Showing World Sept/Oct 2022 (170)

Showing World Issue 170 October 2022 www.showingworldonline.co.uk

Issue 170 - October 2022

Gill Thompson: The Producer’s Producer

Meet the combinations off to HOYS against the odds

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2 | Showing World | October Issue 2022 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk

OUR OWN

A Note From Our Editor Dear Reader, I have a burning question: where did July and August go? Or even June? Talk about a ‘blink-and-you’ll-miss-it’ season…! It’s with mixed feelings that I am greeting these crisper September mornings. The wellies have been dug back out, and there have been rainy hacks – albeit fairly warm ones. My fields are greener, though I know that won’t be for too much longer, and chilled fingertips have already been searching under quilted pony-rugs for hints of the cold.

Of course, this September has already been made a memorable one.

In the years to come, we’ll all remember where we were when news of our late Queen’s death broke headlines. We’ll all remember what we were doing. We’ll remember the ripples of shock and waves of sadness that hit the country. We’ll remember the dignified grief and the stoicism displayed by her children and family as they dealt with their own private grief while simultaneously leading a country in its mourning, too. And of course, we’ll remember her.

Maggie and I had the honour of meeting The Queen with Jimmy, our section C stallion in 2014. During our conversation with her, she made a comment that would resonate with us, and it continues to: “It’s easy to find a good horse, but it’s so difficult to find a special one.” Isn’t that so true? For me, it wasn’t just the relatable quality of the remark that struck me. It’s that such insightful simplicity deftly demonstrated the wealth of experience she had as a horsewoman, and her passion for the sport. Of course, her accomplishments are too numerous to mention here. Reflecting on the season, however, I am doubly pleased that she was able to witness her own homebred horses – particularly Balmoral Leia – achieve such tremendous success at what will have been her final Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Though her equestrian legacy will live on for many, many years to come, my thoughts are with Lizzie Briant, Katie Jerram-Hunnable, Terry Pendry, Sylvia Ormiston and others who have enjoyed riding

Sarah Field’s Murvey George (Real Time Imaging)

with and for her, breeding and producing for her, benefitting from her wisdom as a superb horsewoman, and who will miss her influence sorely.

Of course, to our nation and the world at large, she was so much more than a horsewoman, and you cannot help but admire her deft ability as a mother, woman, and Queen to lead so aptly through decades of unimaginable change in society. It’s strange to think that if you’re reading this in September or October 2022, it’s unlikely that you will see another Queen on the British throne. How lucky we were that she was such a special one.

Forgive me for saying, but I don’t think she would forgive the slipping of standards in our own stables during this month as the showing community counts down to HOYS! I hope that young riders – and slightly older ones – are all looking forwards to the show, especially if riding there for the first time. Much of this issue is dedicated to the final qualifiers and to the show itself.

The Breeders Digest in particular looks at the lineup for the Price Family Supreme, which has to be the calendar’s finest celebration of breeding. I’ve also thrown a light on some combinations that are HOYS bound despite the odds, because we all know it’s difficult enough when the odds are stacked in our favour, let alone when they are not. With that in mind, please remember that whatever happens, you qualified and you were there. So win or lose, be gracious and kind, be sincere in your congratulations, and most of all, enjoy it.

The very best of luck, I’ll see you there…

- Beth

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Contents 12

Gill Thompson: The Producer’s Producer

32 Exclusive insights with the HOYS Judges NPS Summer Championships

82

Off to HOYS against the odds

16

BSPS Summer Championsips

86 Breeder’s Digest

24

16

41

80

Front cover: Camilla Stowell Davies riding Glenkeeran Dance In The Deep Photo by 1st Class Images

Editorial: Beth Simons

beth.simons@showingworldonline.co.uk

Why not subscribe and sign up to our free monthly newsletter for yet more content from the Showing World team? www.showingworldonline.co.uk Follow us on Facebook @ShowingWorld

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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SHOWING

NEWS

September October 2022

THE SHOWING

REGISTER

The Showing Register: An Update!

your inbox in September. We would like to thank all the TSR judges for their hard work over the season supporting shows.

Amateur Points League If you have been out and about you could have gained points to take part in the TSR Amateur Points League! You can collect points at clinics, dressage, combined training, ODE and shows! Download the points booklet from the TSR website, fill it in and send back by 15th November 2022 to win some fab rosettes! FREE for TSR Members or £6 for everyone else.

Change to Membership Year The TSR membership year will be changing for 2023, it will start from 1st January each year instead of the 1st of November.

Ride Judge Training and Assessment TSR will be holding a Ride Judge training morning and assessment on the 30th Oct in Gloucestershire. If you are interested, please contact Sarah on info@theshowingregister.co.uk TSR at HOYS Good Luck to all the TSR members competing at HOYS have a great time. The TSR trade stand will be in the Topspec Arena so we might see you there!

TSR Judges Renewals Watch out TSR Judges for your renewal email, it will have landed in

info@showingworldonline.co.uk | October Issue 2022 | Showing World | 5

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.

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“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: • • • • • • • •

Breeder of the Year Junior of the Year Pony of the Year Show Horse of the Year Veteran Horse Society Horse or Pony of the Year Groom of the Year Show Rider of the Year Show Handler of the Year

• • • • •

Show Team of the Year Coloured Show Horse or Pony of the Year Show Area of the Year Show Personality of the Year SEIB Outstanding Achievement Award

Nominations will be sent in via the Showing World website, which will subsequently be reviewed and shortlisted by a panel of judges and then put to public vote. Nominations will open shortly - keep an eye on our social media platforms for the announcement.

The winners will be revealed on the evening of the awards!

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 sposorship brochure and discover the full range of perks available.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! info@showingworldonline.co.uk | October Issue 2022 | Showing World | 7

Lunesdale Burnt Sugar and Lily Gaulton at Dalemain

Fell Pony Society Breed Show Report by Claire Simpson Photos by Lucy Jones Photography The Fell Pony Society, which is celebrating its Centenary this year, held its 49th Breed show in the beautiful surroundings of Dalemain House near Ullswater, Cumbria. The Society welcomed members from Denmark, Sweden, the USA, and the Netherlands, whose daughter Fell Pony Society (NFPS) is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, which was marked with a presentation of a beautiful commemorative rosette and the Centenary book ‘A Century of Fells’; the NFPS presented FPS President Christine Morton with a beautiful hand-painted plate to record the joint celebrations. The Society also invited all past Presidents to join the celebrations. There was a happy celebratory atmosphere, and many tourists also joined the crowd to watch the ponies competing in the afternoon sun.

Bert Morland reigned supreme with his six-year-old Lunesdale Brown Sugar, shown by Lily Gaulton. This much admired, very typey mare, came out on top in the very strong class of in hand mares 4-7 years old, which was judged by Roy Ottink from the Netherlands, whose decision was then ratified in the judging of the supreme championship later in the day. Gilly Chippendale’s lovely yearling, Lammerside Hazel, took the overall reserve supreme. Gilly also won the class for two-year-old fillies with Hazel’s elder sister Lammerside Eclipse.

Other winners in hand included Frances Hoggarth and Banksgate Elidor who took the geld mares over eight years and reserve champion female. John Cockbain won the class for three-year-old fillies with Carrock Daenerys, and Edwin Winder won the trophy for the best three-year-old bred by a native heath breeder with Dalewin Willow. Dalewin ponies also ensured that Lunesdale Black Ice II won the stallion progeny with Uptown Jen, Uptown Girl and Willow all representing this lovely stallion. Eileen Walker’s prolific Rackwood Magic won the group class for mare progeny, represented by Rackwoods Aurora, Black Magic and Magic’s

Lammerside Hazel with Nicola Chippendale

Dalefoot Amber II ridden by Olivia Swales

Lownthwaite Heidi ridden by Mary Bell and led by mum, Alison

Finale. A previous champion, the beautiful Murthwaite Magic Moment won the veterans in hand for Joanna Minns.

It was lovely to see six foals forward on the day, the Potter family won the classes for the mare with colt foal at foot with Murthwaite Westerly, and the best overall foal with her colt foal. Eileen Walker won the class for the mare with a filly foal with Rackwood Black Magic, whose foal, Rackwood Hermione won the filly foal class.

The in-hand classes for geldings and youngstock were judged by David Wilkinson who awarded the in hand gelding championship to Sally Atkinson’s ten-year-old Catterlen Gary’s Lad with Courtney Savage’s four-year-old homebred gelding Deepghyll Mighty Joe in reserve. Matthew Fearon’s colt Setmabanning Poldark won the yearling class and the youngstock reserve championship. Patsy Drake’s Crowtree Gideon won the class for three-yearold geldings.

In the ridden rings the overall championship went to Olivia Swales, who had a fabulous day with Dalefoot Amber II; this lovely twelve-year-old mare won the open riding class for mares and the Horse of the Year Show qualifier under judges Beverley Hodgson and Chris Grant; but having already qualified, the ticket went to Townend Faithful and Belle Errington-Anderson.

Reserve champion ridden, and best young handler, went to Hollie McGauley and Rundales Trooper, winners of the class for juniors under 18 years and the junior ridden championship; with Georgina Mallinson and Cargenwater Casanova in reserve.

Other juniors winning their classes included sisters Sarah and Mary Bell who won the best turned out and lead rein classes with Lownthwaite Heidi under judge Melissa Kreuzer, who had travelled from the USA. Imogen Cockbain won the first ridden class with Carrock Elsa. Emily Cheetham won the under 14 years class with Bracklinn Sam and also won the young judges class.

Ivy Wrigley made everyone smile by winning the fancy dress class with Murthwaite Ripley at just three years old.

The novice ridden championship went to Anna Metcalfe with Unwins Storm, who had also won the traditional ridden for stallions and geldings; with Bethan Lewis and novice mare winner, Lunesdale Forget Me Not, in reserve.

Other winners in the ridden classes included Moathouse Jack The Lad and Mandy Jackson who won the nursery novice; Townend Elfin and Abby Cockbain took the mares traditional walk and trot; Rosefell T Reg and Alex Robinson won the open stallions/ geldings.

Georgina Callister and Heather Prescott judged the working hunter classes where Setmabanning Danny Boy warmed up for the HOYS ridden class by winning the novice working hunter pony class and taking the championship under Sarah Howarth, with Bracklinn Sam ridden by Monika Indrova in reserve. Other classes in the working hunter pony were the beginners which was won by Imogen Cockbain and Carrock Elsa; intermediate won by Georgina Ellis and Harthouse Hillman; and the open which was won by Greenholme Dillon and Anet Safandova.

Louise Younger had an excellent day winning the veteran ridden and two of the dressage classes, judged by Tracey Fox, with Wellbrow Norman taking the ridden class and Prelim 12 and Wellbrow Dodger winning the Novice 24, while Juliet Huddleston took the Introductory with Rosefell T Reg. Judge Sue Millard chose Malc Hogg and Midtown Jemima to win the driving class, and Flo Goodbrand-Lloyd won the cone driving with Hades Hill Perry. Perry had competed in the driving class as part of Tom Lloyds team of four in hand, which is believed to be the first team of four to compete at the Breed show. Tom has

Murthwaite Ripley and Ivy Wrigley

just put the team together this summer and they made a very impressive sight.

Russell Sutcliffe judged the foot classes where Sue Wardle won the class for the pony with the best set of feet shod with Bybeck Jasper, shod by Kyle Doherty; and Georgina Ellis won the unshod class with Harthouse Hillman.

Many thanks to the McCosh family for allowing the Society to use their wonderful venue, all the sponsors and the many volunteers who work tirelessly before, during and after the show to make it such an enjoyable day.

Left to right - Manon Ottink - ten Asbroek, Hans Schrijen and Joyce de Hoogh with FPS President Christine Morton

Sophie Jones presenting the new WHP champion trophy to Sarah Howarth and Setmabanning Danny Boy, with Monika Indrova and Bracklinn Sam in reserve Past Presidents and overseas visitors with Christine Morton and overseas committee chair Sue Millard

Past Presidents - Sally Wood, Barbara Bell, Greta Noble, Jean Ward and Christine Morton

Fielding Tom Sawyer

Eagle Moore Lilly Twitchet

Oakwood Delightful ridden by Clea Kapadia

GILL THOMPSON: THE PRODUCERS’ PRODUCER

By Lady Emma Trebble “What advice would I give to a young producer starting out? Don’t do it!” laughs Gill Thompson. We’re talking in the midst of a storm; Thompson is calm, but concedes that producing show ponies in British weather can be far from fun.

“I do love it though” she explains “I’ve been doing it for 38 years and I’m as motivated as ever. I just love finding a lovely show pony and then watching the pony and jockey come together, to grow, to flourish. That’s why I do it. There’s nothing more exciting.”

2021 saw Thompson produce the Supreme Products HOYS Supreme Pony of the Year, Roseberry Final Edition, perfectly piloted by Ellie Harrington.

This was Thompson’s fifteenth win at HOYS but the producer is not one to rest on her considerable laurels, “You’re only as good as your last win,” she tells Showing World, “last year was fantastic but it’s over, 2022 is a new season and it’s the one you’re in that counts.”

Born in Staffordshire to Ray and Marg Sant; Gill and her brother Steve competed at county level throughout their childhoods, initially home produced with help from Debbie and Dave Machin from the acclaimed Endon Riding School and later by esteemed judge Caroline Whiteley.

Gill saw much success in pony classes, her Colin Rose produced 13.2hh, the Bwlch Valentino sired, Lechlade Violet is still remarked upon for her beautiful way of going and the pair took second place at both

Lechlade Violet

Roseberry Final Edition ridden by Ellie Harrington

Wembley and the Royal International Horse Show as well as countless county titles.

Unlike many of her peers, Thompson made the transition to horse classes and was rewarded for her efforts by taking top honours at the Royal International Horse Show on her light weight hunter Tailor Made.

After finishing school Thompson worked for the inimitable producer Colin Rose. She says she owes much of her success to her time with Rose, “I learned so much from him. I know the meaning of hard work, I’m fond of a rug pulled forward so that it doesn’t rub a pony’s shoulders and before everything is worked it has its mane and tail brushed through and the mane is wet down.”

Rose was also responsible for Gill’s time with the legendary Davina and Lionel Whiteman, “He volunteered that I’d work for them for six weeks,” she explains, “it was an invaluable experience. Davina taught me two things that I still use now: the first is that from the moment a pony arrives on the yard, you’re

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preparing it for Horse of the Year and the second thing was you have to treat them like athletes, you can’t keep them at that top level all year; you have to let them down during the season.”

So other than telling them not to do it what would the petite producer advise the next generation?

“Always be your harshest critic. You can always do better. You can turn out better, you can train better, you can teach better.

You’re never the best you can be.” She continues, “I’m sure it’s controversial to say but I do think they’re best off working for a top producer first. I was quite young when I started off on my own, but I’d served my time with Colin first.

“Nigel and Stuart Hollings were great producers and they worked for Davina. There was a culture of learning with a top producer before thinking about going out on your own that we could move back to.”

Roseberry Final Edition ridden by Ellie Harrington Roseberry Serendipity and Charlotte Thompson

Thompson is not averse to asking for help, stating that it’s important to have a second opinion. For years Vera Holden came and taught at Team Thompson.

Gill described Vera, who sadly passed away just a few weeks ago, as a genius.

Alistair Hood has also been a great help and inspiration, “Alistair has been very kind to me over the years, helping with bitting advice and being the first person to introduce me to ear plugs when they first came out.

“I think it’s important to take advice and inspiration from all fields. I love to watch John Whitaker warm up horses. At HOYS I always go and watch him work his show jumpers. Not necessarily compete but to just work them. He is absolutely incredible.”

There has been much talk about the 1980s being a golden era for showing but Thompson feels there is more to it than meets the eye, “Well there were definitely fewer producers around then but when people talk about huge show pony classes with double rows in the line up; these were county shows with HOYS qualifiers, in pony classes only the show ponies went to Wembley. I think there’s the same number of people showing now as then but they are diluted by the number of options open to them with minis, mountain and moorlands, workers and show hunter ponies able to compete too.

“The number of qualifiers for show ponies has gradually shrunk over the years, we’re eight or nine down on what there used to be.

I think rather than encourage people to strive to get there it’s rather discouraging with competitors feeling it’s out of their reach and to give up and find another sphere.”

Roseberry Highland Fling and Charlotte Thompson

A typical day at Team Thompson sees Gill arriving on the yard around 7am to start feeding.

“I feed Saracen Horse Feeds to everything.

I’m extremely lucky to have a long-standing relationship with them and our rep is very knowledgeable and easy to work with. I also use Equine America supplements; again they’re a company we have a relationship with and they’re very good at what they do.”

Roseberry Highland Fling ridden by Charlotte Thompson

The rest of the team land around 8am and everyone mucks out, with riding and grooming following on. Thompson is a stickler treating every pony as an individual but is a big believer in grooming everything, every day.

“You can’t beat it. It gets their circulation going. You’re using their natural coat oils.

You get to spend time with them too, so you get to know them better. If you strap and groom every day you will see results you can’t get from bathing.”

Insiders have long known that prior to a show, just before loading, Gill grooms everything before it boards Betsy the Oakley.

“I’m sure people think I’m crazy, but the ponies look better for it.”

When starting out, the title Thompson always yearned for was the Children’s Riding Pony of the Year Championship at HOYS. Not one prone to gushing excitement, Thompson lights up at the memory. “The first time I won that was with my own daughter Charlotte and her pony Roseberry Highland Fling. It was an incredibly proud and special moment for me.

I’d won classes and the Mini Championship previously but never the show pony. It

Rotherwood Maybe ridden by Tally Kapadia

was the most special day. Harry was a remarkable pony and he and Charlotte were perfect together.”

After all the years in the sport and all the successes there is one title that eludes Thompson: “I’ve won at the Royal International more than HOYS, over twenty times, but I’ve never produced the Dick Saunders Supreme Pony there. I would love to win that; that’s a career goal for me.”

Attaining that milestone would not be the end for Thompson though, “I always get nervous for every class. It could be a local charity show or the supreme at HOYS. The day I don’t get nervous is the day I should call it quits.”

For the good of the sport Showing World hopes Thompson lives on her nerves for a great many years to come.

What the professionals say: “We always struggled to beat Gill’s ponies at HOYS. I don’t know quite how she does it but she times their performance and presentation to perfection every year.” Nigel Hollings, BSHA Board Member “There’s nobody like Gill. Nobody plaits like her, produces like her, turns out like her. It’s a gift.” Jodie Briers, HOYS Judge “You can tell a Gill Thompson pony a mile off, immaculately turned out and they always go classically and beautifully. Gill’s show ring production is something I’ve always admired.” Sara Parrott, Producer “Gill makes dreams come true!” Kirsty Andrews, owner Roseberry Final Edition

Roseberry Serendipity ridden by Charlotte Thompson

Industry Game Changers: Lycra hoods - when Supreme Products launched their hoods it changed everything. If you’d told me 20 years ago I’d be able to plait the night before a show I’d have thought you mad.

Ear plugs - Alistair Hood gave me a pair for a sensitive pony going into the International Arena at RIHS. I could not believe the difference it made.

Browbands - Richard and Hilary at Showing Selection started making my browbands for me and that changed everything.

Prior to that we all used to make our own. I remember taking my best effort over to show Richard, he took one look at it and said, “I think you need our help!”

Social media - people are far too distracted by what everyone else is doing and saying. Nobody is posting their failures, you can’t believe what you see on there. I just get my head down and get on with my own life.

Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials Racehorse to Riding Horse qualifier 4th September 2022 | Report by Jenny Viner | Photo by T Meeks

A first for Katie Jerram at Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials Katie Jerram won her first ever Burghley title in taking top spot with HM The Queen’s exracehorse, First Receiver, in the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse class held in the main Burghley arena on the event’s final day.

With just one final Horse of the Year Show qualification ticket remaining in the 2022 SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse series, the atmosphere in the class at Burghley was buzzing. Fifteen retrained Thoroughbred exracehorses came forward to vie for the one qualifying spot.

A delighted Katie said: “I can’t quite believe it, I’ve been placed second several times in this class, with Barber’s Shop – also owned by Her Majesty – but to have done it with this beautiful young horse, is simply brilliant.

There will certainly be a lot of excitement at Balmoral over this later today!!” At just five-yearsold, First Receiver was one of the youngest horses in the class.

Katie continued: “He has had five wins this year in just seven outings, he is very much a horse for the future, he’s not going to be put under pressure and when deciding about coming here today, Terry Pendry told me if he

feels ready then bring him.”

The class judges, Michaela Bowling (ride) and David Ingle (conformation) enjoyed their time in the main Burghley arena.

Michaela commented: “Our winner was a joyful, free young horse. He went brilliantly and I very much look forward to seeing his journey. It was an honour and a privilege to judge here today.” David Ingle said: “My first impression of our winner was that he took my eye, there was lovely strength in quality here this afternoon and there is so much time and effort put into these beautiful horses.”

Marketing Manager at SEIB, Nicolina MacKenzie said: “It is magical to be here at Burghley, and the opportunity the exracehorses and their riders have to showcase their skills and retraining in the main Burghley arena on showjumping day is second to none. We are so very grateful to hold our qualifier here.”

Leading equine Insurance brokers, SEIB Insurance Brokers set up Racehorse to Riding Horse over fifteen years ago to celebrate ex-racehorses and give them a chance of success in a second career489-. SEIB has a long association with the showing world and is renowned for ‘putting something back’ by supporting many equestrian events and activities in addition to Search for a Star.

First Receiver ridden by Katie Jerram

The full lineup

1st First Receiver owned by HM The Queen and ridden by Katie Jerram 2nd Lough Inch owned and ridden by Lizzie Harris 3rd Mighty Minks owned and ridden by Ben Stanley 4th Burnieboozle owned and ridden by Sophie Staveley 5th Perfect Harmony owned and ridden by Georgina Wilkes 6th Hero Worship owned and ridden by Abigail Sole

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British Show Pony Society Championships Arena UK, Grantham | Report by Beth Simons | Photos by Equinational

Dreamy Supremes Husband and wife team, James and Jade Knipe’s small but mighty Derw Dreamboy [Dave] rose to the occasion beautifully to take the mini and overall supreme titles under the couple’s daughter, Millie, and led by James. Millie and Dave, who are both just five years old, started the week by winning and standing mini champion in the Simply the Best section, then won and took the tricolour in the Champion of Champions mini section.

The couple purchased Dave as an unbroken three-year-old from his breeder Julia Owen. He is by Westgrove Dark Secret out of Heniarth Hushabye. The Knipes then proceeded to break him, and he continues to be produced by them from home. Jade explained, “we showed him lightly last year with him been a baby and my daughter was tiny.” Nevertheless, they did take mini supreme show pony at the 2021 summer championships. This season, he won and took champion at Royal Cheshire County on his debut HOYS attempt and took the tricolour at Ayr County where he qualified for the RIHS. “He is an absolute joy of a pony to have as he loves his job and is so good with the children. He’s a lovey boy inside and out and is very easy to do. Millie adores him,” said Jade.

Derw Dreamboy ridden by Millie Knipe and led by James Knipe

Anabel Drake and her mother Sarah’s Stanley Grange Gilt Edge [Edward] looked every bit as classy as his namesake would suggest to clinch the supreme show pony title. Bel, 17 and Edward began their campaign as champion Legend Blue Riband show pony champions before executing a polished display in the supreme. The seven-year-old, who is by Turberry Top Cat gelding and out of Shimmering Silk is in his first open season, and has “really given it his best shot,” said Bel. 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, and supreme at BSPS area 15A. With Bel out of class at the end of the season, Edward will be searching for a new home after HOYS, making the BSPS championship title all the more special. “He just enjoyed himself so much and he kept on giving,” said Bel, who confessed to being “on cloud nine.” She explained: “I definitely didn’t think we would be able to clinch the overall show pony supreme due to the class of prolific ponies we were against, but dreams came true, and I finally won a BSPS flower sash.”

Stanley Grange Gilt Edge ridden by Anabel Drake

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William Makes Worthwhile Visit Zara Brookes made a brief but noteworthy visit to the championships.

She partnered her father Nick Brookes’ Merrycorner Mister Bui [Buttons] to win the pair’s second HOYS 153cm qualifier. By Templebready Fear Bui, the Connemara x TB gelding was bred by Mary and Louise Duffy. He’s had an illustrious career, being the reigning RIHS show hunter pony champion, an accolade he’s now won three times in total. Zara also collected a small intermediate HOYS ticket on Parkgate Royal Visit William – a ride Zara shares with producer Robert Walker – when the pair stood second to the reigning RIHS small intermediate, Roseberry Fascinator and Alice Binks as they had

already qualified at Stoneleigh. It was William’s first trip out since an unfortunate injury at Royal Windsor saw him out for a frustrating chunk of the season. Zara was delighted to have the 11-year-old back out and it’s little wonder why. The pair were crowned 2021 small intermediate of the year and has qualified multiple times for the RIHS in both intermediate and part-bred ranks. He has also won the RIHS small hack class twice under Robert in 2019 and 2021, when he pipped this year’s champion to the post before going on to stand RIHS reserve supreme horse and reserve champion hack of the year at HOYS a few months later. “He’s my best boy,” Zara said, adding “it was lovely to have him back out.”

Murphy socks it to ‘em!

Not to be left out, Zara’s younger team-mate Izzy Walker also enjoyed a win in the 122cm Champion of Champions show hunter pony division with Nick Brookes’ Redlays Theseus.

A former HOYS winning combination, Izzy and Theo booked a return ticket to the October final at the BSPS Mid-summer show. They then went on to prove their might against the older and older combinations to stand reserve champion to Jessica Walby and Just Murphy II [Socks], winners of the 153cm equivalent.

On great form, Jessica and Socks also won the Blue Riband division 153cm show hunter pony class, and overall supreme show hunter pony. Nine-year-old Socks has been owned by Jessica’s aunt, Joanne Pybus, and grandma, Isobel Hall for the past four years. However, this is Jessica’s first year with him having taken over the ride from cousin, Ella Pybus, who enjoyed great success with him. Jessica, 18, and Socks 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.

They have also secured a HOYS ticket on their first attempt at Midland Counties. He is produced by Team Jinks, who Jessica is quick to credit for doing “an amazing job” with him.

“I’m really looking forwards to riding him at HOYS this year,” she said.

Just Murphy II ridden by Jessica Walby

Redlays Theseus ridden by Izzy Walker

Classic victory Also winning her first flower sash was Amelia Lockhart, with Caron Scudamore’s Absolutely Classic [Connie], having taken the Best Rider Supreme. The 148cm 2021 Part Bred of the Year and Amelia are set to return to HOYS with a hat-trick of tickets. Not only will they defend their part-bred title as well as contest the 148 class again having won both qualifiers at the NPS championships, they will also be taking a turn in the small intermediate show riding type class.

The pair were also judge Sandy Anderson’s choice for the first NPS and BSPS Breeders Challenge, an initiative in which both societies collaborate in a move to attempt to safeguard the future of the British Riding Pony. The eight-year-old 148cm mare is sired by Whiteleaze Dominion and is out of Absolutely Glamorous. Winning the challenge secured a nomination for Llanarth Top Cat, kindly sponsored by Jerome Harforth. Caron said that she is “over the moon” to have won the Breeders Challenge, especially as she intends to breed from her in a few years. She also explained: “As mares go, Connie has achieved so much, not only winning the part-breds at HOYS last year, but also being the only mare in the supreme!

She is a mare with quality, is scopey and

Absolutely Classic ridden by Amelia Lockhart

has a fabulous temperament!” The ultimate future goal? “Going forwards we would love her to qualify for the Price Supreme with a foal at foot”.

The reserve was twice RIHS pony supreme Wildreness Early Bird [Birdie] under Mia Donaldson. Also 148cm, the Chiddock Time Limit mare is owned by Mia’s mother,

Melody On Song “It was definitely the best show we have had to date; so many of my dreams have come true,” exclaimed Lola Bass, for whom the supreme working hunter pony title was the perfect birthday present and icing on an already delicious cake!

Both Lola’s working hunter ponies, Carnsdale Be Charming [Ralph] and Landslow Melody Maker brought home championships.

Six-year-old Ralph is owned by Cheryl Mackintosh, and won the Challenge 153cm working hunter pony and section championship, won his novice class and the novice championship, and his performance working hunter pony class. The pair achieved all this despite Lola only having him approximately a month. “This was definitely my best results with him,” said Lola, who had contested just three HOYS classes previous to this, with two narrow misses in second and third and a good fifth place. “He’s been nothing short of perfect,” she later shared on social media. However, it was Melody who eventually secured the supreme. Melody was purchased in October 2018 from breeders Barbara Bagshaw and Jane Hanger, and Lola and Melody were fourth at HOYS last season, and third at the RIHS a few weeks ago. At the 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. In the supreme, Lola handed the reins over to England

Landslow Melody Maker ridden by Lola Bass

Team member Ruby Ward in favour of the less experienced Ralph, only for Ruby and Melody to take the title. Nevertheless, Lola was evidently delighted, and effusive in her thanks to Ruby for doing such a great job.

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Nicol Donaldson and Yvonne Selby of the Archwood Stud who will now receive a £500 stallion premium voucher sponsored by the National Pony Society. Mia, who is also out of class this time, and Birdie also won her show pony to music class, her Simply the Best division and section champion, and the Champion of Champions tricolour.

Rising Stars The new Gribbin family ‘Future Stars Young Pony of the Year’ for 4, 5, and 6-year-old ponies proved exciting. There were four divisions: mountain and moorland, show pony, show hunter pony, and intermediate.

The Jinx-produced Windsor-winning 143cm Romanno Spot of Distinction took the title in the show hunter pony class under usual rider, Charlotte Caulfield.

Homebreds came to the fore in the other three sections.

The mountain and moorland class was won by Cadlanvalley Masterclass [Max], ridden by Libby Grota. Though owned by Steph Mansfield, four-year-old Max was bred by Libby’s grandparents Yvonne and Hywel Davies and after an extremely successful career in-hand, her returned home to be broken and produced under saddle by his breeders’ granddaughter Libby with the help of mum, Hayley Grota. Max and Libby also won the novice mountain and moorland title, and Libby partnered 2021 Welsh Section A of the Year, Hoekhurst Example to a win and the reserve small breeds spot in the London International Horse Show qualifier, narrowly missing out on a return ticket to the festive Heritage final.

The show pony final, the reserve spot and the accompanying £500 were awarded Chloe Heathcote riding Roseberry Picture Perfect [Harry], bred by

Cadlanvalley Masterclass ridden by Libby Grota

Romanno Spot of Distinction ridden by Charlotte Caulfield

Roseberry Picture Perfect ridden by Chloe Heathcote

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

Chloe’s mother Tammy and grandmother, Susie Hinchliffe.

Produced by Gill Thompson, Harry really did look picture perfect. Harry is out of homebred Roseberry County Affair, and is therefore a maternal brother to 2006 HOYS champion, Roseberry Highland Fling. However, the champion and the recipient of a generous £1,000 prize was Danni Radford’s homebred intermediate show riding type Ladies Man under Poppy Carter. Although they contested a handful of shows last year, this year they have had an exceptional run with championships at the BSPS winter championships and at the RIHS, and they secured their HOYS ticket at the Great Yorkshire Show.

Another young horse took the supreme intermediate.

This was Bridget Edmonson’s hunter type Briarhill Buddy Bolden. He is partnered by Harriet Dennison and is having a cracking first season. He secured early qualifications to the RIHS, stood champion at the BSPS Winter championships, secured a ticket to HOYS in the intermediates at the very first Stoneleigh Horse Show of the year with Bridget, and later claimed a ticket under Meg Edmonson in the small hunter class at the Royal Highland show.

Supreme Showman This year also saw the first running of the Showman Award, given in honour of ultimate showman, Robert Oliver. This new initiative saw members of the BSPS Council talent spotting young competitors from a range of categories. For a chance to compete for the Robert Oliver Showman Award, the young riders must have shown real flair and ‘showmanship’ in the ring.

Six young riders were chosen and went head-to-head: Mia Donaldson, William Leeming, Gemma Pallett, Harry Edwards Brady, Ruby Ward and Harriet Dennison.

In the end, it was one of the youngest competitors who got the nod: Harry Edwards Brady, who rode his mother Emma’s inimitable 122cm show hunter pony, Gryngallt Page Too [Billy] to the title. “Harry really wanted to do well in this competition,” said Emma, “as he loves performing”. We

first saw this side of Harry when on the lead at HOYS at just three years old, when he confidently wove to the crowd!

The showman in Harry was out again at the BSPS, giving a super display that included two gallops, a walk-to-canter transition and in conclusion, he handed judge Claire Oliver a rose. “The standard of the competitors was very high. My winner was just what Robert would have wished to win his showman award, and I would like to thank the BSPS for organising this special award,” said Claire. Emma later told us: “It was very emotional when he won and even Harry shed a tear. Guy Landau gave Harry a few tips the week before and Harry called him to thank for his advice on the way home.” Harry and Billy have had a superb career together, having formerly won HOYS and in Harry’s last season in the class, they have enjoyed wins at Windsor, Royal Bath and West, the Royal Welsh and the RIHS to name but a few.

Gryngallt Page Too and Harry Edwards Brady are handed their trophy by judge Claire Oliver

A Floral Sash and Wedding Bells Craig Elenor led Heather Clay’s Springwater Tactician to the mini heritage supreme with Finlay Clay in the saddle. The Hisley Diplomat gelding originally arrived with Craig and his partner, Showing World columnist Sara Parrott, to be shown in hand as a three-yearold on behalf of his breeder Nicola Tyler.

However, he was purchased by Heather for her daughter Sienna after HOYS last year.

As Sienna’s just three years old, big brother Finlay has taken the ride until she is ready and is doing a marvellous job in preparation, riding the six-year-old to the reserve champion heritage mini spot at the RIHS. Perhaps the most exciting – and strategically planned!

– moment for the team, however, was Craig’s decent onto one knee on the dance floor, asking for Sara’s hand after the couple met at the championships nine years ago!

Congratulations!

Springwater Tactician ridden by Finlay Clay and led by Crai Elenor

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Northlight Coppelia shown by Kate Williams, with Alex Williams showing her foal

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY SHOW Report by Maggie Simons Photos by SLR Photography Coppelia Sashays Through Encore for Top Title The Williams family’s Northlight Coppelia charmed both Price Family supreme and overall supreme judges Debbie Thomas and Ivor Squelch to claim both titles, handled by Kate Williams, with sister Alex in charge of her foal. The 16-year-old Welsh section B, by the prolific Pittybeck Prince Charming and out of Northlight Cameo, secured the show hunter pony breeding tricolour en route to supreme.

Coppelia and Kate had previously competed at under saddle at Horse of the Year Show, the RIHS and Olympia, and had enjoyed wins at numerous prestigious shows including the Royal Welsh and Royal Cheshire County before Coppelia retired to stud. She was shown here at Pembrokeshire County Show with a foal at foot for one last time. Kate was quick to credit her fiancé Richard Pittman for his diligent work in preparing the mare to show. Incidentally, Richard had also graduated to the supreme having stood Welsh section C champion with Donys Dick Turpin.

In reserve supreme was one of Sandy Anderson of the Thistledown stud’s winners,

Thistledown Jess Ennis shown by Sarah Tibbey claiming the Welsh section A championship with Thistledown Jess Ennis shown by Sarah Tibbey. The ten-year-old mare, by HOYS and RIHS finalist Thistledown Snowstorm, has enjoyed a successful season with Colin Tibbey, where she has been Welsh section A champion and overall supreme mountain and moorland broodmare champion at the NPS Championship Show and also won at the National Welsh Championship Show.

Sahara, and out of Thistledown Sheer Lustre, whose own mother, Paddock Sheer Lustre was also a Royal Welsh champion. To name but a few, she had already this season been champion at Royal Bath and West, Midlands WPCA Silver Medal Show and taken the Greenlands Insurance National Section B Championship title at the National Welsh Championship Show, with Colin Tibbey at the halter, to name a few.

Joining Jess Ennis in the supreme was stable mate Thistledown Sheer Bliss, winner of the Welsh section B championship. Bred in purple, she is by Royal Welsh champion Paddock

Roulette Spins a Win!

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Ridden supreme went to the acclaimed 143cm Show Hunter Pony, Stretcholt Roulette [Rolo],

owned by Tim and Abby Vaughan and ridden by Grace Vaughan, who gave a sparkling performance to catch the eyes of judges Mr and Mrs Anthony Williams. Grace and Rolo Qualified for the Royal International and went overall Supreme of Show earlier this year at NPS Area 4a, and later picked up their HOYS ticket at the Royal Bath and West Show. A previous winner of the Horse of the Year Show under Abbie Farmer, Rolo also won the at the Royal Welsh Show and headed their second HOYS qualifier at Stoneleigh Horse Show.

Jo Hayman’s four-year-old Dovanti Boy [George], bred by Sian and Lucy Kiff, gave a mannerly account of himself way beyond his years to steal the reserve spot having been hunter champion earlier in the day. Piloted by Amy Tough, George,

by Avanti Amorous Archie and out of Dovevale Regal Dove, has had a tremendous start to his ridden career with a second at Royal Windsor Horse show, and winning the four-year-old hunter class at The Royal Welsh Show, before going on to be champion ridden hunter.

Taking the tricolour in the in the in hand sport horse and the riding horse breeding sections was Mary Owen’s three-year-old old April Basset.

Shown by Malcolm Rosser, she gave an elegant account of herself in the supreme. Sired by Aveia, she has been lightly but successfully shown to date including standing champion at Pembrokeshire in 2021, and she will be broken next year before deciding where her future lies.

Stretcholt Roulette ridden by Grace Vaughn

Dovanti Boy ridden by Amy Tough

April Basset shown by Malcolm Rosser

Triple Crowns Local mum Kate Canton and her three daughters also enjoyed a successful few days at the show. Eldest sister Olivia, 12, secured a win in the part-bred Arab class astride Sharlen Gone With the Wind, who also stood children’s riding pony champion with Poppy. Meanwhile Poppy piloted Tyntyla Gwyndaf to stand mountain and moorland working hunter pony champion. The consistent combination were second at the Royal International Horse Show this year amongst their other successes. Last – but only least in stature! – six-year-old Georgia won the ridden Shetland class with Helawi Capricious, who has been a steadfast member of the Canton-Davies team for years, with all three girls having taken a turn at the helm.

Helawi Capricious ridden by Georgia Canton-Davies and shown by Kate Canton

Loughanboy ridden by Vincent Seddon

Moreton in Marsh Report by Celeste Gall | Photos by 1st Class Images

Victory for Vincent With five champions forward to the horse supreme, it was the home-produced combination of Vincent Seddon and the lightweight hunter Loughanboy [Malcolm] who got the nod from judges Terry Pendry and Bob Champion to take the sash. The 11-year-old by Mermus R was purchased two years ago and ended a successful novice season by standing fourth at HOYS last year. “I love competing at grass shows with lots of atmosphere as Malcolm loves to play to a crowd and it suits his big open rangey paces,” said Vincent, who works as a commercial director for a funding company. The pair have won at Royal Bath and West, were hunter champions at Devon County for the second consecutive year and booked their return ticket to HOYS at Lincoln. “He also carries the side saddle, which he only started in August and qualified for HOYS on his second attempt,” added Vincent, who watched Amelia Bevan partner him in the ladies here to stand third in a strong line-up.

Heading the ladies class was the eventual reserve supreme, Alice Homer and Bloomfield Eloquence. The consistent middleweight hunter, owned by Liz Prowting, was victorious at HOYS last season, winning the hunter weight final and standing reserve in the ladies and his good form has continued this season with a win at Royal Windsor and winning the middleweight hunter final at RIHS. Bloomfield Eloquence ridden by Alice Homer

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Five-year-old Mary Unwin booked her first ticket to HOYS aboard her new pony, Rowfantina George Washington, who won the mountain and moorland lead rein qualifier and took the mini mountain and moorland championship before charming the supreme judges to clinch the pony supreme. Owned by her mother Kate, who only purchased him the week before the show from her sister Claire Morris, the 12-year-old grey gelding was led by Oli Burchell, whose mother Many Burchell-Small bred him. Kate, whose family breed ponies under the Seamoor prefix, sold the prolific Seamoor Lady Derby to Mandy for her grandson James to ride; the pair later went supreme pony at RIHS. “Oli kindly stepped in to lead Mary as our producer (Katy Marriott-Payne) was on holiday and he had led George in his younger days,” explained Kate.

Standing reserve supreme pony was the mountain and moorland working hunter pony champion, Renee Nichols and Riverside Daffodil. Having had a disrupted season, they shone here to jump the sole clear in the exceeding 143cm class and earn their third pass back to Birmingham. “We haven’t had the best year. I won the RIHS qualifier at NPS Area 10 but forgot my qualification card, then Daffodil sustained an injury cross country schooling so I thought we would try for a foal but after three attempts of natural coverings this summer she still wasn’t in foal, so we got fit and started jumping,” explained Renee, who purchased Daffodil as a threeyear-old from Clifden. “She obviously just wanted to keep on jumping!” added Renee.

Rowfantina George Washington ridden by Mary Unwin and led by Oli Burchell

Riverside Daffodil ridden by Renee Nicholls

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Tina shown by Alicia Houlihan Midnights Magic shown by Donna Hoe

The Perfect Gift The stars aligned for birthday girl Alicia Houlihan and her 22-year-old Haflinger Tina [Tia], who finally secured their pass to Olympia in the Senior Showing and Dressage Ltd (SSADL) after seven years of trying. Tia was given to Alicia as a Christmas present in 2013 and the pair enjoyed competing in dressage, working hunter and one day events, as well as Pony Club mounted games. “We nearly lost Tia in January and I spent most of my time sat in the stable with her but luckily she has come back better than ever and we have had our best season to date,” said Alicia, who explained that Tia was diagnosed with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) but manages to control it with correct dieting and weekly treadmill sessions. “We go to Crow Wood Equestrian for the treadmill sessions, but will up this to twice weekly in the winter in preparation for Olympia,” said Alicia, who works full time as a travel agent.

Alicia and Tia finished second at the new summer SSADL final at Royal International in July and this was their second attempt at a qualifier this year, having finished reserve at Onley. “We have had reserve so many times over the years so to finally get the championship was amazing as I have dreamt of competing there for so long! It definitely made it a birthday I won’t forget,” added Alicia. Clare Frost, who co-judged with Terry Pendry said: “Our champion was a stunning Haflinger who went beautifully and was a real credit to the breed.”

Standing reserve was the 26-year-old chestnut gelding Midnights Magic [Larry], owned by Gemma Hoe and led by her sister Donna. Larry used to show jump and was also shown successfully by their youngest sister Samantha, who rode him to the church on her wedding day this year. “He is a massive part of our family and is such a character that regularly lets himself out of the stable. He is a true showman,” said Donna, who still has a few opportunities left to qualify for Olympia, where Samantha finished reserve champion in-hand with Larry in 2017.

Total Elation for Libby Libby Grota landed the ridden small breeds championship and the overall mountain and moorland supreme on the homebred fiveyear-old Cadlanvalley Total Elation [Smithy].

The palomino son of Russetwood Elation was quietly shown as a novice last season and gelded last autumn. “That was absolutely the right decision for him as he matured mentally and physically. He is just the sweetest pony who tries his hardest to please,” said Libby’s mother Hayley. Whilst Libby and Smithy competed early in the season, he was turned away so Libby could concentrate on her A Levels and brought back into show ready for Royal Welsh, where he won the gelding in-hand class and finished third in the HOYS qualifier.

The pair also won the coveted Picton final at the NPS championships.

Judge Robert Parker-Jones, who assessed the mountain and moorland open ridden classes, was pleased with the number and quality of entries forward. “In the championships, the decision came down to their performance in extended canter and the small breeds champion and reserve reigned supreme with spirited performances,” said Robert.

Jessica Price’s last-minute decision to enter Moreton paid dividends when her black Welsh Cob mare Penrheolarren Gemma [Cils] booked her return ticket to HOYS and took the M&M large breeds championship. Jessica purchased Cils as a two-year-old from the local sales and has brought her on herself. Although they

Cadlanvalley Total Elation ridden by Libby Grota

have had a quiet season, they stood RIHS champion at BSPS Area 9a and were reserve in the direct Olympia qualifier at BSPS Wales, as well as winning the British Isles supreme ridden final at the NPS championships.

“Moreton was only our second qualifier this year and I went with no expectations,” explained Jessica, who hopes to qualify her for London International Horse Show too.

Daldorn Dancing Flame ridden by Claire Oliver

Having only been on her yard for 10 days, Claire Oliver piloted Donna and Megan Brookes’ Daldorn Dancing Flame to head the hack championship. The eight-year-old

by Dolphin Superstar has been with the Brookes family for four years but only lightly campaigned and finished third as a small intermediate at HOYS last season. “We are so pleased with him,” said Megan, “and now we can’t wait for HOYS!” Claire, who was also delighted said, “It’s a long time since I’ve ridden in a hack class; I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially riding this special little horse”. Claire also enjoyed success with Sarah Hartland’s Mumford, who took the RoR championship.

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Highlights from…

SHB (GB) North West Show

Gorftree Star ridden by Carolyn Banner

Star Smashes

Stepping Stones Supreme

Malibu Dancer of Ben Ferris

Carolyn Banner was delighted to have won both the unaffiliated 90cm and Steppin Stones working hunter classes with her own Gortfree Star having been the only clear in both. The pair then went on to take the Stepping Stones Supreme Championship. Affectionately dubbed Drummer at home on account of his doorbanging, the Gortfree Hero 10-year-old has been in the family since a foal. He was bred in Ireland by Carolyn’s fiancé Phil’s brother, Martin Kelly, and arrived on UK soil in 2019.

“He wasn’t easy from his arrival; he wasn’t really settled, he jumped out of every field or paddock we turned him into, and thought he was Micheal Flatley in the trailer. As amateurs working full time and horses our hobby, we decided to try and sell him.” At this point, he was sent to Levi Critchlow who discovered his scope, and when COVID hit, Drummer returned home. “It was possibly the only good thing to come out of COVID,” said Carolyn, and having moved allowing the horses to be kept at home, they found “Drummer was completely different, chilled, easy and a pleasure. I had to give him a chance, but my confidence was rock bottom, I was scared of jumping anything above 70-80cm”.

Time and support from Richard Long and Alice Barnes saw them gel, and they contested their first workers class together in May at BSHA Kelsall. With newfound self-belief, they went on to win the novice and take champion at both Staffordshire and Derbyshire County shows and reserve champion at Great Eccleston.

“I must say, the people who jump in these classes have all been so lovely, and all the stewards and judges are so helpful, although they must think I’m crazy when I have punched the air in delight at a clear round!” What does the future hold? “Dare I say I am looking towards maybe jumping RI tracks end of next season or 2024? Drummer has all the scope, it’s his ‘mother’ who needs to believe in herself and practice, practice, practice!”

Katie Atkinson’s Malibu Dancer won the Stepping Stones hack and riding horse class, and went on to stand Stepping Stones reserve champion under Katie’s good friend Ben Ferris.

Malibu was sold to America as a yearling for $120,000 but returned to run over hurdles, getting placed fourth once. Katie has owned Malibu for 10 years. Back in 2016, Katie qualified him for the Search for a Star riding horse hack final at HOYS where they finished in fourth. This season has been his first in SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse qualifiers this season with Ben, and the pair gained a HOYS ticket at Netherton Equestrian.

Our own columnist Vicky Smith and eight-yearold Bloomfield Aristocratic were the eventual overall supremes. Out of Ballymurphy Veronica, the Kannan gelding has had a successful few seasons, with wins at Cheshire Premier, Royal Cheshire County Show, BSPS Areas 16 and 2A.

Bloomfield Aristocratic ridden by Vicky Smith

Mid Wales

Menai Eurostar ridden by Sam Roberts with Huw Reed

Summer Show Llanllyr, Lampeter Report by Hannah Parr Photos by EquinePix August 21st saw the Mid Wales Summer Show host the Welsh breed HOYS qualifiers once in again in the heart of the Aeron valley, West Wales. Competitors came from far and wide to contest these classes with over 70 entries across the four classes. Thankfully, the worst of the weather held off.

Although pre-entry numbers for the Welsh section A and B HOYS qualifiers looked a little sparse, on the day entries saw numbers accelerate into double figures providing quality classes for judges Russell Sutcliffe and Hayley Reynolds to enjoy.

A Ticket Aboard Eurostar Menai Eurostar, reigning HOYS Welsh section D Winner, booked his return ticket to the NEC but this time with new jockey and producer Sam Roberts. The 11-year-old dun stallion was sold by long time owner Karen Johnson to Clare Heywood in the spring and had only arrived with Sam a few weeks before the show. “This was only my second show on him so I’m still getting to know him, but I was absolutely over

the moon. He is such a kind and lovely boy to do with powerful uphill paces making him such a comfortable ride. I’m really looking forward to developing our partnership and having more fun with him,” said Sam of the former Royal Welsh ridden champion who then went on to take the overall championship under all four judges of the section Hayley Reynolds, Russell Sutcliffe, Lisa Barsoum Allen and Cheryl Frith. Following this, he went one better taking the overall supreme championship of the day under judge Huw Reed.

The Welsh section C ticket was won by a Brightwells Cob Sales graduate. Bought just before the pandemic, Steph Peto’s Cwmmawr Liberty, a beautiful dun ten-year-old mare by Croniarth Texas Gold, added to her working hunter pony ticket by scooping not only the HOYS ticket, but also the large breeds tricolour.

“We bought her as an unbroken seven-yearold who’d had two foals so a bit of a gamble,” explained Steph, “but she reminded us so much of our previous mare, Starcrest Mel Aur – also a cobs sales purchase – that we just couldn’t come home without her. Due to COVID, we didn’t

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get her going properly until the end of last year and we discovered she loves to jump.

She hasn’t been the easiest and can throw her toys out of the pram when she wants to so, if you’d have told me at the beginning of the year we would have gained a worker and flat ticket, I wouldn’t have believed you. It really is a dream come true.”

Unfortunately, Kim, Steph’s mother couldn’t be at the show, but she was on the phone crying as soon as the news hit of the qualification.

Steph also picked up a 2023 Picton Novice qualification with Fell, Bybeck Timothy, and the pair also went on to be reserve novice mountain and moorland champion. They were pipped to the post by Ella Eynon, 12, riding her parents Rebecca Faulkner and Eurig Eynon’s Glasnevin Gold Rush. The pair purchased the five-year-old Welsh section B from Hay On Wye sales as a yearling, and he was turned away until he was ready to be broken and brought on slowly by Ella at home. This was the freemoving gelding’s second show.

well in the ring – Excalibur is no exception.”

A HOYS ticket made Katie Brown’s trek down from Atherton near Manchester worthwhile as she took the reins on Anne Holt’s seasoned Welsh section B Stallion, Musbury Consortium. Last seen showing in 2018, the pair have been reunited for the season but have only managed a few shows between Katie’s injuries and Consortium’s stud duties. The 13-year-old chestnut was champion at Warrington Show and has been placed in the top five in the four other qualifiers he’s contested this year. “He means the world to us,” said Katie, “Especially to his owners and breeders Anne and Gareth Holt. With some incredible stock on the ground, we decided to take the trip to Wales as felt the judges would suit and appreciate his limb and substance. We could tell he was happy to be out and about again as he smiled the whole way round and gave me the best ride.”

Cwmmawr Liberty ridden by Steph Peto

Gasnevin Gold Rush ridden by Ella Eynon

Excalibur Makes Winning Strike

Smiles All Round

The first to collect their HOYS ticket was Welsh section A gelding Thistedown Excalibur. The five-year-old by Thistledown Blue Moon and out of Thistledown Extravaganza is half brother to the successful stallion Thistledown El Toro, who has also gained his HOYS qualification for this year. Recently purchased by Lyndsey Cox Birtwell, the striking dapple grey was jockeyed by Aliya Kahn. “We bought him on July 20th this year,” said Lyndsey. “He was backed by Sharn Linney and we purchased him from his then owner. He’s been bought for my daughter, Brea’s birthday which is coming up in October, so he’s with Aliya until then. We couldn’t be happier with the job she is doing with him and qualifying is just the icing on the cake. Deciding to cut him has proved to be the best decision for him. We absolutely love the Thistledown ponies and have always had them since Brea was tiny.

They have fabulous natures and always do

The in hand, NPS and unaffiliated sections also saw good numbers forward with plenty of quality on display and none more so than the junior classes. The Sheila Joseph Memorial Award for the mini/junior supreme championship was won this year by the black Shetland, Rosemary of Grafton ridden by Joseph John and lead by uncle, Jake John. “Joseph didn’t stop smiling the whole time he was in the ring,” said judges Megan and Ceri Davies. “This made him the perfect recipient for our mother’s memorial award”.

Rosemary of Grafton ridden by Joseph John and led by Jake John

And just like that the Mid Wales Summer Show has been and gone once again. We hope to continue to be able to offer these fantastic qualifiers in the Mid Wales area in 2023 but for now, it’s on to organising the Winter Show and we look forward to seeing you all next year.

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The INSIDE SCOOP with the 2022

HOYS JUDGES

As we all go about qualifying, find out what the judges will be looking for this year in our exclusive feature!

EDWIN PROSSER The Price Family Supreme In-Hand Final Welsh Section B enthusiast and breeder Edwin Prosser will be co-judging the Price Family Supreme In-Hand alongside Tullis Matson.

Edwin breeds under the Mintfield prefix, and has taken three exhibits to this most prestigious final himself in the past: two section Bs and the late Dr Wynne Davies’ section A stallion Trefaes Taran, who was produced by Edwin but shown

by Dr Wynne’s son, David to be second having been supreme at Bath and West. The Bs were Cwrtycadno Cadfridog and his daughter Mintfield SongThrush, who had both graduated to the supreme in-hand having stood supreme at the Royal Welsh Show. They were owned by Mrs Johns-Powell of the Cottrell Stud where Edwin worked for over twenty years.

Though we no longer see Edwin showing, he can often be found stewarding and helping at shows from local Area shows to the Royal Welsh, where section A exhibits will be well used to listening carefully to him!

What will Fiona be looking for?

“I’ll be looking for the best there on the day,” he said. “It will need a good walk, movement and conformation and be clean-limbed,” to catch Edwin’s eye, and be a quality example of its type.

“My winner will be whatever stands out on the day.”

DEBBIE BENTLEY Show Hunter Pony of the Year (Show) Debbie has been involved with horses and ponies all of her life, having been brought up at Warrenwood Riding Stables in Hertfordshire. “We taught riders from complete beginners to advanced level there,” explained Debbie, “My father was a horse dealer, and I was often asked to ride some of his purchases and from those purchases I was able to identify good and bad conformation.”

Debbie’s mother Pat Monaghan had also been involved with horses and ponies from a very early age and was interested in showing. “I started competing from age three on a leading rein pony and then progressed

through all of the BSPS classes culminating in being champion intermediate at the RIHS on Risinghoe Bright Emerald,” said Debbie.

Following pony classes, Debbie moved up into the horse classes and competed on hacks, riding horses and cobs, and was “lucky enough to win” both the Best Trained Riding Horse and Best Trained Hack Championships.

After the riding school was sold and the arrival of her daughter, Emily, Debbie gave up competitive riding in order to concentrate on Emily’s ponies. “Emily has progressed from the leading rein classes to now competing a

138cm show pony and is carrying on the family tradition,” Debbie explained.

“All of my family are involved in showing; my elder sister Lisa Street is a trainer of riders and ponies who compete both at grass roots level through to county shows and my middle sister, Tracy Hulatt is also a BSPS panel judge.”

What will Debbie be looking for?

“I am looking forward to judging the show hunter ponies at the 2022 Horse of the Year Show and I will be looking for a quality scaled down hunter with correct conformation with an athletic way of going and they also must have that extra “look at me”.

JENNIE LORISTON – CLARKE MBE, FBHS, NPSD

Hack of the Year (Conformation), Junior Mountain and Moorland of the Year (Conformation), Lead Rein Hunter Type of the Year Jennie Loriston-Clarke has been one of the UK’s leading equestrian figures for decades having shown top-class ponies, hacks and hunters, showjumped, point-to-pointed and three day evented before specialising in dressage, representing Great Britain in four Olympic games: Munich ’72 and Montreal ’76 with Kadett; Los Angeles ’84 with Prince Consort and Seoul ’88 where she was 14th with Dutch Gold. She also rode in the alternative Olympics in 1980 where she was 6th with Dutch Courage and won a Bronze Medal with this horse at the World Equestrian Games. She retired from international competition in 1995.

Jennie is a FEI International Dressage Judge and FEI International 3 – Day Event judge, judging and training all over the world. She was the first Briton to be invited to Judge the World Breeding Championships in Verden. Jennie has also acted as the Chef d’Equipe for the British Junior and Young rider Dressage Teams.

Jennie owns and manages the famous Catherston Stud, where countless champions have been bred. She is a Fellow of the British Horse Society, and in1979 she was awarded the MBE for her contribution to Equestrianism in Britain. In 2001 she was awarded a rare Animal Health Trust’s Special Award and was made a member of the Worshipful Company of Farriers

After the war, Joanne’s father had a livery yard in Nottinghamshire and that was where he met her mother, so Joanne was born the only child to horsey parents, and consequently, she explained, “I could ride before I could walk. I would sit on front of my father on his hunter”. She considers herself to have been “very fortunate that her whole life has been around horses,” and had her first pony, a Welsh section A aged three, attending PC, showing and hunting together. Though it wasn’t until she was eleven or twelve that she truly caught the showing bug, and from then on would show all summer and hunt all winter. “I was lucky to have an open and a novice to run at the same time; it was all down to my parents”.

Pony days ended at 16 and there was a decision to be made: car or show horse? Naturally, she chose the show horse, and made a career of horses. She completed her AI and trained with Anne Hammond at Millfields Riding Establishment, staying on there as staff before completing three seasons at a Thoroughbred stud, both near Newmarket. She loved racing and worked with the mares and foals but the part she loved most was preparing the yearlings for sales where her showing background came to the fore.

Joanne met husband David and returned to Nottinghamshire where she started training and producing ponies, including Gay Sovereign and Marc Anthony. The next natural step was judging,

for her dedication to the world of horses and equestrianism. In 2006 Jennie was the first recipient of the Queen’s Award for Services to Equestrianism, a treasured award. She has since been elected a Chairperson and later President of British Dressage, nominated to Chairperson of Sport Horse Breeding of Great Britain and Council Member of the National Pony Society before she was also awarded the British Horse Foundation’s Meritoire Life Time Achievement Award in 2019.

“You will always have a happy winner,” enthused Jennie who has already judged at HOYS in the past, presiding over some of the most prestigious accolades awarded including the Price Family Supreme in hand. She has also ridden at HOYS in the hack classes, one of three sections that she has been invited to judge this time.

As Jennie hasn’t been to many shows this year, she is especially looking forwards to judging.

“It will be lovely to see what is on the circuit. I’ll almost have an outsider’s view”.

What will Jennie be looking for?

Of course, her types will be quite different, but correct conformation will be important across all three sections. In her ideal hack, she will

also be looking for “lightness of movement and the quality of a park hack”. Her winner must have “presence, catching attention and be an eyeful, owning the ring – a real showman or lady.” Lastly, she asserts that the “way they go does have an overall bearing on marks”.

In her junior ponies, she will be looking for a pony that is “true to type and true to breed. You can’t expect a Fell to move like a section B,” she explained. “It must also be a pony suitable for a junior and there needs to be harmony between a pony and rider.”

Both Jennie’s children were brought up on a Welsh cob that competed in all disciplines and they learnt a lot from riding him. The pony will need to be “light on aids, with a nice mouth”.

Be warned, she is not a fan of a “3 in 1” bit, preferring a “nice snaffle or double,” as she believes that “pelhams make them inclined to go on forehand”.

The winning lead rein hunter type will have a stride that’s “easy to rise to with a nice rhythm – not too big and not too quick – allowing the child to ride confidently. It will need to look quiet and confident and the child needs to be doing most of the riding with handler there for support. I like to see a child and pony that could go off the rein together in the future.”

JOANNE GRIFFIN INTERMEDIATE OF THE YEAR (CONFORMATION) and she graduated onto the BSPS in 1986 and is now on several other panels, taking her all over the world including Australia three times. This will be her fourth judging appointment at HOYS. She first judged the working hunter ponies at the last HOYS held at Wembley – “that was special,” she reminisced – then in 2007 she presided over the intermediate show riding type final and the show ponies in 2016.

What will Joanne be looking for?

“An intermediate is a young person’s horse,” she said. “A steppingstone into the horse world. The biggest step you make is going from ponies to horses. It’s equivalent to moving from lead rein to first ridden. Suitability is a huge factor; the horse has to have manners, give a nice ride and give confidence. At this time, young adults are busy with exams and new careers and for the majority, this is a hobby. The intermediate has to give enjoyment and be a pleasure as time is a big factor; we don’t want to lose these young people from showing.

“It must also have presence – it has to say, ‘look at me’ and think it is wonderful From the moment

the class enters the ring I will be looking for that.

I want something to catch my eye that makes me excited to see it close up.

“I have been disappointed over the past few years at how animals are presented in hand; conformation is 50% of the marks. Animal should have manners and stand without fiddling and faffing. This must be practised. I start at the bottom of the horse and work up. The first step of walk must be purposeful, and trot back to me – I don’t want to have to move – and get a good trot going before the turn or finish. I like to see an animal carry itself in a good rhythm with jockey striding along at shoulder nicely in step.”

In the show hunter type class, “Scope, substance and quality with good feet and limbs” will be key.

Whilst in the show riding type, she’ll find a “small hack or riding horse type which hopefully will encourage rider to go on and compete in horse classes. If judging ride, I look for movements executed correctly and with precision.”

PAULA MCCARTHY Show Hunter Pony of the Year (Conformation)

A member of the Irish Pony Society for over 50 years, Paula originally competed as a child, progressed onto the IPS judge’s panel, which she has now been serving for over 45 years, while serving on the BSPS judges panel for over 20 years. Paula grew up in Bray Co. Wicklow but nowadays can be found hacking an array of ponies with Lucy, her beloved German Pointer, from her home on the picturesque shores of Strangford Lough in Co. Down.

Born into a non-horsey family, Paula’s parents were keen that she would have a career outside of horses, and whilst she always maintained a ‘day job’, including happy years in retailing saddlery and supermarket retail marketing, her heart stayed firmly rooted with the ponies, thoroughbreds and quality hunters that she has produced throughout her life.

Paula has also qualified in energy medicine and practices successfully in the treatment of a range of equine conditions.

As a child, Paula was a keen member of the Bray Pony Club and Foxborough Riding Club and she hunted with the Bray Harriers from an early age. She would hack to meets or get a lift with friends. She rode ‘anything anyone would put her on’ with infectious humour and a mischievous smile, which are still evident today. Paula went on to hunt regularly with all of the packs in Wicklow, Wexford, Kilkenny and Waterford and has also hunted with the Genesee Valley Hunt in Upper New York State and the Cheshire Forest as a guest of her close friend at the time, Jane (Hankey) Beswick.

Paula’s first experience of the magic of the Royal Dublin Show was in the 138cm novice show pony class, where thirty-two ponies were competing - there were no classes for show hunter ponies at that time. She first won a class in the RDS at the Spring Show in 1976; after a head-to-head for first and second place, she claimed the honours in the threeyear-old show pony youngstock class with Oldcourt Foxcub, who remained in her family until he died at twenty-one. Also in 1976,

Paula rode Carrickhill Chiff Chaff side saddle for Fania Mahony, a founding member of the IPS, at the IPS Championships that year.

Paula explains that she developed her eye by carefully studying top ponies and horses that consistently won top shows in Ireland and England. She has since judged at HOYS in Birmingham and in New Zealand, at the Royal Queensland Show in Australia, the Royal Highland, BSPS Summer Championships and many other county shows throughout England, Scotland and Ireland. A memorable show for Paula was judging the hunters and showing horse classes at Thame Show in Oxfordshire in 1997. However, as she was petite enough to ride ponies, she mainly stayed in the pony world, schooling ponies and coaching children for the show ring.

A lively, warm-hearted mentor, Paula still gives her time to educate and support young riders and could be spotted celebrating their success at the ringside of the Dublin Horse Show this summer.

During the nineties and through to the noughties, Paula mainly bought thoroughbreds, most of which had raced. She retrained them for eventing and Young Event horse classes before the RoR organisations became established. The first of these was Lady Alex (TB), whom Paula bought in 1989 at the end of her two-year-old year. She gave her a year’s break before her debut with Paula in showing, where as a 4-year-old she was placed second in the Open Hack at the RDS Spring Show. As a 5-year-old she won the Potential Event Horse class at Punchestown and continued her successful career in eventing, winning the Blarney Castle International Horse Trials in 1997 as a ten-year-old. Although Paula sold Lady Alex in 1997, she remained in contact with her owners until she died in 2015 at 28 years old. Back at Punchestown in 1994, with her younger brother Jon Byrne riding, Paula again won the Potential Event Horse class with Saluting (TB) – a half-brother to Cheltenham Champion Hurdle winner Make a Stand.

Another remarkable horse for Paula was Bobby Fennell, thrice champion and twice reserve champion riding horse at the Dublin Horse Show. Paula bought him as a threeyear-old and owned him until December 2020, when he died at almost 27 years old.

Paula also bought and showed Elfin Imp, winning five championships before she sold him in 1987 to Jane Hankey, with whom she subsequently formed a long and productive relationship sourcing ponies for Jane in Ireland. Jane’s daughter and son, Hayley and Hayden Hankey, rode and won championships over a number of years at the RDS on exhibits owned and produced by Paula.

What will Paula be looking for?

As a judge, Paula looks for positive attributes.

A good walk always catches her attention, with a purposeful trot, well-balanced uphill canter and a smooth progression to gallop.

She is impressed by a good temperament, well-schooled without appearing robotic. She looks for ponies that are true to type for each height, with correct conformation, quality and substance, straight movement and expressive paces. She is not fond of excessive makeup (on pony or rider!) or of ponies that are over-bitted.

Riders must also be confident and wellbalanced, with an independent seat to enhance their ponies, without looking artificial or over-horsed. A secure partnership where the rider can relax and enjoy their ride is always preferable. After this, Paula, like all judges, goes for ponies that display the wow factor, “the one that keeps drawing your attention”. Finally, “In the second phase, you hope for clean limbs - and those that are properly prepared will please their connections, the audience, and you as the judge on the day.”

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JO JACK

Mountain and Moorland Pony of the Year (Conformation) Jo Jack has been involved with ponies since aged eight, and was introduced to native ponies and in particular, Highland ponies in 1981. “They were kept next to a Scout centre where Dad went with my three brothers,” she explained. “The owners were looking for someone to ride their highlands and I was 16 at the time. Rona of Dalbrack was the first Highland mare I backed and schooled on myself. In 1986, she won the Royal Highland Show with me and qualified for Olympia. Another I rode was her half-brother Dunedin Harris, the last foal by Heamish of Dalbrack. I won Olympia and the working hunter at HOYS on him, the only Highland to have done both!”

Testament to their true versatility, both these ponies were “real all-rounders, competing in dressage, at PC and jumping,” too. Jo said her “claim to fame” was being part of the winning riding club quadrille team at Olympia in 1993. They were the first team of native ponies and all Highlands.

She bred her first Highland in 1994, and though she states she knows she is often perceived as a professional producer, she is adamant “I really only ride for friends as fun”.

Jo has judged on the Highland Pony Society ridden panel since 1989 before progressing to the full panel and the NPS panel.

Though she has judged the workers at the RIHS, judged at the Royal Highland Show, Royal Welsh, the Highlands at Royal Windsor – “a real honour” – and the NI finals, this will be her first time judging at HOYS. “You hope that the best ponies have qualified and that they are excellent examples of their breed. I want them to be typey and to have real pony characteristics. Good conformation should allow them to perform correctly and vice versa.”

Clean limbs, a good walk and straight movement will also be important, and they will need to “look through the bridle and be active, I’ll be looking for something that has that special ‘glow’ about it,” she said.

“I am confident that my co-judge will reward a good way of going. I’m really looking forward to it; I’ve gone through all emotions, been scared and nervous but now just excited.”

GILLIAN WRIGHT COLOURED HORSE OR PONY OF THE YEAR (CONFORMATION) Gillian started breeding Forest ponies when she was about 10 years old. “It was when I was gifted a mare,” she explained. Her interest in horses might have been of little surprise to those who knew her family. “I come from a very ‘horsey’ background,” said Gillian, adding, “My grandfather, Frank Shutler, was a New Forest Agister, NPS mountain and moorland judge, amateur jockey and racehorse trainer, and was the original breeder of the Burley Ponies”. Her mother, Joan Wright, was also horsey. She was “a well-known judge and breeder of the “Randalls” prefix ponies and my sister, Liz Wright, is the breeder of the Moortown coloured ponies”.

Gillian is an experienced judge. “I first became a judge in the late 70’s, which I fear betrays my age,” she laughed! “When I became an NPS mountain and moorland judge, I was the third generation in my

family to achieve that title. I am now on multiple judging panels and have judged all over Europe and have enjoyed judging in Australia no less than three times. I enjoy judging all types of horses and ponies.”

What will Gillian be looking for?

“When I am judging, the first thing I look for is good feet and limbs.

I start at the foot and work my way up and I love good limbs. The phrase ‘no foot, no horse’ is absolutely true. I can’t bear seeing overweight animals. Although I am judging conformation, manners in a ridden animal are very important. I want to see an animal that is obedient and biddable but still enjoying its job and showing some personality. I’d hate to see a horse or pony that looks miserable in its work.”

MAGNUS NICHOLSON RACEHORSE TO RIDING HORSE OF THE YEAR (RIDE) If there’s ever an appropriate time to use the term ‘allrounder’ for a rider, it’s now! Magnus has had not only an extremely successful career, but a richly diverse one too. He is a former international three-day event rider, having competed at Burghley and Badminton and has even represented GB on numerous occasions. He also show- jumped at HOYS and competed as a young rider in dressage. Not only that, but he also turned a hand to polo and held an amateur jockey’s licence. However, the late 1990’s saw Magnus turn his attention to showing, and he has since won several showing finals at both Horse of the Year Show and the Royal International Horse Show. He also holds British Horse Society instructor qualifications and he regularly trains and coaches riders in all disciplines all over the world.

What will Magnus be looking for?

Magnus explained that although these horses “have had a previous career racing,” he will “still be looking for the basics of a good moving, well balanced, correct horse.”

He added: “A horse will stand out for me if it looks to enjoy the retraining and new career.” And as for the ride?

“I will be looking for a horse in self carriage and a wellbalanced, comfortable ride that will cruise up and down the paces,” said Magnus

RICHARD TELFORD COB & MAXI COB OF THE YEAR (RIDE) Richard grew up with horses and ponies, learning to ride at a riding school and was a PC member, giving him a good grounding.

From there, he met people involved with showing and eventing and “everything snowballed,” he explained, adding, “I never wanted to do anything else and so I stuck with it”.

He is a regular HOYS competitor, and though he competes on horses in hacks, riding horses hunters and working hunters, he is perhaps most associated with ponies after long-standing, successful partnerships with notable native studs. He won HOYS twice on Kilmannan Black Pearl, on Kilmannan Black

Velvet, Village Defender, Kilmannan Robert the Bruce and Kilmannan Jack Sparrow.

Nevertheless, despite his wealth of experience in the ring, it will be his first time officiating from the middle! He’s both “excited and nervous,” as “judging at HOYS and Royal Welsh were items on the bucket list and to do both in same year is incredible”. Incidentally, he’d also “love to judge at Dublin”.

Richard takes ride judging seriously. “Ride judging is great for riding as you never stop learning”, said Richard, who has been riding 10-12 horses a day to prepare himself physically.

What will Richard be looking for?

Richard likes to get on and be able to put his leg on, pick up the contact and have the horse take him “without being impolite”. He wants his ride to feel athletic and powerful as well as forward and willing.

“It’s such a short window of time to impress and assess how responsive, fluid, comfortable etc a horse is. Conformation also comes into play even with ride, as poor conformation will affect ride. I hope HOYS will provide as many moments as memorable as the Royal Welsh.”

We’re sure it will.

BEST OF LUCK TO ALL THOSE COMPETING AT HOYS 2022!

LAP OF HONOUR

Wow! Our readers really have been taking the showring by storm!

Each issue we will be celebrating your individual successes.

Make sure that you all keep us up to date on your successes to be included!

Email beth.simons@ showingworldonline.co.uk and make sure you follow our Facebook and Instagram accounts for more ways to get involved in Showing World magazine.

Riverdance Plays On Cottrell Riverdance [Ronnie] has continued to be on superb form this season. The 25-year-old has been with the Bowles family for eight years. “He’s given us the most amazing memories and taken us to beautiful parts of the country to compete in some of the biggest shows on the veteran circuit with many wins along the way,” said Selina Bowles, whose daughter Millie takes his reins.

Millie said: “A real highlight in his career has been to take the supreme veteran of the year title twice; we were incredibly proud of him and had a fantastic time! Ronnie is a lively pony he really enjoys his work,sometimes a little too much! He certainly doesn’t show any signs of slowing down at the age of 25. We hope to continue showing Ronnie as long as he enjoys it, we have made many friends through showing and enjoy spending time with them and having a drink together of course!”

Cherry On Top For Frankie Father and Son Head for HOYS Eyarth Braveheart and his son Copella Lanark have both qualified for the Open Welsh Section B final at Horse of the Year Show 2022.

This will be Eyarth Braveheart’s sixth trip to the NEC having qualified at Denbigh and Flint Show ridden by Hannah Atkinson. Braveheart has been one of the most consistent Welsh Bs on the circuit for a number of years. Owned

by Jessica Regan and her mother Carolyn Cox since he was three weeks old, he has now qualified for HOYS under five different riders, achieving a place at the final every year including second in 2015.

Copella Lanark picked his ticket up at Stoneleigh Show ridden by nine-year-old Charlotte Fuller. A new combination this year, this will be the seven-year-old gelding’s debut trip to HOYS. Freddie, as he is known at home, was a Royal Welsh Show winner as a yearling with his breeder Carolyn Cox before going to the Waxwing stud in Scotland on lease. He was expertly broken by Lauren Brill as a four-yearold and had a very successful novice season before being sold to Greta Fuller.

This will Charlotte’s first trip to HOYS but she said, “I’m not worried, Freddie always looks after me and is such a good boy”.

Isobel Miller, 12, and Ysbrhydrydd Frankie Lad claimed their first ever HOYS ticket at Denbigh and Flint, taking the junior mountain and moorland small breeds class and section tricolour. A truly versatile pony, the pair also won the mountaind and moorland working hunter pony championship earlier that day. “We usually contest the worker classes and do a few ridden classes in the year so it was wonderful to qualify,” said Isobel’s mum, Rebecca Miller. “It is our first time qualifying for HOYS so we are thrilled”. Frankie has been a part of the Miller family for three years and is a truly cherished pony with a varied life including attending PC and representing the Flint and Denbigh branch in show jumping, dressage and showing. He also won STARS last year representing local riding club Lloc and District. “HOYS is the cherry on top,” said a delighted Rebecca.

Lars Loved at First Sight Claire Connor’s Lars V.’t Zand won his standard Shetland stallion class and stood overall Standard Shetland champion at Aintree Inhand Championship Show. It was actually Lars’ show ring debut at Aintree, and Claire explained that she took him “purely as a practice run ahead of the Shetland Pony Society Breed Show”. Claire imported Lars from the Netherlands as a lightly handled two-year-old colt alongside her Latijn V.D. Helling, who has absolutely stormed the ridden scene this year standing champion at the Royal Highland among other accolades. Lars was intended as a future stud stallion for Claire’s Lancashire based stud. He has spent the 2021 and 2022 breeding seasons on lease to Champlers Stud covering mares and only returned home at the beginning of August this year. Claire explained: “He will remain with ourselves for the 2023 breeding season to run with a selection of mares before being broken to ride in the hope of him coming out under saddle for the 2024 season”. He is by four times Honorary Champion ‘Enrique V. Gelre’ (2017 - 2020). “I’ve loved his sire since first setting eyes on him and came across Lars at Martin and Laura Kramps Stud following a visit whilst over for Hedel Market in October 2019. There was just something about him and I knew I had to try and tempt Martin to part with him,” said Claire. “Thankfully after a little persuasion a sale was agreed and Lars joined us in December 2019”.

AN UPDATE FROM VICKY SMITH It’s only fitting that this issue’s column is in tribute to Her Majesty The Queen. Not only has she served our country so well in her reign, but she has served the equestrian community for an entire lifetime. From racing to showing she has owned, bred and watched her string of horses with passion and interest. As the news broke of her death, I was with Katie Jerram-Hunnable who produced The Queen’s horses for many years, in the collecting ring at Arena UK. Not only did we lose our queen but colleagues of mine in showing lost an owner and supporter. A fitting two-minute silence was held in the main ring before the BSHA made the decision to cancel the show as a mark of respect. There will be plenty of days for showing and rosettes; it was the right thing to do as the showing world mourned one of its biggest supporters.

Royal Windsor has always been a favourite show of mine where we got to see her majesty enjoying her horses and looking so natural and at home. Where else could we watch the queen enjoying herself at such close proximity? It was a privilege to judge the riding horse classes in

2021 where she watched me ride every horse from top to bottom with interest. This is one of my favourite moments of my life and something I will remember forever.

As we approach the climax of our season, HOYS, there are nerves and there’s excitement in my team. Anyone that says HOYS is “just another show” is not being truthful!

The atmosphere is incredible and it’s the show we all want to win at. This year I head there with 10 horses which takes an extreme amount of organisation logistically! Luckily, we are only two hours from the NEC so I prefer to bring the horses just for a couple of days. It’s a long week with early starts and late finishes, but as always, the team pulls together. I wish all competitors the best of luck, especially first timers; it really is special.

Our preparation is similar to normal, with lots of hacking, pole work with added indoor school hire and practice for first-timers. As normal, social media is full of “rugs on, rugs off” posts as owners frantically try to keep those coats perfect

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and the decision to clip or not clip is another stress. Enjoy your time there as it’s always over in a flash!

Following HOYS we turn our attention to 2023.

All my four-year-olds have had the summer in the field growing on whilst the grass is good.

I look forwards to a winter of fun education with them before seeing what they bring to the season next year as five-year-olds. I feel it’s really important for horses to have regular holidays throughout the year. For those that only have one horse or pony, please try to think of their longevity. Having them in work in show condition all year round really does affect their joints. I always have new feed plans made for the winter by my rep at Topspec. Remember, that protection for our four-legged friends during a change in climate can come in many guises!

Enjoy the autumn,

Vicky

NPS

SUMMER CHAMPIONSHIPS

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Moortown Crusader shown by David Jordan

THE SUPREME: Crusader Wins The Battle Duntarvie Caterino shown by Richard Telford As ever, the Price Family Supreme qualifier at the NPS was one of the strongest of the year. Held under lights, it was a spectacle to behold. Taking the championship was David Jordan and his own Moortown Crusader after the Dartmoor stallion started his campaign as breed champion.

The 14-year-old stallion is a previous HOYS in-hand finalist and narrowly missed out on his ticket this season when he stood reserve supreme at Royal Cornwall.

This will be his third visit to the final at the NEC. “We’re absolutely over the moon qualifying at Malvern - that is the place to do it as it has so many top ponies,” said David. This season he’s had seven consecutive breed championships and has since taken the supreme title at the Dartmoor Breed Show.

In reserve was Tweetie Nimmo’s homebred sport-pony champion, Duntarvie Caterino. He was shown by his co-owner, Richard Telford.

Just weeks after his RIHS supreme mountain and moorland ridden title, Sandra Burton’s Connemara stallion Aniar Cashel left his saddle behind to secure the Connemara breed championship. Similarly, Anna Stevens’ home-bred reserve supreme at the Royal Welsh Show Rhandolf of Catchpool stood Shetland champion handled by Daniel Tarpey.

Hopeful of a return ticket, and also looking on exquisite form was Gemma Thompson’s OSO Pol Roger, led by Ian Boylan. He was bred by Carole Dagless-Brown out of her mare OSO Reveille. Last season, Ian and the Dream On three-year-old landed a Price Family Supreme final ticket at the BSHA National Championships and finished third at the final. Meanwhile Virginia Russel-Wood’s Stage Music and Jeff Grace topped the Ottergayle championship.

Stage Music shown by Jeff Grace

Oso Pol Roger shown by Ian Boylan

RIDDENS in RIBBONS Report by Beth Simons Photos by 1st Class Images The 2022 National Pony Society Championships kept competitors busy and provided ample entertainment for spectators. Ridden and in-hand classes were well supported, with NPS finals, HOYS qualifications and in-hand classes all attracting quality exhibits forwards.

Shirley Dennison’s Manhatten claimed the large intermediate show riting type class and intermediate championship under Harriet Dennison. They were joined in the championship by the winners of the small intermediate class and reserve spot, Abbie Kirkbride ridding Lisa Kirkbride’s Shildons Royal Affair, and the winners of the show hunter type, Sophia Beaumont riding Georgina Wilkes’ Mexican Summer.

Manhatten ridden by Harriet Dennison Newoak Onyx ridden by Casey Cohane

L-R Emily Locke riding Moorland Musical, Dana Simpson riding Dunaskin Gimli

Madison Daley rode Charlotte Leonard’s Little Miss Rhino to bag the coloured mare’s first ever ticket in the 153cm show hunter pony class. The smallest of the hunter ponies to take a ticket was Melanie Peter’s Annandale Phoenix, who qualified in the 122cm class under Maisie Peters. Both little and large were, however, beaten to the championship spots. Taking the tricolour was Kirsty Cohane’s 133cm Newoak Onyx ridden by Casey Cohane. The reserve was claimed by Emily Locke riding her mum, Sarah Whitfield’s 143cm Wyndham Hot Gossip. Emily rode Moorland Musical to take the training stakes 99cm final and section championship over reserves, Dana Simpson and Eleanor Crate’s Dunaskin Gimli.

Caron Scudamore’s HOYS 2021 winning part-bred, Absolutely Classic not only booked her return ticket in that class, but also took the 148cm show pony class and section championship under usual rider, Amelia Lockhart. Interestingly, the pair also took two tickets on the same day at Malvern in 2021, albeit at the Royal Three Counties show. In reserve were the second placed 148cm combination, the Karl Morris produced Reduit Royal Mirage ridden by Freya Ormshaw. The 138cm class was won by Lexi Trueman under Mandie Hobson’s Silkmill Blueprint. Also in the championship were Kim Wilson’s winning 128cm Royalview Charisma ridden by Charlotte Wilson.

Gillian Simpson’s Dales gelding Griseburn Lester and Aimee Devane topped the Shearwater Ridden Championship over Jo Filmer’s homebred Welsh section B, Longhalves Renoir, who also stood reserve in the Assendon’s Freestyle To Music final. Meanwhile Aimee also took the Picton Novice final riding Joanna Minns’ Fell stallion, Nicholwalls Graceson The Williams family’s homebred Welsh section D, Ringside Top Dollar looked fresh from her recent Royal Welsh ridden championship to claim the Ringside Mountain and Moorland Ridden Final championship under Alex Williams. They pipped the reserve, winning Connemara, Janine Sehene’s ultra-consistent and multigarlanded Tyan M’Lady and Sue Deakin, to the post.

Absolutely Classic ridden by Amelia Lockhart

Anna Stevens and Lara Joslin fielded a strong team in the fancy dress. Lara’s sons Harry and Oliver rode Toby of Catchpool and Timmy of Catchpool respectively. However, it was Harry and Toby that won the day with a superb Harry Potter inspired effort!

Longhalves Renoir and Sam Roberts

Six-year-olds dominated the Dargavel 4-6 Year Old Final championship. Taking the championship was Amber Thorpe with her own Highland stallion Marksman of Mendick, with Ashley Connor’s second placed Synod Pompous ridden by Natasha Connor in reserve.

The four-year-old final was won by Tim Hall’s Welsh section C Ballagh En Vogue ridden by April Abbott-Hall and the five-year-old final was claimed by Connemara gelding Cashelbay Toby under his owner, Lucy Thirlby.

Elizabeth Etchells and Mary Rose Bryant’s versatile Exmoor pony Warrenmere Woodcock demonstrated yet another string to his bow, dancing his way to win the Assendons Freestyle To Music and securing himself the most fabulous sash! The pair later secured the HOYS Exmoor class.

Ringside Top Dollar and Alex Williams

Toby of Catchpool and Harry Joslin - or Potter!

Samantha Walker’s daughters Lilly and Evie both claimed a HOYS ticket. Lilly took the junior small breeds class on Welsh section B Melau Aramis, whilst little sister Evie won the mountain and moorland first ridden riding Feldon’s Red Kite. However the mini mountain and moorland championship was won by the lead rein, Sammi Hill’s Thistledown Hawaii Five O under Emily Hill and led by Sharn Linney, with Debbie Barr’s second placed Coppinshill Celebrity in reserve ridden by Grace Cromley.

Nicholwalls Graceson and Aimee Devane

Warrenmere Woodcock ridden by Elizabeth Etchells

Mandy Burchell-Small’s breeding came to the fore in the NPS mini supreme. Jane Lindsay’s mini hunter pony Rowfantina Millionaire took the title under Posy Lindsay and Mandy’s own four-year-old lead rein hunter pony, Rowfantina Man of the Match claimed reserve under Jessie Barleycorn with Mandy’s son, Oliver leading the pair.

The junior ridden and inhand classes proved, as ever, to be extremely popular and their inclusion in the evening performance made for a spectacle. Milly Philipson stood second in the junior novice rider small breeds class with Anne Rigby’s Dykes Blue Moon, before going one better in the open small breeds.

They were narrowly beaten by Jordan Marshall riding Harry Marshall’s Treworgan Dauntless in the novice rider class. The large breeds classes were won by Meg Dilcock Thomas and Scarlett Marshall. Meg won the large breeds junior novice rider class with her mother, Rachael’s New Forest gelding Simones Firecracker, and Scarlett rode Lorraine Thomas’ Menai the Vicar.

The Carrock stud’s team had a ‘pinch-me’ championships. Their Carrock Bonnie Lass took the breed in-hand championship and Carrock Harry stood reserve supreme foal of the show. The icing on the cake came when Kate Wilson rode Carrock Beauty to head the HOYS Dales class, booking their first ticket together.

Feldons Red Kite ridden by Evie Walker

Vicky Casey and her former RIHS champion Frederiksminde Volcano not only topped the NPS mountain and moorland open working hunter pony final and stood champion, but also booked a return ticket to HOYS. Stephen Craddock’s mountain and moorland working hunter pony classes were tough.

Like Vicki, Ross Keys and exceeding 143cm Dycott Welsh King demonstrated the value of experience to secure a return ticket.

William Priestley and Stennerskeugh Garry stormed round to take the 133cm class, while the remaining classes, the 122cm and the junior class were won by Jorgi Craigie and Rhencullen Rockette and Libby James riding Glebedale Sugar Babe respectively.

A beaming Ruby Chalker rode her mum, Lucy Chalker’s Exmoor mare, Anchor Lullaby to the NPS intermediate mountain and moorland working hunter pony championship. Despite being together for just a few months, the pair looked to have formed a great partnership already.

Ellie Callwood and Tracy Brock’s Ennis Boy jumped a super turn around a packed Graham Barclay course to secure the 153cm plaited HOYS working hunter pony class and the section championship over second placed 153cm, Jane Hanger’s Derrygimbla Boy ridden by Harriet Hanger. They were joined in the championship by the winners of the 133cm class, Sienna Lanni and Birkinbrook

Thisteldown Hawaii Five O ridden by Emily Hill

Marksman of Mendick and Aber Thorpe

Rowfantina Man of the Match and Rowfantina Millionaire

Anchor Lullaby ridden by Ruby Chalker

Arabella, the 143cm class Harriete Lowther riding Cadfach Megan, and the intermediate class, Naomi Moult riding Ilona.

Simone’s Firecracker ridden by Meg Dilcock-Thomas Teach Mor Pierce ridden by Megan White

The final day’s HOYS mountain and moorland classes saw excellent numbers forwards. Viv Ruddick’s Highland Trailtrow Gabhan took the Picton novice breed final before stepping up to take the breed HOYS class under Chris Grant, and was just one of several ponies taking a first-time ticket. Others included the eventual champion and reserve, being Suzanne White’s Connemara ticket-holder, Teach Mor Pierce ridden by a delighted Megan White and Tamsyn Bell-Heather riding Paul Steeples’ Greeholme Kate respectively. There were also super sashes for the highest placed mare, being Kate, and the highest placed gelding. This was the Simons family’s homebred Marbeth Jimmy Wilde ridden

by Maggie Simons, also a first-time qualifier.

Chantelle Dorton’s 10-year-old New Forest Farriers Firefly won his second consecutive HOYS class having qualified at the New Forest show before repeating the feat at the NPS championships.

Carrock Beauty ridden by Kate Wilson

Greenholme Kate ridden

by Tammy Bell-Heather

Continuing to dominate the first ridden ranks, Thistledown San Siro [Rocky] and his young rider, William Leeming won the NPS open first ridden championship. Owned by William’s mum, Diana, Rocky, William and sister Lucinda are having a superb year, with Lucinda and William winning a class each at the RIHS and having three HOYS tickets between them. William and second placed George Levett and Rowfantina Trademark also took the overall open mini mountain and moorland title ahead of the winning lead rein, Lucy Richardson’s ubersuccessful Thistledown Van der Vaart ridden by Penny Richardson.

Frederiksminde Volcano ridden by Vicki Casey

Farriers Firefly ridden by Chantelle Dorton

Marbeth Jimmy Wilde ridden by Maggie Simons

Ennis Boy ridden by Ellie Callwood

Trailtrow Gabhan ridden by Chris Grant

Thistledown San Siro ridden by William Leeming

Thistledown Van der Vaart ridden by Penny Richardson

TRIED AND TESTED Over the past few months, Showing World have been putting some great products to the test. Here are some of our favourites…

Horze Hoods Competition Leggings, tried and tested by Maggie Simons and Ella Eynon Maggie: “I already have a few pairs of Horze Hoods items that I enjoy wearing, so I was looking forward to the prospect of receiving more!

Retailing at £54.99 or £59.99 depending on colour, they’re at a good price point. Let’s be honest, not all of us can spend in excess of £100 on our own competition wear after the saddle, bridle etc… They’re designed to be a competition legging so I wore them to compete, specifically in the workers. With the rest of my gear on, I looked no different than if I was wearing standard jodhpurs, and they are very stretchy without losing shape, making them really comfortable and supportive. Ella also described them as ‘super-comfy’. I also loved the addition of the belt loops meaning that I could wear a belt and feel smart when not in my jacket. Ella and I road-tested two styles, one with a silicone ‘sticky bum’ seat, and one without. Whilst I always like a ‘sticky bum’ for added security, I didn’t need it as the material isn’t slippy anyway.

What was really useful for both Ella and I was that we could move easily from a small pony requiring joddy boots to a larger one. Sewing in elastic straps didn’t damage the material, and because they are so stretchy, neither of us ended up with folds of material under our long boots to make them uncomfortable. I personally prefer a more muted colour palette for showing, so the vanilla is more ‘me’, but I can also so see that the canary does look smart if you want something bolder or if beige and brown tones aren’t for you. We could also have done with a pocket for change, but that’s a minor problem.

These leggings are really lightweight and breathable so they’ll probably have a rest during the colder months, but through the summer season or for indoor shows such as HOYS when it gets hot in the arena, I know they will be a winner.” www.horzehoods.com

Ella gives vanilla a spin

Ella models the vanilla

Maggie in the canary

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Hy Equestrian Magic Sheen Detangler Serum, tried and tested by Beth Simons I’m going to be honest and say I’m not one for diligently grooming every day; I find it hard to fit it in. I was also a bit sceptical about using a serum.

But I have been pleasantly surprised and am now on my third bottle. My sister has also since purchased it! What I especially like is that it genuinely is moisturising and the manes are in good condition, with the coarser hair improving. The serum feels like a silky gel in your hands resulting in a slick finish on their manes, so we’ve actually started using it as a lightweight alternative on show days on thinner manes that can’t take a lot of product.

At £14.50, it’s actually worth every penny.

One glossy mane, no grooming needed!

MP Gloss Stain Remover, tried and tested by Beth Simons Honestly, this product is superb. Nearly all of our ponies have at least one or two white socks, so stain remover is essential, and I love this one. It’s really easy to use, and also has an almost blue hue to it, which further. www.mpglossproducts.co.uk MP Gloss stain remover is invaluable for greys on wet days!

Samantha’s tidy

Tidy Tack Ltd personalised stable drapes and storage bags, tried and tested by Samantha Osborne Tidy Tack Ltd create waterproof, customisable storage bags, designed for keeping your equipment protected and organised. The bags can hold multiple items and are machine washable. I have a wide range of Tidy Tack Ltd items. All of my bags are in navy and rose gold. I keep the Kit Bag in my car with my day to day essentials that I use for teaching and riding. I have a second Kit Bag in my horsebox with brushing boots to horse treats in it. I also have a wide range of rug storage bags for each horse to save having to find them on rug racks. I am so excited to receive my stable curtains for stay away shows. The drapes will be personalised with my details and sponsor details. As well as being an effective way to advertise, they provide privacy in a busy show environment so that horses can rest. They also have storage pouches to store grooming equipment and last minute essentials.

I always admire the stable drapes at showjumping shows and would love to see teams using them at showing championships also. I have worked on a number of yards in the past and when travelling several horses to show it is easy to get equipment mixed up. I think professional producers would find it much easier to use the personalised bags to keep each customer’s gear separate.” www.tidytackrooms.co.uk

Find out what we can offer your brand by contacting us at beth.simons@showingworldonline.co.uk

NWAWPCS 2022 Welsh Silver Medal and Mountain and Moorland Show Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre Report by Karen Cheetham Photos by EquinePix

Grande Greatest There was certainly a buzz of excitement in the crowd around the main rings at the impressive Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre for the first NWAWPCS Silver Medal Show since the start of the pandemic. With a new committee at the helm steered by Chairman Tomos Jones, the show was a great success according to the number of positive social media comments.

Supreme in-hand went to the section B champion, Andrew Butler’s spectacular moving Paddock Rio Grande. Bred in the purple, he is by former HOYS winner Paddock Rio and out of the prolific Paddock Aleesha. The roan seven-year-old stallion from Andrew’s Hanmere Stud added the supreme sash to his supreme awards from Severn Valley Association and Eglwysbach. Liz Russell, who judged the section B classes found her reserve in Holly Harford’s barren mare winner, Llanarth Snowdrop, sired by Douthwaite Signwriter.

Paddock Rio Grande

Section A judge Sarah George was first into the Welsh rings in the morning where a good crowd observed proceedings.

Her champion and the eventual reserve supreme in-hand was the barren mare winner, nine-year-old Elcon Laciana, owned and exhibited by her breeder Angela Broomhall from Chirk. Laciana was on her first outing of the year and is a granddaughter of the owner’s foundation mare Criccieth Lace. Laciana was silver medal winner at Clwyd Association last season. Reserve section A champion went to the dun three-year-old colt Trehwfa Booty Hunter. Bought at as a foal by owner Craig Dawson, he won at Glanusk and was champion at Gwynedd Breeders Show this year.

Elcon Laciana Welsh Glynffynnon Pure Lady Diana

Section D judge Elgan Evans, Eglwysfach, selected Wakefield-based Amanda Garvey’s barren mare Glynffynnon Pure Lady Diana for the silver medal. By Gwellan Brynmor, out of Pennal Pure Model, she was purchased by Amanda as a foal. The mare has had a super season taking the championship at the Great Yorkshire and supreme mountain and moorland at Equifest. The reserve spot went to Graham Roberts with Wendy Ennion’s three-year-old filly winner Coldwell Holly.

Myrrormere Miss Pepper

Welsh part bred classes were judged by Geraint Thomas of Telynau Stud. His champion was Kathryn Houghton’s Myrrormere Miss Pepper. Unshown since a foal, the sixteenyear-old broodmare is by Rotherwood Brigadoon. Kathryn Houghton and Shane Bride team up to show the ponies together despite living miles apart. Miss Pepper’s foal Myrrormere Mr Jubilee went on to be foal champion. Reserve part-bred champion went to Elle Roddis with youngstock champion Saltre Mr Selfridge.

Popsters Gracious Air

The section C championship turned into a tear-filled family celebration for mother and son team Julie and Jamie Townsend. Julie was champion with barren mare winner Popsters Gracious Air whilst son Jamie took the young-stock championship and reserve overall with yearling colt Delgarth Billy Joe under judge Mrs L. Barsoum-Allen. A delighted Julie explained that the mare was a former HOYS finalist but now at twenty-one years old had mainly come for the veteran points but what a great day it turned out to be.

Adam Cooper judged the mountain and moorland classes, giving his championship to three-year-old Highland colt Westown Gypsy Spirit owned and bred by Sarah Weston and shown by John Cutts. He is by the NPS Baileys Horse Feeds Ridden Highland Pony of the Year Lochlands Gypsy Barron and out of Ullinish of Talisker from the third attempt at frozen AI. Described by Sarah as ‘super quiet’ no doubt we shall see more of him under saddle later on. Reserve was Steph Peto’s Connemara stallion Loughmore Rebel, a successful pony under saddle having twice made the RIHS final.

Grande Greatest In the ridden ring, the judge was Vicky Andrew, Bronheulog Stud. Her supreme ridden pony was open mountain and moorland lead-rein winner, the section A Kelkardi Mr Majestyk looking quite a picture with his rocking horse dapples. Owned

by Carla Wilkinson, he was ridden in the class by Carla’s daughter Sienna. Melrhosyn Stud has produced Mr Majestyk, known as ‘Arnie’, since March where he was broken and schooled by nine-year-old Honey Crawford. Honey won the young handlers championship with Arnie as well as the reserve novice ridden championship. Honey seems quite the one to beat having been champion young handler at every attempt so far.

The novice ridden champion went to June Barton’s homebred five-year-old section B, Warnet Mayflower. Reserve supreme ridden went to eight-year-old section C stallion Garlance Flash Jac for Robyn-Jane Hadland.

Westown Gypsy Spirit

The NWAWPCS look forward to their foal show at the same venue on 12th of November.

Kelkardi Mr Majestyk

Honey Crawford with Kelkardi Mr Majestyk

NATIONAL SIDE SADDLE SHOW

Lauren Allin riding Lakeland Balla

Bury Farm Equestrian, 5th-7th August | Report by Sally Lane Photos by EmmPix

Paddington Bears, BBC and a Baby!

The 41st National Side Saddle Show produced almost 150 entries and Show Organiser Samantha Stephenson produced a daughter, Saoirse, the week before the show!

Thanks go to her back-up team of Jean Preston (Sam’s mother) and Clare King along with assistance from Lindsey and Esther Rostron, herself winner of the Rider of the Year title on two occasions, showing how important it is to put something back, not just be a competitor. Thanks must also go to Jean’s husband Kevin Preston, who cheerfully supervised the lorry parking and anyone’s problem with electrics or getting the gas to work were soon sorted!

Lauren Allin riding Lakeland Balla took the title of Side Saddle Rider of the Year for the

third time with Robyn Catterall on Arctic Eclipse taking reserve having travelled from Northern Ireland to compete. The four finalists rode the other riders’ horses with a judge assigned to each individual horse and marking the four riders on that horse. It was a close contest, with Amy Bryan Dowell and Elizabeth Rogers being the other finalists and all riders giving a very good account of themselves proving they are capable of riding not just their own horse.

The adult intermediate champion this year was Area 2’s Chairman, Sarah Frank and reserve was Jennie Daniels. Holly King took the novice championship title and Philippa Roe was reserve.

The juniors proved to be a very competent set of riders boding well for the future continuation of side saddle riding with Moya

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Moya Payne

Payne taking the Junior Rider of the Year title and reserve rider Jemima Somerfield was also junior open young rider champion. Binky Chung being took reserve in the young riders’ section.

Other juniors taking titles were Georgia Duggan, junior novice champion, Xanthe Banks as reserve but also junior novice young rider champion with Lilly Rose Parker the reserve.

No stranger to the limelight, Tilly Jackson held on to her title of Cygnet Champion for a second year running and Georgia Senior taking the reserve place.

The adult horsemanship class saw Perdy Dabliz in first place and Binky Chung won the junior horsemanship class. Binky also won the Lady Guinevere junior Concours d’Elegance judged on overall elegance and style of horse and rider together, showing how Binky, although still a junior, has progressed from starting as a very young rider to becoming an elegant and confident rider.

The Ladies Hunter of the Year HOYS Qualifier went to Georgina Wilkes riding Mexican Summer, over second placed Lucinda Martin on Bloomfield Greystones and Amelia Bevan third with

Hazel Allin

Clare King

Loughanboy, Amelia also winning the best turned out.

Always a favourite, the adult costume Concours d’Elegance had to be split into three sections resulting in a championship win for Clare King with reserves awarded to Alexandra Naylor and Lauren Redstone. Sorting through the entries was an unenviable task for judge Mrs Melhuish from Cornwall with so many lovely costumes being presented!

The show was busy, but the general ambience was good, along with the entertainment from the ever-popular Caro Cripps and Rococco Classes – freestyle dressage to music, in costume and with a theme.

Belinda Wilkins riding Mystical Masie produced a highly entertaining show with layers of costumes being discarded to reveal several outfits depicting different uses of a side saddle through the ages and Belinda was awarded Best over 40 and Best Wow Factor. She had

also worked extremely hard to produce a very accurate and detailed winning costume for the historical class, where accuracy of costume and attention to detail score highly, this time dressed as Celia Fiennes a lady who rode through England on a side saddle, recording her journeys for her book (which is still available today). Mystical Masie carried all the necessary items for their rides including a tankard in a saddle bag, a rolledup map, journal and quill and between the saddle and saddle cloth a bedsheet to ensure Celia had bedding which was not full of bed bugs as was the norm at inns of the time.

BBC Three Counties Radio caught up with SSA Chairman Vanessa Hood and interviewed her for 10 minutes on the Saturday. Several members of the public came along to the show having heard about it on the radio and had apparently both enjoyed themselves and been impressed by the variety of activities they had seen the riders

performing, not realising that side saddle riders jump, and at speed when required, as well as walking about looking pretty!

In order to pay homage to Her Majesty the Queen in her Platinum Jubilee Year, the SSA has been running have a go sessions in all parts of Great Britain under the initiative ‘Ride Like the Queen’ and this has proved very popular with many people trying side saddle, either on real or mechanical horses, and being encouraged to take up side saddle. As a continuation, at the show we had a group photograph taken with all participants wearing a headscarf (affectionately

Belinda Wilkins

known as ‘The Queen’s Safety Helmet’) which included several gentlemen, as well as a few Paddington Bears and even a very realistic toy Corgi.

It is unfortunately not possible to name all the winners but the full show results can be found on www. nationalsidesaddleshow.co.uk or www.sidesaddleassociation. co.uk with photographs on www.emmpix.co.uk and we thank all those who made the show possible and worked so hard to produce such a successful and friendly show once again. We are already looking forward to next year!

Ennis Boy ridden by Ellie Callwood with judge Jackie Beatham

Burghley Event Pony Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials | September 4th Report by Beth Simons | Photos by Julia Shearwood Photography Ellie Callwood and Ennis Boy [Russel] added yet another title to their impressive tally, taking the 153cm section and overall champion.

Russel and Ellie led the competition right from the start, despite never having ridden in a dressage saddle before the competition. “I’m used to a racing saddle and they’re very different; Mum reckons the saddle is why I won!” laughed Ellie, adding, “it was awful; I couldn’t stop laughing throughout my test and my mum was laughing too which made it worse!”

The jumping saw Ellie back on familiar territory, and thoroughly enjoying herself. Ellie said: “The track is great; and you can really open up in the big ring and get a good rhythm. When we turned to the first xc fence, his face lit up

and he just took hold and loved every minute. He always rises to the occasion no matter how big or small”.

Cheshire-based Ellie, 19, and 17-year-old Irish bred Russel have had a superb run, with wins including at Royal Windsor, and championships including at Royal Dublin Horse Show and the BSPS winter championships. They’ve also been runners up at Horse of the Year Show. This season, Ellie and Russel were second at the RIHS, scoring the highest jump mark of the class, and they stood champion and qualified for HOYS after a stylish spin around a packed Graham Barclay track at the NPS championships.

Her affection for Russel, a 12th birthday present, and her pleasure in competing him is abundantly

clear. “We always have fun when we take him competing and I think that’s what helps us do well; there’s no pressure and we just get on and enjoy it.”

Florence Drewitt – whose recently turned 12 – and her mum, Helen Drewitt’s Captain Foley jumped a stonking round to secure the 133cm class. The Drewitt family have owned 14-year-old Captain since August 2020. They hit the ground running. “Within their first week they went to an NSEA combined training and qualified for the National Schools Championships,” said Helen. The pair then show jumped and arena evented through that winter to from a partnership, going on to qualify for the NSEA National Championships in the JWS Arena Eventing class and finished second.

From there, they have gone from

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strength to strength, winning their debut at BSPS Area 14 and standing champion, winning at the 2021 Royal Windsor, and standing Champion of Champions working hunter champions at the BSPS summer championships. They are also the reigning 133cm working hunter pony of the year. “It was Florence’s first attempt at HOYS so we went for the experience with no real expectations of any placings, and so were totally shocked to take the win,” recalls Helen.

This season has brought a hattrick of championships: at West Wilts Spring Show, BSPS Wales Spring and BSPS Wales Championship Shows, and a fourth place round a brilliant Graham Barclay Desert Orchid track at the BSPS Summer Championships set them up brilliantly for Burghley.

Florence also events, being the youngest member of the South East U18 BE Team at the Youth International Championships at Bishop Burton in August, and Captain loves a varied life of X-Country, hacking, showjumping and arena eventing, explained Helen. “He does have some days when he decides it’s not for him,” she said, adding, “although he seems to like to pull it out of the bag for some of the big occasions!”

Topping the 143cm division was Balnashallog Maestro [Jerry], and his 16-year-old rider,

Grace Barr. The partnership between Grace and this 12-year-old Connemara gelding began in October 2018, when he had been lightly campaigned as a worker. However, after a season of workers, Grace and Jerry turned to eventing which has been their primary focus for the last few years and the pair were selected to represent the Wales and West Midlands region at the BE International Youth championships at Bishop Burton earlier this year in the 100 team, finishing 29th out of 80, and their team finished fifth. “He had never evented before but he loved it from the get go, especially the cross country, and he seemed to get good dressage scores – very regularly sub 30 and often leading the section after dressage – so I just continued doing it and he has gone from doing BE80s to BE Novices (110/115cm) so he has excelled.”

Jerry!” The pair qualified for the Gold Cup final at the BSPS Winter Championships. “I was thrilled to have qualified; it was an honour to be able to ride at Burghley,” said Grace. The electric atmosphere “got to him a bit in the dressage,” explained Grace, but he “excelled in the working sports pony round and went into the showjumping in the lead”. The pair cleared the enormous joker fence to take the win. The pair’s next stop is HOYS, having qualified at the BSPS Summer Championships.

The youngest of the winners was Penny Richardson at just seven years old, riding Gwyrddparc Torres led by Penny’s dad, Mark Richardson.

This season’s particular focus has been on qualifying for the British Under 18 teams this year hence they attempted no RIHS qualifiers. However, Grace explained that she wanted to re-enter worker ring this year as it is her final year in the class, aiming for three tickets: the Desert Orchid, the Gold Cup final at HOYS, none of which Jerry will have contested before. “I have been very lucky to have qualified for all three, but I couldn’t have done it without the superstar that is

Captain Foley ridden by Florence Drewitt

Gwyrddparc Torres ridden by Penny Richardson and led by Mark Richardson

Balnashallog Maestro ridden by Grace Barr

The pair won the lead rein hunter pony class. By Friars Bantam and out of Crossways Lady Rebecca, the 13-year-old Welsh section A has been a stalwart of the Richardson family’s team for several seasons, first of all safely ferrying Lilly Richardson to great success including a very creditable second at the Burghley final, before the reins were handed over to little sister Penny. This year, Penny and Torres were RIHS finalists, are HOYS-bound, and have been mini champion in good company on several occasions, including at the NPS Spring Festival. “He’s a star,” said mum, Lucy Richardson. “He’s been a fantastic pony for us and the girls.”

Bracklinn Travis ridden by Tuffy Stockley Stage Music shown by Jeff Grace

Highlights from...

Bucks County Show Thursday 1st of September, 2022 Report by Beth Simons | Photos by 1st Class Images

Stage Music Plays Winning Tune Judge Moggy Hennessy chose Virginia RussellWood’s Stage Music as her supreme, booking the hack mare a return ticket to HOYS in the Price Supreme in-hand final. The Chestnut Park All That Jazz daughter was home-bred by Virginia out of a polo pony mare. She was shown by Jeff Grace with her fourth foal, Stage Rumour, who is by Kilvington Scoundrel at foot. A past BSHA supreme champion and 2017 Cuddy Supreme finalist, she has been shown three times this season, scoring a hattrick of wins. She was champion at South of England and supreme Ottergayle Hack and Riding Horse Champion at the NPS championships before booking her golden ticket with supreme at Bucks. What’s most remarkable? This special mare has overcome a broken leg as a foal and returned from the brink after an emergency caesarean saw her lose her foal three years ago. Hers will be Virginia’s second Price ticket of the season, having also qualified hack brood mare Royal Stage at Devon County show.

Henrietta Knight’s Connemara stallion, Castle Nero took reserve supreme in-hand shown by Simon Charlesworth. The Glencarrig Knight fouryear-old will now join Samantha Roberts’ yard for ridden production.

Nikki Falconbridge’s small hack Boston Black Tie [DJ] and producer Helen Baker added yet another accolade to their increasingly impressive tally, taking the section championship. Nikki purchased the Kilvington Scoundrel five-year-old at three and he went directly to Helen’s yard. Last season, they hit the ground running standing novice hack champion at Mid Herts, qualifying for the RIHS at Area 14, stoanding second in the novice hacks at Royal Windsor, fourth at RIHS and novice hack reserve at the BSHA championships. This year, he’s come out looking better than ever, oozing class and scoring wins at BSPS Area 15, Royal Windsor, and in their first ever HOYS class at Mid Herts County Show, as well as standing supreme of show at BSHA South, and champion at Edenbridge and Oxted Show. He was bred by Stephen Howard out of homebred mare, Boston Boudicca, though Stephen’s quest to breed a

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Boston Black Tie ridden by Helen Baker

top-class hack began with DJ’s great-granddam, Lovely Grange, whom Stephen actually raced.

“It’s taken me a long time to get there,” Stephen laughed, stating, “I couldn’t be more pleased with how he’s progressing; both Nikki and Helen are doing a fantastic job and it’s exciting to see what the future holds for him.”

Lucinda - ‘Tuffy’ – Stockley was delighted to secure the NPS Ringside Stud open ridden class and champion mountain and moorland riding her own Bracklinn Travis. The Fell gelding was initially produced for Tuffy through 2019 by Jill and Lucy Rushton when he was lightly shown as a stallion.

“Last year we realised that he wasn’t happy being a stallion, so decided best thing for him was to be gelded,” explained Tuffy. “It was the best decision I have made; he’s a totally different pony who is now extremely loveable.” Tuffy now produces him at home, and they made a great start to their time as a home-produced combination by qualifying for the RIHS UKP&H amateur series at BSPS Area 17. However, in light of the hard ground and the heat, Tuffy decided that he would have a “quiet summer” having “some fun hacking out rather than show. Bucks is our local county show, and we really enjoy competing there. Travis enjoys shows with more atmosphere so Bucks County suited him. It was strong mixed large breed class so it was amazing to win and also be called forward as champion”. Though Tuffy asserts that she is grateful to the start he received in production, she enjoys having him at home with her. “The good days are even more special when you realise all the hard work has paid off. Travis a real dude and we love him to bits.”

Bracklinn Travis ridden by Tuffy Stockley

Castle Nero shown by Simon Charlesworth

SEIB Search for a Star 2022 Weekender Event Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire 23rd – 24th of July Report and photographs by Jenny Viner

Dreams come true and reactions go viral In a weekend devoted to amateur riders with both SEIB Trailblazers and Search for a Star running at Stoneleigh Park, nearly 200 competitors took the opportunity to qualify for Horse of the Year Show and Your Horse Live in SEIB Search for a Star and SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse. This was the second Search for a Star ‘weekender’ event of the season with a training day on the Saturday before the competition on the Sunday.

The SFAS judges Richard Ramsay, Louise Gaunt, Nicola Taylor, Helen Dunwell and Sam DeCaprio providing top class training at Saturday’s workshop event before a busy day’s judging on the Sunday.

HOYS Qualifying Classes The day began with a strong field of working ponies forward for judging. The class included several native and traditional ponies and was won by Fell pony, Mosshey Centurion [Brian] owned and ridden by Georgia Norton, a student veterinary nurse. Georgia is no newcomer to SFAS having qualified Brian for the Your Horse Live mountain and moorland final in 2021.

Judge Nicola Taylor said: “Our winner jumped

An Buachaill Ban Bui ridden by Maxine Linas

Mosshey Centurion ridden by Georgia Norton

well and had a great rhythm, he was the first to go and really showed the way”. A delighted Georgia said: “We have been second in this class three times now and to have now got the win – and the ticket to HOYS – is fabulous. We decided we should keep at it and I’m very glad we did.” This win was just the start of a brilliant day for Georgia and Brian, the pair later on headed the mountain and moorland qualifying class for Your Horse Live. 25-year-old Georgia and Brian also compete in dressage at elementary level and to 90cm showjumping.

Sixteen entries came forward for the working horse class at Stoneleigh.

Maxine Linas and her dun and white gelding, An Buachaill Ban Bui [Bandit] took top spot. Maxine said: “I have always wanted to go to HOYS! Bandit is a

great all-rounder and was brilliant today.

We went to a working hunter class at the Aintree show and the judge said we should have a go at SFAS so we came along! Bandit has a varied life, we event at BE90 level and have qualified for the regional finals. We have plenty of fun together.” Maxine runs a social media marketing company, Maximise Social.

Judge, Louise Gaunt said: “Our winner today was polite, he performed brilliantly and stripped very well”.

Solicitor, Charlotte Davies and her grey gelding, Miller Beech [Phillip] qualified in the show hunter class. A delighted Charlotte said: “This is our first attempt at SFAS! It is a dream come true. We have evented previously, but after a bad fall we decided to give showing a go. I decided I was having Phillip when he was just two days old and two weeks later, I bought him!”

He was bred at the Beech House Stud where Charlotte worked before her career change. Charlotte plans to go to the SFAS workshop with Phillip in the run up to HOYS. Also qualifying in the hunters was Lucy Askey and her Irish Draught gelding, Pearl Panshine [Peter]. Lucy said: “I am a bit shocked to be honest, ever since my sister, Elle Askey went to HOYS in 2014 in the riding horse hack SFAS final, it has been my goal to go!” Lucy continued: “We’ve owned Peter since he was four. He had been training to be a police horse but didn’t pass the final tests.” Lucy, who is a dog groomer, said, “My work definitely helps with the turnout – it all has to be done to perfection!”

The riding horse hack class was won by GP, Rachel Lambert and her 10-year-old lockdown purchase, Tiger Lady. Judge, Richard Ramsay said: “Our winner was very

Miller Beech ridden by Charlotte Davies

Tiger Lady ridden by Rachel Lambert

nice, she stripped well, moves nicely and really used herself in the ring”. Rachel said: “I am simply over the moon, HOYS has always been my dream.

We had one go at qualifying last year, but Tiger Lady wasn’t quite right on the day and the judge, Richard Ramsay said to come back. So we did!

She is a Trakhener x Sport Horse and was bred to event and we have competed at 80 and 90 level eventing.”

In second place in the riding horse hack class was hack, Port Lou Lou, ridden by Finn Williamson, 15, and owned by Kirsty Wilson. Finn said: “It has all come together today. We have had her on loan for four years – her owner will be thrilled to hear she has qualified! We have done a bit of everything but we generally stick to showing. We won STARS in 2021 so this has given us plenty of enthusiasm to keep progressing although having fun is our main aim. We would love in the future to aim for open classes”.

Port Lou Lou ridden by Finn Williamson

Heath ridden by Mollie Longworth

A fiercely competitive cob class was won by skewbald gelding, Kas Nickleby and British Dressage Sport Operations Officer, Cat Griffiths. Cat said: “This is the best he has ever gone, we have worked really hard on the ride, anyone and everyone has been riding him. He was owned by Cat’s friend, Kerry Dillon since he was a foal, and Cat has known him ever since. “I bought him for £1,000 with tack! It’s the best grand I’ve ever spent,” said a delighted Cat. Cat has lessons with Peta Roberts, she initially went to Peta for side-saddle lessons with another horse and Peta liked the look of Kas Nickleby and so has been helping Cat with him.

Following disappointment at the Netherton SFAS qualifier, second placed Mollie Longworth and her gelding, Heath were delighted to earn their HOYS ticket. Mollie and Heath took second place at Netherton in the cob class but owing to outdated information on the horse’s passport they couldn’t go forward to the finals so came back for another go at Stoneleigh. Mollie said: “All my life I’ve wanted to go to HOYS! We normally go hunting with Heath, I’ve had him since he was a three-year-old. Back then he was quite skinny; it’s taken him time to mature and he had a horrible time with strangles last year and nearly died. We gave him all summer off and he has come back much stronger.”

In third place in the cob class was Alya Newman and her own, Rein Honey. Alya said: “This is such a surprise! I had the best ride I’ve had in a long time, we’ve literally had to beg, borrow and sell to get to the qualifier. I’ve sold saddle pads and my friends’ brought Rein here in their trailer.

This year it is it for me and Rein – our last chance to have a go at getting to HOYS! I have had Rein since she was a foal and I’ve now promised her to a friend who is in a wheelchair in return for a swap with a great little pony for my daughter.” She later got more than she bargained for and momentarily wondered why she was being handed a sash before the realisation

Rein Honey ridden by Alya Newman

Kas Nickleby ridden by Cat Griffiths

dawned that she and Rein had picked up a wildcard HOYS ticket. Her brilliant reaction was caught on camera and the resulting video reached nearly two-million people on Facebook with over 13,000 likes!

Sarah Gwilliam riding Sar Cassidy-Hill’s Imperial Ruby took a very competitive Racehorse to Riding Horse class.

Judged by Samatha DeCaprio (ride) and Ian Smeeth (conformation) the class was divided into two sections with ten horses returning for the final judging.

Ian said: “This was one of the strongest ex-racehorse classes I’ve seen with such a good standard of horse. All were beautifully retrained with a correct, soft way of going. Samantha said: “He looked up through the bridle and travelled beautifully for me.”

Winning owner, Sar Cassidy-Hill said: “Imperial Ruby is just great; we’ve had him since he was weeks old. He was trained by Mick Channon and was placed fourth once at Kempton. He now does everything, side-saddle, jumping, dressage. He lives in or out and has a very nice home life! Just yesterday he went up the gallops with Sarah’s partner and he often goes up the hurdles.” Imperial Ruby was ex-racehorse champion at Hickstead earlier this season and in 2021 took eighth place in the Racehorse to Riding Horse final at HOYS.

Imperial Ruby ridden by Sarah Gwilliam

Runner up was 2021 finalist First Fandango ridden by Hannah Chisman.

Hannah said: “This is the best he has gone, here today. We are pretty busy and also compete in show jumping, team chasing, a bit of dressage and eventing.”

First Fandango’s full brother, Nicene Creed also went to HOYS twice with Hannah several years ago. Hannah added: “First Fandango was a great racehorse, winning seven starts and he ran four times at the Cheltenham Festival. He spent a total of eight years racing, running over fences, hurdles and on the flat, trained by Tim Vaughan.”

First Fandango ridden by Hannah Chisman

In the traditional cob class, Aircraft manager Beth Gibson riding Jacqui Down’s piebald gelding, Big Mac took first place. “I am shocked to have won, HOYS has been our goal for so long. Jacqui has owned him since he was five and he ltiterally saved her life. She had a fall from him and had to go to hospital and because of this they found Jacqui was ill. We’ve helped out ever since.”

In second was Joe Granton riding Tara Redfern’s piebald gelding, Wystone Domino. Joe said: “This is our first time trying to qualify and I am delighted for Tara, she’s owned him since he was just 16 months old.” Tara, who has dyspraxia, recently took the title of overall champion at the Riding for the Disabled Search for a Star championship at Hartpury College riding Dawn Whitmore’s My Last Bob for the Wenlo RDA Group.

Your Horse Live Finals Fell ponies took first and second place in the mountain and moorland class. Georgia Norton and Mosshey Centurion earned the win and Jessica Everill and Brackenbank Flicka took runner up spot. A delighted Jessica said: “I’ve owned Flicka for a year and a half, we went to the SFAS mountain and moorland finals in 2021 and came third!

I was seventeen weeks pregnant then and now I have a three-month-old baby!” In the run up to Your Horse Live Jessica and Flicka will do some more showing, dressage and pleasure rides.

In third place and qualifying was Welsh section D, Dearne Valley Firefly and his owner and rider, Adele Forster. A thrilled Adele said: “I’ve had him for two years and I couldn’t fault him. I wanted a hunter and came home with a Welsh section D!” Open veteran winners at Stoneleigh, Icelady and civil servant Victoria Timperley are no strangers to success in the ring. The open veteran class is the only SFAS class that is not restricted to amateurs. A delighted

Blackhill Osprey ridden by Millie Croft, led by Lisa Croft

Victoria said: “She is my horse of a lifetime – and she knows it. I’ve had Icelady since she was four, she was my intermediate show hunter and has been incredible all her life.

She loves her job and has been to HOYS and RIHS several times, I’m the only one that has ever shown her and she has also competed side-saddle. The last time we took her out was in 2019 and she has just been hacking about since then. This class is great as it has given her an opportunity to get out.”

The part-bred traditional gypsy cob class was won by Claire Fox riding her own black gelding, Mr Brewster. Claire said: “We’ve been so near, second at Vale View and third a Bury Farm and now to have got there is simply fantastic!

We’ve done quite a bit of local level showing and I used to show him in part-bred Welsh section D classes.”

In the new Pony Club SFAS classes, ponies from Pony Clubs across the country came forward for a chance of a spot at Your Horse Live. In the lead rein class, eight-year-old Millie Croft riding Lisa Croft’s grey Welsh section A pony, Blackhill Osprey took first place. A member of the Rufford branch of the Pony Club, Millie said: “Ozzy and I have done pony club camp, picnic rides and dressage and showjumping.” The Croft family have owned Ozzy for two years having originally had him on loan. Lisa added: “We will be doing lots of practicing between now and Your Horse Live including going to TSR and Equifest.”

L-R Mosshey Centurion and Georgia Norton, Brackenbank Flicka and Jessica Everill, and Dearne Valley Firefly with Adele Forster

Icelady ridden by Victoria Timperley

Big Mac ridden by Beth Gibson

Wystone Domino ridden by Joe Granton Cool Eliza shown by Lisa Lilley

Glamorgan Pony Club member, Abigail Piper riding Victoria Piper’s Welsh pony, Honey Bee won the first ridden class. Abigail said: “Honey loves showjumping and working hunter pony.” Her mum, Victoria competed in SFAS in 2021 and got through to the HOYS finals with her hunter Craifoil Quiksilver. They recently won the middleweight hunter class at the Royal Welsh show. Victoria said: “There seems to be a lot of competition between us now! Honey is just brilliant, she is only six and this is her first season showing.”

Cool Eliza, owned by Chloe Knowles and handled by Lisa Lilley won the plaited in-hand horse and hogged cob class at Stoneleigh. Lisa said: “Eliza is my daughter’s horse, we

have competed in-hand at a few local shows and we were here competing in Trailblazers so we thought we would give this a go!

Eliza is a proper all-rounder she has been placed in the showjumping and combined training at Trailblazers this week too.”

The plaited pony in-hand class at Stoneleigh was won by Molly Bryan and Rommano Royal Myth owned by Victoria Bryan. The SFAS workshop the previous proved crucial to this pair in netting their win. Victoria explained: “We’ve only had Zippi for nine weeks and when we went to the workshop on the Saturday Mollie was having a bit of a confidence crisis. The time the Nikki Taylor spent with Molly and Zippi was so good and such a boost Honey Bee ridden by Abigail Piper

for her confidence.” Twelve-yearold Molly and Zippi will continue competing in some showing and dressage classes over the summer and they will go on to show pony and then intermediate classes in time.

In the in-hand traditional and natives class, Lucy Parr and her Shire mare, Milnerfield Lady Isabelle took top spot. Izzy as this gentle giant is known at home is the first pure-bred Shire horse to ever qualify for the SFAS Your Horse Live finals. Lucy said: “We came to SFAS to represent the breed. Shire horses are currently rarer than pandas and are on the rare breed survival trust endangered list. I’ve always wanted to get her out on to the bigger stage of showing and Milnerfield Lady Isabelle shown by Lucy Parr Randall IV handled by Lucy Ashworth

Collstone Perfect Storm shown by Jamie Clarke

SFAS is helping us do this. Izzy is a riding mare and has also

competed under saddle, it would be great to break her to harness and drive her in a single cart.”

Eight-year-old Izzy has been owned by Lucy since she was four.

The in-hand veteran horse and pony class went to Lucy Ashworth and her own, twenty-four-yearold, Randall IV. A delighted Lucy said: “I have been really ill, I was diagnosed with stage 3 cervical cancer in November last year and didn’t think I’d be showing this year. It is just brilliant to have got my life back a bit. Randall was an ex-international showjumper and he is still ridden and does everything. When I bought him, I went to see an ex-racehorse and ended up coming home with Randall!” Lucy and Randall IV have also qualified for Your Horse Live in the plaited horse class.

Following on from her daughter Charlotte Knight qualifying for Your Horse Live in April, Jamie Clarke and Collstone Perfect Storm [Elsa] won the in-hand mountain and moorland class at Stoneleigh. Jamie said: “It’ll be a mother and daughter head off in the final! I am so thrilled, we’ve only had Elsa for two months; she is a God-send. SFAS has given us a brilliant opportunity. We’ve only just started showing and we want to do it correctly. Both Elsa and Dixie - Collstone Caventino – came from the same lady, their breeder, Nina Hayton.”

Stoneleigh Horse Show (August)

Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire Report by Beth Simons Photos by 1st Class Images

“We Only Came for Experience!”

A somewhat comic scene ensued when unable to believe that she had won, Emma Green ignored her number being called, believing it a mistake and insisting that stewards double check marks, such was her surprise at qualifying Lindy Winship’s Shire, Bordsley House Norman. Norman is produced by Emma, and is sired by Emma and partner Richard’s own Acle Supreme out of Valiants Lucky Lady.

He has announced himself as one to watch in the ridden heavy horse ranks and not only because at a whopping 19.2hh, he is the tallest Shire on the circuit. “You won’t miss him at HOYS!” joked Lindy. He’s been out just three times since being broken over the winter, but the team’s plan for a “novice season” was quickly derailed when he won the novice class at the National Shire Show, rendering him out of class.

He went on to win the Kilmannon qualifier at Royal Norfolk and Stoneleigh’s trip for “some more mileage” ended in more than they’d bargained for! “Looking back it’s all rather funny but genuinely shows we never expected to win and gain a treasured HOYS ticket,” said Lindy. “Norman is the kindest horse with the goofiest character. I absolutely adore him.”

Lindy’s mare, Westfield Calendar Girl, has also qualified both in-hand and under saddle. “I’m so incredibly lucky to have two horses qualified; I feel very blessed.”

Bordsley House Norman ridden by Emma Green

Similarly, Kim Wilson was rendered almost speechless with shock when her young daughter Charlotte, 11, won her first ever working hunter pony qualifier. Charlotte and Owston Hob Nob won a strong junior mountain and moorland class. Kim explained that she was undecided whether to attend the show, as Charlotte had already qualified her 128cm pony and had little milage over fences, having only recently formed a partnership with Hob Nob, who is on loan from the Holder family. A serendipitous offer of a lift down and shared diesel costs saw them make the five-hour journey south from their Scottish base with little expectation beyond experience.

They went on to further wow judges, Claire Collier and Robert Parker Jones to take the section reserve.

Owston Hob Nob ridden by Charlotte Wilson

info@showingworldonline.co.uk | October Issue 2022 | Showing World | 63

Brambletown Boy ridden by Amy Tough

Bit of a Surprise!

Lucy and Sian Kiff were pleasantly surprised when first homebred Brambletown Boy [Geoffrey] took the small riding horse class, qualifying on his first ever attempt. Pembrokeshire based Lucy had kept Geoffrey with the intention of riding him herself, but found work commitments meant she was increasingly reliant on her good friend, local producer Amy Tough to pilot the six-year-old. Consequently, it was decided that he should be sold, and upon Amy’s recommendation, they decided to attempt a “few bigger shows to see if we could get a few good results to sell him”. Needless to say, the good result was better than expected! “We didn’t think anything of it,” said Lucy, “but magically, he qualified! Amy says we can’t sell him now, and we definitely can’t before taking him to HOYS, so we’re tempted to keep him another year!” Geoffrey is by Connemara stallion Newtown Pedro, and is out of Lucy’s hunter mare, Dovevale Regal Dove, who has proven to be a useful mare, with four-year-old son Dovanti Boy taking the hunter championship at the Royal Welsh and reserve supreme at Pembrokeshire County Show, also under Amy. Flying High Post RI!

Highleigh Hugo ridden by Izzy Williams

Izzy, who appeared bursting with joy. “We tried last year and had a few seconds,” she added, “but he’s been so good this year!”

Meanwhile, nine-year-old Molly Millard rode her own Dartmoor pony, Pumphill Pantheon to win the Pretty Polly heritage class at the RIHS and went on to take the open mountain and moorland first ridden at Stoneleigh. This is Molly’s first season campaigning the pony, whom she does herself at home, in qualifying classes. “It’s been simply amazing for her and a dream come true to qualify,” said Molly’s mum, Carla Iddon, adding, “she can’t wait to walk through the curtains at HOYS”.

The mountain and moorland lead rein ticket was also awarded to a first-time rider in his first season. This was Walt Ashworth, 6, riding eight-year-old Shetland gelding Hackamore Momento [Basset]. Walt and Basset were led by Walt’s mum, Lucinda Ashworth, nee Craven, who is a familiar face in the ridden ranks, and has also led at HOYS before. Nevertheless, a firsttime ticket with Walt rendered the moment a “special” one for Lucinda. However, the prospect of a chat in line-up with his friend, who has also “cauliflowerd” – qualified! – in the same class, was best for Walt!

Two young riders built on their RIHS successes to scoop a first ever HOYS ticket. Izzy Williams and Highleigh Hugo jumped a smashing round to head the mountain and moorland 122cm open and clinch the section championship. “I’m so happy,” said

Pumphill Pantheon ridden by Molly Millard

Hackamore Momento ridden by Walt Ashworth and led by Lucinda Ashworth

64 | Showing World | October Issue 2022 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk

JST Silvermist ridden by Erin Grier

“It really was the best day…”

Erin Grier was delighted to be trucking home with not one, but two HOYS tickets! Buccaneers Sea Pearl qualified under Erin in the 143cm show hunter pony, securing what will be her last trip to HOYS, as Erin has competed her for six years and is out of class this season. “She really has been my pony of a lifetime,” said Erin, who rode her to be sixth at the RIHS a few weeks previous. Her second ticket cave via winning intermediate show hunter and HOYS debutante, JST Silvermist. Erin has owned her since last November and the pair had been “knocking at the door” over the season.

Nevertheless, the mare had recently had some downtime, consisting of time off, X-country and beach trips. “She’s just the easiest horse; she’s a sweetheart in every way,” said Erin, who was quick to credit and thank producer Caitlin Galbraith for her hard work in preparing both ponies. Erin went on to stand reserve champion intermediate behind Samantha De La Hey’s Leaventhorpe Gold Rush, ridden by Claudia De La Hey.

section A, Hope Ghost’s Little Boy [Bernie], ridden by their daughter, Ella Eynon, 12. A beaming Ella explained that though they quickly secured a return ticket to HOYS in the open section A class at Royal Three Counties, the pair had amassed an equally brilliant and frustrating six seconds in the junior ranks before eventually booking their second spot on the HOYS bus! Bernie and Ella were also fourth in the equivalent junior class at the RIHS, where they also contended the open Welsh sections A and B class.

Hope Ghost’s Little Boy ridden by Ella Eynon

Robin Hood and a Band of Merry Juniors!

As per, the junior mountain and moorland classes were extremely well supported, resulting in the classes needing to be split for judging. The eventual champion came from the large breeds class, being Harry Marsden riding Lima Priestley’s upstanding Connemara gelding, Robe Robin Hood. The ten-year-old has had a busy season, qualifying for the UKP&H junior class under Darcy Robinson and the open breed class with Liam.

The reserve came via the winning small breeds, Rebecca Faulkner and Eurig Eynon’s Welsh Robe Robin Hood ridden by Harry Marsden

Still Queen Bee Jasean Spraggett and Lucinda White’s 2019 Lightweight Show Hunter of the Year, Noble Queen Bee [Sally], continue to be a sterling partnership, booking another return ticket to the NEC by topping their class. 11-year-old Sally has proven her versatility time and again since Jasean acquired her as a six-year-old. She won the Noble Bing Supreme at the BSPS championships and partnered Jasean on the England team, she has qualified for HOYS on several occasions as a worker, going on to stand fifth in 2019, and has also qualified as a ladies hunter. Sally and Jasean finished fifth in the lightweights at the RIHS, and will now contend HOYS one last time, as this will be her last season showing. “She is an amazing hunter,” said Jasean, “I plan to do some dressage on her next year and hunt her over the winter. She’s been the most incredible horse for me. I’m very lucky”. The pair went on to stand reserve champion in the hunter section at Stoneleigh behind Robert Walker and Jill Day’s heavyweight, Crown Star.

Noble Queen Bee ridden by Jasean Spraggett

A Diamond Day In the children’s riding ponies, Julie and Bob Spargo’s homebred Melin Diamond [Peggy] shone brightly under Megan May Davies to secure the 148cm class and tricolour.

Produced by Cathy Hughes-Jones, Peggy is in her first season under saddle. Nevertheless, she stood champion HOYS children’s riding pony and overall supreme ridden at Kent County ridden by Megan earlier in the year, and won the part-bred class under Gemma Rees at Bob and Julie’s ‘local’, Pembrokeshire County Show. Peggy’s mother, Dazzle, a HOYS hack and intermediate show riding type, was also produced by Cathy, even tempting her back into the show ring herself! She is by Strinesdale Matador. “We’d not planned to show her this year as we had no jockey,” explained Julie, “but a chance catch up with Cathy meant Peggy went off to boarding school only in May! She is the dearest pony and she and Megan have formed such a strong bond in only a few weeks”. Taking the reserve spot behind them was the Julie Templeton produced Field Aston Diamante, ridden by Millie Davies, winners of the 138cm class.

Crown Star ridden by Robert Walker

Melin Diamond ridden by Megan May Davies

A Winning Edition Laura Cunningham’s RIHS cob champion, Horton’s Magnifico continued his run of good form to take the heavyweight cob class.

The seven-year-old will henceforth occupy a special place for Justine, being the first to bring home a RIHS championship for the Essex-based producer. Lauren and Justine found him towards the end of 2020 and after hurrying to see him, instantly fell in love. Last year, he finished third at the RIHS despite his lack of experience, and later in the season won three HOYS qualifiers in quick succession before securing a placing at the final.

However, it was Justine’s winner of the lightweights, Rachel McCourt’s Randalstown Vogue that featured in the championship, taking the reserve spot behind the winners of the maxi class, Guy Mear’s multi-garlanded Brookdale Limited Edition, ridden by producer Danielle Heath.

Randalstown Vogue ridden by Justine Armstrong Small

Brookdale Limited Edition ridden by Danielle Heath

Lester Leads Native Ranks The mountain and moorland ridden competitors were treated to a spin in the grand ring for their qualifiers, with many appreciating the opportunity to take advantage of the sand track around the ring. A mammoth day of showing saw Gillian Simpson’s Dales gelding Griseburn Lester rise to the occasion, secure a first HOYS ticket under his producer Aimee Devane, and go on to take the championship. He was bred by Andrew and Helen Horn of the Griseburn stud, and was purchased unbroken by Gillian. He made a good start to his ridden career by standing Picton novice champion at the 2021 NPS Summer Championships. He returned to the championships to stand intermediate ridden champion this year, and also qualified for the RIHS. He has gone from strength to strength through August, securing his first ever London International Horse Show qualification on his debut attempt at the BSPS Summer championships.

Griseburn Lester ridden by Aimee Devane

The Keys to Success Having had a frustrating run of near misses, Ross Keys and Windsor reserve champion Dycott Welsh King won a second exceeding 143cm mountain and moorland working hunter pony class in as many weeks, having already qualified for HOYS at the NPS Summer Championships.

He also made a rare appearance in the flat mountain and moorland ring to bag a shock win on Julie Barton’s Highland stallion, Ellister Islay Spruce, who recently won his RIHS

final class under Rebecca Penny.

We are more accustomed to seeing Ross run alongside Spruce. The pair won the Price Family Supreme in-hand final at HOYS last season, and were supreme champion inhand at Suffolk a few weeks ago.

“Spruce and Ross have a special relationship,” said Ross’ partner, Anna Chaplin, “they get on really well in-hand so we thought, ‘why not try it’?” The gamble paid off and the pair added a whole new dimension to their formidable presence together with Ross on board.

Ellister Islay Spruce ridden by Ross Keys

Littledean Mornin Light ridden by Amy Edmonson

Stoneleigh Horse Show (September)

Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire 3-4 of September 2022 Report by Beth Simons Photos by 1st Class Images Fly on High

Honey Is Favoured Flavour

As ever, the mountain and moorland classes attracted enormous entries.

Happy tears were abundant when a delighted Amy Edmonson secured her first HOYS ticket in the junior mountain and moorland working hunter pony class riding Littledean Morning Light [Fly]. Amy, 11, had travelled to the show with trainer, Chrissy Knipe, as mum, Jane Edmonson was holding the fort at home while Nan had taken younger sibling Ella to compete in the lead rein hunter pony final at Burghley. Nine-year-old Fly “knows his job,” explained Chrissy, and was placed in the open 122cm class at HOYS last season before Amy took over the ride. On a scale of one to ten, Amy explained that her excitement levels were “definitely ten,” and the qualification was a “dream come true”. Llanafanfawr Bryan was ridden to second place by Oscar Elcock in the junior class, before a second turn about the course brought ten-year-old Oscar a first workers ticket in the 122cm open mountain and moorland working hunter pony class.

Michaela Jones led daughter LaraRae Jones, 7, to win the mountain and moorland lead rein class and mini championship with Lisa Brookes’ Welsh section A, Glyncoch Honey Pot. The charming palomino five-year-old is by Glyncoch Kentucky out of Glyncoch Helena, and this is her first season.

She’s had a frustrating season, being consistently placed in her RIHS and HOYS classes, but missing out on the golden tickets until Stoneleigh. “We kept the best bit till last,” said Lisa.

Coffeepot Champagne Charlie ridden by Matilda Holmes

In reserve was Zoe Holmes’ Coffeepot Champagne Charlie, ridden by Matilda Holmes. “We actually came to do the juniors and thought we’d do the first ridden first so we’re not bothering with that now,” explained Zoe. 11-year-old Welsh section A Charlie is on lease from owner Emma Littlefair for Matilda to do from home. They qualified for the RIHS in both the first ridden and the junior small breeds, finishing 8th in the latter final.

Glyncoch Honey Pot ridden by Lara-Rae Jones and led by Michaela Jones

Third Time Lucky Victoria Taylor’s Fell Birkettbank Master John [Jay] took the mountain and moorland large breeds title despite being in just his first season under saddle. The six-year-old had only contended a number of shows. Victoria explained: “My section D is out of action so the last few shows Jay has had to step up to the mark!”

Jay and Victoria contended their first HOYS qualifyin class at NPS for some experience finisheing fourth before finisheing second at the August Stoneleigh Horse Show on equal marks with the winner. “It was a case of third time lucky,” she said. “He’s really gone from strength to strength. He actually enjoys showing too which is so lovely. He loves attention! But the bathing is a nightmare,” she laughed.

Jayne Ross Dealt Winning Cards Jayne Ross added yet more ribbons to her 2022 collection at the show. She stood reserve champion hack on Linda Upton’s RIHS small hack runner-up, Whalton Reprise, who won and stood champion at the August Stoneleigh Horse Show. Debbie Harrod’s large riding horse King of Clubs also continued to be on superb form to take the riding horse championship under Jayne, repeating his success at Royal Bath and West and Derbyshire Festival. Debbie purchased the five-year-old shortly after he won his novice class at Royal Windsor. “Because he’s such a nice person, he’s been able to learn as he’s going,” said Jayne, adding “he’s utterly charming”.

Birkettbank Master John ridden by Victoria Taylor

Rotherwood Firefox shown by Shane Rogers

King of Clubs ridden by Jayne Ross

Hugo On Fire

pony classes with huge success, in the highest company, being supreme part bred at National Welsh and picking up his Price Family semi-final ticket at Blakesley.

The culmination of the Price Family Supreme Semi-Final saw Jane Laffey’s Rotherwood Firefox [Hugo] shown by Shane Rogers take the ticket. He was bred by Elizabeth Mansfield Parnell. Out of Rotherwood Buttons And Bows from the illustrious Peep Family, he is by the young stallion Highmead To Be Or Not To Be, who is a Strinesdale Matador son out of successful show mare Highmead Maybe Forever.

Hugo’s breeding is nothing short of prolific, and recognising that his wonderful combination of Welsh and Arab blood would ensure his versatility, Hugo was reserved by Jane at a few days old on a visit to the Rotherwood Stud in summer 2019. She had no intention of buying a foal, however upon seeing Hugo walk across the lawn, she knew he had to be hers as he had such an extraordinary walk.

All Jane’s ponies are home produced and often shown from the field, living as naturally as possible, explained Shane, who first met Jane five years ago at the National Welsh show, and was swiftly included in her team of handlers. “Jane’s analogy is that like a jigsaw, we all bring a piece to make a whole picture. She is very enthusiastic that young people get the chance to show high quality ponies to enable them to progress in showing.” Hugo will be backed by Jill Wormall, who does most of Jane’s ponies and then a decision will be made as to whether he goes showing or eventing. The next stop is decided, however determined: HOYS!

Hugo attended a couple of educational shows in 2021 and had an amazing season in 2022, competing in part bred classes and hunter

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Rich Man Poor Man ridden by Kirstine Douglas

Rich Man Poor Man Nets Supreme Bounty Jockey Club RoR National Championships | Aintree International Equestrian Centre Report by Beth Simons | Photos by Majestic Photography 280 former racehorses descended upon Aintree for five days of hot competition at the Jockey Club RoR National Championships.

The championships culminated in the crowning of the RoR Elite Performance Award for showing. Taking reserve was 2021 supreme, Minella Rebellion [Reg] under owner Katie Dashwood.

Produced by Jo Bates, Reg enjoyed a phenomenal rise to success in 2021 taking both major championships for former racehorses: the Aintree supreme accolade and the SEIB Racehorse to Ridinghorse final at HOYS. This year, they have continued to grow as a partnership and Reg’s presence in the ring has been increasingly formidable, with the pair winning at Aintree, winning the amateur riding horse at the RIHS, and they’re set to return to HOYS both as a former racehorse and as a riding horse.

Reversing last year’s supreme championship to take the title was Morean Hamilton’s Rich Man Poor Man [Robbie] under the careful production of Dumfriesshire-based Kirstine Douglas.

The pair started their campaign in the 16-strong Tattershalls Open Ridden class, judged by Mrs Anne Varley and Mr Mark Rimmell.

Like Kirstine’s mum, Joyce, at home, Morean was glued to the live stream due to a judging appointment at the BSPS championship. However, as the pair were through to the final 10 to be presented in the evening, Morean made her own evening presentation before hot-footing it back to her iPad to watch him repeat his 2021 feat and win his class!

The seven-strong supreme saw each horse give an individual show. “This is where Kirstine’s professionalism, skill

and total understanding of Robbie, becomes magical – she knows just where his head is at and how far she can take things; they performed a beautiful, balanced show, with a double gallop, most of it performed one-handed, and he stood like a rock on completion. The atmosphere in that arena is electric,” said Morean, who is evidently brimming with pride.

“This supreme win means the world to us all – it is not only testament to the wonderful horse that he is, but his partnership with Kirstine and the time, training and nurturing that has gone before.”

The former Philip Kirby trained nine-year-old did not shine on the racecourse, pulling up four times in five races, but there has been no stopping him since his retirement from the track in 2017 and his later graduation to the showring.

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Kirstine has produced horses for Morean since 2013, explained Morean.

“We get along brilliantly; I love that she treats and cares for my horses as if they were her own- as she does with every horse on her yard. We had often said that a project ROR would be ‘fun’ – but that it would have to fit a standard category- a proper hack, riding horse or hunter, that was able to hold its own in open affiliated classes.”

Fortunately, Morean had known Pippa Kirby, Philip’s wife for a number of years, and knowing her to “have a wonderful eye for a horse” bought Robbie from a photograph after Pippa had contacted her me “out of the blue” about the then four-year-old gelding owned at the time by Philip’s father.

From there, “project ‘Grow A Hunter’ commenced”, Morean explained. “From the outset, Kirstine and I promised each other that we would give him all the time he needed; he has wonderful limbs, but was essentially a big raw frame of a horse. With a few setbacks en route including grade 4 ulcers, Robbie has slowly matured and developed, and continues to do so, into the fabulous middle-weight hunter that we always dreamt he would

be”. Standing at over 17 hands high, he is every bit the hunter now, and it’s difficult to imagine him as anything else! He is “a gentle giant; he has proven to be extremely trainable and is ever compliant. His temperament is incredible and his partnership with Kirstine is a joy to watch,” said Morean.

The extent of his transformation became evident when he clinched the 2021 Scottish ROR Championship, which in turn qualified him for The ROR Elite Championships at Aintree where he went on to be reserve supreme.

His 2022 campaign started with qualification for the RIHS as a middleweight hunter and stood hunter champion at Netherton Equestrian’s spring show. Next up was Dumfries show where he won and collected his 2023 Scottish ROR Finalist qualification, and from there the team headed directly to Bury Farm for the SEIB Racehorse to Ridinghorse qualifier, which he duly won. “We were thrilled and delighted that at the first time of asking, he stood top of the massive class of 34 forward,” said Morean.

to win a strong HOYS hunter class before also winning the massive ROR class the next day. Kirstine and Robbie finished eight at the RIHS in the middleweight class.

“Having enjoyed it so much last year,” Kirstine and Morean decided that the Aintree final will be Robbie’s last outing before HOYS, for which, the team are greatly looking forwards.

The Queen, a racing and showing stalwart, saw her own five-year-old First Receiver won the Tattersalls RoR Novice Showing Series Championship final under his own producer, Katie Jerram-Hunnable. His last appearance on the track at Royal Ascot was under Frankie Dettori in the 2020 Hampton Court Stakes. First Receiver and Katie have since gone on to claim a place at HOYS in the SEIB Racehorse to Ridinghorse championship at Burghley.

At the Great Yorkshire, Robbie made history being the first former racehorse

Rich Man Poor Man, Kirstine and Mr Pat Morris, Lucinda Freedman, Marion Begley and Emma Balding

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Highlights from...

Sport Horse Breeding (GB) Supreme Championship Show David Broome Event Centre, Chepstow | (5th – 6th of September) Report by Beth Simons | Photos by 1st Class Images

Professor Commands Attention Kieran Baslington’s Langaller Cambridge Don [Peanut] excelled expectations to win not only the small hunter breeding championship, but also the supreme, booking himself a ticket to the Price Family Supreme Championship in October.

He was shown by Kieran, who we’re more accustomed to seeing astride, and particularly in the working hunter ranks. The quality chestnut is sired by Sandy’s Light and is out of Chantry Clover Girl. He was bred by the late Don Barton, who was hugely influential on Kieran, and consequently, he purchased the three-year-old after Don sadly passed. Since then. Kieran has lightly but successfully shown him, most recently securing reserve supreme at Minsterly Show.

He will now be broken over the winter and it’s intended that he will attempt ridden showing next year. Interestingly, the reserve supreme, Celtic Cross was also sired by Sandy’s Light, and Peanut’s full brother Langaller Oxford Don [Walnut] won and got his Price Family Supreme ticket at the same show last year.

Langaller Cambridge Don shown by Keiran Baslington

Fintan Has Winning Moves Camilla Davies’ Glenkeeran Dance In The Deep [Fintan] once again had all the right moves and finished supreme of show for the second time. “I feel like the Cheshire Cat,” said Camilla, adding, “Fintan was fantastic!” He was bred by Maria Melvin, is by Crosstown Dancer and out of Thoroughbred mare, Glenkeeran In The Deep.

Camilla bought him as a four-year-old from Maria after he was both four-year-old and lightweight hunter champion at the Dublin Horse Show. “I’m not usually very lucky… but the day I bought Fintan I was the luckiest girl ever,” said Camilla.

Fintan exudes quality, and he and Camilla have enjoyed a fabulous run together, with results including a former second at HOYS. This season, he stood amateur champion hunter at Royal Windsor, and stood champion amateur hunter at the RIHS for the second time before going on to take supreme amateur. They have also booked a return ticket to HOYS with a win at Royal Cheshire County.

Glenkeeran Dance In The Deep ridden by Camilla Davies

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The reserve supreme was awarded to Jill Day’s winning novice heavyweight, Mr Tea under Robert Walker. The Insatiable gelding won the novice heavyweight class and championship en route to the supreme. Though just a six-yearold Mr Tea has an impressive tally of results including wins at Royal Windsor, Cheshire Premiere, North of England Spring Show and a runner-up spot at the RIHS. Meanwhile it was Jane Jones and her own winner of the amateur small hunter class and championship, Wentworth [Basil], that took the reserve overall amateur spot. Jane bought Basil at the beginning of the pandemic. “He just gets better and better, bless him!” said Jane. This season, the pair certainly have had a good run of luck, standing second in the RIHS amateur small hunter class and third in the open small hunter class. “I couldn’t believe it; to ride in that main arena was a dream come true,” said Jane.

Since then, he has one on to win the HOYS small hunter class at Edenbridge and Oxted and then won the amateur small hunter class at the hunter championships. “He’s so consistent and is a pleasure to show,” she said of the versatile nine-year-old, adding “He also does dressage, qualifying for our area festivals at novice level, and is ready to step up to elementary this winter. He also hunts with me as a field master with the Vale of Clettwr Hunt.”

Mr Tea ridden by Robert Walker

Wentworth ridden by Jane Jones

J-Lo Bags Scarlet Ribbons Francoise Babington and Scarlet Ribbons [J-Lo] had a wonderful start to their partnership. The pair were champion open working hunter and champion HOYS working hunter on just their first outing together.

J-Los started her ridden career with Amy Tough, who jumped her in novice tracks and qualified her as a small hunter for HOYS before she was sold on to Esme Humpston and Ella Dalton took over the reins to great success, earlier this year winning the lightweight working hunter at Royal Windsor, claiming a HOYS ticket at Royal Norfolk, and standing second at the RIHS. Francoise purchased her shortly after her Hickstead success and J-Lo is now kept locally with Steve Pitt and Vicky Smith meaning that she can ride her a few times a week around her work and family commitments. I couldn’t have wished for a better start really,” said Francoise, “she really was a star and took me round some quite tough tracks, and to win the HOYS was fantastic. HOYS will come round a bit quickly for us this year but I’m so looking forward to next season with her.”

Scarlet Ribbons ridden by Francoise Babington

Vicky Tennant’s Bold Adventure jumped her way to the Rory Gilsenan Grand Prix Working Hunter title. She made easy work of the track, with her ears pricked at every fence. Vicky purchased the nine-year-old in 2019 before Dublin Horse Show. Out of Carnane Eurogirl, the Porsch nine-year-old qualified for both the RIHS and HOYS working hunter finals last season and booked return tickets to the 2022 finals at Equine Lane Cheshire Horse Show and the Royal Highland Show where they also went on to finish reserve overall hunter, holding their own against established flat contenders even with no fences to tackle! A versatile mare, she also showjumps under Allan, and has competed in the newcomer and foxhunter second rounds both last year and earlier this year, with a credible fourth to her name.

Bold Adventure ridden by Allan Birch

Peter and Kathy Bowdler were thrilled once again delighted with three-year-old Plas Pennant Sir Sidney. Sidney was shown by producer Simon Charlesworth to win both his three-year-old classes, stand champion light horse and reserve overall British bred. He has had a successful season, standing champion at Royal Three Counties and the Royal Welsh. By Siren’s Missile out of Dame DesFlanders, Sidney was bred by Derek Walker and Nick Davies, and his Welsh origins make his success all the sweeter for his Gowerbased owners. They came about purchasing Sidney when Derek was judging at Builth Wells in 2019 and began chatting to Peter, who runs the show-jumping ring at the Royal Welsh Spring Festival. When Peter mentioned that he was searching for a foal, Derek informed him that he one for sale and the rest is history. A second foal, Plas Pennant Master Morris, was subsequently purchased and not to be outdone, he also won three classes at the championships: the potential sport horse yearling class, the male yearling hunter and yearling hunter Plas Pennant Sir Sidney shown by Simon Charlesworth

breeding class. Interestingly, both have formerly stood supreme foal at this show: Sidney in 2019 and Morris in 2021.

Nick Gauntlett was delighted to be driving away with the sport horse foal tricolour. ‘Isaac’ is by The After Party out of olden Girl, and though he impressed judges when they visited for foal grading, his connections were nevertheless delighted to see him highly regarded on his first trip away from home, with the run out even inspiring a name: Born to Party!

Born to Party shown by Nick Gauntlett

Highlights from

Corkeeran Willow shown by Billy Moran

NPS Area 4

Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate Monday 29th of August Report by Beth Simons Report by Lucinda Dargavel Lockdown purchase Corkeeran Willow is already proving to be a special purchase for owner Billy Moran, qualifying for the Price Family Supreme in-hand final at NPS Area 4. The Irish Draught broodmare is out of Corkeeran Jewel and by Darragh Moylough Vision, himself by Moylough Bouncer. “I bought Willow as a f-year-old in the height of COVID,” said Billy, adding “I had been looking for a long time for a draught mare and had almost given up”. He was shown a picture of her, and seeing her potential, asked a local friend “to run an eye over her and I saw videos,” said Billy, who had never bought unseen before. She was purchased from Carolyn Wilson who had made the initial acquisition from her breeder, the late Edward Persse, whose son Billy now keeps in touch with.

“I had the belief in her but I never thought she would qualify in her first year,” he said of Willow, who is shown with her Tiger Attack

foal at foot. Her first show was at Hambleton, where she stood champion ID and champion hunter breeding, winning a Price semi-final qualifier. “I was buzzing at that!” Billy explained! She then went on to be champion at both Midland Counties, Great Yorkshire and Aintree Championships, where she was reserve in the £1000 supreme. At NPS Area 4, she took the tricolour and her foal went overall supreme foal. “She is finished now until HOYS and I’m having fun with the weather which is playing havoc with coats,” Billy laughed!

She is actually the second for Billy to qualify, as he also qualified Lisbrogan Tierbillie at the IPS Championship Show.

Corkeeran Willow shown by Billy Moran

“It was hard to find her but I have no doubt that I’ve found the right one. She’s a special mare.” Billy Moran on Corkeeran Willow

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Irish Pony Society

Leave it to You ridden by Katie Wyse stand supreme

Summer Championship Show Castle Irvine, Necarne, Northern Ireland | August 4-5 Report by Michele Craik-White The Irish Pony Society held its Summer Championships show in Northern Ireland for the first time at the picturesque Castle Irvine. The two days of top class showing kicked off on Tuesday evening with a wonderful welcome reception followed by the very competitive ‘Necarne’s Got Talent’ where competitors and owners alike got to show off their many hidden talents.

Amanda Torrens, had the pleasure of seeing her British-bred gelding, Leave It To You, first claim the Snooty Fox Interiors show hunter title on Thursday evening before being crowned supreme champion under a delighted Katie Wyse.

There was huge interest from exhibitors of horse and ponies in the Horse of the Year Show qualifiers. The Connemara qualifier, won by Ciara There was a damp start to Wednesday morning, Mullen with her own Caherpuca Chappy, was but this didn’t dampen the spirits of the staged on Wednesday with the others taking place participants or the organisers who were facing into on Thursday. The mountain and moorland junior a programme of over 140 classes and around 50 HOYS qualifying spot went to a delighted Harry championships – all leading to the crowning of the Greene on board Neuaddparc Springsong, with show’s TopSpec supreme champion at the close Emily Marnane on Danny’s Pride, Sarah Keane of Thursday’s evening performance in the Indoor on Lon Mac Líomhtha, Lucy Keane on Brimstone Arena.

Bowman and Rachel Moore on Dirion Elwyn also picking up their golden tickets for the HOYS For the duration of the championships, that Indoor mountain and moorland working hunter pony Arena was sponsored by the Co Kildare country section. house hotel, Barberstown Castle whose owner,

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Caherpuca Chappy ridden by Ciara Mullen

There were also tickets up for grabs in the ridden hunter section. Brian Murphy took two of the golden tickets: the small hunters with Ballarin Bada Bing, and the lightweights with Gone to Ground. In the middleweight class, it was James Smyth and My Diamond Solitare that topped the lineup while Ivan Ryan and Master Plan claimed the heavyweight ticket.

A huge cheer went up when Lisbrogan Tiger Billie was called forward as the Price Family Supreme in hand final champion, led by Tom Conlon and owned by Gemma Conlon and Billy Moran which made their trip across the water worthwhile! Manor Duke and Joe Burke, who had taken this title in 2021, had to settle for reserve on this occasion but were later crowned Irish Bred Supreme Champion.

The ever-popular Tom Robinson Gold Cup was a hard fought competition, with the exciting show jumping phase taking place on Wednesday evening, saw Lara Field and Creganna Kerfuffle coming out on top.

Wednesday evening also saw the Helena Hennessy Ruane owned Ballarin Bada Bing crowned supreme novice champion and his amazing form continued into the Thursday evening supreme championship to pick up

That mixture of joy and relief for Harry Greene riding Neuaddparc Springsong

reserve supreme to the aforementioned Leave It To You, having also picked a HOYS ticket earlier in the evening.

Bunbury Suarez continued his domination of the mountain and moorland section with his ridder Amira Curran when winning the Barberstown Castle-sponsored championship while Hillside Rebel, expertly ridden by Sadhbh O’Connor for her mother, was crowned the Irish Pony Society supreme four, five and six-yearold champion. The 2017 Connemara gelding is

by Monaghanstown Prince.

earlier in the season came out on top again to be crowned the Jim Lilley working hunter champion. There was great excitement for new members to the Irish Pony Society, Oliver and Simone Murphy, as Oliver rode Simone’s Amesbury Bumble Bee to be crowned both mini show pony and Elite champions.

With glittering evening performances and an extremely busy two day show, plans are afoot to make the championship show even bigger and better for next year!

Frosthill Jackaroo ridden expertly by Isla Coad, who secured his HOYS working hunter ticket

Brimstone Bowman ridden by Sarah Keane

Ballarin Bada Bing riiden by Aoibhinn Ruanne

Alexander is off to HOYS 2022 with coloured cob OXO

New SEIB partnership gets underway by netting viral video

By Jenny Viner SEIB Insurance Brokers have announced a new partnership with ex-international showjumper and television producer and stylist, Alex Osborn of The Old Manor Stables in Worcestershire. Alex’s media expertise is helping build the profile of SEIB’s sponsorship of the prestigious SEIB Winter Novice Showjumping championship and the SEIB Search for a Star amateur showing series through a series of short social media videos that highlight the action behind the scenes, that both equestrians, and those that have never sat on a horse, can relate to.

Now a keen showing competitor – and exinternational showjumper and Search for a Star exhibitor - Alex said: “I am very proud to be working with SEIB. People love to see relatable content on their social media channels. If through what we are doing we can help people feel more positive about themselves and to take on challenges to learn and improve with their horses then we will have achieved our goal. I thrive on talking to people, finding out about what is important to them and encouraging and guiding and telling the human, compassionate, story.”

In one of the first of these videos, the purely ecstatic reaction of one Search for a Star competitor realizing she and her beloved horse had qualified for HOYS was captured on camera and turned, by Alex, into a viral media sensation reaching two-million people on social media.

Search for a Star is unique in the horse world as the competition is run by a company, equine insurance business, SEIB Insurance Brokers. The company set the series up back in 1996 to give amateur riders the chance to compete on the big stage. Search for a Star has gone from strength to strength in this time and in this season alone nearly 1,000 aspiring amateur competitors have come forward to compete for the chance to qualify themselves and their beloved horses for the finals at Horse of the Year Show and Your Horse Live in the autumn.

To celebrate the great start to the partnership and his showjumping heritage, Alex recently represented SEIB in presenting the prizes for the SEIB Winter Novice showjumping championship in the main Hickstead international arena at the Royal International Horse Show.

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SEIB’s marketing manager and Search for a Star founder, Nicolina MacKenzie said: “As we all know, social license is such a burning issue in the horse world and through these videos Alex is creating we are putting positive, real life, content out there which is reaching an absolutely incredible number of people. The amazing partnerships people have with their horses is being truly celebrated.”

Alex joins long-standing SEIB brand ambassador Hannah Horton in representing the company. Professional showing producer

SEIB Winter Novice championship at Hickstead 2022, Nicole Pavitt and Colliers Carlotta (Julian Portch)

Hannah has had many victories at the top end of the sport with several HOYS and Royal International titles to her name.

Hannah has a role in Search for a Star mentoring and ride judging for the series.

With his top-level showjumping experience combined with now competing at county level showing, Alex is in-tune with the trials and tribulations of those that compete in showing and show jumping as a hobby and will highlight both the highs and the lows through his videos.

manner with the passengers was noticed by executive producer for the Des O’Connor tv show, Kay Palmer. Alex continued: “Kay gave me her card and said to come and see her in two weeks when she was back from her holiday. To cut a long story short, I was introduced to Des O’Connor and this landed me a job as a celebrity co-ordinator, meeting and greeting and guiding celebrities at the Teddington Studios.” From this, roles came about for Alex at Freemantle TV and Cosmopolitan and OK Magazines.

It is this importance put on the human touch that enabled Alex to turn from successful young-showjumper to a career in television.

He explained: “I was so very lucky to get into horses and then jumping when I was younger. At fourteen I competed in my first foxhunter and went on to be on both gold and bronze medal winning English showjumping teams in Home International competitions in my early twenties. Having competed at both HOYS and the Royal International, I feel I can identify with the emotions people experience in qualifying for these big level competitions.”

Stints in New Zealand, Los Angeles and France followed but the horses always beckoned for Alex and the opportunity to set up Prestwood Competition Stables in West Sussex was too much to turn down. Alex subsequently bought Golden Cross Equestrian Centre in East Sussex which he successfully ran with partner Craig McClelland for seven years. Alex explained: “Golden Cross was such a massive challenge, I quickly realised that the grassroots competitors is where my heart is. We put on some fun shows and the feedback was simply phenomenal. We got so much out of welcoming competitors, helping, guiding and supporting - our Christmas fancy dress show were always mega!”

After a horror fall resulting in a broken back, Alex stepped back from the horses and turned his attention elsewhere. On a stint working as cabin crew for an airline, his

At the end of 2017, Alex and Craig – a former master of the Southdown and Eridge Hunt – dipped their toe into showing with their coloured cob, Dollar Boy. A half season in 2017 resulted in qualification for RIHS and Alex was truly bitten by the showing bug. Cobs, Oxford Blue and Randalstown Columbo joined Alex in 2018 and 2019 resulting in wins on the county circuit, appearances at Royal International and their HOYS showing debut in 2019.

Alex and Craig moved to The Old Manor Stables in Worcestershire in 2021. The start of the 2022 season saw a new project, in the shape of young riding horse, KBF London Town, currently being produced

by Jayne Ross. Out of prolific riding horse winner, Berkeley Square and bred by Michael Cook and Tony Reynolds, this grey four-yearold known as Lion has a great future ahead of him.

Alex added: “I am very excited to be working with SEIB and helping bring the stories behind the pictures of success to life in our wonderful sport. Horses, and our dogs, mean the world to me and anything that can be done to help support, include and celebrate these partnerships is time very well spent.” Alex is also patron of Hector’s Greyhound Rescue in Aberystwyth.

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Tiffany has Danielle and Times Square III turned out to perfection at the RIHS!

Behind the scenes with Tiffany Smith

By Hannah Turnock Danielle Heath’s team have been having an incredible run of success with three titles and two tricolours at HOYS last season, a glut of wins and tricolours at Royal Windsor, and two championships and a reserve supreme at the RIHS just a few weeks ago.

Although it is Danielle that fronts up the team, we caught up with Tiffany Smith, Danielle’s right-hand woman to find out more about her role.

good and I now have nothing but untouched ponies or horses to bring on myself. I absolutely love it.

Showing World: Hi Tiffany! Tell us a bit about yourself… What is your background and how long have you been working for Team Heath?

SW: How did the opportunity of working for Team Heath arise?

Tiffany Smith: I have been into horses all my life, literally from being born! I never had anything bought set up for me; it was usually a pony from the nearest sale or rescue and I just had to get on with it. I had an ILPH pony when I was younger that was an absolute nightmare to start with, but I got to the other end and was out winning on him weekly.

For me, that sort of start definitely did me

I stared working as a groom aged 15; I left school early and got straight on with the job.

I was with Lynn Russell for two years.

I have now been with Team Heath for 7 years. I live in and it feels like home so it’s great.

TS: I was asked by a friend to come and do just some show cover, and within a week I started a position full time and have never looked back.

SW: What motivates you?

TS: The buzz you get from the shows when the horses are looking spot on in the ring and knowing your daily long hours of hard work pays off! When you see them trotting down the centre line, it’s a great feeling.

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Even if you’re not the one in the saddle, being a groom is such a big part of the job and I feel really involved with the horses on a daily basis.

SW: What does a typical day on the yard look like?

TS: I feed and net everyone around 8am and then crack straight on with turning out and mucking out. Both Danielle and I then work through the yard, riding, washing off and turning out. Some of the horses are worked in the school, and some are hacked out up our lovely back fields, and we go for a play in the stream. We usually have everyone done by 1 or 2 o’clock (ish!) and then head for some dinner. The afternoon is spent cleaning tack, tidying up or repacking the lorry. We then bed down, bring in and feed round at about 4:30pm, and then do final checks and rug changes around 8pm.

SW: And what does a show day look like?

TS: A show day can vary depending on

Tiffany

what we have going and how many we are taking. It can be a 2am start or a 5am start!

I usually go out and feed everyone first, and then start working my way through plaiting up. We then boot up, load up and leave.

Show days can be a bit full on but with the whole team together, we work really well. I have a few helpers for holding etcetera, and we will work in first thing so it’s just a case of tarting up before they go to the ring! We are very lucky that we have a lot of easy horses which makes everything a lot easier.

I will send everything off to the ring, oiled show-sheened and marked-up ready to go.

SW: What advice would you give to others who want to join the industry?

TS: It’s a great job to be in but it is hard work. It isn’t an easy job, but it’s so rewarding when you get it right. You just need to be willing to learn and to work hard.

It’s amazing to be able to work with and be a big part of doing some of the best show horses in the country.

What the boss says….

Danielle: Tiffany is a hard-working, loyal, perfectionist and my absolute right-hand girl! She’s been a massive part of Team Heath’s success over the last six years and she really is part of the family.

SW: What have been some of the stand-out moments for you as part of Team Heath?

TS: Stand out moments for me… standing champion at Windsor in 2019 with Times Square II as a novice. I had put a lot of work and time into him so that day meant a lot to me, as it did the whole team.

HOYS 2021 was another amazing time as it was my first HOYS win with Danielle.

As a team we had three wins and two championships. It was just amazing; I was so proud.

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

TS: There can be a lot of bitterness in the showing community. It would be nice to see more people supporting each other and just enjoying the job and their horses.

Team Heath at the RIHS

info@showingworldonline.co.uk | October Issue 2022 | Showing World | 81

Off To HOYS Against The Odds When we started campaigning the HOYS circuit with homebred Welsh section C, Marbeth Jimmy Wilde [Brian], and he held it together for a whole class, it felt like a win. After gelding, Brian became a compulsive head-shaker, and would often be so distressed that he would bite his own legs until bleeding. We felt desperately sorry for this sweet pony who was so obviously tormented by something we could not see and could not find. After several examinations and procedures, veterinarians told us to turn him away or put him to sleep. We lamented the day we gelded him, especially as we loved his daughters. Exacerbated, I posted a video on Facebook pleading for ideas and was flooded with whacky, weird and pretty yucky suggestions. Three years later, I wistfully said to my sister Maggie, his rider, “I would love to write about Brian qualifying one day, against all odds.” A few weeks later, they were HOYS-bound, and in all the days we have had showing, qualifying, and even winning at finals, that day felt like one of the best.

Inspired, I set about finding others with a similar tale of qualification ‘against the odds’, and here they are: a collection of tales of triumph over adversity, of perseverance, of wishes granted and dogged determination...

Imogen Sidaway’s 12-year-old intermediate working hunter, Confetti II [Lettie] sustained a check ligament injury three days before HOYS 2021 – Imogen’s first ticket – she was understandably devastated. Fast forwards three months of box rest, and more months of rehab with multiple scans and countless check-ups, Lettie was given the ‘all-clear’.

“Prior to this we had no idea if she would ever jump again.

Letting her out for the first time was a huge stress as we were frightened she’d just rupture her ligament again,” said Imogen. Fast forwards a few more months, and Imogen and Lettie booked another ticket to HOYS at the BSPS Midsummer Show, and are hopeful of reaching the final.

Aside from the injury, Imogen is a full-time medical student at the University of Nottingham meaning that it’s sometimes difficult to juggle working Lettie with her studies. “I have mainly relied on my 12-year-old sister to keep her fit for me,” said Imogen. “It is an anxiety every day still, wondering if we have pushed too hard and something is going to happen again. She has been to one worker show this year where she qualified for HOYS, and after that she has just showjumped with my sister who will take the ride on her after HOYS. She has been worth all the stresses and hard work throughout her rehabilitation, and she will stay with us for life.”

(Equinational)

Marbeth Jimmy Wilde

By Beth Simons

Confetti II

On the 31st of July 2021, Tom Page was admitted to hospital with deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. In layman’s terms, that’s blood clots and blood clots in the lung.

Originally, Tom believed that he would be able to go home the following day with medication.

Unfortunately, further examinations proved otherwise.

Tom was given two options: A) return home with bloodthinning medication, running the risk of constant leg-pain, swelling, ulcers, or even the loss of a limb. Tom was even warned that over-doing could cause part of the clot could break off and block his heart, “meaning ‘game over’…!”

Or, B) transfer hospitals for a procedure dissolving the clot, risking a bleed on the brain. “I opted to go have the procedure and spending two nights on the high dependency unit in the worst pain I’ve ever experienced,” said Tom, who spent a total of 11 nights in hospital on bed rest, with complications that rendered him unable to walk for months.

The following October, things were looking brighter and Tom was offered Wolf. Tom explained: “His owner Janet Smithers asked if I would like to take Wolf on loan”. The intention was to compete in the veteran classes but having already entered Royal Windsor and the Suffolk Show, Tom realised Wolf was only 14! They were offered a class swap at Suffolk County Show.

“The only class I could do was the HOYS Heavyweight Cobs qualifier. We turned up on the day with no expectations and only went and won, qualifying at our first attempt, just as we did earlier in the month for RIHS! Exactly a year after being admitted to hospital, I was riding at RIHS which is amazing, but to be riding at HOYS is unbelievable.

I can’t even say it’s a dream come true because I couldn’t have ever dreamt it! To say I’m excited is an understatement.

I go there with no expectations other than to enjoy myself and get a photo to make memories for a lifetime!

(Equinational)

Wolf

On the 16th of August, 2019, Cheryl Hudson and her family offered Travelling Man [Steven] a home. On the 16th of August 22, the family received a letter notifying them of his qualification for HOYS in the native and cob type coloured pony class.

Though just 119cm tall, Steven was a nuisance stallion with a terrible reputation in the locality. “He broke into our yard a total of 11 times, pulling down dry stone walls and breaking fences,” explained Cheryl.

“My feelings for this little gypsy cob where not favourable, but Henry absolutely adored him. On one of his visits, he stayed with us for a week and Henry fell in love with him. I explained to Henry that we couldn’t keep him as he was a stallion and at the time, Henry was still on the lead-rein,” said Cheryl. Fast forward a few more ‘visits’, and Cheryl decided to cease “being mad at this pony, and just watched the interaction between this sweet pony and a small boy”.

In the end, Cheryl offered to keep Steven as his then struggling owner had decided he had little option but to put Steven down. During surgery to geld him – one testicle was retained – vets found a cyst which would have killed him, and during his box-rest recovery, Henry spent hours providing daily walks and grooming.

“I set about mouthing him, intending to give him a chance and find him a suitable home. Never did I consider that he’d end up being Henry’s first

Travelling Man

ridden pony. I managed to convince my friend Jo Jack to break him under saddle,” said Cheryl. After just three weeks, three weeks, Henry first sat on Steven. “The rest is history; they clicked. Steven is a mother’s dream and Henry calls him his best mate.

They have learned together under the guidance of Jo Jack who has the patience of a saint”. To add to the magic, Henry will be riding in the ring on his 12th birthday.

Trefriw Mr Chips

“Steven pony has a home for life with us and I’m forever thankful to this pony for what he has given Henry. We are nervous but excited to be experiencing HOYS; we have never been, not even to watch…!”

(Equinational)

Stage Music

Virginia Russell Wood’s uber-elegant hack mare Stage Music has qualified for the Price Family Supreme in-hand.

There’s more on her on breeding and her career in the past in the Bucks County Report. But she also deserves her spot on this page as she broke her leg as a foal, and three years ago Virginia nearly lost her again. An emergency caesarean saved her life, but sadly, not her foals.

(1st Class Images) Sara Burdess’s 133cm show hunter pony, Trefriw Mr Chips qualified after winning at Royal Cheshire County show and again at the Royal Highland under Sara’s daughter, Jessica, 11, in his first open season.

“We got him as a foal in a ‘BOGOF’ deal with his brother ten years ago,” Sara explained, adding, “We wanted the brother but they wanted rid of him as well. He was so small my husband lifted him on to the trailer”.

Since then, he has been “waiting in the wings” for Sarah’s daughter,

to be old enough to ride him. Last season, he missed out on a HOYS, but secured an RIHS qualification.

(Sinclair Photography) Alya Newman has been dreaming of competing at HOYS since first visiting ten years ago. She got her cob Rein as a foal, and they have learnt together. “I’d never had a foal and never competed,” she explained.

After three years competing at local shows and at a handful of county shows, she felt ready to attempt qualification, but circumstances prevented it. “I fell pregnant and then COVID hit, and I lost my job due to redundancies so was unable to ride or afford to compete”. Fast forwards to 2022, and she entered her first SFAS qualifier at Vale View. “I was so nervous I didn’t eat the night before or the day of the class. Unfortunately, we didn’t qualify but enjoyed it, received some great feedback and was told by friends and family to try again, so we booked Stoneleigh,

our first ‘staycation’. We were traveling down on the Friday which would give us both time to settle in.

Thursday came; I had bathed and got everything ready. I got home to a phone call from my mum, who told me that my step-mum had passed away. Without this lady in my life I wouldn’t have my best friend. I was devastated and thought I would just try again next year, but friends and family said to go in her memory. On the day of the show, I was so nervous I couldn’t talk I don’t even think I breathed.” Rein and Alya finished third, but the judges had a surprise in store, having decided that she should receive a wildcard qualification, available at their discretion. “My heart flew out of my chest. I broke down with all my emotions. I am so lucky to have received the golden ticket, the trip to my dream destination and I get to go there with my soul-horse, my best friend”.

Rein Woodhouse Supreme

Chantelle Chapman was delighted to take the junior large breeds class and championship at Derbyshire Festival, bookin a return ticket to HOYS despite of a difficult time running up to the show. She explained: “Unfortunately, in March 2022, my mum was sadly diagnosed with cancer and is still battling it at the moment. We have still managed to get to shows even when she was receiving treatment.” One such time was Derbyshire Festival, and with Mum in hospital, Grandad stepped in to drive the lorry and Chantelle’s brother Bobby graduated to the groom’s position. “I’d never competed without my mum there before, especially in such a massive class with over 30 ponies! It was extremely nerve racking, but Bobby and I did my mum proud.” Falcon and Chantelle have enjoyed a super run together, including winning the SEIB Search for a Star final and later winning their mountain and moorland working hunter pony class at Windsor.

Woodhouse Supreme [Billy] and Rachael Motley are heading to HOYS having qualifyied for the SEIB SFAS Traditional cob class.

In spring 2019, Billy suddenly started violently head shaking. “It was constant,” said Rachael, “We couldn’t understand why, as it

Greenholme Falcon

was something he had never done before. It got so bad I had to stop riding him”. She explained he only ceased head-shaking in the evening in a dark stable, and from there, could identify his triggers: sunlight, noise and movement. “I was told that he wasn’t safe to ride, and the future was looking bleak for him when he was referred to Rainbow Equine Hospital where he was diagnosed with trigeminal-mediated head shaking. I knew he never could be a field ornament as he couldn’t be outside without distress. We decided to try PENS therapy, and he had three rounds of treatment.”

Though he was much improved, he wasn’t cured. Noise and exercise were still triggering. Further time off saw further improvement, and so Rachael began working him inhand. “He could literally only do ten minutes a day before he would start shaking his head. I slowly increased his work by one minute per week for months, also having to do this with noise, and the rest is history. He still can be sensitive to noise especially clapping, which is not ideal when you’re off to HOYS! But we are working on that at home up until the big day! He really is a pony of a lifetime and made all my dreams come true”.

Breeders Digest Price Qualifiers For this issue’s Breeder’s Digest, we take a look at the Price Family Supreme In-Hand finalists...

Spotlight Shines Brightly West Cork-based Aidan Williamson’s KSF Spotlight [Freddie] was the first of the year to qualify for the Price Family Supreme final, doing so on April 23rd at the Northern Ireland Festival on the two-year-old’s season debut.

Bred by Tom Newell and his son, Brendan, he is by Financial Reward out of Kilcahill Diamond, making him a traditionally Irish bred middleweight hunter. “We bought him at three months old after seeing his siblings competing,” said Aidan, adding, “when we went to see him, we were driving up the lane and this foal was in the field and it had the most amazing presence and walk. We didn’t even know it was Freddie but from that moment it was just a formality to get him bought as he was going to come home with us!” Freddie was shown once as a yearling where he won the All Ireland championship.

“He qualified for HOYS under the lights at the Northern Ireland Festival, which was a huge ask with him being the youngest in the ring.

He has the most exceptional temperament and character and when he goes somewhere he thinks everyone is there to see him,” said Aidan. He also explained that although he has been to HOYS “plenty of times helping the Hood family”, this will be the family’s first time with their own horse. “We are counting down the days and looking forward to representing Ireland and the Northern Ireland Festival”.

Skaergaardens Delicious Love The first native to gain a place in the line-up was Vanessa Compton’s Connemara mare, Skaergaardens Delicious Love. The ten-yearold mare is no stranger to the limelight having stood 2017 mountain and moorland ridden champion at HOYS and RIHS overall reserve champion mountain and moorland. She was also crowned supreme champion mountainand-moorland in-hand at Windsor last season year. Delicious was bred in Denmark by Brigitte Gotske, by Wirtsmuhle Delaney’s out of Skaergardens Secret Love. Delicious was shown by Scott Dixon, who showed Vanessa’s five times Price Supreme contender, Castle

KSF Spotlight

Emperor to the supreme championship at Notts County in 2019. Jo Jack took charge of her colt foal by Clover Hill Magic.

The Price Professor Kieran Baslinton’s Langaller Cambridge Don [Peanut] followed in older brother Oxford Don’s footsteps qualifying at the SHB (GB) Championship Show. The Sandy’s Light x Chantry Clover Girl three-year-old was shown

by Kieran himself. “He completely shaped my career with horses,” said Kieran of Peanut’s breeder, the late Don Barton, making the qualification even more special. FIND OUT MORE ON PAGE 72..

86 | Showing World | October Issue 2022 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk

Love Strikes Supreme Vicky Smith and Rosemary Penn’s prolific riding horse mare Lovestruck, qualified at Midland Counties. She was shown by Steve Pitt with her Future Gravitas colt ‘Tyson’ at foot handled by Richard Gildea. Incidentally, Tyson was also foal supreme at the same show. This is the 12-year-old’s fourth ticket to HOYS. She was bred by Gail Burrough by La Rochelle and out of De Beers. Vicky has also ridden Lovestruck at HOYS as a riding horse before she retired to broodmare duties.

Politician Joins In Ladies Day Celebrations Lisha Leeman’s homebred three-year-old hack filly Kellythorpes Ladies Day [Ruby] claimed the first of two tickets for Lisha’s team, and is the first to qualify by their homebred stallion Kellythorpes Addiction. She is out of Burlesque, whom qualified for the same final with Ruby at foot in 2019. Ruby qualified in her own right at Herts County on her season debut, shown by Lisha’s son-in-law Frazer Atherden.

A thoroughly family affair, Lisha’s two-yearold colt, Roseberry The Politician [Boris], was also in the supreme championship having stood riding pony champion shown by Frazer’s twin brother Dain. Not to be left behind, Boris booked his own slot at the final at the Royal Highland show, his second show of the year. He was bred by Tammy Heathcote and her mum, Susie Hinchliffe, by Alonby Chardonnier out of Roseberry Celebration.

Roseberry The Politician shown by Frazer Atherden

Night Dancer Has Stellar Moves Derbyshire Festival saw Ami Miller’s DPUK Night Dancer [Bubbles] secure a ticket on her in-hand debut. The Mooiman 13-year-old is out of Bowland Forest Ivy and took the hack breeding champion en route to the supreme title shown by James Knight, who has been co-producing her with Jerome Harforth, who took charge of her foal during the initial class and championship. Bubbles is no stranger to success, having won HOYS a cool three times across the hack and intermediate sections, and having previously qualified for the intermediates twice at Derbyshire Festival, including with Ami in 2018. 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 at foot is the first for her to carry, Ami has three more youngsters waiting in the wings.

Harmony On Song The Bigley another finalist to their impressive tally at Royal Cheshire County. This time, it was Catryn Bigley’s homebred Welsh section B mare, Llanarth Harmony’s turn to head to the NEC. By Breeton Dai, this young mare is out of Stockham Melody. Harmony was youngstock champion and reserve overall at Cheshire in 2019, and this was her debut appearance as a mare. Unfortunately, Catryn diced with disaster just two days before, and an altercation with the quad bike at home meant that she struggled physically, and entrusted showing Harmony in the overall supreme to her brother, Simon.

Bronze Soldier Trounces Supreme Opposition Kerry Wainwright’s Skellorn Bronze Soldier trounced stiff competition for a place in the final line-up. He is out of Burside Penny Black

and is Skellorn Consort, meaning that he is a fourth-generation homebred pony. The fifteen-year-old is no stranger to glory, this being his fourth visit to HOYS competing in this prestigious final, and he’s also narrowly missed out on a spot in reserve on a further four occasions. He also brought home the highest accolade for a Welsh breeder in 2019 standing champion Welsh section B at the Royal Welsh show. He was shown on Kerry’s behalf by his usual handler, Stuart Mason.

All Eyes On Love Scandal The qualifier at the Royal Three Counties saw Alan Dillingham’s Royaloaks Love Scandal [Pearl] claim a ticket, shown by

Royaloakes Love Scandal shown by Jerome Harforth

Jerome Harforth. The two-year-old 138cm British Riding Pony filly is by Anton Scandal and out of Royaloakes Love Affair (by Royalwood Boy Soprano) who was imported from Alan’s homeland in Australia, where he was based until he spent some time working at Stanley Grange and decided to emigrate, relocating the stud to the UK. This is the first filly Alan bred on UK soil, and the first homebred to be HOYS bound. Her connections hope that she is destined for a career in 138cm show pony classes.

Moonglow Lights Up Joanna Adams’ riding pony broodmare Megland Moonglow took the coveted supreme championship at the Great Yorkshire Show, booking her return trip to the NEC, shown by Alan Charlesworth with her filly foal by Marchemanor Red Arrow at foot. The ten-year-old Turberry Top Cat mare is out of Rotherwood May Flower, and was the runner up in the pony section of the 2021 Price Supreme final.

Coppelia Charms on Final Stage Kate Williams’ Welsh section B mare Northlight Coppellia – by Pittibeck Prine Charming out of Northlight Cameo – was shown as a show hunter pony broodmare to claim the supreme at Pembrokeshire County Show. She was shown extensively by Kate under saddle to qualify for HOYS, the RIHS and Olympia before her retirement to stud.

FIND OUT MORE ON PAGE 22.

Annie Powers To The Top Glynwyn Annie Powers delighted handler Scott Gibbons and the extended HeppenstallGibbons family team when they received the ultimate accolade for any Welsh breeder,

Royal Stage shown by Jeff Grace

the supreme in-hand title at the Royal Welsh Show. The six-year-old section C mare was bred by Kellie Heppenstall, and was shown

by Kellie’s husband Scott. A truly family affair, spectators also saw the couple’s son, Kyle take a turn to fly up the front of the grandstand with Annie. Her sire, renowned stock-getter Glynwyn Gideon is a former male champion at the Royal Welsh, and she is out of Glynwyn Vespa.

A Supreme Stage Performance Russell-Wood’s first-time broodmare, Royal Stage [Queenie] secured the Price Family supreme sash at Devon County Show.

The exquisite nine-year-old hack breeding champion floated effortlessly around the ring with her foal, Stage Affair, by Cosford Criminal Affair, at foot. She was shown by Jeff Grace and Simon Luck. Queenie is by Kilvington Scoundrel out of Stage Whisper who qualified twice for the same supreme in-hand final. Queenie enjoyed a successful ridden career winning at Royal International as a small intermediate and taking several championships as a small hack when based with Team Holder. Virginia also campaigned homebred Chestnut Park All That Jazz daughter Stage Music, and Bucks County

Show saw the hack mare also book a return ticket to HOYS final. FIND OUT MORE ON PAGE 56.

Dimension Reaches Supreme Height Mark and Rosemary Buckley’s home-bred Marcosie the Fourth Dimension clinched his ticket to the NEC at Lancashire County Show, shown by his producer Simon Charlesworth.

The five-year-old by Turberrry Top Cat is out of Whiteleaze Sonata. He was shown twice as a two-year-old by Jerome Harforth before the pandemic saw him remain at home with the Buckleys building something of a dynasty and the stud have welcomed three foals by Spider this year, including out of twice HOYS winning 148cm Crafton Touch of Gold and Cuddy Supreme Pony Champion, Kellythorpes Strike a Pose.

Magic’s Moment Cathy Wood’s Clover Hill Magic delighted his connections taking the ticket at the Royal Bath and West show, handled by Jamie Frost.

The Glencarrig Knight five-year-old is out of Inverin Misty and was bred by the Lee family just outside Clifden. Cathy first spotted him at Clifden’s annual show, and upon seeing him, abandoned her coffee queue in hot

Lisbrogan Tigerbillie

pursuit! Magic was shown a handful of times during the 2021, standing champion at Devon County, Bath and West, the NPS Spring Festival, Three Counties and supreme champion at the Connemara breed show.

This season, he repeated his Bath and West championship before going on to clinch the supreme. His young son will be on his own mother, Skaergaardens Delicious Love at the final. David Jordan’s Moortown Crusader battled to the top at the NPS Championships.

By Hisley Craftsman and out of Moortown Bay Wind the 14-year-old Dartmoor stallion will be making his third visit to the NEC. FIND OUT MORE ON PAGE 42.

A Neat Tigerbillie Feat Billy Moran qualified three-year-old filly Lisbrogan Tigerbillie at the Northern Ireland Festival. She is out of a Hand in Glove mare Trelissick, and by Tiger Attack, making her 86% TB and she’s set to finish as a large hack. Tigerbillie was bred by Thomas Conlon in Co. Mayo and is co-owned by his sister Gemma Conlon and Billy. Billy explained

that Tigerbillie came about as was showing Pearl Underwood’s Dolce Vita in the Cuddy and Tom said he wanted to breed one to compete in the same final. He used Tiger Attack the following year and the result was Tigerbillie, who was born on Billy’s birthday, hence her name. Though COVID years restricted her early showing career, Billy had admired her even as a foal and wanted her since. She eventually arrived on UK soil in February this year and has been champion on every outing including at Royal Norfolk, Royal Highland and Derbyshire Festival.

She was also reserve for the Price Supreme at the Northern Ireland Festival before her subsequent trip to the IPS Championship show in Enniskillen saw her finally secure her ticket with breeder Tom showing her. “It was a special moment, and nice to see someone else show her and just watch,” Billy will watch Gemma show her from in the ring at HOYS as Billy will show his own ID mare Corkeeran Willow (Darragh Moylough Vision x Corkeeran Jewel), who qualified at NPS Area 4. FIND OUT MORE ON PAGE 75

Fox Burns Bright Shane Rogers showed Jane Laffey’s three-year-old gelding Rotherwood Firefox (Highmead To Be Or Not To Be x Rotherwood Buttons And Bows) won the Price Supreme Semi Final to claim a place at the final Stoneleigh Horse Show. FIND OUT MORE ON PAGE 69 Kinsman Rules At Royal Cornwall, David Hodge qualified homebred standard Shetland stallion Sharptor Kinsman. Owned by David and Julian Walters, 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 already. In March he competed at the National stallion show in Glasgow, standing Shetland breed champion and reserve overall supreme.

info@showingworldonline.co.uk | October Issue 2022 | Showing World | 89

Dublin Horse Show 17-21 August 2022 | Photos by 1st Class Images

Da Vinci Paints Supreme Picture Grace Maxwell Murphy and husband William McMahon’s homebred Gleann Rua Da Vinci was crowned Supreme Hunter Champion of the 2022 Dublin Horse Show, ridden by William.

He is by Camillo VDL, out of Gleann Rua Times. The versatile seven-year-old won last year at Balmoral and also competes in workers classes.

Glean Rua Da Vinci

Bloomfield Distinction

Daphne Tierney’s five-year-old Bloomfield Distinction rose through the heavyweight ranks and went on to stand reserve supreme hunter under Jane Bradbury.

Daphne also owned and bred the overall three-year-old, Bloomfield Watergate (Watermill Swatch x Ballyconnery Surprise) on his third show, handled by Michael Lyons.

Patrick Martin’s eight-year-old Lady Bell was ridden

by Niamh Martin to top the hunter mare class and the lightweight championship. She was bred by Martin Egan by The Swarty Hero, out of Leaf Lass.

Lady Bell

Derry Rothwell’s Greenhall Robin Hood was piloted by his producer Aubrey Chapman in his class, but the heavyweight was later ridden by Brian Murphy to head the four-year-old hunter title.

Greenhall Robin Hood

Eva Lowry and Randalstown Lord Sugar repeated their Balmoral success, taking the small hunter championship. The six-year-old is co-owned by Eva and Sam McAteer.

Randalstown Lord Sugar

Sean Baker’s Gortfree Lakeside Lad won the heavyweight working hunter class ridden by Linda Murphy.

Gortfree Lakeside Lad

Suzanne O’Brien Hannon and Prince of Diamonds won the Ladies Side-Saddle at this year’s Show. The eigh-year-old gelding is by Carrick Diamond Lad, out of Moscow Gayle and was bred by Donal McKenna.

Prince of Diamonds ridden by rachel Moore

Pat Loughlin and Pearl O’Rourke’s winning maxi cob, Peaky Blinder took the cob championship under producer Brian Murphy.

Robert Hare and Laura Snow’s homebred Drynam Hero won the ID performance class for horses six years old and over, ridden by Laura. The sixyear-old stallion is by Gortfree Hero out of Rockrimmon Silver Diamond.

Peaky Blinder

Drynam Hero

Oh Dakota Justice

Knocklucas Chloe

Oh Dakota Justice and Carla Williamson won the 133cm working hunter pony class and the subsequent championship.

Max McDonnell rode his mother Mary McDonnell’s Knocklucas Chloe to the show hunter pony championship having won the 153cm class. Jodie Creighton also piloted Chloe to be second in the 153cm working hunter pony class and will ride her at HOYS.

Cashelbay Rocket

Michael Harty and Robbie Fallon’s multi-garlanded Cashelbay Rocket won the ridden Connemara championship.

Doire Mhainaigh Robbie

Doire Mhainaigh Robbie and owner Eimear Murphy won the Connemara Performance class for ponies eight years and over. The 11-year-old gelding is by Cashelbay Cruise out of Andy’s Pride and was bred by Michael O’Neill.

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The British Connemara Pony Society Breed Show Warwickshire College, Moreton Morrell 16 and 17 July Report by Julia Spacey The BCPS Breed show was a very successful and well supported two days.

Due to the extreme heat and hard ground conditions, a last-minute decision was made to move the in hand and ridden flat classes to the Aboretum Field which had much better green grass cover and areas of shade which provided a lovely backdrop to the show. There was plenty of space for the dressage arenas and two large rings.

The first day was dedicated to the In Hand and Dressage classes. The youngstock in hand entries, judged

by Mrs Jane Somerset, were greatly increased on previous years which was most encouraging. The youngstock champion was Steven Thompson’s homebred three-year-old colt, Fenrose Misty Fionn, and in reserve was Jackie Parry’s Irish bred filly Castle Empress, who went on to win the Tam O’Shanter In Hand Championship, held in memory of the late Carole Prentice.

Mr Jerome Harforth judged the mare and stallion classes. Sadly, there were no progeny groups present. He chose Georgia Couchman’s Irish mare Pooreen Melody, winner of the class for mares four years old and over with or without foal at foot, as his champion, and the best British bred mare, Tyan Helen of Troy, shown by Amy Smith, winner of the novice mare class as reserve. The champion stallion and overall breeding champion of the show was awarded to Joy Wyman’s striking Irish-bred stallion Hazelrock Cruise with Sam Fowler’s Glencarrig Marble reserve, who went on to win the breeding championship of the show with Pooreen Melody reserve.

Judge Mary Low awarded the Britishbred in hand championship to EmmaJane Murray’s homebred six-year-old mare, Ochill’s Enchanted with Fenrose Misty Fionn reserve.

Dressage Champion

The second day of the show was dedicated to the ridden and working hunter pony classes. There were presided over by Mrs Helen Horsfall, who chose Lauren Brill’s Silvertown Lady as her very novice champion. This class was followed by the NPS Picton novice qualifier, this time judged by Mr Jerome Harforth, and won by Sue Deakin’s Lucky Keepsake. Sue also won the NPS/Dargavel Open Young Pony qualifier with Glynsk Legend.

The NPS/Robinson Junior Ridden National championship went to Deborah Wilson’s Glenrevagh Heather. The class for ridden ponies not exceeding 143 cms was won by Chilham Pearly King owned and ridden

by Lauren Brill. Another Chilham pony bred by Vanessa Compton, Chilham Night Sky, won the NPS/Peasedown Stud and Jess Talbot mountain and moorland intermediate qualifier and went on to be reserve British-bred ridden supreme champion and reserve supreme ridden champion of the show. The NPS/ Ringside Stud open ridden qualifier was won by the Irish bred stallion Anair Cashel exhbited by Sandra Burton.

The best class of the day, with sixteen ponies forward, was undoubtedly the HOYS qualifier. This all-important class was judged by Mrs Jane Somerset (Conformation) and Mrs Helen Horsfall (Ride). Their overall qualifier was the delightful British-bred 145cms mare Carlingford Enchantment bred by Mrs C. Fletcher, owned by Mrs L. Shafer and ridden by Rebecca Penny. She went on to win ridden champion of the show, best British-bred champion, and finally, the Supreme Ridden Champion of the Show, which was judged by Ms Rafifa Hamoudova, the 2021 recipient of the Pat Parker Legacy who is

Hazelrock Cruise

currently working on the development of the Czech Republic Association for the Connemara pony.

The WHP classes were all held in the covered outdoor school with a good surface for jumping. These were judged

by Mrs Rachel Bown and Mrs Janet James. Their overall champion was Caroline Bowler’s Dunguaire Finn McCool, repeating his 2021 success, with Sophie Hetherton-Davies’ Culmore Tom as reserve. The best British-bred working hunter pony champion was again Mrs K Simmons’ St Flannans Liam ridden by Julia Woods, with Georgia Lindstrom’s Kinvara Carousel as reserve.

partbred and over height champion was Alexandra Kelly’s homebred Sandlings After Midnight, Holnest Macalla as reserve.

On the evening between the two days, the Society arranged an excellent alfresco supper supplied by caterers Farriers’ Fayre which was much enjoyed by the many people who stayed on site. Overall, the show was deemed a great success, due in no small part to the many people who worked so hard to make it happen and on the day - despite the heat.

The show also provided various unaffiliated classes including sports/ competition pony, overheight and partbred ridden and in hand, veteran, side saddle, pairs, family pony, amateur and veteran rider, show jumping, Chase Me Charlie and Have a Go Fun Trec. There was ample opportunity to show the versatility of our breed.

Overall performance pony champion was the Walters family’s homebred part-bred Holnest Macalla with Janine Modder’s Western Toby reserve. The

Carlingford Enchantment Dunguaire Finn McCool

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HORSE & PONY · HORSEBOX & TRAILER · LIVERY YARDS · BUSINESS 96 | Showing World | October Issue 2022 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk

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