young pony Dargavel final at the NPS championships. “He is having a well deserved holiday until next year, where we plan to attempt some qualifiers,” added Amber.

Strathleven Achiltibuie ridden by Sarah Gemmell

Going solo With her mum on holiday, Caitlin Hamilton flew solo with her Dales gelding Nipna Invictus and not only did they take the young riders championship, but they also headed the Olympia direct qualifier, booking their passage for the second year.

“It’s so exciting to be heading back to Olympia! Mum usually comes everywhere with us, but she might let me go on my own again now,” said Caitlin.

Lucy Heygate and her 11-year-old Connemara gelding Inverin Paddy (Joey), who are already Olympia-bound after picking up their ticket at South of England, collected both of their RIHS tickets early here. “I never expected to win two qualifying tickets in one show!” said Lucy, who has owned Joey for two seasons. “He is the perfect pony for me to take to shows and do by myself and at home, we enjoy hacking for miles on the farm,” Lucy added.

Five-year-old Alice Hartenfeld enjoyed several successful rides on her string of ponies. Fresh from their second placing in the mountain and moorland first ridden at HOYS with Thistledown Special VIP, the pair won the open first ridden class and stood open champions, as well as winning the tiny tots first ridden class. On the lead rein, with mother Katherine at the helm, Alice rode their exciting 2023 prospect, the Welsh section A mare Settvalley the Mistress to win the mini novice championship and the overall tiny tots championship.

Thistledown VIP ridden by Alice Hertenfeld and led by Katherine Hertenfeld Nipna Invictus ridden by Caitlin Hamilton Inverin Paddy ridden by Lucy Haygates

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DANI CHAMPION OF THE WORLD!

By Lady Emma Trebble Cheshire native Danielle Heath, moved to her Sandbach base with her family in 1976.

Her mother, hairdresser Lorraine and father Derek, an electrical contractor had caught the horse bug and were big on the hunting scene following the hounds of Cheshire Forest, even running their own team chasing team called Derek’s Angels.

Lorraine was a regular visitor to Beeston Market and was often seen frequenting the unwarranted section, looking for a diamond in the rough.

“Mum had the most amazing eye for a pony, she loved showing and was the driving force behind all my success. I’d come home from school to see a new face over the stable door and think ‘uh oh’.” laughs Danielle “I don’t bounce on the cobbles as well as I did back in those days.”

Pony success followed, primarily in the working and show hunter pony ranks; a notable win for Danielle came at the age of 12 when she and the 14hh dun mare, Morning Melody won at the Royal International Horse Show at the NEC and took reserve champion. Danielle’s eyes sparkle as she recalls,

Strewin

“Melody gave me my first taste of a big indoor show under the lights and I just loved it, it was everything I ever wanted.”

Danielle’s mother, known for her bright smile and bubbling personality was devastatingly taken ill with a terminal brain tumour when Danielle was just seventeen,

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Morning Melody

“I was doing my A levels at the time,” explains Danielle the image of her late mother, “and left school to care for her full time until she passed away. I think the horses saved me to be honest,” she reflects, “all the showgrounds we had visited together, the familiar faces, the striving to achieve results she wanted for both of us,

Oathill Take The Biscuit winning the ladies at Royal Windsor Horse Show in 2012 when he also won the hunter championship.

carrying on her legacy; all those things kept me going. It definitely made me more driven but also it was a real source of comfort for me.”

It may surprise readers to learn that the reigning queen of the show ring didn’t have much knowledge of working with horses even at that point, “Mum being ill really brought to my attention that I didn’t know what I was doing with the horses on the ground. All I did was ride and that was my main focus.

I don’t think I could tack up; I definitely couldn’t put a bridle on properly, it was a very steep learning curve.”

Danielle reflects that she found the crossover into horses quite natural and was always happy to ask for help, “I’ve never been shy to mither people,” she admits “I’d happily go up to the likes of Robert and Ali Oliver, Tatlow, Vin Toulson – it never bothered me to go and ask them for advice – there were some very special characters back in those days, they were real horsemen with such a depth of knowledge and they were always happy to help me. I think I was very lucky to have competed alongside them at the start of my career.”

Danielle’s professional career started by accident. Typically, she would bring on young horses to sell but a buyer asked if their new working hunter could stay on to be produced by Danielle. They went on to purchase a further two horses which Heath campaigned successfully.

However, a few weeks before the following Horse of the Year Show, they decided to leave the yard and move to another producer; in one fell swoop Danielle lost her client and all her rides at HOYS. “That was a hard lesson to learn but I learned it quickly, that you don’t put all your eggs in one basket. I was absolutely devastated and thought seriously about giving up entirely.”

Showing has a funny way of pulling people back in and in 2008, Danielle’s first major victory as a professional was delivered by Pauline Binks’ Swany River

Brookdale Limited Edition

Oathill Take The Biscuit

at the Royal International Horse Show.

Showing stalwart Binks has been a long-term owner of Danielle’s ever since and the pair have campaigned around a dozen small hunters together over the years.

Pauline speaks admirably of Danielle, “I’ve been with her for quite a while now and she’s always been incredibly professional. The horses are cared for beautifully, they’re washed down after they’re worked, they’re beautifully groomed. The yard is always immaculate and her tack room is impeccable.

Danielle is a beautiful rider and I love having her produce my horses for the show ring.”

That all elusive first HOYS title came in the shape of Sally Iggulden’s middleweight hunter Oathill Take The Biscuit in 2011, following on from his win in the same class at RIHS earlier in the year.

“I waited 37 years for that win and it was absolutely worth it.” Danielle offers “Hovis wasn’t the easiest horse to start off with but we had three fantastic years together.

I was very fortunate to have Sally as an owner, prior to that the majority of the horses I produced were sold after one season, but Sally wanted to enjoy owning him and watching him in the ring and it meant I could stay at the top of my game rather than starting again with another baby.”

Many years of topflight success continued and 2021 saw Danielle and client Isabella Mears take up the reins of the now legendary Forgeland Hyde Park. The horse had taken the 2019 HOYS Hack Championship with Jayne Ross. Isabella’s father Guy, bought the Kilvington Scoundrel sired gelding in the August from Miranda Wallace, only for Will as he’s known at home, to take both the HOYS Topham Barnes Hack of the Year Championship with Danielle and the HOYS Oyster Wealth Planning Intermediate Show Riding Type Championship with Izzy, a double title never seen before.

2022 was equally impressive, with Hyde

Forgeland Hyde Park

Park and Danielle taking top honours in the Brereton RIHS Supreme Hack Championship; narrowly missing out in the overall supreme, where they came so close, on joint marks with Robert Walker riding Viewpoint but being narrowly beaten in the ride off.

“They’re always my winners.” says Isabella.

When asked how Danielle sets up the impressively scopey horse for Isabella to ride in the ring, the producer is careful to explain her strategy, “None of the horses are set up for me or any of the amateur riders, not even Izzy who is riding him in a pony class. All our schooling is aimed at a ride judge taking the reins. You have to have them light and forward. They have to be a delight for the ride judge to get on, they have to take the rider for an enjoyable trip around the ring.

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“I think this has actually made Izzy a better rider. The show pony job, that’s not for me, there’s a real art to setting up a pony for a particular child and the producers that do it well are incredible at their jobs.

“Intermediate classes should be treated like they’re a steppingstone to horse classes. Izzy has definitely developed better because of this way of working and it’s why she’s been able to compete successfully in horse classes already and doesn’t see it as a massive leap from Intermediates.”

Is this the advice she would give to jockeys making the move from ponies?

“Yes I think so, it’s easy to get disheartened when you first move to horses full time, they can look at the likes of Rob Walker or Jayne Ross and think, ‘I’ll never beat them,’ but the reality is the top producers are aiming their horses at the ride judge and if your horse doesn’t go well for others, or needs a knack to ride it, it isn’t going to win.”

The blonde dynamo has sound business advice for people thinking of going professional too, “I’m not sure you can make a living from this job if all you do is produce. I keep my yard small, that way I can ride all the horses and they can have my attention every day. I buy and sell horses and I keep up with my teaching and clinics. I think it’s important to have more than one income stream because there’s not enough money in pure production. I know I’m very lucky to be based on my family’s yard because if I had to pay rent too, I wouldn’t be able to do this.”

These are interesting points; does it concern Danielle that is how the sport has headed?

“I do have my concerns about showing as an industry yes, it’s always been important to be adaptable and not put all your efforts in one area, as I said I learnt that young, but I think buying and selling is a good example of how things are very difficult at the moment and are getting worse.

Forgeland Hyde Park

“Previously I’d go to Ireland a few times a year looking for youngstock. Social media has meant that you don’t have to get off your sofa to be offered a young horse, there’s not the rewards for going out and looking. The returns aren’t there easily. The studs have direct access to buyers and some of them are paying massive money for an unbroken horse.

It’s pricing others out of the market and as a middleman, how do we add value to it for our owners? If I was buying a baby for that sort of money, my clients would expect a guarantee that it’s going to win and with horses that simply isn’t possible.”

The proverb goes that it takes a village to raise a child and not one to take all the credit for herself, Danielle knows she has a strong team around her, “I always say Tiff (Tiffany Smith) is my right hand and Sam (Samantha Brown) is my left hand. They’ve both been with me for years and are just dead reliable. I always know I can count on them.

Times Square III

“I have fantastic sponsors too, we’ve just signed up with Smart Grooming, I really like their plaiting wax and marking gel.

We feed TopSpec Horse Feeds and have a brilliant relationship with the TopSpec team. We also work with Poly Pads, whose saddle pads we’ve used for years and Elite Coachworks who have always built my horseboxes.”

Known for her impeccable turn out and presentation Danielle also works with Seddons Leatherwork and they’re delighted to work with her and her team, offers Vincent Seddon, “Danielle is the ultimate professional and perfectionist when it comes to turnout, this includes the leatherwork she uses.

We are delighted to supply Team Heath with all their show bridles and bespoke bits.”

Two major titles have so far eluded Danielle, the overall supreme at The Royal International Horse Show and the overall supreme at The Horse of the Year Show.

“Well, I have to win those don’t I?” laughs Danielle “I can’t very well retire without those under my belt.” Here at Showing World we won’t hear of the charismatic show ring presence retiring, under even those circumstances.

VHS

Woodview Fiocco shown by Georgia Kirby

CHAMPIONSHIPS Report by Julianne Aston & Hannah Turnock Photos by SBM Photographic The Grand Supreme Veteran of the Year title went to Sue and Georgia Kirby’s Woodview Fiocco (Finn), having taken the supreme in-hand championship earlier in the day. The 19-year-old was purchased six years ago as a step up from the first ridden classes for Georgia. Last season, Finn and Georgia stood second at HOYS in the 13hh show hunter pony class on their first visit there. “He is our pony of a lifetime,” said Sue, who added: “This year, they have qualified for the Olympia in December, which Georgia says is the best Christmas present ever. He really has made all our dreams come true and has a home for life with us.”

Volatis Diva ridden by Charlotte Merrigan Martin

The reserve Grand Supreme spot went to the supreme ridden champion, the 15-year-old skewbald sports horse, Volatis Diva and owner Charlotte Merrigan Martin.

The versatile pair compete in both showing and dressage and are previous HOYS finalists. “We had absolutely no expectations going into the championships as the VHS is new to us,” said Charlotte’s mum, Clare.

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Bitterdale Badger ridden by Carly Kimberly

Windbourne Harvest Gold shown by Hannah Gray

performing the best she has and our results surpassed our expectations and we cannot wait to return next year.”

At 28-years-old Bitterdale Badger proved that age is no barrier when he won the working hunter class and stood reserve champion with Carly Kimberly. The pair went on to win the ridden Diamond Supreme final. This much loved family pony has been in the Kimberly family for 22 years and accompanied two other family ‘oldies’ to the show; 17-year-old Kerry and 22-year-old Truminka, who each brought home their fair share of red rosettes.

The winner of the in-hand Diamond Supreme final was another 28-year-old, Windbourne Harvest Gold (Chester).

Owned by Hannah Gray, the pair travelled down from Aberdeenshire, having qualified for the final at Blair Horse Trials. “Prior to last year, Chester was living out his golden years as a field companion for the broodmare at Dukes Vets equine practice, where I work as an equine vet in North East Scotland,” explained Hannah. ‘Chester has taught many children over the years to ride, so I jumped at the chance to have him to teach my three-year-old daughter (at the time) to ride. Chester has been an invaluable source of sanity to me whilst being on maternity leave and bring up three girls under the age of four! I’m still in total shock that we won as before the start of the show season Chester and I had only ever done a handful of local shows.”

Lois Seymour and 20-year-old Diorissimo clocked up an impressive 10 wins across three disciplines over the weekend before winning the ridden veteran final and were this year’s dressage point’s champions. Reserve was Amelia Ward and Tireve What’s Wanted, aged 27. The 15-year-old

ex-racehorse, Bear With Rupert, took the tricolour in the in-hand horse championship for his owner Charlotte Iddon, who has owned him for 10 years. ‘Rupert has had many wins and championships over the years but recently it has been a constant battle to keep him sound,” explains Charlotte. ‘He loves to work and keeping his brain busy keeps him settled.”

The highly anticipated M&M In-hand supreme final saw judges Tracey Neesam and Alison Gladwin choose Eleanor Smithers 16-year-old Pasadena Well Dun as their top choice. The M&M ridden supreme saw a range of breeds from Shetlands to Welsh Cobs and all of them represented their breed beautifully. The ridden championship went to Karen Perkowski and 17-yearold Maccallumdene, a beautiful Highland that she has owned for four years. “I feel like the luckiest lady to own such an amazing pony and to win such a championship makes me burst with pride. Mac is my pony of a lifetime and my best friend,” said Karen. Taking reserve M&M Ridden was Georgina Lewis-Roberts’ previous champion Waverhead Dazzler II, aged 20. The overall M&M championship went to Eleanor and Pasadena Well Dun and reserve to Karen and Maccallumdene.

Eleanor said: “We are completely elated and it was a total surprise to win such a prestigious title on our first visit to the VHS championships.”

Diorissimo ridden by Lois Seymour

Pasadena Well Dun shown by Eleanor Smithers

Nine-year-old Scarlett Sharp partnered the 18- year-old Shetland Broadspring Tango to take the Mountain and Moorland championship and the champion of champions title on Saturday evening. The charismatic chestnut gelding fended off the 15 strong champions and performed a beautiful show to take the crown for his young jockey.

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Glynwyn Fine and Dandy shown by Lisa Mewes

Cayak ridden by Joanne Eldridge

Cottrell Riverdance ridden by Millie Bowles

In the reserve spot was 18-year-old Welsh section C gelding, Glynwyn Fine and Dandy, owned Doreen and Kevin Mewes and shown by daughter, Lisa. “This was our first time attending the VHS championships and we were delighted with his results,” said Lisa, who hopes to contest veteran qualifiers next season.

Before the champions of champions was announced, the 2022 Achievement Award winner presentation took place, this is where the committee award the shield to the combination they feel have achieved so much within the society. It is not necessarily success in classes but every aspect is taken into account. This year it was presented to Millie Bowles and Cottrell Riverdance, aged 25. They have won more or less every competition across the board for veterans and are so supportive and consistent within the society and is an amazing combination of what the society stands for.

Cayak, a former stunt and film horse, won the foreign breed championship for his owner Joanne Eldridge. The 15-yearold Lusitano gelding has also qualified for Olympia in December. The pair also compete in dressage at elementary and medium level. Joanne is proud to be flying

Dream Star handled by Jamie Rashbrook

the flag for foreign breeds in the UK and is passionate about promoting foreign breeds within the showing world.

This year the winner of the overall ridden regional championship went to Michelle Cuerden and her own Del Boy V (Derek). A delighted Michelle said: “Derek had a great time as he does miss going out to shows.

On Saturday he went coloured champion for the third consecutive year. He is a true showman who enjoys the limelight and cameras.”

The ridden rescue class was won by one of the youngest riders, four-year-old Fox Strang and his lovely 21-year -old pony Windmillfarm Ramboe. We caught up with his mother after the class: “Winning at the VHS championship and especially this particular class was an amazing experience for all of us. This pony has been through so much in his life before we got him and it’s just so wonderful to see him enjoying his life and his job again with his best friend!”

Leanne Shadbolt and Knavesgreen Honey Pippin, aged 26, won the 50cm (20+) Style and Performance class side saddle. Leanne was just thrilled to win and knows it would have made Pippin’s previous owner Lynn so very proud. “We have been a partnership for

11 years after my dear friend, Lynn, passed away and left Pippin to me. Since owning Pippin, I have taken it on myself to complete Lynn’s bucket list, one being to ride side saddle. We started our side saddle journey, but never did I think that I would compete side saddle let alone jump side saddle and to win a style and performance class against all other competitors astride,” said Leanne.

Competitors often like to retire their veterans at the Championships and this year it we had two official retirements; Dream Star, who is handled by Jamie Rashbrook and owned by Suzie Feltham. Dream has taken many titles over the years and despite having just one eye, managed extremely well and took showing classes in his stride.

He is a great ambassador for the society and just showing blemishes or scars does not affect the marking as he stood as the overall reserve champion in 2019. Suzy and Jamie spoke to us after the presentation: “He has made dreams come true, and has taken us places we have only dreamed of.

He has had a very successful ridden career in coloured classes and had an outstanding In-hand career, with the last few years competing in VHS classes. After losing his left eye three years ago, he has bounced back and nothing has stopped him.”

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With the show ‘season’ now being all year round, the keenest showing enthusiasts can find shows to attend from January right through to New Years Eve! But as the nights draw in and the weather takes a turn for the worst, it can be very easy for motivation to wane. Hannah Turnock asked some of the showing alumni what their winter workload looks like in order to keep horses, and humans, fresh..!

Danni Radford: “Most of our show horses get roughed off, go in the field and get hairy, muddy and happy! We hunt some of the coloured horses or sometimes the novice horses to get them going forward. We get a lot of

breakers and schoolers in, and we like to get the young or novice show horses ready for the next season by attending small novice shows or show clinics.”

Lauren Brill: “Most of my open ponies go home to their owners for the winter who will turn them away and give them some down time. I think that it’s really important that this happens, as it can be a long season! It keeps the ponies’ brains fresh and allows them to process what they have learnt. I also believe it’s an important part of managing their weight and coats, although some can do too well through the winter! Ideally, I’d like them to strip back a bit to prevent fat pockets from building.

“I’m very fortunate to be close to several main equestrian centres so we often take the ponies out arena eventing and low-key dressage events through the winter. Often the first outing for a breaker under saddle will to an arena hire, to see how they react being ridden away from home without any pressure. I do find that the days can blend into one through the wintertime with a yard full of breakers, but I do make an effort to have at least one day off the yard each week, even just to sit in front of the TV and catch up on paperwork!”

Danni looks out at a low winter’s sun Rugs are off!

Lauren’s HOYS winning heavyweight hunter ‘Gabe’ is

enjoying a holiday!

14 | Showing World | November Issue 2022 | suggests info@showingworldonline.co.uk Lauren’s smile winter can be fun!

We spot a HOYS winning Dyffryngwy Sir Picasso chatting with the field, ridden by Emma!

Emma Boardman: “Each animal will be managed differently depending on their individual needs and personalities.

Some will go home for the winter and be completely turned away, others will still be stabled at night and perhaps have their rugs off so they can get hairy, and some will remain in work and go hunting as they need to keep busy. We also take some of the youngsters to meet with the Vale of Lune hunt if we can. We like to add a bit of variety and will do lots of other

things such as show jumping, dressage, and arena eventing. We attend a lot of show clinics with the young and novice ponies to make sure they have a good education before they appear in the ring.

Some of my more established show horses may take up jumping with the view to doing some working hunter classes so this is something we will work on over the winter; it gives them something different to do and keeps us all fresh!”

Sophie can’t resist a fence (or hedge!)

Sophie Judge: “We do a bit of everything here depending on what the animal needs. For example, my ex-racehorse ZaZamix will have a quieter winter with lots of hacking as he’s been shown a lot this season. I am huge believer in using hacking for physical strengthening and the horse’s happiness. For me, this is more important in a horse’s winter schedule than schooling.

“My 153cm show hunter pony and worker, Caitlin, loves work so much, so we hunt with the High Peak Harriers and the Readyfield Bloodhounds. I am a massive advocate for hunting, and believe everything,

within reason, should have a few days out with a pack.

It is excellent for jockeys to learn about holding your own space and thinking for yourself on the spot. Hunting made Caitlin and I; the fun we had and the confidence it gave us was incredible. The social side of hunting is also fabulous, surrounded by people with a wealth of knowledge who are happy to help each other out.

Caitlin also evented and team chased.

“Meanwhile the hugely successful pony stallion Heavenly Boy Blue would compete in dressage and show

Hannah enjoys the view out hunting between pricked ears!

jumping alongside his showing and stud duties to keep him entertained. All my ponies have always been allrounders. It keeps them fresh, happy and willing, and provides them with an education outside of the ring which I believe is so important at a time when we need to be promoting the health and longevity of show horses and ponies. Winter is a great time to gently work on youngsters and get them out and about.

Equally letting horses have a feral winter holiday is great for them too! It is important to let horses be horses and not to be too precious with them.”

Sophie makes the most of a varied winter!

Hannah Horton: “Any of our horses that went to HOYS will get some time off.

They will go in the field and be ‘let down’ and will generally get picked back up again in January after measuring, if they need it.

“The novice horses will have three weeks off work during the run-up to HOYS and will be brought back into work halfway through October to do some dressage or indoor show practices, and some will go jumping to vary their workload. We try to get backing needed done before Christmas, so that the basics are there, and I can be sat up on them before the bad weather sets in.

This means they can then have a few weeks in the field to think about what they have learnt before coming back in to start schooling and having trips out.

“We also hunt anything we think will benefit from it, including babies. I also event, so my event horse will have a few quiet weeks and then spend the rest of the winter going to dressage and show jumping events so that he is ready to roll at the beginning of March. We all try to have a week off somewhere, too, just so we can recharge our batteries and see family.”

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Rebecca Faulkner: “As the frenzied show season draws to an end, we begin thinking about how to fill our winter’s show-free Sundays, but things never seem to really slow down.

We turn the novice ponies out rest, mature and think about what they have learnt, allowing us time to concentrate on the ponies lucky enough to be HOYSbound. The yard goes into overdrive preparing for that first week in October!

Winter also means handling foals for Rebecca and family

“Once HOYS is over, our focus switches again. The HOYS ponies have their shoes and rugs off, and they go out to the field for a holiday. The following months we dedicate our time to our young ponies, letting them see as much of the world as we can from hacking to hunting.

We buy a couple of ponies to bring on, so Ella is never short of a pony to ride and enjoy Pony Club on. The rest of our time is spent weaning and handling our

homebred Hatterall foals. We can never fully shake off the showing bug as we do some foal shows with them.

“Once Christmas has gone, we aim for the open ponies to be back in by mid-January, and clipped and in work by mid-February, giving us time for some indoor stuff before the RIHS qualifiers.

The worker ponies go showjumping and arena eventing, and we try and take our flat ponies to some clinics.

“We do try to get our novice ponies out as soon as possible. Juggling lambingtime and getting novices out is tough, but it does give them a bit of a head-start for the season. As for a show free Sunday, we will never quite escape ponies, but we always try to find a minute for some family time and a Sunday roast.”

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16 | Showing World | November Issue 2022 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk

SHOWING

NEWS

November/December 2022

THE

SIDE SADDLE ASSOCIATION

www.sidesaddleassociation.co.uk Side saddle – style and tradition for the 21st century rider MEARS FLOORING LADIES SIDE SADDLE HORSE OF THE YEAR CHAMPIONSHIP Congratulations to all the SSA Members who qualified and competed in the Ladies Side Saddle Horse Final at HOYS and well done to the following for their top 9 placings: 3rd Lucinda Martin riding Sam Powell’s Bloomfield Greystones

ONLINE SEMINARS 2022/23 Online seminars for Judges and Instructors will be run on 23rd November, 29th January and 8th March. More details will be on the Latest News page of the SSA website.

PROBATIONARY JUDGE SCHEME

8th Amelia Bevan riding Vincent Seddon’s Loughanboy

Anyone wishing to join the SSA Probationary Judge Scheme for 2023 should apply to the Hon. General Secretary before 31st December 2022.

9th Jane Strawson riding her own Hardingville Sunrise

ONLINE ACTIVITIES

SHOW AFFILIATIONS FOR 2023

Online Equitation and JumpCoach are open and taking entries. For more information go to: http://www. sidesaddleassociation.co.uk/onlinevirtualshows.asp

The Guide to Affiliating your Show and supporting documents are now available on the SSA Website Affiliating Your Show Page: http://www.sidesaddleassociation.co.uk/ showaffiliation.asp or can be requested from Show Affiliations via the following email address: showaffiliations@sidesaddleassociation. co.uk Separate Guides are available for shows with no rules re Safety Hats or for those who have a Compulsory Safety Hat rule.

ARENA EVENTING CHALLENGE Rules and details how to register are on the competitions page of the SSA website: http://www.sidesaddleassociation. co.uk/shows_fixtures.asp KEY DIARY DATES 2023 AGM Sunday 26th March at Hogarths Hotel, Solihull 42nd National Side Saddle Show, 4th – 6th August at Bury Farm Equestrian

TSR

The SHOWING

REGISTER

Congratulations to all TSR members who competed at HOYS! It was fantastic to see so many of you do well!

We have exciting news coming up, especially for amateur competitors. Make sure you are keeping an eye on our Facebook page for further details coming soon…!

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BRITISH SHOW PONY

SOCIETY

BSPS Update, from Chairman Paul Cook This year seems to have gone by at a tremendous pace and it is hard to believe we are now at the end of the season.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our members all for their support during 2022 and pass on my personal thanks to our Head Office Team led by Joy and Karen, my fellow Council Members (Directors), our sponsors, judges, course builders, stewards and helpers without whom we would not be able to run so many successful events. This is supported by the Area Chairmen and their committees who remain the backbone of the Society.

Last weekend The Heritage Championship Show was held at Arena UK, and not only did we have some great weather, but the standard of ponies was excellent. Congratulations to those who qualified for the London International Horse Show Mountain and Moorland Supreme Final to be held on 19th December 2022.

The final at LIHS has been kindly sponsored by the Thomas family through their company New Horizon Plastics in addition to the Mini and Supreme Championships at this year’s show. Thanks also go to Robert LeMieux who has continued to sponsor the coveted rugs for each qualified pony.

Many congratulations to all of you who qualified for the Horse of

the Year Show, a fantastic achievement in itself. It was a great pleasure to be able to personally congratulate all the finalists in the Show Pony classes which the Society sponsors. A real achievement for all who qualified, got placed in the top nine, let alone win or were champion or reserve in any of the pony classes.

We will be holding the final of our Engagement Events on Wednesday 23rd November 2022 at 6pm via Zoom for those Members not included in the first two meetings, please email rebecca@bsps.com to receive the agenda. At the meeting we hope to advise you of rule changes for 2023, discuss Working Hunter Pony, Mountain and Moorland classes and further opportunities of supporting the Show Pony and Show Hunter Pony Classes, in addition to discussing some of the challenges we face regarding rider safety and horse welfare.

I was very sorry to hear that one of our most senior judges Adrianne Smyth has had a nasty riding accident recently which will result in an extended stay in hospital. I am sure we all wish her a speedy recovery, and the same to our Treasurer Les Pole who is recovering from a broken hip Finally, I would like to thank you for taking the trouble to email, contact and speak to me throughout the season in my first year as your National Chairman as this makes the job so much more worthwhile.

Review: Pivo I will admit to being prehistoric when it comes to technology, so when Pivo reached out to us and offered up a chance to test drive their Pivo +, I was mixed with excitement and dread. Having seen it on my social media channels, I had thought it would be just the thing for the likes of me as I ride on my own more often than not, and lack confidence in my ability to train, but was nervous to splash out.

I enlisted local young rider, Ella Eynon to help me with testing.

I had to download an app onto my phone, which was actually easy, and the login process was simple. So far so good.

The Pivo and its accompanying app has a number of functions and so before we set it ‘searching’ for a horse, we had such a giggle setting it up, with the device following Ella around the kitchen!

Once we took it outside, set it searching

for a horse and started recording, it wowed us. It tracked Ella and Dougie easily around the arena, changing reins, circling and even popping a little fence.

Yes, there were the occasional times when it lost her for a short duration as she changed direction, but it’s so effective at finding it was quickly back on track, swivelling in the opposite direction with ease. After we had finished, I didn’t need to faff with the app or downloading the video as it was already there stored on my phone.

It takes five minutes to set up in the school now, and has a remote so I can manage it on my own, making it absolutely the most useful piece of kit I have used in a while. I can send footage to my trainer or anyone else for that matter, meaning simple things such as recording a video of a pony we have for sale will be a breeze from now on. It’s well worth the cash; get one!

Pivo +

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PONY SHOPPING! Sara Parrott and partner Craig Elenor produce ponies and horses from native lead reins to hacks.

Sara gives us the benefit of her wisdom each issue, and in this one, she talks pony shopping!

We are currently in pony shopping season & normally this is one of my very favourite activities. It’s so exciting to find a diamond in the rough, or have a client for a pony you have admired for years or watched as a novice throughout the season and have the chance to buy them.

However, as we are in the middle of what can only be described as a pony-drought, this hobby of mine is proving more difficult. We have known for a while that the number of horses being bred for showing has been drastically reduced over the last 10 years, and now we are starting to feel the results.

So here are a few of our top tips on finding that perfect pony:

1. Be realistic about prices We often get asked for an absolutely top-class pony, in its prime, that has no quirks, vices or blemishes and that is a complete saint.

Ponies that tick all the boxes are very rare, expect to pay a premium price – they are worth it.

2. Age is just a number Don’t write off an older pony, it is slowly becoming more and more common for ponies to go on showing at top level for years, a wellcared for pony that is let down every year and not over shown is capable of showing at the top well into their teens. Two of our last three HOYS winners have been over 10. In any other discipline, this is their prime age so don’t write off a 14-year-old that has been well looked after and still loves his job – you just might find yourself a clever buy.

The other end of the scale is to buy young. The key to this is thinking ahead. Allow a couple of seasons to produce a novice, so consider buying a three or four-year-old to run alongside your current pony if your situation allows, so when you are ready for your next pony, you have him waiting in the wings.

3. Buying Direct Ultimately the biggest reason we aren’t finding ponies is that it’s not been financially viable to breed the ponies, so if you decide to go direct to a stud, be prepared to pay a decent price. In turn, this gives the breeder reason to breed another. We have all been guilty of ‘steeling’ ponies off breeders. It’s great in the short term, but not so good for the breed long term.

4. Drive!

Get in the car. We sell a few ponies, so we know how much time and how many people it takes to actually take good photos and videos. Unfortunately a lot of breeders don’t have the time, facilities or people available to do this. Remember most do this as a hobble or hobby. Plus, it’s really easy to make a good one look bad in a video. With time so short no one wants to waste time going to see something that’s not what you wanted, but most of the breeders have a few in the field. Go and see them, look around, you might find something you like more – and even better, notice that pony with star quality. If it’s saying ‘buy me’, it’s also going to say to a judge ‘pick me’

5. Sales After spending a weekend at the cob sales, they really are a great place to pick out your next star. For studs they are an easier option to spend a day and sell a few rather than advertising separately so don’t be put off, some really special ponies can be found.

6. Be open minded about vices and quirks Some of our best ponies have had vices. As long as they are declared at purchase and don’t affect the job they pony does, do they really matter? I would rather have a cribber that ticked every other box than one that had no vices and bucked me off! Quirks, know which quirks, if any, you are happy to accept. We have some ponies that can be difficult on the floor but are saintly when ridden; that suits us in a professional yard. My mind set is they are doing the job we require of them, so they can do as they wish in the stable, and we can alter our training or stable management to suit.

7. Be open minded about vettings Some of the very best horses have failed vettings. Don’t instantly write off something that fails the vetting. Obviously consider what it is they have failed on, and seek your vet’s advice, but it might be worth a little further investigation as it could just mean a little maintenance is needed for you to have your perfect pony.

info@showingworldonline.co.uk | November Issue 2022 | Showing World | 19

rd

Saturday 3 December 2022 Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire Brought to you by Showing World Magazine

Introducing the

British Showing

AWARDS 22 ®

Brought to you by Showing World Magazine

Launched in 2009, the British Showing Awards have grown year-on-year to become the most prestigious and credible awards celebrating British showing success.

The awards recognise individuals, horses and ponies who are ‘best in show’, along with individuals and groups who have made a significant contribution and difference to the showing community. The energy surrounding the awards is unrivalled – with hundreds of nominations, thousands of votes and a marketing media frenzy that will connect you with your target showing audience and help you achieve your objective.

The process culminates in a glamorous awards evening and gala dinner, held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire: an exquisite evening attended by top showing names, sponsors and companies.

Celebrate with finalists and winners at a fizz reception followed by a three course gala dinner and entertainment.

20 | Showing World | November Issue 2022 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk

“SEIB are delighted to be sponsoring the SEIB/Showing World British Showing Awards. SEIB have long been committed to the showing industry, and these are the premiere showing awards, celebrating the best of the best in the showing community. We look forward to working with the Showing World team to bring you a superb celebration of this season’s best.”

Nicolina Mackenzie, SEIB Marketing Manager

THIS YEAR’S CATEGORIES ARE SET TO INCLUDE: • • • • • •

SEIB Outstanding Achievement Show Personality of the Year Veteran Horse Society Veteran of the Year Coloured Horse or Pony of the Year Horse of the Year Pardus Wealth Pony of the Year

• • • • • • • •

Native Pony of the Year Breeder of the Year Junior of the Year Rider of the Year Handler of the Year Groom of the Year Area of the Year Show Team of the Year

Voting is open, head over to our website to find details of each finalist and how to cast your vote.

HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED SPONSORING AN AWARD? With a wide range of benefits and promotion included, sponsoring an award could be the perfect boost for your brand.

Get in touch at info@showingworldonline.co.uk to request a sponsorship brochure and discover the full range of perks available.

BOTH ADULT & CHILD TICKETS AVAILABLE!

BOOK NOW! info@showingworldonline.co.uk | November Issue 2022 | Showing World | 21

Chewing the Chaff with Victoria Harker

By Hannah Turnock

18-year-old Victoria Harker, the young producer from North Yorkshire on her reigning HOYS Children’s Riding Pony Champion, Ardenhall Blenheim and the surprising item she can’t go in the ring without….

Hi Victoria! Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.

I am based in Thirsk, North Yorkshire and I eat, sleep and breathe my ponies! I am lucky enough to have a barn on my mum and dad’s farm with loads of facilities to give the ponies a varied lifestyle. My mum and dad are both ex-jockeys and now train racehorses, so I get the chance to ride out on a morning.

When did you realize you had a passion for producing for the show ring?

We have always shown ponies from home and for as long as I can remember I’ve always wanted to produce ponies myself. I’ve never really known anything other than horses! Growing up, I rode for a lot of producers which has enabled me to gain experience and learn some tricks of the trade along the way.

What, or who would you say has been your biggest influence or greatest inspiration?

I personally have always looked up to Lucinda Elliott who started her career in showing and is now having great success between the dressage boards. I’ve always admired the way she rides and how professional she is.

Tell us what day-to-day life looks like on your yard?

My alarm goes off at 6.45am; I have my morning cup of tea and then go out to do the stables with my mum. I then go in for breakfast and after that I will start riding.

I like to write on the board every evening who I’m riding the next day, so I know exactly what I am doing each day. Sometimes, I will leave a few for my sister to ride when she gets home from school. All the ponies then go out in the field from lunchtime until around 4pm, when they all come back in for tea. The evenings are usually spent teaching.

Your biggest achievement has been..?

Tell us about Ardenhall Blenheim…..

As a rider my biggest achievement yet was winning the Royal International Horse Show on Wadacre Whisper two years in a row for Jerome Harforth.

Ardenhall Blehheim is otherwise known as Joules or King Bob!!! He has been with us for 8 years. He is my sister Emma’s pony and is now jockeyed by 10-year-old Lola Carabine. Joules is a showman through and through, he absolutely loves to perform. He has his own show, which we call the Bobby Joules show, and he knows it like the back of his hoof. He is like a mini hack in the show ring but at home he is a routine freak. If we don’t stick to his routine, he gets very upset and starts tapping the back of his door. He likes his personal space and absolutely does not like kisses! He does enjoy going round the gallops a bit too much! And he doesn’t like being left behind. He does have one annoying trait which is his ability to let the entire show ground know he’s arrived with his extremely high-pitched whinny!

This year though has just been phenomenal, especially the results at HOYS. I don’t think I’ll be able to repeat that in a long time. We had seven ponies go to HOYS with nine tickets, which is the most we’ve ever taken, and all but one of them finished in the top six. It was exhausting but worth it! We came home with three seconds and a reserve champion, a third, a fourth, a sixth and two wins.

Then the icing on the cake was taking the show pony championship with Ardenhall Blenheim.

The achievements are really down to the whole team, and I couldn’t do what I do without the people around me. There is no ‘I’ in team; everybody has a role and that is absolutely the key to our success.

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He will stay with us forever, he owes us nothing and has given us all the most amazing memories to last a lifetime.

You also breed. What qualities do you look for in your breeding stock?

My mum is the breeder, she likes to breed them with limb and substance and a kind temperament. All of her homebreds have a beautiful length of rein which is one of my favourite things about her ponies.

Do you have any preshow rituals or superstitions?

Everyone on the team has a piece of clothing that comes to every show with us. I have a pair of stripey socks that live in my show jacket pocket that I cannot go in the ring without!

Aside from your own, if you could have any other horse or pony in your stables, past or present, who would it be?

Both my mum and I have always admired Merrycorner Mr Bui, and the rising star Briarhill Buddy Bolden. They are both very true-to-type and really cover the ground.

And finally, now that the show season is coming to a close, what will you be focusing on this winter?

This winter I am having a quick trip to Australia, for six weeks, to ride for the Lee family. I am returning just in time to ride our section A stallion, Dukeshill Pearly Spencer at the London International Horse Show hopefully my mum and Emma will have him looking perfect for me! After that we will be fitting in plenty of hunting and riding away the novices ready for 2023.

Alice and Katy

Behind the Scenes with Alice Tomlinson Native enthusiasts will know Alice Tomlinson.

Afterall, she’s been a part of native producer Katy Marriott Payne’s team for eight years. “I emailed Katy asking if I could come and be a working pupil for her during my gap year, and I’m still here,” she explained.

Though she’s now very much at home in Katy’s Northamptonshire base, Alice is actually a Lancashire lass, having been brought up on a farm in Preston. Alice’s mum has always kept horses and has bred Connemaras successfully, including Olympia champion, Fly the Last Flute. “Horses have been a part of my life since I was very young,” she said.

Hannah Turnock delved behind the scenes to find out more about Alice’s role and life at Team KMP… What does a typical day on the yard look like?

A typical day on the yard normally starts with me feeding, putting haynets in and getting the yard jobs done at around 7am. At around 9:30, Katy, Kimberly [Bates] and I start riding.

If there is show prep to be done, I will spend the rest of the day bathing and making sure the lorry is ready to go. We will then finish the yard off by around 5:30 or 6pm.

And what does a show day look like?

A typical show day usually starts with a nice early alarm! I normally feed the yard and get ready to load. The rest of the day is normally spent running around working ponies in and making sure they are ready to go to the ring. It’s generally very busy but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What have been some of the standout moments for you as part of Team KMP? There have been lots of amazing memories over the years but stand out ones are definitely 2016 when Katy was champion at HOYS on Cadlanvalley Buzby and then won Olympia on Uphill James Fox. It was an amazing year. Also, when Katy was champion at the RIHS on Special Cecil (Salcombe Starehole Bay). It’s amazing to see a pony we have done from the very start achieve something like that.

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What would you be doing of you weren’t working with Team KMP? If I wasn’t working with Team KMP, I think I would still be working in the industry as it is definitely a passion of mine. However, if I were going to go down a different career path, I think I would have to be veterinary nursing as I love working with animals and used to want to be a vet when I was younger.

What, if anything, would you change about the industry?

There is a lot of negativity surrounding the long hours and pay you get for being a groom and I think that needs to change as it stops new people wanting to join the industry. If you base yourself with the right person, it doesn’t have to be that way!

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to join the industry?

The best advice I can give is to be prepared to work hard and put in 100% as it is not a 9-5 job but most of all have fun and make sure you enjoy it too!

What the boss says….

Katy Marriott- Payne: Alice’s commitment and dedication is second to none. I’ve never met anyone with so much energy and enthusiasm. She gives 100% to everything she does and always puts the ponies’ needs first.

NPS Area 26 End of Season Extravaganza The Grange Equestrian, Devon | 18th September | Report by Beth Simons | Photos by Kev Rowden Photography

First Night Steps into the Light The NPS Area 26 End of Season Extravaganza made a post-Covid comeback with panache.

Exhibitors were treated to a buzzy atmosphere perfect for those aiming for a pre-HOYS run or an end of season highlight.

The show’s rings were presided over by Mark Reeves and Steven Hulston, with Mark judging the in-hand classes and Steven the ridden classes.

They were treated to classes of quality animals and a spectacular atmosphere. A tremendous 34 exhibits returned to the evening performance for judging in the supreme championships, making for a long day but a most satisfactory one for any spectators! All were also treated to Carey Knox’s unmistakable tones on the microphone, adding to the show’s sense of occasion.

The eventual supreme was the ‘in-hand horse’ champion, Beverley Moore’s Langaller First Night [Woody], shown by Josh Cuming. By Woodvean Midnight Blue, the quality threeyear-old hack is out of the Moore family’s late Mathemadam High Spirit, who was on breeding loan to Charles Upham. “Woody’s only done a handful of shows, but he takes to the ring like a duck to water. This was his first evening performance and he was a gentleman throughout. We are really looking forward to seeing what he can do under saddle,” explained Beverley’s daughter, Lauren Moore-Williams, who juggles working full time with producing the family’s horses and ponies alongside fiancé Josh. “We were a bit shocked that he went supreme,” laughed Lauren, describing the championship as having “some top quality horses, many of which were HOYS qualified or past competitors”.

Langaller First Night is handled by Josh Cuming

Lauren was also in the supreme alongside Josh. She showed Josh’s own Welsh section C mare, Synod Miss Judy, after she had got the couple’s day off to a super start winning the mountain and moorland large breeds adult class and overall section championship. “We’ve owned her for just over a year now and she has a home with us for life. She will be the start of our C breeding line, and I’m hoping to cross her with my young Menai stallion after he has done a bit more ridden, as they both have very sweet natures,” said Lauren. “She is a powerful, yet elegant mare; a big mover, covering the ground and she just knows how to switch it on!

My legs have never gone so fast! Although we do get competitive, I think I’ll leave the running to him!”

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The reserve supreme accolade was awarded to David Jordan’s Dartmoor gelding Moortown Music Man [Blackie], ridden by David’s daughter, Millie Jordan. Both Millie and homebred Blackie are just four years old, but have nevertheless been out campaigning lightly together this season, with successes including a tricolour at Okehampton show, and they progressed from Best Turned Out to reserve supreme at the NPS extravaganza, improving together as they day wore on. “We have only done a few shows, but they have got better and better as the season has gone along; they have come on tenfold,” said David, adding, “I’m over the moon with Blackie, he’s so easy to do. Fingers crossed for Horse of the Year Show next year.”

Moortown Music Man, Millie Jordan and David Jordan are flanked by judges Mark Reeves and Steven Hulston

The members supreme was awarded to Henrietta Watson, 12, riding Welsh section A Rookery Byron. “It’s been a quiet year for us as we have been concentrating on moving,” explained Henrietta’s mum, Paulette Watson, and yet, it’s been a successful season for the pair. They stood champion at Royal Cornwall show, won their Brynseion First Ridden Championship class at the National Welsh show, were the highest placed Welsh pony in the at the RIHS in the Pretty Polly first ridden final, and narrowly missed out on HOYS qualification. “Henri works so hard with her ponies. They are produced and schooled by her. Every child wants to trot down the centre line and this year, the NPS gave the opportunity to many competitors to do this.

Fingers crossed Henri won’t grow and will contest the juniors next year. Although, the list of people wanting Byron grows by the day, he really is rocking horse that has come to life,” said Paulette.

Rookery Byron and Henrietta Watson smile for the camera with judge, Steven Hulston

Scalacre Eclipse ridden by Harry Edwards Brady

Fresh from his recent Robert Oliver Showman Award victory, Harry Edwards Brady put his skills into action on his newest team member, 133cm show hunter pony Scalacre Eclipse [Bert]. Sophie Curry, who produces Harry’s 128cm show pony spotted Bert when she moved her base to trainer Tim Vaughn’s yard.

“She noticed Tim still had him and I had mentioned I would like an established pony for Harry as it’s going to be a big step up on to his two novices, a 143cm show hunter pony and an intermediate show riding type, so Harry stayed with Sophie a few days and tried Bert. After Harry’s first ride on him he jumped off and said, ‘I love him’! And the rest history really,” explained Emma Edwards, Harry’s mum. Bert is a well known contender in the 133cm ranks having won HOYS twice under Katy Carter’s production twice, and a further time when produced by Julie Templeton in 2019 ridden by Tim’s daughter, Grave Vaughn.

He’s now at home with Emma and Harry so that they can grow their partnership. “We’re very excited for next year,” said Emma, “he’s such a loving pony and he adores Harry and his endless supply of polos.”

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NORTH WALES SHOWING FINAL Maelor Equestrian Centre, Flintshire, North Wales | 24-25 September 2022 | Photographs by Emma Jones The Inaugural North Wales Showing Championships held at Maelor were a resounding success. Keen to provide showing enthusiasts in the North Wales with and end of season extravaganza, the committee set about shaping a fun and inclusive schedule, and competitors responded favourably bringing strong numbers of great qualify forwards for judging. The fabulous sashes, rosettes, teddy-bears and sponsored prizes added to the atmosphere and smiles.

Caroline Green and Tarian Wen stand top of the working hunters

Alive Beauchamp and Aaragon win the inhand foreign breed class

Ameila Gray and Trelawn Manderin win the inhand show pony or show hunter pony class

Catrin Morgan and Solo Breeze storm round the under 133cm working hunter pony class to win

Dylasau Master Jericho thought it would be funny to poke his tongue at the camera after winning the youngstock and inhand partbred class shown by Gemma Rush

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Jess Pritchard and Ted are top of the cobs

Cundlegreen Ferdinand and Zara Owen top the show hunters

Isobel Mellier and Dinky Dolphin are presented their prize for winning the part bred ridden and section championship by Jane Davies of Tremarl

Hannah Roberts her handsome Mr Darcy win the in hand show horse class

Isabela Gheorghiu and her Welsh cob mare Gwallwy Gwawr win both the training stakes and mountain and moorland large breeds working hunter pony classes

Mountain and moorland lead rein winners Seren Roberts and Syfynwy Waterfall led

by Helen Gorton

Islyn Lodes wins both the mountain and moorland youngstock and small breeds classes shown by Jenna Dart

Isobel Miller steers Dinki Dolphin to win the show hunter ponies

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Rocky looks as proud as punch to have won both the in hand cob and in hand coloured classes

Poppy Dutton peers over her new teddy after winning the lead rein championship on Tyfel Zorro

Olivia Viles rides Lenny to win the show horse and foreign breed class

Zara Owen wins the winner of ridden coloured horse or pony section on Dare to Dream

Poppy Miller and Sarum Queen of Hearts make light work of the mountain and moorland small breed working hunter pony track and stand top of the class

Poppy Dutton and Tyfel Zorro are eventual reserve supreme

Rachel Helme and Llwyngarth Maria take the mountain and moorland large breeds class, section tricolour and Supreme of Show

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Summer Bellis and Rowntree Coco Chanel win the first riddens

Ysbrydrhydd Frankie Lad and Isobel Miller win the under 133cm working hunter pony class and section tricolour

We think Poppy and Tyfel Zorro look super cute in their championship

Topping the veteran riddens are Jessie Smith and Poll Position

Working hunter champion Olivia Viles and Lenny smile for the camera alongside reserves Isobel Miller and Dinki Dolphin

Sharron Rowe’s Psych Sabino and Jessie Jefferson show off their new rug havin stood inhand section champions

Summer Bellis and Rowntree Coco Chanel stand top of the line in the mountain and moorland first ridden section

Retrained racehorse class winners Sali Wilkinson Apache Pearl

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Meelie Turner steers Sarum Queen of Hearts to victory in the crade stakes

Lenny smiles for the camera after winning 133-153cm working hunter pony class ridden

by Olivia Viles, before taking section champion and first

Rendene Pop Star wins the show pony class ridden by Amelia Grey

Robyn-Jayne Hadland and Garlance Flash Jac win the mountain and moorland large breeds

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Ystradcothi Allegro and Isobel Miller take the lead in the mountain and moorland small breeds class

King Rover

NPS/ Anthony Evans Arena Eventing Final and Performance Day Aston le Walls | 17th September 2022 The NPS/ Anthony Evans Arena Eventing Final and Performance Day enjoyed a fabulously supported day at Aston le Walls, with competitors noting the superb course built by Nigel Taylor and the friendly, encouraging atmosphere there. Claiming the hotly contested arena eventing championship was the winner of the 90cm class, West Bridge Mirah piloted by Rachel Turner and owned by Collete du Feu and Peter Webber. Having bought Woody as a five-year-old and competed him as a working hunter pony, he was later sold to Collete and continued to be campaigned

by Rachel qualifying for the Horse of the Year Show in 2019. When asked to pick the reins back up at the NPS Championships for the event pony qualifier, Rachel was only too pleased to do so. On Woody’s performance at the final Rachel said, “He was fantastic and did everything I asked of him,” thanking Collete and Peter for the

opportunity to ride him once again and was equally delighted to have them back at the side-lines watching.

with little expectation, the pair tackled the course with ease, gaining positive comments from the judges.

Taking the reserve spot was the winner in the 70cm class, Jessica Suffling with her own Pileybailey Centurion. Sprout as he is known at home, was bought by Pip Smith, a friend of Jessica’s as a foal for a companion. Fast forward to 2020 and when Jessica jokingly said she’d steal him during a visit to the Isle of Wight, Pip soon realised she wasn’t altogether joking, the deal was done. The seven-year-old New Forest, by Applewitch Pure Magic has done a little bit of everything, including Riding club Show Jumping, Dressage, Combined training, eventing and even turning his hoof to Pony Club with Jessica’s daughter when the opportunity arises, as well as being placed in both the intermediate and open WHP finals at the NPS Championships.

Despite entering the Arena Eventing finals

The RIHS qualifier championship went to the uber-consistent King Rover. Owned by Sarah Robson and ridden this year by Amy Tough has enjoyed a superbly successful year, winning at the Royal International Show earlier in the year having won at NPS Area XI and booking his HOYS ticket at the Native Breeds Ridden Festival.

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In reserve was Rhiannon Suttle’s Cashelbay Comet, under Georgia Love, having claimed the second place in the exceeding 143cm class behind Amy and Bertie. Another consistent grey Connemara, the 11-year-old picked up his Horse of the Year Show ticket this year at Cheshire County Show.

Claiming the plaited working hunter pony championship for Imogen Sidaway was Victoria Greet-Sidaway’s Confetti II. The pair have successfully contested the Intermediate Working Hunter Pony classes this season, having had their season interrupted with injury in 2021, Imogen and Letti booked their ticket to the Horse of the Year Show in October at the BSPS Mid-Summer Show.

The reserve spot went to Cari James with her own My Jacksons Dream. The combination secured their first Royal International and Horse of the Year Show tickets this year at Royal Windsor and BSPS Wales Summer Championship Show consecutively.

Following enormous RIHS qualifying classes, the Novice Mountain and Moorland Working Hunter Pony championship was once again taken by Amy Tough, this time aboard Alison Robson’s Maesmynach Y Pennaeth. Winning the exceeding 143cm class, the five-year-old stallion has competed successfully in the Novice Workers this year, winning the training stakes at Native Breeds

Cashelbay Comet My Jackson’s Dream

Silent Whisper Confetti II

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Rhinns Point Balach An Uisage

Maesmynach Y Pennaeth Haverford Fauntleroy

Ridden Festival and NPS Area XI to note a few results. In reserve was Rachel Turner riding Silent Whisper, the winner of the 133cm class, owned and bred by Jane Cooper. Having only contested five shows this year in her first season, Ellie is no stranger to being in the ribbons, having qualified for the NPS Intermediate WHP final, she won the final at her second show.

The training stakes championship was awarded to the winner of the 69cm class Haverford Fauntleroy [Rory] owned by Beth and Maggie Simons and ridden by Maggie. In his first open season in the workers, Rory claimed his ticket to HOYS at NPS Area 7 in Bury Farm as well as the National Welsh Championship Show 122cm Championship this year. In the reserve spot was the second placed pony from this class, Rhinns Point Balach An Uisage under Olivia Faulkner.

Also known as Rory, he won his NPS Novice Final class at the Summer Championships as well as completing his first HOYS and RIHS qualifiers this year.

SOUTH WEST HAIRY PONY FESTIVAL

Kingmaker Adventurer champion in-hand Dales and reserve supreme in hand

18th September | Report by Suzy Mckirgan | Photos by Nick Pound Highland Triumph in Inaugural Battle of the Breeds Kings Sedgmoor Equestrian Centre was the venue for the inaugural South West Hairy Pony Fest show, the brainchild of Molly Simpson. The event was aimed to be a showcase for Highland, Dales and Fell ponies in the South West, giving owners a chance to show their ponies at a fun and friendly show which had something for everyone The day started with the Dales ponies, and Jessica Tropman was delighted to take the championship in a good quality field with the gelding Kingmaker Adventurer. Jessica purchased her “best buddy” six years ago, and having turned him away to mature, he is now back in work and Jessica aims to start jumping him, with cross county outings already booked. The reserve champion also came from the gelding class, Jane Robinson’s Whitworth Taff.

Geldings continued their success in the Fell pony section, and coming out on top was Rosie Gall’s 14-year-old Raisebeck Romeo. Rosie bought Romeo four months ago, and they are just starting to get to know each other under saddle. Reserve champion went to the mare, L Knight’s Lownthwaite Beauty Queen. Elizabeth Houghton who judges the Dales and Fell classes was very impressed with the standard of ponies forward, and both geldings stood out in their respective championships.

Raisebeck Romeo, champion in-hand Fell

Highland champion, Moibel of Westown

Highland ponies were judged by Pam Cox, and she selected Nicki Corp’s four-year-old mare Moibel of Westown as her champion. Moibel is in foal to Nicki’s stallion Ellister Islay Mariner who also won his class here. A thrilled Nicki remarked that the win was very unexpected as Moibel has never been out of her field before. Reserve Highland champion was Catherine Booth’s gelding Holmedown Wisconsin, shown by Jessica Talbot.

Both judges came together for the “Battle of the breeds” supreme in hand championship, and selected the reserve champion Highland, Holmedown Wisconsin as their supreme, with the Dales, Kingmaker Adventurer in reserve. The five-year-old Wisconsin was sent to Jessica Talbot to break in two years ago and has been with her ever since, notching up some impressive wins in novice classes during this time.

In the break between the in hand and ridden classes, ponies and people gathered in the ring to pay their respects to Her Majesty the Queen. A minute’s

silence followed a very moving reading from Fell Pony Society South West representative Sue Howes, which focussed on Her Majesty’s involvement with native ponies.

The ridden classes began with a new concept, a “have a go” ridden class, aimed at riders who are new to the show ring, or are coming back to competing after a break. This was a non-competitive class, with riders able to do as little or as much as they felt comfortable with. Four intrepid riders entered the ring, and judge Pam Cox offered encouraging words and advice to each rider which was gratefully received. Hopefully we shall see these competitors in the ring again before long.

Another innovative class was “show us what you’ve got” which was aimed to showcase the talents and versatility of the native pony. The winner here was Jessica Talbot, who made a very elegant picture riding her mother Helen Jean’s grand Dales Gelding Southerton Jasper in a beautiful side saddle turnout.

Many participants gathered together for a silence in honour of The Queen

The novice and junior championship was won once again

by Jessica Talbot, this time riding the novice Dales mare, Earnwell Charisma II who was competing at only her second show. Reserve to Charisma was the winner of the junior ridden class, Holly Parker and the six-year-old Fell gelding Townend Gideon.

The youngest competitor of the show was ten-year-old Libby Wenden who rode her mother’s Fell pony Wellbrow Buttons to take home several rosettes and prizes.

Jessica Talbot took the Highland and Dales ridden championships with Holmedown Wisconsin and Southerton Jasper respectively, and the Fell ridden champion was Rhi Randell riding Karen Hodge’s much garlanded homebred Fell mare Kalmara Fantasia. This pony has had a stellar season, winning breed championships at Devon County and the Bath and West, as well as supreme championships at the Dorset and Dunster Fell shows.

The last competition of the day was the “Battle of the Breeds” supreme ridden championship, judged by Pam Cox and Mathew Lawrence, which saw Jessica Talbot and Holmedown Wisconsin take their second supreme of the day, with Kalmara Fantasia taking reserve supreme.

The show was deemed to be a great success, with many competitors enjoying the friendly atmosphere, meeting up with friends and making new ones through their shared love of “hairy ponies”. Plans are already in place for a second show next year, which is hoped to be just as successful.

Holmedown Wisconsin, supreme champion in-hand and ridden

Southerton Jasper, champion ridden Dales

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Elsie Lynch and Noble Peppermint

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View Point and Robert Walker

THE SUPREMES A Magical First and Last HOYS for Supremes What words can we use to describe View Point? Legend? Superstar?

Inimitable? As he and Robert Walker walked down the centre line of the Andrews Bowen International Arena together on the show’s concluding night, all three seemed totally appropriate. With four HOYS hunter championships and two consecutive HOYS Supreme Horse of the Year titles, Jill Day’s 11-year-old will certainly go down in the history books. Of course, that’s without even considering his impressive four Royal Windsor championships, two further tricolours and supreme horse championship at Royal International Horse Show. As we watched him retire on such high, there was hardly a dry eye in the house.

Known as Sean at home, he is by Loughanhoe Guy out of Quality Dame, and was purchased by Jill as a foal from his breeder, Co. Galway’s Sean Jones. He’s been produced

by Robert and wife Sarah his entire career. Robert explained to us that even as a four-year-old, his star quality was evident when he took the novice supreme at the National Hunter Championships. “That was when we first saw what he could be,” said Rob, before he went on to repeat that success as a five-year-old.

Rob explained that the decision to retire Sean – his “horse of a lifetime” – from the show ring was made easier by the horse’s attitude to showing. But it’s not that Sean

doesn’t give enough, rather it’s that he “gives 120% every time he’s shown. We can’t ask him to keep doing that.” The hunting field now beckons. “I won’t need a second horse as he’ll go all day for me,” said Rob. “I’m rather looking forward to riding the best-looking horse at the meet!”

“I’m rather looking forward to riding the best-looking horse at the meet!”

ROBERT WALKER

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Elsie Lynch and Noble Peppermint

In the pony ranks, 10-year-old Elsie Lynch had a dream-like experience for her first show, with a clear round, a win in the 133cm working hunter pony class, section champion and ultimately, the supreme riding her mother Laura Lynch’s Noble Peppermint [Pepper]. The pair have had a superb year, with a win at Royal Windsor Horse Show, before qualifying around a testing track at Royal Three Counties and standing second at RIHS.

12-year-old Pepper is no stranger to the limelight, having won the same class and championship in 2018 with reigning RIHS champion working hunter pony rider Ruby Ward, who still oversees day-to-day care of alongside mum, Kelly. Ruby was there to witness the success, shedding more than a few proud tears as she greeted them from the ring! “She still lives in the same stable,” Ruby explained, “it’s really good. I’m so emotional!”

Elsie and Pepper charmed supreme judges, Val Turner and Marcus Capel, and spectators in the Top Spec Arena’s preliminary judging with a show that included two sterling gallops. Nevertheless, “incredible” was the way Elsie described the win!

Laura Lynch, Elsie’s mum said: “We left home with no expectation for this new combination, especially since it was Elsie’s first trip to HOYS. Our instructions were to ‘ho and have the best time in the ring and smile. They did this and so much more and we couldn’t be prouder.

“Peppermint is a pony of a lifetime and is known to us all as Perfect Pepper. She certainly lived up to her name. She’s a true unicorn with the kindest heart. Kelly Ward has taught Elsie since she was tiny. Her patience and commitment has been endless.

Kelly, Ruby and Caroline have all been a huge support to Elsie throughout the season and we can’t thank them enough.”

“She’s a true unicorn with the kindest heart.”

LAURA LYNCH

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Elsie Lynch and Noble Peppermint

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Lovestruck shown by Steve Pitt

The Price Family Supreme In Hand Final Love Comes Out On Top The Price Family Supreme In-Hand Championship is without doubt one of the most difficult to qualify for.

This year’s eventual overall champion qualified with ease in just one attempt, demonstrating her class.

This was Vicky Smith and Rosemary Penn’s Lovestruck, shown by Steve Pitt.

The 14-year-old Oldenburg mare is by La Rochelle out of De Beers. This was Lovestruck’s third win at HOYS, having won the horse division of the Price Supreme then the Cuddy Supreme - as a three-year-old in 2011 before going on to stand reserve, and some years later she won her riding horse class under Vicky.

An emotional Vicky explained: “I can’t put it into words.

That mare never gives up. She never looks sour, and she tries every time. She is just amazing. I mean to take the supreme here is just the perfect end to her career. I just feel so lucky to own her.”

Reserve champion went to Scott Dixon with 10-year-old Connemara mare, Skaergaardens Delicious Love owned

by Vanessa Clark.

Skaergaardens Delicious Love shown by Scott Dixon

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She was the first native to gain a place in the line-up this year, qualifying at Notts County. Delicious was bred in Denmark by Brigitte Gotske, by Wirtsmuhle Delaney’s out of Skaergardens Secret Love. She is no stranger to the limelight having stood 2017 mountain and moorland ridden champion at HOYS under former owner Kelly Jones, and 2021 RIHS overall reserve champion mountain and moorland under Jo Jack.

She was also crowned supreme champion mountain-and-moorland in-hand at Windsor last season year shown by Henry Hird.

Delicious was shown by Scott Dixon, who showed Vanessa’s five times Price Supreme contender, Castle Emperor to the supreme championship at Notts County in 2019. Jo Jack took charge of her filly foal

by Clover Hill Magic, who also qualified for the Price supreme at Royal Bath and West Show, finishing fourth.

“It’s an absolute dream come true for all of us,” said Scott, “especially Vanessa.”

Reserve in the horse class was Ami Miller’s DPUK Night Dancer [Bubbles], who also had just one attempt at qualifying at Derbyshire Festival. The Mooiman 13-year-old hack mare is out of Bowland Forest Ivy. She was shown by James Knight, who has been co-producing her with Jerome Harforth.

Though new to the in-hand scene, Bubbles had a prolific career under saddle, having

DPUK Night Dancer shown by James Knight

won HOYS a cool three times across the hack and intermediate sections. During her last season under saddle in 2019, Ami made the decision to take embryos from her using recipient mares at Emma Blundell’s St John stud, meaning that although the colt foal by Alonby Chardonier at foot is the first for her to carry, Ami has three more youngsters waiting in the wings.

The only male to feature in the overall championship was the second placed pony. This was Julian Walters and David

Hodge’s Sharptor Kinsman. The Shetland stallion qualified at Royal Cornwall Show handled by David, who also showed him at the HOYS final. The six-year-old is the second Sharptor-bred pony to qualify for the coveted final, following in the footsteps of Sharptor Trinity, who was shown by Julian. Kinsman is by Sharptor Laser Red out of Laddyll Kimberley, and has both foals and yearlings on the ground. In March he competed at the National stallion show in Glasgow, standing Shetland breed champion and reserve overall supreme.

Sharptor Kinsman shown by David Hodge

THE PRICE FAMILY SUPREME IN-HAND OF THE YEAR: Full Lineups Ponies 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Vanessa Clark’s SKAERGAARDENS DELICIOUS LOVE shown by Scott Dixon David Hodge and Julian Walters’ SHARPTOR KINSMAN shown by David Hodge John Jordan’s MOORTOWN CRUSADER shown by David Jordan Cathy Wood’s CLOVER HILL MAGIC shown by Jamie Frost Mark Buckley’s MARCOSIE THE FOURTH DIMENSION shown by Simon Charlesworth Scott and Kellie Gibbons’ GLYNWYN ANNIE POWER shown by Scott Gibbons Kate Williams’ NORTHLIGHT COPPELLIA shown by Kate Williams Joanna Adams’ MEGLAND MOONGLOW shown by Alan Charlesworth Lisha Leeman’s ROSEBERRY THE POLITICIAN shown by Frazer Atherden

Horses 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Vicky Smith and Rosemary Penn’s LOVESTRUCK shown by Steve Pitt Ami Miller’s DPUK NIGHT DANCER shown by James Knight Virginia Russell-Wood’s ROYAL STAGE shown by Jeff Grace Kieran Baslington’s LANGALLER CAMBRIDGE DON shown by Kieran Baslington Lisha Leeman’s KELLYTHORPES LADIES DAY shown by Frazer Atherden Jane Laffey’s ROTHERWOOD FIREFOX shown by Shane Rogers Virginia Russell-Wood’s STAGE MUSIC shown by Simon Charlesworth Joanne and William Moran’s LISBROGAN TIGERBILLIE shown by Gemma Conlon Aidan Williamson’s KSF SPOTLIGHT shown by Aidan Williamson

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Intermediates

Shildon’s Royal Affair ridden by Abbie Kirkbride

A Right Royal Affair Fresh faces dominated all three top spots in the intermediate classes.

Danni Radford’s Ladies Man [George] continued his phenomenal run with a HOYS win in the Large Intermediate Show Riding Type of the Year final, ridden by Poppy Carter. The six-year-old by Tiger Attack is home-bred, and having started his career with a handful of shows last year, he’s proven to be a force to be reckoned with this year. Poppy steered him to a promising novice and restricted intermediate championship at the BSPS Winter Championship before clinching a HOYS ticket at the Great Yorkshire Show and going on to provide Danni with her first RIHS victory and the intermediate tricolour.

However, the pair had to settle for reserve at HOYS, standing behind the winner of the equivalent small class, Lisa Kirkbride’s Shildon’s Royal Affair [Alfie], ridden by Lisa’s daughter Abbie. Interestingly, both champion and reserve were sired by Tiger Attack. He joined the Kirkbrides six months ago after they purchased him from Harrison Taylor’s yard. Abbie and Alfie qualified on their first attempt at the NPS championships. “He’s actually my little sister Esther’s 148cm pony,” explained Abbie, going on to add that she has “stolen” him for a few classes whilst she waits for her next novice ride to be ready, and as a result, he’s only very lightly campaigned in intermediate classes.

“He’s dead good,” said Abbie, “He has his cheeky moments but it’s best like that; overall he’s a very good boy.”

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Ladies Man ridden by Poppy Carter Briarhill Buddy Bolden ridden by Harriet Dennison

Alfie is produced by Rachael and Julie Helliwell, who are also responsible for producing the winning Intermediate Hunter Type of the Year, Briarhill Buddy Bolden. Owned

by Bridget and Meg Edmonson, he is partnered in the intermediate classes by Harriet Dennison, and the pair have cut an extremely impressive figure all season, with strong wins at both the Winter and Summer championships, and qualifying for both RIHS and HOYS on first attempts, at North Of England Spring and Stoneleigh Horse Show (May) respectively. Buddy was also 8th in the small hunter class with Meg on board, and is surely one to watch in future as he grows more experienced. “We’d been searching for a long time for one,” said Meg, who was “over the moon” with his week.

The Politician ridden by Ellis Taverner Burns

Rachael Helliwell echoed her sentiments, and said: “We’re absolutely over the moon with our two winners; the girls gave it their all and we couldn’t wish for two more dedicated jockeys on our team.

We’re so proud of them both.”

In second to Buddy and Harriet were Sarah Chandler’s The Politician ridden by Ellis Taverner Burns, who also rode Diane Stennett’s Dartan’s Valentine to the second spot in the small intermediate show riding type class. The final second in the intermediates went to the 2021 champions, Isabella Mears and her father Guy Mears’ Forgeland Hyde Park.

Dartan’s Valentine ridden by Ellis Taverner Burns

Forgeland Hyde Park ridden by Isabella Mears

Coloureds

Wot Perfection ridden by Richard Telford

Wot Perfection The Coloured Championship Was! For the second year running, the CHAPS UK Coloured Horse and Pony of the Year came from the non-native pony class, also sponsored by CHAPS UK along with Man Wah UK. This time, however, the title went to Scotland, with a thrilled Richard Telford taking the title with Lindsay McCulloch’s aptly named Wot Perfection [Spooks], who oozed quality and gave a beautiful display of manners. Richard found Spook while teaching, and initially purchased her for Lady Anne Vestey before she was sold on to Lindsay. “Lindsay was really enjoying hacking her out and riding her so it made sense,” explained Richard, who now shares the ride with Lindsay.

She is by Free Spirit out of Walinka and is now nine years old. “I was not expecting that at all,” said Richard, surprise and delight evident in his face as he was first drawn forwards in the class, and later in the championship.

As we already mentioned, Red Rock III gave Janay Atherden her first ever HOYS win in the CHAPS UK and Sankey Family Coloured Ridden Native/ Cob/ Traditional Horse class, before going on to bag a second reserve championship. Red was purchased

by Janay’s mum, Lisha from former owner Tracy Veale for Janay earlier this year after she sadly lost her treasured Randalstown Top Notch – Notty. In Tracy’s ownership, Red was shown in the hands of Vicky Hesford, with the pair scoring an RIHS win, two HOYS wins and a Windsor coloured championship. This season, Janay and Red lost no time and hit the ground running with an early ticket to HOYS at Royal Bath and West and reserve supreme coloured horse at the RIHS.

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Red Rock III ridden by Janay Atherden

Last year’s champion rider, Sarah Harrison scored a second consecutive victory, only with a different ride. This time, it was her own and her mum Sharon Harrison’s homebred Sarison Starman that brought home a title: the CHAPS UK/ White Crow Coloured Ridden Native/ Cob/ Traditional Pony of the Year.

The six-year-old stallion is by Boston out of Sarah’s former ridden mare Chantilly Lace VI, upon whom Sarah notched up five HOYS seconds, the first place just eluding them. “This is for his mum,” said an emotional Sarah. In second place was another Sarah – Sarah Field – riding long-standing client Lesley Turner’s Charly Syndrome.

Finally, the CHAPS UK and Burghwallis Stud Coloured Ridden Non-native Horse title brought something of a surprise win for Jayne Ross and Debbie Harrod’s KBF Lucia. Breeders Michael Cook and Tony Reynolds were there to witness the Free

Sarison Starman ridden by Sarah Harrison

Spirit five-year-old’s victory, their disappointment that their own uber-successful Windsor and RIHS winning KBF Crescendo [Daphne] wasn’t right to attend having knocked herself at home was somewhat alleviated. Jayne explained that Daphne’s paternal younger sister Lucia is “just a saint and when Daphne couldn’t come, we really didn’t know what to do, but it’s worked out lovely”.

Also forwards in the championship were Rhianon Loader riding Stephanie Fitt’s homebred second placed non-native pony Castra, Joseph McNeil’s second placed non-native horse, Tullabeg Connection ridden by Jill Wormall, and Gary Ross’ Mr Popplewick ridden by William Hibbert.

Perhaps the most dramatic moment of the coloured classes, however, was when Connemara breeder John Canavan entered the ring and proposed to now fiancé Amy Smith with their baby son Lachlan in his arms. Amy’s surprise reaction – and her affirmative answer – brought cheers and tears from onlookers.

“I was not expecting that,” said Amy, “good job I said, yes!”

KBF Lucia ridden by Jayne Ross

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Crystal Cove and View Point ridden by Sarah and Robert Walker

Horses Champion Gems The lightweight class was not the only one of the weight divisions to be topped by Team Walker. Robert also got the nod in the middle-weight class riding Crystal Cove. The six-year-old is relatively light on milage being a “Covid-novice”, but Robert explained that after he won the novices at Staffordshire County Show and at Royal Cheshire County Show, they decided to give a HOYS qualifier a try, and he qualified at TSR Summer Show.

A cool-customer, he looked very much at ease with the electric atmosphere in the evening performance giving another stellar account of himself to stand reserve, this time ridden by Robert’s wife, Sarah. In a spine-tingling moment, spectators looked on as the husband-and-wife team rode side-byside down the side of the Andrews Bowen International Arena for the first half of their lap of honour.

Crystal Cove ridden by Robert Walker

Native pony producer Lauren Brill was stunned to win the heavyweight section riding her partner Jonno Fryer’s 10-year-old Irish Draft gelding, Fuerty Emperor. Until this season, he has been ridden by Jonno himself, but as he had also qualified younger contender Dowdstown Purple, Lauren took the ride.

Lauren said: “That was my first ‘horse’ ride at HOYS. We just did a couple of qualifiers to get him out and about because Jonno has been focusing on the younger one and then we picked up our HOYS ticket and ended up winning the class here today. I can’t believe it.

He felt fantastic and really knew what he was doing to the point where he just took me round.

leg has mended. However, he explained that ultimately, “the plan was to show him and let him gets loads of milage and see lots of different things,” before embarking in earnest on a career in the dressage arena. The foundations of his dressage training came to the fore in the supreme preliminary judging when he executed a beautiful, mannerly show including some precisely executed fancy footwork! Fans will be pleased to hear though, that a return to

the ring has not been ruled out. “I’m certainly not ruling out him showing again; he still has so much to give.

My plan is to really kick on with my dressage training and get him out competing over the winter, and to go with the flow and see what the future holds for us both.”

“Winning was just beyond my wildest dreams. I thought I just hadn’t got a rosette when they were calling out the placings, but I thought never mind, he went well and I’ve had a good time. He is just phenomenal and very precious to us.”

Though this is Lauren’s first horse win, it isn’t her first plaited win. Show pony fans may remember her taking the show pony championship in 2006 riding Anton Princess Nadia, produced

by Katy Marriott Payne.

“I can’t believe it,” was Darren Crowe’s initial reaction to his own Diamond Geezer [Crumpet] standing Riding Horse of the Year. The classy grey started his campaign by giving a superb account of himself to win the large riding horse. “He’s a proper showman; he came alive and felt incredible in there,” said Darren.

Fuerty Emperor ridden by Lauren Brill

We are more used to seeing Darren in the Arab horse class, a final he has won HOYS an estimated 15 times with clients’ horses. However, his win with Crumpet marked his first with a horse of his own and a first in plaited horse classes. “It’s weird,” he said, “it feels so different somehow”.

He first set eyes on the Don Index nineyear-old when he was asked to “assess him” for selling three years ago. “They opened the lorry ramp and I said ‘Oh, my God!’ and that was it! I fell in love; it was love at first sight!” A broken leg saw Danielle Heath take the reins at HOYS last year after Darren had qualified him, so Darren was keen to ride him himself this year now that his

Diamond Geezer ridden by Darren Crowe

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The reserve champion also came from the large riding horse class, with second placed Jane Ross and Debbie Harrod’s extremely promising five-year-old King of Clubs taking that spot. The Riverland Roi gelding is out of Havana Clubs and has been ‘one-to-watch’ during the season giving performances beyond his years to claim championships at Bath and West, Derbyshire Festival and Stoneleigh Horse Show. Jane also piloted her own six-year-old Lulu de Beau to second place in the small riding horse class. They were, however, pipped to the post

by Adam Forster riding Vicky Rudd’s homebred Shildon’s Regal Gold.

He is out of Vicky’s prolific getter of prize-winners, Colbeach Regal Model [Reggie], and is by Dutch Gold. A former winner of the novice riding horse class at Windsor, he also stood supreme novice at the 2021 BSHA championships. This

season, successes have included champion RIHS riding horse at the BSPS Area 1A, reserve champion HOYS riding horses at Royal Cheshire County Show.

Adam said: “It has been such a journey with this little horse to have broken him as a youngster and produced him along the way is hugely rewarding.

“To take the title at HOYS was just the icing on the cake and the stuff dreams are made of. I always had every faith in Reggie even if he was a little testing at times as a youngster; commitment and perseverance have paid off. He is a little horse with a huge personality who needs to trust you before he lets you in, however once you have gained his trust you will have his heart and he will walk through fire for you. We all adore him.”

King of Clubs ridden by Jayne Ross

Shildon’s Regal Gold ridden by Adam Foster

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Bowing Out on High The show’s opening day also saw Nicola Wilkes’ uber-consistent small hunter mare, Mexican Summer come to the fore in the ladies horse class ridden by Georgina Wilkes. Now fourteen, she is a former winner at HOYS in the intermediate ranks, and the pair have previously been placed fourth, fifth and reserve in the ladies final. Her win was a moment all the more magical as this year’s HOYS marked an end to her ridden career. Georgina explained that she would now embark on a career as a brood mare. Judge Kathy Bowdler said: “It was an unusual class to judge with so many types, but she was the first one to come into the arena and she caught my eye right away; I couldn’t take me eyes off her. I was looking forwards to seeing her without her saddle on and she didn’t disappoint. She had both my highest conformation mark and the highest ride mark [from Michaela Bowling] of the class.”

Georgina was understandably delighted and said: “She felt exceptional today, it’s as if she knew it was her final HOYS.” Their luck didn’t end there, and the pair rode away with a blue reserve sash in the small hunter class, too.

Mexican Summer ridden by Georgia Wilkes

A Dream Double The winning Small Hunter of the Year was Susan Granger’s 10-year-old gelding, Shanbally Legacy [Lego], ridden by Claire Oliver.

Lego is described by ride judge Nicholas Collins as “a proper small hunter,” and Claire concurred, dubbing him “a true small hunter – a miniature middleweight”.

Lego has had a superb year with wins including the supreme accolade at both the spring and autumn Wiltshire Horse Show, champion small at Royal Windsor Horse Show and a champion at Royal Cheshire County Show. The HOYS title therefore seemed a fitting end to a superb year.

Claire said: “He’s had a cracking season and he felt fantastic today. He’s a lovely horse and quite straightforward to produce,” adding that, “he’s a special boy; he loves hacking out and whether you are hacking, hunting, jumping or schooling he gives you 100%; he gives a beautiful ride.”

Though owned by Susan, he was found by Claire’s late husband, legendary showman Robert Oliver. “I remember Robert phoning Sue and saying to her ‘you have to buy this horse; he’s going to be a star’.”

Shanbally Legacy ridden by Claire Oliver

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Lego’s was the first of two wins for Claire and Susan. Her second came two days later when she won the heavyweight cob class riding Susan’s Freddie Kruger. “I can’t believe it,” said Claire of her second win. “It’s just a dream and so lovely for Sue and Tony, too.” Susan spotted the ten-year-old advertised

by Robert and Sarah Walker three years ago. “A quick phone call with Robert [Oliver]” saw her snap him up and he arrived with Claire shortly afterwards. “He’s lovely; and he’s cheeky,” laughed Claire of Freddie, who qualified this time at Devon County Show.

“I’m a bit lost for words to be honest,” said Frazer, “I’m chuffed to bits with him”. In a true family affair, the reserve was taken by Frazer’s wife, Janay Atherden after she rode Red Rock III to second place. “It’s a dream come true,” said Frazer.

Although, he admitted he could “be in trouble” when the couple got home. Janay had her own taste of success when she bagged her first ever win at HOYS with Red a few hours later in their coloured native/ cob type horse class before going on to stand reserve champion coloured – their second reserve of the week.

The champion and reserve cobs, however, both came from the lightweight class. Taking the tricolour was Frazer Atherden riding his mother-in-law Lisha Leeman’s seven-year-old gelding Love Joy.

The lap of honour in the Leeman Family Maxi Cob of the Year Championship is always a spectacle, with the line-up each donning a matching sash and rosette combination. Of the 15 maxi cobs

Freddie Kruger ridden by Claire Oliver

to contest the championship, the final nod – and most coveted sash and rosette combination – went to 10-year-old Boheradurrow Fred [Nigel] ridden by Polly Coles. Polly took over Nigel’s reins from Katie Jerram after they finished third in the same final last season.

Polly explained that he was actually purchased as a prospective master’s horse. Nevertheless, Nigel picked up a HOYS ticket and a first win for Polly. It came as an early birthday present, with her celebrating her 29th birthday a few days later. “I’ve been competing here since I was seven and I am 28 now,” said Polly,

Boheradurrow Fred ridden by Polly Coles

Love Joy ridden by Frazer Atherden

adding, “I finally got to do my first centre line at HOYS. Getting into the supreme tomorrow hasn’t quite sunk in yet. To win a class at HOYS is big, but then to get straight into the supreme is quite an honour,” she said. Watch out for the pair in working cob and ladies horses classes next year..! Reserve maxi was Joanne Baker’s 12-year-old Chantilly Sandman ridden by Jayne Ross.

Ballinclare ridden by Jo Bates

Young Lochnivor ridden by Ali Talbot

Champion Bounty for Bates and Ballinclare Thursday – Day Two’s – evening performance welcomed the Andrews Family Hack of the Year Championship into the Andrews Bowen International Arena and saw first and second prize-winners from the Andrews Family Small Hack of the Year and the Culford Lodge Commodities Large Hack of the Year finals, both of which had been judged by Jennie LorristonClarke MBE and Nancy Graylen in the same arena early that morning.

is in her first season at the Bates HQ after Ami purchased her from Lorraine Homer in February. A winner at the 2020 BSPS Summer Championships, she progressed to take two second places at in HOYS 2021, in the intermediate and in the hack classes under Loraine’s daughter, Alice Homer, and took second place in the large hacks at Royal Windsor Horse Show and the Royal International Horse Show under Jo earlier this year.

In the end, it was hack expert Jo Bates who took home the title riding Ami Miller’s Ballinclare [Annie]. Six-year-old Annie was bred by Jane Bradbury – who was there to witness the win – and she is by Sylvano out of Katodo. She

Jo explained that although she has taken the ride this season, Annie is intended to be Ami’s ride in the future. Jo said: “She is only six and she has the most beautiful nature and the kindest temperament. She is for Ami to ride but I have really

just been helping her this season.

I have had such a great time riding her here this year.”

A delighted Ami was also thrilled: “I’m so proud of her,” she said, “Jo does such an amazing job with her; they looked fantastic together.”

Reserve champion went to the winner of the small hack class, Young Lochinvar, owned and ridden

by Alison Talbot. Alison purchased the Kilvington Scoundrel nine-yearold at two, and together they have enjoyed a wonderful run of luck in the hack ranks, winning the Hack of the Year Championship in 2017 and standing second in 2018 and 2019.

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Little Joe and Alice Homer

The Plaited Workers

Little Joe Lands Big Prize The first evening performance saw Alice Homer lift the Westown Stud Working Hunter of the Year Championship riding not-so-little Little Joe! The pair scored one of only three clears, with the 17.2hh gelding displaying agility and scope to burn over an imposing and testing track.

Alice has been riding the Kec Maximum Joe nine-year-old for three years, He was

initially sent to Team Homer to sell, but Alice fell in love and persuaded grandad David Tatlow to purchase him for her to ride. They were placed fifth at HOYS last year and are now in their second season of workers together. Hitting the circuit as they meant to go on, the pair scored another prestigious working hunter title at Royal Windsor Horse Show. “He’s my

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horse of a lifetime,” said Alice, who was also quick to credit her friend and trainer, Libby Cook.

It was the eventual reserves, William Pittendrigh and Helen Dyer’s Pimms O’Clock that jumped the first of only three clears in an extremely stylish spin. William qualified the Van Gough nine-yearold at the BSPS Summer Championships. As a result, he chose not to not to jump his own uber-consistent Silver Lough [Scully]. However, not to be left out Scully was on fine form in the Top Spec arena two days later to jump clear around the intermediate track, also finishing second. Pure Irish Draught, Scully was bred by Aideen Murphy

by Clew Bay Bouncer out of Inisfree Lecarrow Ruby. The pair qualified for the intermediate class at Midland Counties Show, and for the Westown Stud Working Hunter of the Year championship at Blair Castle Horse Trials, and also won at Windsor earlier this spring. Worker followers will also have appreciated the footage of the pair jumping an impressive round at the Great Yorkshire Show despite William having lost a stirrup leather early in the course!

Pimms O’Clock ridden by William Pittendrigh

Little Joe and Alice jump to victory

Georgia Darlington’s eight-year-old Bugatti VDL mare, Jara [Fiona] made light work of the intermediate working hunter pony track to take the class. Despite rupturing ligaments in her ankle being bucked off a youngster out hunting the week after HOYS 2021 and subsequent surgery in February, Georgia and Jara have had an excellent season, building on their 6th and 7th place at HOYS and RIHS respectively. Together they made a season comeback a winning one at BSPS Area 7, qualifying for RIHS, and a few weeks later they smashed the intermediate Gold Cup class and championship at the BSPS Winter championships after winning the worker phase and then jumping the only clear in the intermediate section. The BSPS Summer Championships also brought success: Fiona was champion in both the Simply the Best and the Champion of Champions sections. A versatile duo, they also show-jump, qualifying for the Newcomer Second Rounds in 2020, 2021 and 2022, and have stepped up to jump 1m30 double clears this year.

Evergreen Ennis Boy Bows Out 17-year-old Ennis Boy [Russel] looked evergreen springing around the Top Spec Arena to claim the National Pony Society/Mole Valley Farmers HOYS 153cm working hunter pony of the year class by an impressive four marks before going on to take the overall section reserve champion spot under Ellie Callwood.

Georgia Darlington and Jara

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Ennis Boy ridden by Ellie Callwood

Ellie, 19, and Irish bred Russel have had a superb run, with wins including at Royal Windsor, and championships including at Royal Dublin Horse Show, the BSPS winter championships and the NPS championships.

They’ve also been former runners up at Horse of the Year Show and were second at the RIHS earlier this season scoring the highest jump mark of the class. They also took a stylish spin around the Bughley Event Pony final to take the 153cm section and the overall tricolour.

Ellie said: “He always rises to the occasion no matter how big or small.”

Russel is owned by Vicki and Tracey Brooks, whom Ellie says have “been so supportive throughout both of our careers.” on her 12th birthday, as her mum, Jo, had been teaching Vicki on him but she “didn’t really have enough time” so Ellie took the ride. “I was far too young really. Russel and I didn’t get on to start with, but our relationship grew and now he is my best friend. Without him I would never have got rides on other ponies or gone on to do so well. It was very special this time at HOYS as all my family, his owners and friends were there.”

This will be Russel’s last HOYS as he bows out of the working hunter circuit, but he nevertheless will continue to showjump, team chase and hunt with Ellie, who describes him as “a pony of a lifetime”.

Team Callwood graduate Landslow Melody Maker also bagged rider Lola Bass her first HOYS win in the 143cm section.

12-year-old Connemara Melody is by Ardbear Spirit, a pony that Ellie’s mum Jo won HOYS on! She is out of Drimcong Colleen, and was purchased in October 2018 from breeders Barbara Bagshaw and Jane Hanger who are longstanding clients of the Callwood’s.

Last season, Lola and Melody were fourth at HOYS. They have had a wonderful 2022 season, standing third at the RIHS, and at the BSPS Summer Championships, they were team winners for England Kempton, were the only clear in the 143cm Desert Orchid class to take the win and section tricolour, and later Ruby Ward stepped in for Lola to take the supreme working hunter title while Lola jockeyed her less experienced novice champion.

Whilst you might now be wondering where the winning 133cm pony is, turn back a few pages to find Noble Peppermint and Elsie Lynch, who went on to claim supreme and are on the opening page of out HOYS report.

Landslow Melody Maker ridden by Lola Bass

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Joyton Sunshine ridden by Ella Eynon

Mountain and Moorland Working Hunter Ponies Golden Sunshine Burns Bright The Top Spec Arena’s collecting ring was awash with nervous competitors awaiting their turn to jump in the Thor Atkinson Steel Fabrications Ltd. Mountain and Moorland Championship on the show’s second morning.

There were also a number of very nervous mums and dads, and none more so than Eurig Eynon and Rebecca Faulkner, whose daughter Ella Eynon, 12, was jumping in the 133cm division with their own Welsh section C, Joyton Sunshine [Dougie].

However, the pair’s nerves were unfounded, as Ella and Dougie not only jumped clear, but went on to win the class before progressing to the Andrews Bowen International Arena to take the championship.

Eurig first spotted five-year-old Dougie at Hay-On-Wye Sales as a youngster, and he was stored at their base in Abergavenny until broken. He was very lightly competed as a four-year-old by Georgia James, before Ella took over the ride last September.

A winter of Pony Club saw the young pair hit the season running with early wins in training stakes at NPS Area 25, and the novice championship at the Native Breeds Festival. They attempted their first HOYS qualifier at the NPS Summer championships and it was a case of ‘third time lucky’ when they took the ticket at NPS Area 4.

Ella said: “I am so proud of Dougie. He’s still so young and really a novice pony, to come here, jump clear and do this is unbelievable.”

Her sentiments were echoed by mum, Rebecca. “We didn’t even expect to qualify let alone win,” said Rebecca, “I’m lost for words! We’re just really proud of them both.”

Superstar Connemaras The reserve also returned to South Wales, giving Pembrokeshire’s Amy James her seventh worker title at Horse of the Year Show. This time, her win came astride 10-year-old Connemara King Rover [Bertie] who is owned

by Sarah Robson.

Dubbed her “Mr Reliable”, Bertie is in his fourth season with Amy, and it’s been an incredible one. The pair

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made their third trip to the RIHS memorable by being placed in show jumping classes and taking the exceeding 143cm mountain and moorland working hunter pony title. An early second ticket to HOYS and reserve supreme at the Native Breeds Festival in May paved the way for further glory at the NEC. “That was amazing. He’s been great throughout the four seasons I’ve ridden him, but this year has topped them all,” said Amy. Bertie was the first of two Connemaras ponies that won at this year’s RIHS to repeat their success at HOYS, proving their versatility over very different tracks.

The reigning RIHS champions, Cheryl Mackintosh’s Woodbank Smokey Sam and Kirsty Aird also took home a red rosette. The 13-year-old Connemara is sired by former Olympia champion, Fly The Last Flute. This is actually Kirsty and Sam’s second HOYS win, having also won in 2018 and taking reserve at the RIHS in 2019.

He booked his return to HOYS at the Royal Highland earlier in June.

This will have been his final HOYS, as his team have decided that he should now go on to a lease home to continue enjoying his work but at a less intense level.

King Rover ridden by Amy James

Highs and Lows!

If ever there was a tale to prove you should always dust yourself off and get back on, it was Debbie BarkerRuniewicz’s HOYS. Despite being sore after taking a tumble from Exmoor Moonpenny Aquarius in the 133cm working hunter pony class, a resilient Debbie hopped onto his 122cm son, Moonpenny Delphinus [Finn] and went on to win the class.

“I wasn’t missing another chance to jump a clear,” said Debbie.

She has owned 11-year-old Finn for three years. “He was backed

by Lauren Brill for his breeders, the Bryant Family, and returned to them after breaking. Their daughter

Elizabeth Etchells introduced him to ridden showing before he joined Frankie Currell and came to me in 2019,” said Debbie.

Woodbank Smokey Sam ridden by Kirsty Aird

Last year was Debbie’s first HOYS, qualifying the same ponies and returning with no placing, meaning that not only was she celebrating her first HOYS win, but also her first HOYS placing!

Debbie said: “Once in the prize giving, I learnt I was one of just four clears so I was hopeful of a top six placing but only in my wildest dreams did I think I’d win at HOYS. I’m ecstatic. To win second time round is just fantastic.”

Moonpenny Delphinus ridden by Debbie Barker-Runiewicz

Pearly King Reigns Over Inaugural Junior Workers The inaugural junior 122cm mountain and moorland working hunter pony Sadie Osborne’s Vennebos Pearly King [Sparts] ridden by Lola Carabine, giving Lola her first win of a fantastic week. Sadie spotted Sparts in an advert three years ago. “I just had to have him,” she said, explaining that she had watched him at the BSPS championships ridden by Izzy Hartswood-Collier “and was desperate for him!” She proceeded to lease him from former owner Claire Collier for two years before takin the opportunity to purchase him.

“Sparts is Lola’s best friend and I will always be greatful to the Collier

family for trusting us with the best boy!” said Sadie. She was also thankful to the Harker family who produce Sparts on her behalf. “It’s all our dreams come true!

Joining the winners in the championship after taking seconds were Smith sister’s Amy and Vikki riding Amy’s own exceeding 143cm Laburnam Richard and Penny Sutton’s Lovelyhill Folklore respectively; Rose Bailey’s 133cm Joint Venture ridden by Rachel Turner, Jacqueline Wharton’s 122cm Dunkery Black Grouse under Frankie Currell and Lucy Richardson’s Elberry Suilen ridden

by Lilly Richardson.

Vennebos Pearly King ridden by Lola Carabine

Griseburn Victor ridden by Joe Watson

The Mountain and Moorland Open Breed Classes A Special Cecil, a Showman, and a Major Win The show’s first morning saw the inaugural Dartmoor only class welcomed into the Top Spec Arena, it being the first time that this increasingly popular small breed has been separated from the Shetland and Exmoor ponies. It was last season’s runners up, Salcombe Starehole Bay [Cecil] and Katy Marriott Payne that got the eventual nod from judges Jo Jack (conformation) and Tweetie Nimmo (ride), with Andrea Baybutt’s Pricklegate Brown Owl finishing second under Aliya Khan. Broken during Covid, Cecil has had an incredible run under Katy’s careful production and steerage. The Shilstone Rocks Snowy Mountain eight-yearold stallion enjoyed a magical 2021 season, standing reserve and Dartmoor Best of Breed at the London International Horse Show, second at HOYS, and supreme mountain and moorland at the RIHS. This year, he’s once again proven a tour-de-force, taking the championship at Royal Windsor Horse Show to qualify for the London International Horse Show, repeating his win at the RIHS, and now winning the HOYS final. It was a bittersweet victory for all involved, with his owner breeder, Felicity Thompson seriously ill in hospital having been kicked at home some weeks previously. “All she wanted was for him to win here,” said Katy, “and now he has. I just wish she was here to have seen him.”

Salcombe Starehole Bay ridden Katy Marriott Payne

Lilly Richardson, 10, won the first Shetland and Exmoor final riding her mother Lucy Richardson’s eight-year-old Shetland gelding Briar Snow Fox. Despite being small in stature – him – and young in age – her! – this pair gave a polished show beyond their years to clinch the class, with Tweetie Nimmo having set a trickier show than usual for riders to negotiate, including a circle and a gallop on the diagonal, and precise locations for each transition to be executed. Bred by Viv Hampton, Snow Fox originally joined the family on account of his half-brother, Briar Snowman’s success in their hands. He’s grown with the Richardson sisters and progressed from first ridden through to open ranks.

He and Lilly qualified at North of England but really showed their mettle when they won at the Great Yorkshire Show, again executing a difficult show.

Winning the As was a pony in need of little introduction: Thistledown San Siro [Rocky]. Owned

by Diana Leeming Rocky had qualified for no less than three classes with his young riders, Lucinda and William Leeming. After an incredible season in 2021 which saw both riders win a class each at the Royal International, his success has continued this year, winning an amazing three firsts and a mini championship at the RIHS, and multiple classes and championships across the country from Cheshire to Three Counties and the NPS Summer Championships. A truly versatile little pony, the 11-year-old Blackhill Piccolo gelding has also been giving workers, PC and mounted games a shot over the last year! Interestingly, Rocky’s showing career started with Samantha Roberts, who not only won, but secured the highest ride mark of the entire section with Jo Filmer’s homebred Welsh section B stallion Longhalves Renoir [Levi].

Briar Snow Fox ridden by Lilly Richardson

Thistledown San Siro ridden by Lucinda Leeming

Thistledown San Siro ridden by Lucinda Leeming with Baileys Horse Feeds’ Jane Buchan

Longhalves Renoir ridden by Samantha Roberts

Nine-year-old Levi is out of Rhoson Silwi and is sired by Jo’s own celebrated stallion, Lemonshill Falcon, who was also placed at HOYS several times. He was lightly shown by Jo and Samantha last season from Jo’s base and has gone on to have a tremendous 2022 campaign, qualifying on his first attempt for HOYS at Stoneleigh Horse Show (May) and for the RIHS at BSPS Area 15 Spring Show, finishing second at the Hickstead final. Another who can turn a hoof to other disciplines, Levi has also been competing in dressage, qualifying for the BD championships, and also showing talent over fences. “I was thrilled with how he went,” said Samantha, “he felt lovely. He’s had an amazing season so winning here really was the icing on the cake. It really was not expected and I’m so grateful to Jo for the opportunity to enjoy him.”

Lovelyhill Folklore ridden by Vikki Smith

In the Connemara class, Susan Pool’s Eastlands Dunedin [Harry] stood at the top of the line under Lauren Beaumont.

Susan and Lauren chose Harry unbroken at his breeders John and Dianna Staveley’s Scottish base. Lauren has brought him on herself, with excellent results including championships at the Great Yorkshire Show and Royal Cheshire Show, and they have recently qualified for the London International Horse Show. This was Lauren and team Beaumont, which includes Lauren’s mum, Helen and sister Olivia’s first HOYS win, making it all the more special. In second was Casey Ormrod, whose first HOYS was made magical by a spin in the main arena riding Emlaughmore Lightening.

Lochlands Gypsy Barron ridden by Tracy Millward

The New Forest class saw Penny Sutton and Peter Rowe’s Lovelyhill Folklore take the win ridden by his producer, Vikki Smith. Vikki has steered the eleven-year-old to considerable success over the past few years in both flat and working hunter pony classes with placings at both HOYS and the RIHS and he also finished New Forest Best of Breed last season at the London International Horse Show. This year, demonstrating just how versatile he really is, he stood second and third in the flat and workers respectively at the RIHS, and enjoyed two spins around HOYS’ International Arena on the show’s second day as not only did he win the breed class, but he also stood second in the workers final.

Interestingly, the New Forest class saw not only last year’s second place go one better, but the reversal of the result, with 2021 victor Hilltop Ned finishing second for new owner Leisa Woodward and new rider, Rebecca Penny.

Spectators saw a repeat of the 2021 results in the Highland class. Elite athlete Tracey Milward’s former Cuddy Supreme finalist Lochlands Gypsy Barron [Basil] repeated his win.

Tracey has owned 12-year-old Basil since a foal, and describes him as “a dream to own”. This was Basil’s fifth ridden appearance at HOYS. Tracey describes him as “a dream to own,” and “extremely easy to do anything with”. As well as ridden showing, Basil has also been used for stud duties, with Tracy breeding under the Traleeo prefix. This year, they qualified by winning a stonking class and strong championship at the Great Yorkshire Show. Bizarrely, the second spot was also a repeat of last year’s result, with the rosette handed to Jane McNaught’s Dunedin Mascot ridden by Katie Common, a combination that has enjoyed tremendous success this season including champion ridden Highland at the Royal Highland Show and he’s since booked a ticket to the London International Horse Show.

Eastlands Dunedin ridden by Lauren Beaumont

The Fell class saw Leah Cassel’s nine-year-old Rundales Trooper stand second under Leah’s younger sister Hollie McGauley, the pair qualifying at the Royal Highland Show.

But it was Carlisle-based Emma Burrow come to the fore with Willmont Braveheart [Bert]. The nine-year-old gelding is by Underwoods Gideon out of Townend Liberty, and was bred on owner Antonia Mitchell’s yard, with Antonia seeing his potential and snapping him up as a foal. This is Emma’s second season with him. The pair finished eight last season, and they kicked off his 2022 season promisingly when they took the HOYS ticket at the May Stoneleigh Horse Show. Emma explained that he is “easy” at home – a “good boy”, enjoying hacking and jumping, and even went for a pre-HOYS jumping session “to freshen him up”.

Scoring a fourth win of four classes in 2022, Alex Williams topped the Welsh section Ds riding homebred mare Ringside Top Dollar [Topsy]. The upstanding, powerful Llanarth Prince of Wales nine-year-old has had a phenomenal season starting with a HOYS ticket on her season debut at the NPS Spring Festival, a championship in searing heat at the Royal Welsh show in the ridden Welsh classes, and a final tricolour having won the NPS Ringside Open Ridden final and championship. Once again, we saw far fewer mares than stallions and geldings

Willmont Braveheart ridden by Emma Burrows

forwards in the mountain and moorland breed classes, and Topsy was the only mare to have won a class. She is produced from home by Alex and the Williams family, and Alex was careful to credit sister Kate, who was also in the same class with homebred gelding Ringside Zorba, and Matthew Lawrence for their help through the season.

However, it was in the Welsh section C and the Dales classes that the judges found their champion and reserve.

Ringside Top Dollar ridden by Alex Williams

Lynuck The Showman ridden by Rebecca Penny

Adding to his already phenomenal career, Lynn Scott’s Lynuck The Showman [Peanut] scored a second win in the Welsh section Cs before going on to stand reserve. Bred by Lynn, 12-year-old Peanut is by Caerneuadd Hywel out of Llanidan Miss World. Having initially been produced by Aimee Devane to a credible second at HOYS, he has now been produced for a number of seasons from Lyn’s home by her daughter Emma, and is ridden

by Rebecca Penny. Emma said, “He never lets the side down,” and from his tally of results we can understand why! To date, he has won at the Royal Welsh, Great Yorkshire, the Royal Highland Show, notched up three consecutive championships at Royal Windsor and has made five Olympia/ London International Horse Show appearances culminating in him being reigning champion and RIHS Welsh C and D winner.

The tricolour was awarded to a pony just embarking on his career: Griseburn Major ridden

by Joe Watson. The five-year-old Dales stallion is sired by Wolsey Viking and is out of Tarbarl Kate Moss. He was bred by Cumbrian breeders Helen and Andrew Horn, who incidentally also bred third placed Griseburn Lester. Joe and co-owner

Rob McIvor purchased him as a raw, unbroken and unshown three-year-old. He has grown into a remarkable pony, exuding quality with the substance and manners to match. This season, he has been lightly shown, winning at NCPA and qualifying at the North of England show, but belied his lack of milage with a precisely executed show.

He went on to give an excellent account of himself in the evening championship, where his colour, hair and type made him a true eyeful under the lights. “I can’t believe it,” said a stunned Rob after the championship. “I can’t put into words what it means to us. We came with no expectations, just to be in the top ten would have been amazing so for him to win is unbelievable.” The pair had formerly stood second with Westwick Duke, but it was Rob and Joe’s first HOYS win, making it even more special. Joe, who works full-time, was quick to credit Rob for his hard work with Major at home, but we got the impression that Joe is really rather fond of him, saying, “He’s just like a pet. He goes in the field every day, he hacks out – he doesn’t do much schoolwork – but he loves his work, absolutely loves it.”

70 | Showing World | November Issue 2022 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk

HE LIKED IT AND HE PUT A RING ON IT!

By Lady Emma Trebble Tom Wood and Isabella Mears’ relationship is the stuff of showing legend. They met at The Horse of the Year Show – where else? – in 2017; introduced by Izzy’s best friend and Tom’s sister, queen of the show ring and Whitaker bride, Michaela.

“We just clicked instantly.” enthuses Tom. Fast forward to HOYS 2022, and Tom – armed with only a radiant cut diamond and his notorious winning smile – got down on one knee to propose to the blushing brunette. In Izzy’s words, “it was an easy yes”. But the proposal had been fraught with setbacks…

“He’d wanted to propose at the National Championships,” 24-year-old Izzy explains, “but they were cancelled. Then he’d wanted to ask my Dad if he could propose but that was rained off.” It transpires that Tom had arranged a golf game with Isabella’s father, show horse owner supremo, businessman Guy Mears, but on the day in question, the heavens opened.

“I decided I was going to do it in the sponsors area at HOYS in front of all our family and friends, her dad had given me his blessing and I was all set.” explains Tom. But something his brother-in-law, show jumping super-star George Whitaker, said to him kept ringing in his ears,

“George said don’t do it in front of everyone, it’s a massive mistake, just make it about the two of you.” And so, as the judging of the Price Family Supreme In-Hand Championship got underway 30-year-old Tom proposed in their hotel room and Isabella said, “yes”.

Post proposal didn’t run much smoother, Izzy phoned her parents who were in the Mears Flooring box and then the pair went upstairs to celebrate with Tom’s Ripon Select Foods owner parents Sandra and Martin, but they weren’t anywhere to be seen. It turned out they were with Izzy’s parents and already knew of the wonderful news.

Isabella and Tom

“Tom rang his mum to tell her, and she said, ‘I know Caryn just told me’. They were so happy and celebrating already.”

Finally, the Mears Wood clan were reunited at the Andrews Bowen International Arena, where Sandy Anderson honoured the betrothed couple with the opportunity to present the Thistledown Cup to rising talent Lily Attwood.

2023 will see Isabella’s last year competing in Intermediates on Forgeland Hyde Park as well as the couple’s marriage at Grantley Hall near Harrogate. Here at Showing World we can’t wait for the pitter patter of tiny lead rein jockey feet to follow in the years to come.

Isabella and Tom present the Thistledown Cup

Show Hunter Ponies and Children’s Riding Ponies New and seasoned combinations come to the fore Jessica Walby and Team Jinks produced Just Murphy II [Socks], won the first and largest of the show hunter pony classes: the 153cm class. Nine-year-old Socks has been owned by Jessica’s aunt, Joanne Pybus, and grandma, Isobel Hall for the past four years. He was previously ridden by Jessica’s cousin, Ella Pybus, but Jessica, 18, took over the ride this year. The pair hit the ground running, winning both the RIHS qualifiers they attempted, at BSPS Area 2A where they were also reserve, and White Rose, where they stood champion before going on to secure a HOYS ticket on their first attempt at Midland

Counties, and they later stood supreme show hunter pony at the BSPS Summer Championships.

Charlotte Tuck rode the 143cm 2021 runner-up to go one better this year. This was Kathryn Pitt’s prolific prize-winner Rommano Romany Gypsy. Bred by Jennifer Gilchrist, she is by Deanhills Royal Jubilee out of Pascale, and now 14 years of age, she has been an extremely consistent pony, first in-hand, and later under saddle with numerous wins and championships including at the BSPS Winter championships, Suffolk

County, Equifest to name but a few. She’s also had several previous placings at HOYS including three thirds and two seconds. But with Charlotte now out of class, their best result was saved for their final foray together at this fabulous pony’s ninth HOYS! “This is her retirement year,” said Kathryn, “we’re not too sure, but we think she may become a broodmare. She’s gone out on a high and I’m so happy.” When asked what she’s like at home, Charlotte said: “She’s very easy; she never does any schooling, she just eats – she eats and hacks! She’s one of those ponies that just goes and does it!”

Just Murphy II Rommano Romany Gypsy ridden by Charlotte Tuck 72 | Showing World | November Issue 2022 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk

Also completing their final show hunter pony class together were the winners of the 122cm class, Maisie Peters and her mum Melanie Peter’s 15-year-old Annandale Phoenix. He started his career as a hunter pony at Team Walker on the lead with Sam, but it ended on a high at HOYS under Maisie, whose infectious grin delighted onlookers when the pair not only won the class, but went on to take reserve champion.

Maisie is now out of class, and so Phoenix is set for reinvention as a mountain and moorland working hunter pony. “He’ll never leave us,” said proud mum, Melanie, adding, “We can’t bear to part with him”.

However, it was 133cm show hunter pony Warleigh Blushing Groom [Joey] that stood Binks Family Show Hunter Pony of the Year. 10-year-old Joey was ridden by Daisy Mae Allen, 13.

He is owned by Daisy’s parents Gavin and Jodie. The pair are in their second season together, and this was Daisy’s first HOYS win.

“That was incredible,” said Daisy. Joey was produced last year for Daisy by Kevin Cousins and Christina Gillett, but this season, the family have produced him at home, allowing Daisy to get to know him better. “Today it just felt like I clicked with him,” she said.

Annandale Phoenix ridden by Maisie Peters

The win came just 48 hours after she stood a fabulous second in the junior small breeds class riding her section A gelding, Crumpwell Harry Potter, a pony who brought about her first RIHS win in the equivalent final a few months ago.

Daisy said: “It feels like a dream, it hasn’t sunk in. My mum, dad and quite a lot of my family have been here this week to support me. To prepare for HOYS we have just been working him at home and did lots of hacking. We haven’t introduced him to the music or anything, but he seemed to quite enjoy it,” said Daisy.

The win was all the more precious as Daisy has battled with ill-health this summer, having been diagnosed with anaemia and being admitted to hospital several times. “She’s had a really tough year,” said Jodie, “we’re so proud of her as she’s worked so hard, and she really deserves this.” Jodie and Gavin were also quick to explain that Annabel Drake had been a great support that morning, working Joey for Daisy so that she could conserve her energy and strength.

An interesting point for breeders is that both champion and reserve were both sired by Welsh section B stallion Stoudley Taliesin.

Warleigh Blushing Groom ridden by Daisy Mae Allen

Annabel herself also had a magical week, scoring two fantastic wins in the 148cm children’s riding pony and the part bred classes respectively, and a direct ticket to the pony supreme with her mother Sarah Drake’s Stanley Grange Gilt Edge [Edward], bred by Jerome Harforth. “We bought him as a four-year-old from Sue Palmer,” explained Annabel, “we produce him at home and Jo [Bates] trains us.” It was particularly special as although she could partner Edward in future part bred classes, Annabel is now out of class in the 148cm show pony class. Seven-year-old Edward is by Turberry Top Cat gelding and out of Shimmering Silk is in his first open season. Nevertheless, their results are enviable this year, with highlights including champion RIHS part-bred Arab

at BSPS area 7, champion RIHS show pony at the BSPS Winter championships, reserve part-bred champion at Royal Windsor, champion HOYS show pony at Stoneleigh and Suffolk shows, winner of the HOYS part-bred pony at North of England, supreme at BSPS area 15A and supreme show pony at the BSPS Summer Championships with a beautiful individual performance. After her class, Annabel said: “I had two dreams. One was to win a flowery sash at the BSPS, which we did, and the other was to ride in the international arena at HOYS which now I’ll get to do twice.” Just as at the BSPS Champs, they gave a dazzling show in the pony supreme, with both looking every bit one to watch out for in future, albeit on separate paths.

Stanley Grange Gilt Edge ridden by Annabel Drake

The champion and reserve BSPS Children’s Riding Pony of the Year, however, came from the smaller sections. Reserve was 138cm section winner Harriet Storey riding “the best pony ever,” Copybush Time Lord. The five-year-old is produced

by Carl Morris and was purchased for Harriet at the beginning of the year as a novice. Nevertheless, the pair qualified for the partbred pony and 138cm show pony classes at the RIHS and contended a handful of qualifiers for HOYS. “Carl’s worked so hard and done such a good job,” said Harriet. Still, she admits to being “so shocked” that he won HOYS on his first attempt and has given Harriet her first HOYS red rosette and first spin in the Andrews Bowen International Arena. When asked what he was like at home, Harriet told us that “he’s not much of a cuddler, but he loves food.” We prescribe plenty of Polos for him as a reward for being such a special chap!

Taking the tricolour was an established pony who will need little introduction to show pony followers. This was Jenny Harker’s 128cm Ardenhall Blenheim [Joules], who rose to the occasion and owned the ring in the evening performance! He was ridden by Lola Carabine, who rode beyond her 10 years all week to have a fabulously successful show.

In fact, it was her second championship of the day having stood second on her first ridden, and it was her second win of the week, but we’ve already told you about the first on page 65..!

“Our champion was very quality,” said judge

Copybush Time Lord ridden by Harriet Storey

Philip Cooper, “a true children’s riding pony. It was something of a crowd favourite and its little rider was a true show-person. It really didn’t miss a beat or put a foot wrong all day.”

13-year-old Joules is a seasoned campaigner as he also competed at HOYS with Jenny’s daughter, Emma Harker. Not to be left out, Emma was also in the championship having stood second in the 148cm pony class on Rotherwood Fantasia.

“I would never sell him,” said Jenny, who purchased him from the Jinks team eight

74 | Showing World | November Issue 2022 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk

years ago. “Emma has had so much fun with him. She was second with him here at HOYS in 2017 and now he and Lola have really hit it off.”

Later that evening, Lola said: “I was a little bit nervous going in, but more excited than anything. I tried my best and just hoped that was enough. My plan for the supreme is just to have fun and to try my best.” They certainly did that, charming the crowd with a super show that included Lola crossing her stirrups for a time and blowing a kiss to the judges.

Ardenhall Blenheim ridden by Lola Carabine

info@showingworldonline.co.uk | November Issue 2022 | Showing World | 75

JUNIOR MOUNTAIN AND MOORLAND CHAMPIONSHIP Chapman for Champion!

In our last issue, we featured 17-year-old Chantelle Chapman and her Fell pony Greenholme Falcon [Dan], because despite an incredibly tough year, the pair booked a return ticket to HOYS having won an enormous junior large breeds class and championship at Derbyshire Festival. It seemed unimaginable just a few months ago that they would be at HOYS, let alone that they would win and stand champion.

Yet that’s exactly what happened against a backdrop of cheers, tears and rapturous applause.

11-year-old Dan is sired by Greenholme Look at Me and is out of Greenholme Shandy. Chantelle’s mum, Victoria Oliver found Dan six years ago when he was just a five-year-old.

Dan and Chantelle have enjoyed a super run together, including winning the SEIB Search for a Star final in 2018 and later winning their mountain and moorland working hunter pony class at Windsor, securing placings at the RIHS and a fourth last year at HOYS. Things became harder for the pair and for Chantelle’s family earlier this year when in March, Victoria was sadly diagnosed with cancer and she continues to battle with it, despite discovering that it is in fact terminal.

With Mum in hospital, Grandad stepped in to drive the lorry and Chantelle’s brother Bobby graduated to the groom’s position, with Bobby and Chantelle really pulling together during this time.

76 | Showing World | November Issue 2022 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk

Melau Aramis ridden by Lilly Walker

HOYS 2021 saw Lilly Walker stand second and reserve champion mountain and moorland junior with section A Amilas Clicquot, but this year went one better in the class riding her mum, Samantha Walker’s golden palomino Welsh section B Melau Aramis [Teddy], before going on to match her championship spot. Six-year-old Teddy is produced by Lauren Brill and Lauren partnered him in novice classes, winning the revered Picton Novice final at the NPS championships. This year, he has had a super season, winning his first open qualifier and taking an RIHS ticket at BSPS Area 4A. He also qualified for the HOYS open breed class with Lauren, finishing third before she handed over the reins to Lilly the following day.

Samantha said: “It’s an absolute dream come true, a total shock! everyone had been telling me how nice he was, but you never quite believe it until it happens. Lots can go wrong on the day, but he was an absolute superstar and loved the atmosphere.”

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info@showingworldonline.co.uk | November Issue 2022 | Showing World | 77

First Receiver

SEIB RACEHORSE TO RIDING HORSE 2022 First Receiver of Fairytale Royal Win The late HMQ Elizabeth II, now His Majesty The King’s, ex-racehorse, First Receiver fulfilled a dream of the late Queen in taking the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse championship at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) on the 5th October in the International Arena at the Birmingham NEC. Her Majesty had long wished for one of her home-bred horses to win at Horse of the Year Show and First Receiver, beautifully produced and ridden by Essex based, Katie JerramHunnable was the convincing winner of the 2022 running of this series set up by SEIB Insurance Brokers to help give thoroughbreds a second career after retiring from the racecourse.

Katie Jerram said: “The Queen’s passion was for her horses – and homebred’s in particular.

When I was first approached twenty years ago, Her Majesty wanted one to win at HOYS and now we have finally done it!” At just five years old, First Receiver was foot perfect in the International Arena at Horse of the Year Show.

Debt of Honour

Imperial Ruby

Ride judge, Magnus Nicholson said of his winner: “He gave a beautiful and comfortable ride, for a young horse he was obedient and used his corners and had a lovely mouth.”

In qualifying for the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse championship, First Receiver and Katie gave Her Majesty her last ever showing victory. The pair won at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials on Sunday 4th September 2022 to qualify for this prestigious HOYS championship. Katie continued: “Her Majesty knew that First Receiver had won at Burghley, her head groom Terry Pendry passed on the news straight after the class.

We were so upset, along with the whole world in the death of Her Majesty. First Receiver only came out of training eighteen months ago. He was tricky to start with and has taken time. By the time of the Hartpury Racehorse to Riding Horse qualifier in the summer we felt he was ready and the Queen always wanted her best horses to go to HOYS.” Katie and First Receiver took third place at the Hartpury qualifier before winning a few weeks later at Burghley.

Rich Man Poor Man

Top show producer, Mr Richard Ramsay judged conformation in the final, he commented: “It was fabulous to see a group of such quality horses in the final. Our winner was a lovely young horse with a lot of potential and exceptionally clean limbs – he

Wonga Swinger

had manners to burn.” During his racing days, First Receiver was in training with Sir Michael Stoute, he ran several times on the flat and won once and was placed. He earned just shy of £20,000 during his racing career. Previously Katie and HM The Queen’s former Cheltenham Gold Cup runner, Barbers Shop, twice took the reserve title in the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse HOYS championship.

Another five-year-old took the runner-up spot in the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse championship. Tracy Bailey and her own horse, Debt of Honour impressed the judges to take second. Tracy said: “This is just his first season showing. The Racehorse to Riding Horse championship is such a great series.

We’ve always commented at the SEIB shows the staff are so accommodating and it is all very smoothly run.” Debt of Honour has had a busy first season showing. Tracy added: “In the long-term we will aim him at open classes.

He is such a good learner.” Debt of Honour ran on the flat and in one hurdle race in his racing days, he was trained by Neil Mulholland and is

by Kyllachy.

Mumford

Sarah Gwilliam riding Sar Cassidy-Hill’s Imperial Ruby took third place on their second visit to HOYS in this championship.

Last year they finished in 8th place. Sar has owned Imperial Ruby since he was “weeks old”. Imperial Ruby He was trained

by Mick Channon and was placed fourth once at Kempton. Sar added: “He now does everything, side-saddle, jumping, dressage. He lives in or out and has a very nice home life!”

Imperial Ruby was ex-racehorse champion at Hickstead earlier this season.

Golden Bird

In fourth place was the ex-Philip Kirby trained, Rich Man Poor Man owned by Morean Hamilton and ridden by Kirstine Douglas. Tori Thomas and Wonga Swinger took fifth and former HOYS runner-up, Mumford and Claire Oliver took sixth for owner Sarah Hartland.

SEIB Marketing Manager Nicolina Mackenzie said: “We could not have anticipated this result. We are so proud that the late Queen’s horse has won today and absolutely delighted for Katie. It really is a dream come true.

Ex-racehorses are really beginning to make their mark on the showing world and each and every year, the standard of conformation and re-training improves.”

Malibu Dancer

FULL RESULTS: 1st

2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th

First Receiver, owned by the late HMQ Elizabeth II now His Majesty The King and ridden by Katie Jerram-Hunnable Debt of Honour, owned and ridden by Tracey Bailey Imperial Ruby, owned by Sars Cassidy-Hill and ridden by Sarah Gwilliam Rich Man Poor Man, owned by Morean Hamilton and ridden by Kirstine Douglas Wonga Swinger, owned and ridden by Tori Thomas Mumford, owned by Sarah Hartland and ridden by Claire Oliver Golden Bird, owned by Lindsay McCulloch and ridden by Richard Telford First Fandango, owned and ridden by Hannah Chisman Malibu Dancer, owned by Katie Atkinson and ridden by Ben Ferris First Fandango

The heavy, miniature and Arab horses Little, Large and In Between The miniature horses were judged on the show’s last day. The championship was won by south Wales based Charlotte Richards leading her own Amblynn Tiramisu [Teddy]. The five-year-old Power Bucks Minotaur stallion qualified at Royal Bath & West. Charlotte found Teddy on Preloved as a three-year-old, and this was his first trip to HOYS. It was a poignant first win for Charlotte, as she lost her father suddenly after a short illness just weeks ago. “Dad always wanted to see me win at HOYS,” she said, “and now we’ve done it. It makes it all the more special to us.”

At quite the other end of the height spectrum, Lindy Winship’s Westfield Calendar Girl

[Callie] topped the Ridden Heavy Horse of the Year Championship ridden by Emma Green.

Bred by the Clayton family, Callie is sired by Bickerscourt William out of Westfield Cover Girl.

She has contested just a handful of shows this season, winning the open ridden at the National Shire show and standing champion, then qualifying for HOYS at Stafford County. At her third show, the Royal Three Counties, she made history by qualifying for the Shire horse in-hand final at HOYS, the first horse to “do the double,” explained Lindy. The win came as something of a surprise for Lindy. She said: “Emma didn’t tell me she’d entered her; she made a lastminute decision to take her and she won the in hand HOYS class for Shire Horse of the Year.

It was a total shock being sent a picture of a

rosette saying ‘put your glasses on and read the words!’ Emma and Richard Green are just the loveliest family that have taken me into their world of heavy horses and I can honestly say I’ve never had so much fun with such lovely people.” Hollie Butterworth and her own Acle Director landed the reserve spot.

The Shire Horse Society’s Shire Horse of the Year Championship was the first into the Andrews Bowen International Arena on the final night of the show.

The 17 finalists looked a magical sight trotting into the arena and down the centreline one-by-one.

by Charlotte Richards Westfield Calendar Girl ridden by Emma Green 82 | Showing World | NovemberAmblynn IssueTiramisu 2022handled | info@showingworldonline.co.uk

Acle Carousel shown by Henry Pattison

Having already assessed them in the Top Spec Arena, judge, Mike Horler chose threeyear-old filly, Acle Carousel as his eventual champion, handled by Henry Pattison. Carousel, out of Acle Hello Topsy and by Catwg Welsh Challenger already stands at 18.1hh.

“That was a bit surreal,” said a disbelieving Henry. When asked what she was like as a character, he said, “she’s like a big puppy dog; your classic gentle giant.”

Colloe Grove Hollywood, owned and shown by Jason Holder, finished as runner-up.

The 2022 Simon Constable Equine Vets and Binley Arabian Caroline Sussex Ridden Purebred Arab of the Year Championship saw Arabian horse afficionado Clare Fitch produce her ninth winner with Sue Robinson’s “comedian” AJA Gulliano, ridden on this occasion by David Frogatt on account of Clare having four qualified for the final. Clare, who partnered the nine-year-old to the RIHS breed final earlier this summer, took back the reins for the supreme championship.

Clare and her husband Steven McCormick have known Gulliano since he was a yearling, with Steven showing him in-hand before Clare took over the reins with him, with the pair going on to win two National Championships titles and HOYS for the first time in 2018. In reserve was Tracey Hateley’s Cipriana ridden by Jade Hateley.

AJA Gulliano ridden by David Frogatt

Minis It’s interesting that first and second in each of the mini classes were led by men, yet the winning riders were little girls, as was the second placed lead rein show pony rider. Finlay Clay was the only exception, riding both the second placed native mini leadrein and hunter pony lead rein. Whilst this isn’t the place to explore this, it certainly provides food for thought.

The first of the week’s mini classes, the Colne Mountain and Moorland lead rein class saw last year’s champion come to the fore and ultimately, repeat his 2021 feat. This was Brogan West’s Shilstone Rocks Thunderbird, ridden by Brogan’s daughter Willow West, and led by producer John Harvey, who looked extremely relieved and cut a heart-warming picture hugging Thunderbird afterwards!

The 12-year-old from was purchased from Cheryl Elcock for Willow after Brogan saw him advertised on Facebook during the pandemic. Brogan explained that Thunderbird introduced Willow to the ring, adding “Willow is so lucky to have this pony; he is a true lead rein, only ridden by Willow and just lunged for 15 minutes before going in. I trust him

Shilstone Rocks Thunderbird ridden by Willow West and led by John Harvey

100% looking after Willlow. Our trio leading the champions into the main arena for the supreme was very special.”

In reserve for the mini mountain and moorland title was a combination that needs little introduction: Lilly Ahern-Lee and Rachel Brightmore’s super-cool Shetland gelding Lotuspoint Cassius. Cassius is leased to Lilly’s mum, Alex Ahern, and aunty, Kirsty Pickles as Rachel’s own daughter, Olivia has now outgrown him after he safely carried her through the first ridden ranks and into open Shetland classes, competing at Olympia aged nine.

Similarly, Cass has often been safely negotiating busy open breed and coloured go-rounds with his current – and tiny! – charge Lilly. Last season, Lilly and Cass were placed in no less than four classes and were supreme junior coloured at the RIHS, before being placed 4th at HOYS in the open, and capturing the hearts of all spectators at the LIHS when they were 5th, Best of Breed and highest place junior. These days, they can also be found putting their skills to use on Instagram as Kingsland’s only junior brand ambassador.

The second placed first ridden was Katherine Bowling-Hartenfeld’s Welsh section A gelding ridden by five-year-old Alice Hartenfeld. The final pony forwards in the championship was Heather Clay’s RIHS reserve champion, Dartmoor Springwater Tactician, led Craig Elenor and ridden

by Finlay Clay.

Lotuspoint Cassius ridden by Lilly Ahern-Lee

Craig and Fin also steered the prolific former HOYS winning and BSPS supreme champion Cadlanvalley SuperTed to the second spot in the show hunter pony lead rein class. They were pipped to the post by Newoak Midnight Blue. Producers Adam Forster and David Jinks spotted the four-year-old at breeder Jackie Newberry’s home and instantly fell for him. “I saw him and told David right away, ‘I’m bringing this one home’, so that’s what we did,” said Adam, who led him to victory in the lead rein hunter pony class, having notched up two seconds in the same class on previous occasions. He was ridden by five-year-old Scarlett Smith – also a firsttimer – who was riding on behalf of her grandmother Naomi Bradwell, one of the Jinks Team’s most longstanding clients.

Similarly, five-year-old Millie Knipe smashed her first HOYS appearance by winning the show pony lead rein class and mini championship riding Derw Dream Boy led by Millie’s dad, James. Though only lightly campaigned this season, the pair had already made quite an impression on the showing world when they took the supreme championship at the BSPS Summer Championships. The Westgrove Dark Secret five-yearold is out of Heniarth Hushabye and was purchased directly from his breeder Julia Owen. Mum and Dad team James and Jade broke him in, brought him on themselves and continue to produce him from home.

Newoak Midnight Blue ridden by Scarlett Smith and led by Adam Forster Derw Dream Boy ridden by Millie Knipe and led by James Knipe

Little legend Seamoor Lady Derby [Jessie] repeated her 2022 RIHS feat and stood mini reserve having won the first ridden with Anya Dewey-Clarke riding beyond her years in the saddle. Now owned by Anna Clarke, Jessie has had an impressive career, being mini champion twice at the RIHS and 2017 pony supreme as a lead rein with James Burchell in the saddle re, and now reserve with Anya, 7 at Hickstead and again at the NEC. Also in the mini championship were second placed lead rein, Lucy Richardson’s Cosford Glamorize ridden by Penny Richardson, and second placed first ridden, Rebecca Hartland’s Barkway Alfie Moon ridden by Lola Carabine.

Seamoor Lady Derby ridden by Anya

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ALex Windross and Herbie with Chris Hunnable Katie Jerram Hunnable and Jordan Cook

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SEIB SEARCH FOR A STAR Report by Jenny Viner | Photos by 1st Class Images

Herbie Takes Top Honours in SEIB Search for a Star Cardiology nurse, Alex Windross and her grey riding horse, Herbie, took the much-coveted amateur showing title in the SEIB Insurance Brokers Search for a Star Championship at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) on the 7th October. As the results were announced in the main HOYS international arena on Friday afternoon, it took a few seconds for Alex’s win to sink in before her moment in the iconic HOYS spotlights with Herbie.

To compete in the Search for a Star finals at Horse of the Year Show is a dream for legions of amateur showing enthusiasts, let alone be the one to finish as overall Search for a Star champion. SEIB Insurance Brokers set the series up in the mid-1990’s and it has been a popular fixture at HOYS since and gone from strength to strength. This year alone, nearly a thousand competitors have taken part in one of the nationwide Search for a Star qualifying shows, with just fifty making it through to the HOYS championship. Many Search for a Star competitors and finalists have made the most of the expert support offered by the team of top judges and gone on to success in open classes.

Top show producer, Katie Jerram-Hunnable and former Olympic eventer, Chris Jerram-Hunnable judged conformation and former Search for a Star champions, turned leading show producer Jordan Cook was ride and performance judge in the finals at HOYS. Jordan said: “It is an honour and a great pleasure to judge for the Search for a Star team, giving back to others what the series gave to me.” Both Katie and Chris spoke over the microphone during the classes which provided some very educational and entertaining insights.

The winners of each Search for a Star final throughout the week at HOYS went forward to the Search for a Star Championship in the International Arena on the Friday afternoon of HOYS. Each of the Search for a Star winners shone in the buzzy atmosphere and the judges had a tough choice in naming the overall champion and reserve. Herbie was foot-perfect and he stood impeccably still to receive his top prize from the judges before executing a mannerly HOYS centre line trot under the spotlights with Alex.

Alex, from North Yorkshire, said: “I absolutely didn’t believe it when they announced the results! Just to be riding here is a dream come true, let alone to have won!

I have been coming to HOYS to watch with a friend for years, and to come and ride here with the likes of the Whitakers really is a dream.” Herbie is mainly competed

by Alex as a dressage horse, she continued: “I bought my first horse, Freddie, when I was 18, he was very nervous and I found the only activity he really enjoyed was showing. Sadly, I lost him this March, just before his 28th birthday. That is when I decided to show Herbie, one last little dedication to Freddie. When we entered the Search for a Star qualifier at Vale View, back in April, we thought we’d see how we got on – it was Herbie’s first showing show and so exciting that we qualified.” Alex and Herbie won the Search for a Star riding horse final on the Thursday at HOYS before coming forward for the Friday championship in the international HOYS arena.

Alex has owned Herbie since he was a four-year-old, she explained: “It was a choice of Herbie or a new kitchen. Herbie won. We only started competing last year and are members of Whitby riding club Herbie and I are part of a quest

Alex Windross and Herbie

Maxine Linas and An Bauchaill Ban Bui

dressage team, The Mane Event.” Alex works as a cardiology nurse at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough. The horses have to fit in around Alex’s shifts at the hospital: “It is hard to juggle sometimes with the riding and mucking out after working nights.

I’m not back at work now until Monday so I plan to enjoy the weekend!”

Small business owner, Maxine Linas and her own dun and white gelding, An Buachaill Ban Bui, took the Search for a Star reserve champion title. This pair thoroughly enjoyed their HOYS experience, they are more often found out competing in British Eventing at BE90 level. Maxine said: “I’ve always wanted to go to HOYS, Bandit – as we call him at home – has been amazing this week. After we won the working horse Search for a Star final yesterday I was delighted and my aim was to have a few celebratory drinks and find my navy jacket for today! We have put a lot of work into this week, Bandit has been swimming and to hydrotherapy in the run up.”

Maxine and Bandit are new to showing, the pair qualified for HOYS at the Stoneleigh qualifier back in July, Maxine explained: “We went to a working hunter class at the Aintree show and the judge said we should have a go at Search for a Star so we came along! Bandit has a varied life and I’ve owned him for two years now, we have plenty of fun together.” Maxine runs a social media marketing company, Maximise Social.

Hannah Johnston and B Unique with Nicky Mackenzie

COB The cob final was the first Search for a Star championship of the week on the Wednesday of HOYS. The class is open to cobs and maxi cobs and their amateur riders.

Gloucestershire based Hannah Johnson riding Linda Penfold’s skewbald gelding, B Unique won the Search for a Star HOYS cob final. Hannah said: “B Unique loves going to a show, he was just great today. It has been a steep learning curve! I can’t believe it!” Hannah and B Unique went to their first show in 2021. It was a Search for a Star qualifier at West Wilts Equestrian Centre. Hannah said: “We took him along to see what it would be like and we came third. The judges were so nice and encouraged us. They said our tack was wrong but that he had lots of potential. We changed the tack and have worked really hard. The help and support we have had from SEIB has been great. The team are helpful not critical and we probably wouldn’t have come back this year if they hadn’t been so encouraging.” It is pure chance that Hannah is riding B Unique, Hannah explained: “B Unique belonged to his owner, Linda’s, best friend since he was a foal, she very sadly got cancer and died a few years ago. B Unique was out on loan when Linda was alerted that he wasn’t getting on with his people. We had him for two weeks to start off with and he has stayed ever since, Linda has been so supportive.”

HACK The riding horse hack final was as always run as one class at HOYS, with one hack winner and one riding horse winner, both going through to the Search for a Star Championship on the Friday. The Search for a Star champions, Alex Windross and Herbie won the riding horse final.

Sarah Lindsey from Leicestershire and her five-year-old, second generation homebred, bay mare, Just Elusive won the Search for a Star hack final. A delighted Sarah said: “Eleven years ago we took Just Elusive’s dam, Just Maybe to Search for a Star and qualified and attended the HOYS finals! I am so delighted that Just Elusive is following in her mother’s footsteps. We looked up the rules to make sure that it was ok to come back to Search for a Star and as it was over 10 years ago we decided we had to give it a go.”

Sarah bred both Just Maybe and Just Elusive. She added: “It has taken time and we will eventually aim for open hack classes.” Sarah works in the Land Rover warehouse.

Sarah Lindsey and Just Elusive

HUNTERS The Search for a Star hunter championship was run on the Friday of HOYS before the Search for a Star championship in the international HOYS arena later in the afternoon.

Sarah Moreland from Hertfordshire and her own bay gelding, Coultard Z took top spot in a very competitive Search for a Star hunter final. HOYS has always been top of the bucket list dream for Sarah, her late father was a steward at HOYS for many years and retired in 2013.

Sarah said: “This is my dream, I’ve grown up around horses and been coming to HOYS since I was little.

Coultard is the most wonderful horse. Search for a Star has given us an opportunity in coming to HOYS that we would otherwise never have had. The judges have been fantastic, the support and training offered by Search for a Star is fantastic.” Coultard competes in many different things including dressage and side-saddle. He even competes in para dressage with grade 4 rider, Georgina Maton. Sarah continued: “Coultard’s nickname is Scottie, Sandra Lowmitchell found him, I flew up to Scotland and saw that he was perfect for what I was looking for – at the time it was a choice between buying a nice horse or a nice car and he won hands down!” Scottie was bred in Aberdeenshire.

Sarah Moreland and Coultard Z Hunter

TRADITIONAL COB The Search for a Star traditional cob HOYS final was held on the Wednesday of HOYS. This popular class is in its third year at HOYS and is open to traditional cobs registered with the Traditional Gypsy Cob Association and ridden by amateur riders.

The striking, palomino and white gelding, Hermits Golden Safari took the traditional cob Search for a Star final with his owner and rider, Kirsty Sheath. A thrilled Kirsty, from Leighton Buzzard, said: “I am so delighted with him.

This is a great opportunity and it has given us so much confidence.

I work as a saddler and have had lots of my customers texting saying good luck for today! We have owned Hermits Golden Safari for the last two years but

he has had severe ulcers and travelling has been a big issue.

We now seem to have the ulcers under control, but we try not to travel him too far or put him under any stress.” Hermits Golden Safari is the first traditional cob that Kirsty and her mum Jean Sheath have owned. Kirsty continued: “My mum always wanted a traditional and he was our lockdown purchase – I think mum had pretty much bought him before she’d even seen him.

He loves life though and hacks, jumps and has the best attitude.

We have now just bought another young traditional!” This pair now plan to compete in open traditional classes.

Kirsty Sheath and Hermits Golden Safari

WORKING HORSE / PONY The working horse and pony final was as always run as one class at HOYS, with one horse winner and one pony winner, both going through to the Search for a Star Championship on the Friday. The overall reserve Search for a Star champions, Maxine Linas and An Buachaill Ban Bui were the winners of the Search for a Star Working Horse final on the Thursday of HOYS.

Natalie Pastor and Langorra Ginger Port with Nicky Mackenzie

Warwickshire based, Natalie Pastor and her homebred six-year-old New Forest gelding, Langorra Ginger Port won the working pony Search for a Star final at HOYS. Natalie said: “It is amazing to have won, you just never know what is going to happen and you can’t replicate a show like this. He kept his cool and was great today. It is a miracle we were even here today as he has had time off and only came back into work a month ago, he has done plenty of swimming lately which has paid off!” Langorra Ginger Port was bred by Natalie out of her New Forest working hunter pony mare, Portmore Lil. Natalie added: “It was always the plan to breed from our lovely mare. We bred two foals from her while I was away at uni, the other one went to Ireland and I kept Larry. He is home bred, I backed him and have produced him myself.” Larry is by Woodrow Portman who competed at HOYS in flat and working hunter pony finals. Natalie

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and Langorra Ginger Port have also qualified for the Search for a Star finals at Your Horse Live next month in the mountain and moorland final.

SEIB Insurance Brokers set up the Search for a Star series, with its HOYS finals nearly 30 years ago to give amateur riders and their horses the chance to compete at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). The series has led to many thrilled competitors achieving this dream.

SEIB Marketing Manager Nicolina Mackenzie said: “Search for a Star has been fabulous this year. We have had more people than ever before coming to the qualifiers, keen to realise their dream of riding here at HOYS. We are humbled by the thanks from so many competitors for the support and training provided by our top team of judges and trainers who genuinely want to help our competitors and see them improve in order to achieve their goals and dreams. We are looking forward to seeing some of our competitors compete in open classes next year. Just this afternoon at HOYS, our first ever Search for a Star mountain and moorland champions, Chantelle Chapman and Greenholme Falcon went on to win the junior mountain and moorland Ridden Pony of the Year championship.”

THE FULL RESULTS TRADITIONAL COB CHAMPIONSHIP 1st Hermits Golden Safari, owned and ridden by Kirsty Sheath nd 2 The General II, owned by Alice Geldeard and ridden by Hollie Atkinson rd 3 Valiant Soldier, owned and ridden

by Tara Kingston-Smith th 4 Woodhouse Supreme, owned and ridden by Rachel Motley th 5 Colour of Money, owned and ridden

by Laura Cox th 6 Big Mac, owned by Jacqui Down and ridden by Beth Gibson

COB CHAMPIONSHIP 1st B Unique, owned by Linda Penfold and ridden by Hannah Johnson nd 2 Heath, owned and ridden by Mollie Longworth rd 3 Dali Havidson, owned and ridden

by Felicity Benton th 4 Gran Reserve, owned by Lorraine Dixon and ridden by Yvonne Major th 5 Kas Nickleby, owned and ridden by Cat Griffiths th 6 Rhythm and Jazz, owned and ridden by Laura Dobson

WORKING PONY 1st Langorra Ginger Port, owned and ridden by Natalie Pastor nd 2 Chester, owned and ridden by Lauren Metcalfe rd 3 Dunaskin Gimlie, owned by Eleanor Crate and ridden by Dana Simpson th 4 Mosshey Centurion, owned and ridden by Georgia Norton th 5 Muddycreek Milford, owned and ridden by Leah Edgar

WORKING HORSE 1st An Buachaill Ban Bui, owned and ridden by Maxine Linas nd 2 Notley King of Hearts, owned and ridden by Mollie Rodgers rd 3 Graffite V, owned and ridden by Emily Quillian th 4 Pferde Stud Cezanne, owned and ridden by Rebekah Young th 5 Candle Line, owned by Dawn Mather and ridden by Sarah Mather

RIDING HORSE HACK 1st RIDING HORSE - Herbie, owned and ridden by Alex Windross st 1 HACK - Just Elusive, owned and ridden by Sarah Lindsey rd 3 Dewi’s Mate, owned and ridden by Jenni Savolainen 4th 1st Tiger Lady, owned and ridden

by Rachel Lambert th 5 Leap of Faith, owned and ridden by Carly Sneddon th 6 Port Lou Lou, owned by Kirsty Wilson and ridden by Finn Williamson

HUNTER 1st Coultard Z owned and ridden by Sarah Moreland nd 2 Gifted Z, owned and ridden by Abbie Emms rd 3 Dowdstown Pride, owned and ridden by Carol Capaner 4th Bowland Shooting Star, owned and ridden by Rachel Bond th 5 Eyebrook Mardale, owned by Fiona Haley and ridden by Abbie Haley 6th Pearl Panshine, owned and ridden

by Lucy Askey

info@showingworldonline.co.uk | November Issue 2022 | Showing World | 91

SEIB Search for a Star 2022 HOYS Champion Alex Windross and her own Herbie

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

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SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse 2022 Champion Katie Jerram-Hunnable and First Receiver, owned by HRH King Charles III

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