Native Pony October 2023 (164)

NOVEMBER 2023 ISSUE 164

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2 | The Native Pony | November 2023 Issue | info@showingworldonline.co.uk

MADE IN OUR OWN

UK MILL

A word from our editor Dear Reader, I feel as if we blinked and it’s winter! It seems only yesterday we were casting an eye over photos from the 2022 New Forest Point To Point!

HOYS is done, and we’ve a bumper report for you. It was fantastic to see natives represent their breeds so well, and even hold their own against the part-breds in plaited ranks. Natives also dominated the pony section of the Price Family Supreme In Hand final. With natives representing such a significant chunk of the ponies forwards at HOYS across so many sections, it’s almost unbelievable that not all that long ago, there were no native classes at HOYS! How far we have come!

The final qualifiers have also been held for the London International Horse Show. Many native pony exhibitors will be well versed with the format of the BSPS Heritage Championship at the London International Horse Show, but it will be interesting to hear the opinions of those new to it, and how the new classes unfold. Either way, it will be great to see native ponies represented once again in different showing sections at a major final, and no doubt we’ll spot someshow jumping, too!

We’ll bring more on who’s going in the next issue.

Nominations are now closed for the SEIB British Showing World Awards, but voting for finalists is open. There are four pony studs and six ponies representing the native fraternity so be sure to head over to the Showing World website to vote.

You can also book tickets to the gala awards evening, held on December 2nd at Stoneleigh Park.

It’s been fun to cast an eye over ponies competing in different disciplines this issue now that the show season has died down.

Remember, if you or someone you know are competeing succesfully in other disciplines, please do let us know. It’s always a pleasure to highlight the versatility of our wonderful ponies.

Contact me via email at beth.simons@showingworldonline. co.uk.

Until next time, Beth COVER STARS: Rowfantina Hetty with her partner Vechtzicht Cantinero.

Bred by Mandy Burchell Small, 25-year-old Hetty is by Marons Royal Blaze out of Stoak Honeysuckle. She is driven by long-term owner, Jemma Millman.

Hetty is photographed at HOYS where she first competed as a four-year-old. She has missed just two Horse of the Year Shows in her long and decorated career. Her first ‘miss’ was in 2018 following what vets described as a ‘career ending’ injury, an avulsion fracture of her coffin joint injury. Luckily she bounced back, but like us all, missed HOYS in 2020.

Hetty has won the HOYS scurry championship on six occasions and been reserve on numerous occasions, including this year. Jemma estimates Hetty has had a further 15 further class wins at HOYS, including a win with new partner Vechtzicht Cantinero (Roo) in 2022 and 2023. “She is simply incredible!” said Jemma.

16-year-old Roo is a Belgian-bred Welsh section A. Photo by 1st Class Images

OUR VALUED PARTNERS info@showingworldonline.co.uk | November 2023 Issue | The Native Pony | 3

Contents

Features 8.

Horse of the Year Show

24. Performance Ponies 26. Welsh National Foal Show 2023

Regulars 29. Fell Roundup 31. Highland Rounup 34. Exmoor Roundup

12

8

26

22

Disclaimer: The view and opinions expressed within the magazine are not necessarily those of the editor or Showing World Limited and while every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in the magazine is correct and current at the date of publication, Showing World Limited will not accept any liability. Showing World Limited will not be held responsible for the appearance of photographic material supplied without the necessary consent, copyright and/or photographer’s details.

In addition, Showing World Limited offers no guarantee of publication and reserve the right to edit any reader’s letters, press releases, reports and articles submitted.

Showing World Limited 2023. All rights reserved. No part of Native Pony may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted or shared in any form or by any means, including, but not limited to; electronic, mechanical, digital, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior written permission of Showing World Limited.

4 | The Native Pony | November 2023 Issue | info@showingworldonline.co.uk

Saturday 2nd December 2023 Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire Brought to you by Showing World Magazine

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Easter Sparrow and Kirsty Davies

BCPS Performance Day Solihull Riding Club | Report by Laura Percy | Photos by TopShots The BCPS Performance Day was run over two days as part of Solihull Riding Club’s ODE. The 60cm took place on the Saturday and saw St Flannans Aquila and Gillian Hasberry win the ODE, Lockinge Adam and Katie Burke took second place, and Knockroe Prince and Amelia Currell came third, as well as winning the dressage. I think anyone who competed on the Saturday in torrential rain did a fantastic job and it was not usual July weather!

Peter (Conobola Cascade) and I made the long journey from Essex to Solihull first thing on the Sunday morning for the 70cm. I had been worried about the ground as we had so much rain on the Saturday, and even more overnight, I wasn’t sure what to expect when we arrived.

However, I was very pleasantly surprised to find the most perfect ground. The team at Solihull Riding Club had clearly been very busy preparing the xc courses and done a fantastic job at moving all the dressage arenas from the day before. It was very much appreciated, and the courses all held up amazingly, you wouldn’t have known it had been so wet the day before.

Peter did a fabulous dressage test and jumped a lovely clear show jumping. We then had a bit of hanging about till our xc, which he was very keen to get to. I hadn’t taken him xc since March as the ground had been so hard, so I was over the moon when he tore round the course to produce a very confident clear and win the overall ODE, as well as the BCPS ODE and best dressage. We didn’t start the long journey home till gone 6pm and got home just as it was getting dark, but after such a lovely day it was well worth the trip.

The 70cm also saw Ballynagilly Damien and Rosie Coulson in second place and St Flannans Grianne and Gillian Hasberry in third place.

Easter Sparrow and Kirsty Davies took the 80cm as well as best dressage, with Easter Star and Rosemary Myers in second, and Ballybane Neolin and Victoria Nichols in third.

Action Man and Sue Buxton won the 90cm and also best dressage, with Drummond Prince and Maizey Jack in second, and Cloonagh Shadow and Caroline Cook in third.

Lastly, the 100cm was won by Shanbo Danny and Beverley Smith, who also won the best dressage. Kass and Jess Hooley were second, and Am Fear Liath Mor and Sarah Lees were third.

Well done to all those who competed, especially those who braved the rain on the Saturday, and big thanks to the BCPS team for organising and running the Performance Day. I’m sure there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes in the run up to the event, as well as all the organising and score collecting on the day. The time people give up to run these events is much appreciated as it’s such a lovely weekend for us to be involved in.

Several ponies stayed overnight and members came from all over the country to compete. Everyone is always so friendly and inviting and it’s lovely to see so many beautiful Connemara ponies together. There’s always the added bonus of the amazing array of rosettes, trophies and sashes on offer which makes a great day even better.

Thanks to all those involved at Solihull for organising the overall ODE which saw all courses being run around up to height, solid but inviting courses on beautiful ground.

Definitely an event I’ll be returning to.

Greycroft Ronan and Nicky Day

Gamebird Soars Above the Competition SSADL Championships, Onley Equestrian Centre

By Millie Bowles

Glynwyn Fine and Dandy

Amelia Johnson and her 25-year-old gelding Celestial Navigation won the mountain and moorland qualifier and will be attending the LIHS final for the first time. Twelve-year-old Amelia has only been riding Orion for six months and he is on loan for Amy Boaler. The Connemara pony lost an eye to cancer eight years ago but it “hasn’t stopped him”. Amelia’s mum Lisa added: “They have already enjoyed so much hacking, cross country, arena eventing and are off to BD Quest Nationals next month. Qualifying for LIHS feels like a dream and everyone can see what a ‘star’ he is. He is already Amelia’s much loved pony of a lifetime.”

The in hand mountain and moorland London spot went to Tamia Joyner and Welsh Section A Sarum Rembrandt. The 16-year-old gelding has had a glistening career, winning HOYS and going supreme ridden pony in 2015.

It was a family affair for the Joyner’s, as little cousin PhoebeRose won the ridden restricted championship on Cafferys Jack The Lad led by Tamia’s mother. This marks a historical moment, as it is the first time a family have got to LIHS with both an in hand and ridden.

Celestial Navigation

Tamia, who works for her family’s equine transport business, told Showing World: “Rembrant, or Remi, is a very special pony. “We have owned him since he was three-years-old. He’s a really loving pony and an absolute showman. 16-year-old Jack is a true, genuine child’s pony who we have also owned for many years. Phoebe-Rose is only four and is very excited, as it will be her first time competing at the show. It means so much for us to have both boys going as we are a small, home produced family team.”

The ‘hairy’ mountain and moorland ridden spoils went to Emma Barrow and 30-year-old gelding Waltham Scorpio.

Harry, as they call him at home, is a Welsh Section D and last competed at the International Horse Show in 2019. This year however will be Emma’s first time there in the saddle. He has been in the family for four generations since he was a yearling.

Emma explained: “He didn’t have the best start in life and my Mum just brought him because he was in such a state. She said he had this massive head and was covered in rain scald and was a complete nervous wreck. Everyone at home just loves him and his cheeky side. He really does have the biggest heart and is one of a kind. It hasn’t been an easy year and it means so much to us all for him to just be here and healthy - let alone Rhosymeirch Jolly Roger Caffreys Jack The Lad

Sarum Rembrandt

going back to London ridden at 30 years old! We owe Harry absolutely everything, he’s our very own black beauty.”

SSADL members were invited to take part in their challenge series final. Amelia Johnson has another success with Celestial Navigation in the Kevin Baskeyfield mountain and moorland final, and Harriet Atkins and Welsh gelding Rhosymeirch Jolly Roger were the in hand mountain and moorland winners.

Waltham Scorpio

Mr Ed’s Magical Moment Horse of the Year Show | Photos by 1st Class Images Vynnes Magical Edition

Andrew Vine and Laura House’s home-bred New Forest stallion Vynnes Magical Edition (Mr Ed) certainly gave his connections a magical HOYS. The lightly-shown seven-year-old is the first Vynnes pony to appear at HOYS, and was ridden by his producer, Isle of Wight-based Pip Smith to take the first red rosette of the mountain and moorland ridden section.

Pip, who first set eyes on Mr Ed when she purchased his full brother from Andrew and Laura, asked if she could ride him. It certainly was a wise move, as 24-hours later, the pair went on to take the overall mountain and moorland championship in the Andrews Bowen International Arena.

Mr Ed is by the successful stock-getter Applewitch Pure Magic and out of Brookshill Blackberry. A former New Forest Breed show and New Forest and Hampshire County Show champion, Mr Ed qualified under Pip at Royal Three Counties show in June, on his first appearance of the season.

Bizzarrely, the reserve champion spot was awarded to the recipients of the second red rosette of the section. This was Sarah Weston’s homebred West Town Wild Fire under his producer Sarah Parker. The seven-year-old announced himself as one to watch in 2021 when he stood runner up at the RIHS and Dartmoor Pony of the Year. Last season, he stood runner-up at HOYS before returning to the top spot this time.

The two Sarah’s scored a second win with Fell pony Greenrivers Luke. The sixyear-old is by Greenholme Warrior out of Greenholme Bonny. Produced by Team Parker, Luke has had a brilliant season, standing reserve champion at the Great Yorkshire and qualifying for LIHS at Edenbridge and Oxted under Rebecca Penny, who rode seven-year-old Bybeck Rodney to second place. “Both are lovely, quiet boys that give their all,” said Sarah.

Team Parker went on to secure one more win. This time, it

West Town Wild Fire

Rushhill Diplomat Greenrivers Luke

was with the final winner of the section, Rushhill Diplomat.

The six-year-old by Janpete Tom Thumb out of Mybella Demure also stood second in the 133cm mountain and moorland working hunter pony class. He was steered through the curtains into the International Arena by Sarah’s eldest son, Owen, eight, who also rode him at the LIHS last year.

Sarah also consigned Leah May’s second placed Welsh section C Menai Georgie Boy and the Pennell family’s reigning RIHS reserve champion Nipna Midnight Rambler to the championship.

It was bittersweet, however, with the ultra-consistent Dales standing second in his class for the third time consecutively.

Langrigg Thomas

This time, Sarah and Rambo were pipped to the post by Emma Hodge (nee Lucas) and impeccably mannered Langrigg Thomas. Emma rode Thomas to be eighth at HOYS last year, but this is the pair’s first full season together.

He belongs to John Harvey, and is intended for his niece Brooke, 17, who started riding during lockdown, and who will take over the ride next year. When asked how he felt in the ring, Emma answered “perfect,” without hesitation and beaming. It became abundantly clear that she has quite a soft-spot for Thomas.

“He’s so good, he never puts a foot wrong,” she said. It’s difficult to believe that neither Team Harvey linchpin Emma, nor her mum, Anne, had ever enjoyed a center-line moment before, with Emma showing at HOYS since aged five, and Anne racking up an impressive tally of seconds.

In contrast, Aaliyah Watson, 14, enjoyed her first center-

line moment on her HOYS debut after she steered Somahouse GT (Teddy) to win the Shetland and Exmoor class. Owned by Nicola Richards, the fifteen-year-old working Shetland stallion and Aaliyah made the very long journey south from North Aberdeenshire having qualified at the 40th Shetland Pony Breed Show on the Black Isle, near Inverness. Teddy is a late-comer to the ridden scene having been restarted under saddle by Aaliyah last year, meaning this is Teddy’s first full show season. He remains based with Nicola, with Aaliyah travelling to ride him. Their qualification is all the more remarkable as they have only competed at seven shows and just two qualifiers as he must split his time between his ridden and stud duties. “Since I started showing, my dream has always been to compete at HOYS,” said Aaliyah, adding, “I can’t believe what’s happened!” The

Somahouse GT

Blaencila Rhodri

Exmoor and Shetland class is by now the only combined class at HOYS. Luckily, both breeds were represented in the championship as Alice Tomlinson rode Chris Phillips’ Exmoor stallion Eddra Chillies into second place.

Also taking a win on his first visit to HOYS was Amber Thorpe’s Highland stallion Marksman of Mendick. By Marksman of Mendick

Strathmore Airlie out of Gissings Luscardene, Marksman has been brought on slowly but successfully

by Amber, who took several excellent novice championships astride the seven-year-old last season. Her plan played dividends when the pair booked a HOYS spot on their first attempt and at the first HOYS qualifier of the year at NCPA Derbyshire. Reigning LIHS Best of Breed Dunedin Mascot and Katie Common claimed the runner up spot for the third year running.

Kyle Wray and Christopher Tait’s 2022 WPCS Autumn Cob sales purchase Blaencila Rhodri more than justified his place on the team when he took the Welsh section C class under Vikki Smith. The fouryear-old was bred by Gower-based Claire Pearce Morgan and Stuart Morgan by Donys Dick Turpin out of their homebred Blaencila Ruby. He was purchased from Simon Charlesworth, who showed him lightly but successfully as a youngster. This year, he has had a busy first season standing champion at novice at Yorkshire Native Pony Show and Royal Lancashire Show and reserve champion at Cheshire County, before bagging a ticket to the NEC at Denbigh and Flint Show.

Castle Kestrel

The Connemara class saw 2022 London International champion and reigning Windsor champion Castle Kestrel come to the fore. The classy eight-year-old was ridden as ever by his producer Lucy Glover. Bred by Henry O’Toole by Glencarrig Knight out of Castle Melody, Kestrel was purchased by owner Amanda Sharman as a young colt having been spotted on social media by Lucy. They were joined in the championship by Kerry Wainwright’s 2021 HOYS winning stallion, Skellorn Déjà Vu [Dan], ridden by Harrison Taylor, who also showed the 12-year-old in the Price Family supreme.

Proud ambassador for the home-produced masses, Katherine – Katy – Marks had a clear message for all amateur aspirants when she topped the Welsh section D lineup with her own Thorneyside Guardsman (Douglas): “I hope that they can see that if I can do it, anyone can.”

The powerful 12-year-old D stallion was purchased by Katy as a three-year-old, and has been brought on by her to

great success and going from strength to strength. Last year, they finished seventh at the RIHS, sixth at HOYS, and Best of Breed at LIHS. This season, Katy opened her campaign by completing a bucket-list desire to compete at Windsor with aplomb, winning both the open Welsh section Ds and the large breeds PP RIHS qualifier. They also bagged open and amateur tickets, finishing seventh in the latter. “I love this horse,” said Katy. “He’s such a lovely horse

Lledrith Nemesis

and tries so hard, he’s a pleasure to ride.” In second was another Katie: Katie Brown, riding her own Wilgar Imperial Prince.

The smallest of the Welsh sections, the A, was represented in the championship by Sue Kernan’s super-consistent and versatile Lledrith Nemesis (Nemo), who also stood third in the 122cm mountain and moorland working hunter pony the following day ridden in both by long-term producer Sam Roberts. Bred

by Stacey Barker, Nemo is by

Winneydene Gwyn Emrys out of Nerwyn Nesta. A former Windsor winner and holder of multiple tickets to prestigious finals and excellent placings over the years, Nemo bagged both his HOYS tickets within a week this year at NCPA Staffordshire and NPS Area 7. Sam Roberts was delighted, stressing how much Nemo deserved the win on account of his superb temperament and attitude to life.

“He’s just such a lovely boy,” she concluded.

Thorneyside Guardsman

Dunedin Dun It! James Burchell pulled off a HOYS/RIHS double after winning the M&M junior small breeds class riding his grandmother’s home-bred – Rowfantina Orlando Bloom.

The grey Welsh section A has had an incredible season having become the new RIHS UKPH M&M young riders champions at Hickstead in July.

James’ grandmother, Mandy Burchell Small, bred Orlando Bloom by Broekland Allesandro out of Rowfantina Old Times, one of her most adored and consistent broodmares. “I’m absolutely amazed,” said Mandy. “It’s just incredible. I was so nervous because after winning at the RIHS it came with a bit of pressure, so when they got to the final countdown it was nerve racking to hear whether they had won or come nowhere!” James’ uncle, Owen, won HOYS in 2000 when Mandy showed Orlando’s

grand dam Rowfantina Old Fashioned on the lead rein and stood mini champions.

Orlando, who is produced

by Mandy’s son Oliver and wife Jo, is a former RIHS first ridden winner, and has also been shown on the lead himself this year with James’ younger sister Isabelle on board. “He’s proved he can do it all from lead rein to first ridden and juniors,” added Mandy. “We’ve had a fantastic season and is definitely worth all the hard work through the winter months.”

The pair went on to stand reserve champions to the large winners – Lucinda Leeming and Susan Poole’s Eastlands Dunedin (Harry).

The Connemara gelding cut an exquisite picture with Lucinda and didn’t turn a hair out of place throughout the class and championship. He’s produced

by Lauren Beaumont, who rode him to win the open Rowfantina Orlando Bloom ridden by James Burchell with sponsor Sarah Weston Eastlands Dunedin ridden by Lucinda Leeming

Connemara of the Year class last year and eighth place 49 hours previously. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think this would be possible,” said a very emotional Susan of her two-time HOYS winner.

Despite being a new combination, this season, Lucinda and Dunedin were champion at North of England Spring on their debut, booking a ticket to the RIHS where they finished fourth.

They also qualified for HOYS on their first attempt, standing top in an enormous class at NCPA Derbyshire Festival.

Susan purchased the nineyear-old as a raw, unbroken three-year-old from his breeders Dianna and John Staveley in Eskdalemuir, Scotland, and he was sent directly to Lauren who has overseen all his training and

production since. He is out of Eastlands Dunrose and

by Eastlands Harleybrae, a winner of the prestigious HOYS breeders award for being the most successful sire of ponies who have competed in HOYS competitions, much to Dianna’s delight having been running the stud for 33 years. Despite being almost 84 years old, Dianna is almost always up-and-about by 5am to tend to the animals on the couple’s hill farm, which is 600 to 2000 ft above sea level.

“They [the ponies] can do whatever their owner wants them to do because they enjoy work. Here, they live on the hills of the moor learn to cross ditches, dykes and natural obstacles from an early age and they must find a fifth leg.”

San Siro Rocks Mini Championship The Leeming family had yet more to celebrate when their ultra consistent multi-garlanded Thistledown San Siro (Rocky) took the mini mountain and moorland championship. By Blackhill Piccolo out of Thistledown Xenon, 12-year-old Rocky has been a fantastic pony for both Leeming children, Lucinda and William, racking up multiple wins under both at the RIHS and winning the ridden Welsh section A of the Year under Lucinda at HOYS 2022. This time, however, the Lola Carabine rode him to the win and tricolour, with William choosing instead to take the reins in the mountain and moorland junior small breeds and open breed classes. However, in a twist of fate, William and Rocky were reunited in the supreme as Lola was lucky enough to secure a second championship with a long-term ride. We’ve more on that later!

Speaking after Lucinda’s success, Diana described the week as a “dream show” adding that she would be “doubled up on nerves” contemplating Lucinda and Rocky entering the supreme, and that was before it transpired that William would be joining them, too!

Thistledown San Siro

In reserve was second placed first ridden Brynrodyn Danielle. The pretty palomino Welsh section A was ridden by Victoria Neachell on behalf of owner Siwan Ward and producer Jill Rushton. Bred by Gareth Parry by prolific stockgetter Cwmhendy Buster out of Crumpwell Serena, her full sister, Danika, was also placed sixth in the lead-rein final.

However, it was Dartmoor pony Springwater Tactician who won the lead rein class, led by Craig Elenor. He was ridden by owner Heather Clay’s son Finley. Seven-year-old Tactician was bred by Nicola and Philip Tyler and is by Hisley Diplomat out of Springwater Tatyana. Tactician arrived at Team Elenor as a youngster with the Springwater Tactician Brynrodyn Danielle

intention that Craig should show him in hand.

Finding him to be a diamond, Craig and partner Sara were reluctant to let him go and have produced him ever since! Last year, Craig and Finlay steered Tactician into second place at both the RIHS and HOYS, but this year they managed to go one better at both, also standing reserve at Hickstead. Craig and Finlay also partnered the inimitable little diamond that is Cadlanvalley Super Ted to stand second in the lead rein of show hunter type class, repeating last year’s fate. But it was Sharn Linney’s team who consigned the second placed mountain and moorland lead rein to the ring. This was Jullie Millard’s Thistledown Vodka Soda, ridden by Mia-Bella Long and led by Sharn’s safe hands.

Natives in the Harness Horse and Pony of the Year Championship Five natives – all Welsh – qualified for the Harness Horse and Pony of the Year Championship, judged by Robert Robertson and Catherine Kemp. The smallest of them was former Native Pony cover star Bunbury Sandringham, a sevenyear-old 127cm Welsh section B, by Millcroft Thriller out of Bunbury Sapphire. He is owned and driven by Gilly Chippendale, and the pair qualified at the Royal Highland.

Martel Jo-Jo hit the headlines when he made the highest price at the Autumn Cob Sales two years ago. He’s continued to give his connections reason to be proud.

The eight-year-old Welsh section C is by Cynheidrefawr Dictator out of Martel Amber. He is owned

by Ann Staniland, who also drove him to qualification at the Three Counties Show and at the final.

Bunbury Sandringham

There were two section Cs forwards at the final, the second being Leyeswick The Real Deal, owned and driven by Elizabeth Edmonds. The former Royal Welsh in hand winner is by Springfield Park Dot Com out of Leyeswick Million Dollar Baby. He finished the highest of the five natives in seventh.

Hot on his heels in eighth place was the first of two section Ds. This was Stockdale Black Prince, owned

by Jodie Sillett and driven by Kelly Searle. The fourteen-year-old is

by Pennorth Black Prince out of Gwylfa Annest.

Stockdale Black Prince

Dawn Groom’s Thorneyside Gold Dust completed the set, driven by John Henry White.

The pair qualified at Kent County Show. Also fourteen years old, he is by Synod Reflection out of Thorneyside Golden Girl.

Thorneyside Gold Dust Martel Jo Jo

Leyeswick The Real Deal

The Price Family Supreme Ponies There were 13 ponies qualified for the Price Family Supreme In-Hand of the Year. 11 of the thirteen were native ponies, and the remaining two both carried Welsh blood.

In the end, it was the only Welsh cob qualified that rose to the top of the line.

This was Meirion, Diane and Caleb Evans’ Gwynfaes Seren Wledig.

12-year-old Welsh section D stallion Seren was handled by his producer of several seasons, Dorian Lloyd. Seren and Dorian qualified for the for the NEC-based championship by standing supreme at the Royal Welsh show where Seren had already followed in his father Gwynfaes Culhwch’s footsteps by taking the coveted Prince of Wales cup for the champion Welsh section D. Seren is lightly but successfully shown.

He first showed his star quality when he stood youngstock champion at Lampeter as a two-year-old, and he later went on to stand supreme champion at Lampeter twice and reserve supreme at Glanusk,

Gwynfaes Seren Wledig Castle Nero

the Top Spec arena and again, later in the championship where he finished in reserve.

Clearly speechless, Meirion said: “As dairy farmers and Welsh cob breeders, the Wednesday of the Royal Welsh is eagerly awaited at Gwynfaes. I didn’t think the Royal Welsh could be topped, but I’m blown away and lost for words”.

and stood reserve champion male at the Royal Welsh in 2017 and 2018.

As fate would have it, his championship at Builth Wells coincided with Caleb’s 18th birthday. Caleb and Seren have been closely allied since the pair appeared on an children’s TV show together when Caleb was just five, and Seren a foal. At the time, Meirion had agreed to sell Seren to Canada as one of two foals to make a driving pair,

but Caleb was insistent that he was not to be sold as he was special, stating, “mae e’n seren,” meaning ‘he’s a star’.

Consequently, an alternative was found and sent to Canada.

This was the first time that Dorian had qualified for the prestigious final, and first time for Seren to be shown indoors.

He certainly wasn’t intimidated by the occasion, and the crowd got behind his powerful, athletic display of paces in

14 | The Native Pony | November 2023 Issue | info@showingworldonline.co.uk

Finishing second was Lord Vesty’s Castle Nero, a five-year-old Connemara stallion. Bred by Henry O’Toole, he is closely related to the winning ridden Connemara, Castle Kestrel, both being

by Glencarrig Knight. On his mother Castle Urchin’s side, Nero is a brother to Kestrel’s mother, Castle Melody.

He was handled by producer Simon Charlesworth, who enjoyed a dream-like day, also winning the horse section with Tremarl Timber. Consequently, Nero was led by Simon’s dad, Alan in the championship.

Nero was followed by two more Connemara stallions in third and fourth place. Cathy Wood’s Clover Hill Magic, shown as ever by Jamie Frost came in third. The six-year-old is also by Glencarrig Knight and was bred by the Lee family just outside Clifden. Cathy first spotted him at the annual show while queuing for coffee. Last season, he

secured his first Price Family Supreme ticket at Bath and West, and he almost repeated the feat when he won the Connemara breeding championship for the third time consecutively. Jamie and Magic went on to bag their ticket at the NPS Summer Championships, one of the strongest qualifiers of the season.

Fourth was awarded to the recipient of the first ticketholder: Louise Noonan and family’s homebred Connemara pony stallion Manor Duke, who qualified at the Northern Ireland Festival. 12-yearold Duke is by Currachmore Cashel out of Banks Vanilla. He was shown by his producer, Joe Burke, who is a fellow breeder of Connemaras. This was the pair’s second visit to the HOYS final, as they also qualified in 2021 when they finished third.

Fifth was Kerry Wainwright’s Skellorn Bronze Soldier, who trounced all others in the final battle for a place in the final at Notts County Show. Remarkably, this was the Welsh section B stallion’s fifth visit to HOYS. He was shown by usual handler Stuart Mason, who also showed him to lift the ultimate accolade for a Welsh breeder in 2019, standing section champion at the Royal Welsh. The sixteen-year-old is out of Burside Penny Black and is Skellorn Consort, meaning that he is a fourth-generation homebred pony. Soldier is part of an elite trio, with we believe just two others equalling his record for qualification: Castle Emperor and Rosslyn Sweet Repose who qualified five and six times respectively.

Kerry’s Connemara stallion, Skellorn Déjà vu was also in the final after the 12-year-old qualified at the Royal Three Counties. The former HOYS winner was handled by talented young producer Harrison Taylor, who also rode him to be second in the Ridden Connemara of the Year final on the show’s opening day.

Coming in sixth and seventh were plaited ponies: Thistledown Harper Royale and Rotherwood Grace Darling.

Young part-bred Welsh stallion Harper Royale was shown by his owner Craig Elenor, and Grace, a pony with a few drops of Welsh blood herself, was shown

Clover Hill Magic Manor Duke

by Luke Gardner on behalf of her owner Jane Laffey.

Next to them in line was eighth placed Welsh section B, Walseker Colorado (Red). The striking seven-year-old is by Paddock Rio out of Paddock Petula, and was bred by owners Lynne Wilson and Rebecca Knight. This was his second visit to the Price Family Supreme In Hand Championship, having qualified at the Royal Walseker Colorado Skellorn Bronze Soldier

Skellorn Déjà vu

Lancashire Show. Red was shown by Colin Tibbey, who announced his retirement from producing earlier this summer. Colin also qualified Thistledown Athene at Bucks County Show. Athene is a Welsh section B mare by Mintfield Sandpiper out of Mintfield Antonella. As Colin was handling Red, Athene was shown by his daughter, Jess.

The final placing rosette was awarded to the smallest in the class, Rookery Rapture.

The Welsh section A mare is owned by the youngest owner to qualify, nine-year-old Austin Davis. Rapture was bred by Serena Crump out of Wernderris Rachel, and by Olympia Champion Uphill James Fox. She was purchased for Austin by his parents Justin and Heidi Davis of the Popsters Stud when she was a foal, and she was shown to qualify by Heidi at Pembrokeshire County Show while Justin handled her foal. Although Justin and Heidi are used to taking championships at the highest level including wining the Cuddy Supreme – now, the Price – with Parvadean Delight in 2011, Rapture is the first pony that they have qualified of their own, and for that, her ninth rosette was special.

Thistledown Athene

Also forwards for judging were two more natives.

There was just one Welsh section C in the lineup. This was Kellie and Scott Gibbons’ Glynwyn Pussy Galore, who thrilled her Yorkshire based breeders by bringing home the coveted supreme championship at the Great Yorkshire Show, shown by Scott.

Pussy Galore is by Swansea-bred Blaencila Bonheddwr out of the multi-garlanded Glynwyn Vespa. Interestingly, Vespa is also the dam of Glynwyn Annie Power, who qualified for the Price at the Royal Welsh last year. Meanwhile Bonheddwr is also the sire of Rhoswen Guardsman, who also qualified for the same final at the Royal Welsh.

New Forest pony stallion Peronne The Navigator booked his second trip to the final at Derbyshire Festival, shown by his owner Hayley Reynolds. The five-year-old is the only one of his breed to qualify twice for the championship. He is by Moortown Nobby out of Dorridge Little Beauty and was bred by Isle of Wight-based breeder

Rookery Rapture

Nick Williams, who was watching in the stands. Hayley purchased him as a twoweek-old foal, basing her decision entirely on one photograph and his breeding.

He had a quiet year as a yearling, but nevertheless took two championships from three outings. As a three-year-old, he took four tricolours and booked his first trip to the Price Family Supreme at Royal Cheshire County Show, led by Tom Pearson as Hayley was heavily pregnant with her son.

Two Welsh section Bs have qualified, the Glynwyn Pussy Galore

Peronne The Navigator

first being Lynn Wilson and Rebecca Knight’s homebred Walsaker Colorado who qualified at Royal Lancashire Show.

The Royal Welsh winner is a previous contender after he qualified to stand alongside his father, Paddock Rio in 2019. He was shown by producer Colin Tibbey who also showed another Royal Welsh and Royal Welsh Winter Fair winner, Thistledown Athene to clinch her ticket at Bucks County on behalf of new owner Patrick Wormgoor.

Delami Brovado ridden by Ollie Rowalnds

Bold Bravado Lands Big Win It was a day for the Welsh ponies in the M&M working hunter pony classes with all class winners being section A, C or D. And it was one of the smallest from the open 122cm division – Delami Bravado - who went on to win the Thor Atkinson Steel Fabrications Ltd championship. Partnered by Ollie Rowlands, 13, the combination was making their second appearance in the final having qualified in 2022, they rolled a pole in their jump round, but finished fourth. This year, they returned more determined after qualifying at the TSR amateur show at Stoneleigh. “Our trip to Stoneleigh started with having to be rescued from the side of the road and we arrived at the ring just in time for them to go in,” explained Fiona. “What started off as a stressful day ended up being the most amazing one with them winning and booking their return ticket to HOYS.” They followed this up with another win in the qualifier at Denbigh & Flintshire.

Benny, who is by Dukeshill Dotcom out of Brynrodyn Blodwen, was started

by Hannah Turnock who contended him lightly on the flat before Ollie’s mother Fiona bought him during lockdown. “I was a key worker and I needed something to keep the children occupied when they were off school,” said Fiona. So, we bought Benny as a project Llanidan Bonheddwr ridden by Kirsty Aird pony. Ollie taught him to jump, and he’s trained him at NPS spring festival and Royal Windsor. up the levels himself. We started at Back in 2021, the pair won at the STARS lower level and then stepped up to championships. affiliated shows in 2021.”

The pair qualified for this year’s RIHS final at NPS Area 13 at Onley and they went on to win

Gwerniago Gethin ridden by Ashley Bird

“Benny is the coolest pony,” said Fiona, of the pony who was bred by the Waller Family.

“He’s the cheekiest, happiest little chappy who loves life. He likes a big occasion, and he adores jumping. We’re completely homeproduced, though I can’t take any credit for it - Ollie has made this pony.

“Winning at HOYS is something that we never thought would happen to us,” added Fiona, who noted Ollie and Benny were also announced as the winners of the TSR Amateur Premier League for 2023.

“It really has been a season we could only ever have dreamt of and none of us can believe what Ollie and his little project pony have achieved, they really are a dream partnership and their achievements this year have been beyond our wildest dreams.”

Gwerniago Gethin, a 14-year-old Welsh section D, won the 143cm field and took reserve spot with his owner Ashley Bird. “I don’t think I’ll get another like him again,” said Ashley, who also finished reserve WHP champion at RIHS in July.

“Dreams do come true, and this happened with my best friend. He felt amazing, went amazing and I can’t tell you at 14 years of age how brilliant this pony is,” said Ashley.

Kirsty Aird and the Welsh section C Llanidan Bonheddwr (Henry) headed the 133cm section. Owned

by Caroline Casey, the 11-yearold chestnut by Parvadene Reload qualified at North of England Spring show. Prior to Kirsty producing him at this level, Henry was based in Orkney with Liam Mackenzie, who competed him as a WHP and Pony Club activities. “This year I was unsure about how HOYS was going to go as I’ve brought a bunch of novices,” said Kirsty, who has won HOYS several times over fences, including in 2018 and 2022 with Connemara Woodbank Smokey Sam. “To ride, Henry is brilliant fun,” Kirsty added. “He’s so easy but he’s got some jump in him. You can really trust his jumping ability.

Today was the first time he’s seen so many people, but he took it all in and he coped very well.”

Commenting on the David Colebuilt course, Kirsty said: “It was very poley so you needed something

Templedruid Carob ridden by Millie Mortimer

careful. The water-tray at the end was sneaky, too.”

Making their debut here was 10-year-old Millie Mortimer and her Welsh section A Templedruid Carob – a former driving pony – who won the junior 122cm WHP final. The 13-year-old gelding, owned by Millie’s mother Biana, had previously been used as a carriage driving pony before joining the family three years ago. “He’s totally bombproof, probably from his time as a driver,” said Bianca. ‘I knew he’d jump the course, but neither of them had ever competed in this type of atmosphere,” said Bianca of the pair who booked their place after winning the class at Denbigh and Flint.

“Millie has listened to every bit of advice and took everything on board all season,” said trainer Joanne Shaw. “A true hard working little jockey who truly deserves every ounce of success. I couldn’t feel any prouder.”

Anna Chaplin’s Dycott Welsh King headed the exceeding 143cm final with Ross Keys. The Welsh section D qualified at Three Counties in June. “This pony owes me absolutely nothing and I owe him the world,” said Anna. “He has taken me through tough times and he’s truly my best friend. He absolutely loves his job and thinks the crowd is there solely to see him.

“He’s a people’s pony - loved by most and unquestionably loved by us. I can’t thank King’s fans enough for constant support.

Hearing you around the ring jumping every jump with us is a feeling you can’t describe.”

Dycott Welsh King ridden by Ross Keys

Native bloodlines were also prominent in the show hunter pony ranks Welsh section Bs and their partbreds dominated the lineup of 122cm show hunter ponies. In the top two spots were Redleys Theseus (Theo) and Annandale Line of Fire taking first and second respectively. Theo is owned by Paul Mortimer and ridden on his behalf by Izzy Walker.

The pair previously won HOYS when Izzy was just a tiny eight years old, and this year they did the double, winning at the RIHS and at HOYS. Theo is by Redleys Arion out of Templedruid Topaz. Kevin Cousins’ Annandale Line of Fire came in second ridden by Bluebell Beechey. Bred

by Vicky Stephens, the eight-year-old is by Moelview Celebration out of Millcroft Spark.

The 133cm class told a similar story with two Bs taking the top spots. Leslie Parker’s ten-year-old former RIHS winner Thistledown Sea Mariner stood top under Leslie’s daughter Katie. He is by Paddock Sahara out of Loveden Sea Pearl. Stacy Basford’s Annandale Prince Charming –

also ten – stood second, ridden by Millie Bayford. Also by Moelview Celebration, he is out of Acadame Pop Corn. He was the highest placed of four Annandale ponies in the 133cm final.

The championship, however, was awarded to a part bred Connemara mare. This was Dawn O’Donnell’s Morning Sunflower, ridden by Isabella O’Donnell. The seven-year-old is sired

by Rosscon Sunrise out of Downderry Maisie Jane. She is produced by Lucy Glover, and during their two-year run, she’s stood champion at Cheshire and Lincolnshire county shows, at Derbyshire Festival, and has won Midland Counties twice. She’s also been second in the £1000 supreme at North of England, and won the RIHS.

Reserve went to a pony who needs little introduction. This was the Team Walker-produced Merrycorner Mister Bui (Buttons), who is by Connemara stallion Templebready Fear Bui. The 153cm winner was ridden by Zara Brookes. Despite having won the supreme show hunter pony accolade at the RIHS a magnificent four times – once with Harriet Dennison and thrice with Zara – this is his first HOYS win.

Tracy Brady’s Priestwood Roc Star and Greyson Brady-Brooke were led to win the lead rein of hunter type by producer Sarah Newbould for the second time having already done so in 2021.

15-year-old Roc is a Welsh section B

by Kingsmead Fanfare out of Carolinas Wild Goose.

Jump, Jump, Jump!

As ever, natives and non-natives went head-to-head in a range of performance classes, including the pony showjumping classes. These super-springy ponies did native fans proud…

Ballycarrow Mirahs Sparrow ridden by Hollie Gerken. Breed: Connemara (2nd Pony Newcomers Championship; 2nd Pony Foxhunter Championship)

Cashelbay Liam ridden by Madeline Kerrigan. Breed: Connemara

Dowdstown ridden by Lexie Corcoran.

Breed: Connemara

Kohinoor Come on Annie ridden by Sophie Coward-Talbott. Breed: Welsh section D (6th Pony Newcomers Championship)

Vinura Bobby ridden by Fynn Baker.

Breed: Connemara

Williams Lad ridden by Phoebe Dallyn.

Breed: Connemara (8th Pony Newcomers Championship)

Ardough Boy ridden by Katie Bradburne.

Breed: Connemara

Teachmor Joey ridden by Millie Davies.

Breed: Connemara (8th Leading Pony Showjumper of the Year)

Tobar King ridden by Michael Mccolm.

Breed: Connemara

Ballyclass Paddy ridden by Elspeth Von Sponeck. Breed: Connemara (4th Pony Foxhunter Championship)

Carmelias Girl ridden by Darcie Nobles.

Breed: Connemara

Drumaweel Ronan ridden by Persia Calderbank. Breed: Connemara (5th Pony Foxhunter Championship)

20 | The Native Pony | November 2023 Issue | info@showingworldonline.co.uk

Kilnacappagh Harry ridden by Emily Coxon. Breed: Connemara

Ohio Ross ridden by Lucy Watson.

Breed: Connemara

Bunbury Conquest ridden by Annabel Widdowson. Breed: Welsh section B (2nd 128cm Championship)

Carrowvilla Izzy ridden by Zachary Bradshaw. Breed: Welsh section B (7th 128cm Championship)

Diva Des Augustines ridden by Nellie Lock.

Breed: Connemara

Doylan Honey Glint ridden by Portia Taylor-Wilson. Breed: Welsh section B

Living The Dream ridden by Lucia Caroline. Breed: New Forest

Go Fast D’Argan ridden by Alfie Diaper. Breed: Connemara (3rd 138cm Championship)

Letterkeen Bettyn ridden by Henry Leggott. Breed: Connemara

Mayfly Black Pennell ridden by Christina Cotton. Breed: Connemara (4th 138cm Championship)

Whitethorn Smokey ridden by Portia Taylor-Wilson. Breed: Connemara (2nd 138cm Championship)

Clonberne Leam Pondi ridden by Charlotte Gaw. Breed: Connemara (6th Pony Foxhunter Championship)

Rathlee Warrior ridden by Gracie House.

Breed: Connemara

info@showingworldonline.co.uk | November 2023 Issue | The Native Pony | 21

Whitefield Prince Valiant and Kate Hawes

From the Highlands to HOYS To celebrate their centenary, the Highland Pony Society showcased some of their best representations of the Highland pony during the final evening performance at HOYS. This special display highlighted the versatility of the breed and its different uses, including riding and driving as well as the more traditional sporting, forestry and farm work.

As one of the two native ponies of the Scottish Highlands, the Highland pony has, over time evolved

to have an essential strength, substance and hardiness, combined with a kind nature and even temperament. As well as being one of the largest of the UK’s native breeds, the Highland pony can also boast that its breed society is one of the largest organisations for native breeds with approximately 1700 members hailing from across the UK, Europe and even as far as New Zealand and Australia. As well as a proactive and loyal membership base, the society

Glenmuir Mountain Ash and Eleanor Lyttle

was also fortunate to have the late Her Majesty The Queen as its patron and a passionate breeder under the Balmoral prefix.

The display was enjoyed

by Highland pony devotees and those new to the breed alike. As well as the ponies and their humans taking part in the display itself,

credit must also be given to overall coordinator Debbie Spears, choreographer Erik Mackechnie-Guire, music coordinator Chrissy Pritchard, piper Finland Greenlees, tenor drummer Mia Goodge, snare drummer Bertie MacFarlane, and to Sylvia Ormiston MVO for her introduction.

Highland Chief of Talisker and Amber Thorpe

Holmedown Winconsin and Jess Talbot

Kincardine Nightingael with Daniel Maggs, Dunstaffanage Maw Broon with Russell Mackechnie-Guire, and Dunstaffanage the Loon Broon with Erik Mckechnie-Guire

Staffin Peigi of Castle Green and Christine Bassett Kirtonian Loch Birnie and Liz Twite Lochlands Gypsy Baron and Tracey Ashworth

Redliffe Millicent and Richard Hardy

P E R F O R M A N C E

PO N I E S At Native Pony, we have been incredibly impressed by reports of native ponies competing successfully in performance disciplines.

Spooktacular!

Ponies and riders had a super day at Penskyber Equestrian Centre’s Halloween Themed Arena Eventing Competition. For once, the riders were scarier than the fences!

Emma Winn snapped daughter Ella and her four-year-old Welsh section C Bryncarnau Triple Crown (Sydney) secured the best dressed award. They enjoy hunting, hacking and fun rides, and have recently added jumping to their repertoire.

Bryncarnau Triple Crown Menai Sunbird

Meanwhile Karen Manuel was on hand to capture each spooky combination as they negotiated the course. Katie Griffiths’ “legendary” 25-year-old Shetland Buckberry Emile (Treacle) continues to nurture his young riders. Having shown Katie’s son, Freddie the ropes, he’s photographed here taking a turn around the course with Katie’s daughter, Florence. Meanwhile a combination with a significantly smaller combined age also competed Addingham Ike

Tynwydd Golden Boy

in the poles and obstacles class. This was two-year-old Gwennie Hodge riding her four-year-old Shetland pony Addingham Ike. Gwennie’s mum, Gabrielle Slater explained that Ike was broken to ride in April last year. “He’s the best 1st pony ever. She didn’t win; I think she had the slowest time of the day, but her face says it all,” said Gabrielle.

Gwennie’s older cousin Jolie Davies, meanwhile, is photographed riding her pony Menai Sunbird en route to winning the 60 cm class.

Emily Locke took a turn riding Welsh section C Tynwydd Golden Boy, who is otherwise aptly known as Pumpkin! Emily and her mum, Sarah Whitfield, purchased Pumpkin “unseen on a whim one night. He’s a very complex little pony who is now embracing life doing a bit of everything. Originally bought to sell on, he’s not going anywhere,” said Emily.

Comet Sky Rockets!

There was no resting for Georgia Love and Rhiannon Suttle’s Cashelbay Comet after their credible seventh place at HOYS in the exceeding 143cm working hunter pony class. Instead, the pair have turned to arena eventing and are proving to be just as adept, winning the 100cm class at Dallas Burston “against a load of ‘real’ event horses just for something different,” explained Georgia. Bred by Barbara Fallon, the 12-year-old Connemara gelding is by Cashelbay Prince out of Ginger Meg.

Cashelbay Comet

Francesca Turner’s Welsh section C, Laurtom Picture Perfect – or Sprout – (Laurtom Masterpiece x Laurtom Ruby Gold) has been putting a best hoof forward and has had a super year between the dressage boards. He qualified for the BD Winter and Summer Area Festivals at Novice and has already qualified for the 2024 Winter Area Festivals at Elementary with scores up to 68%. The pair are now training at medium level at home.

Sprout qualified for the BD Young Pony Champs as a four-year-old in 2022, and a five-year-old in 23, and Francesca is hopeful that he will qualify for the sixyear-old in 24. “This will equal the record of Dypool Miami Reef, who I also own, as the only pure bred native to have qualified for all three age groups,”

Francesca explained. “His first foal is also due in 2024.

He is dual licensed with WPCS and SPSS and will be standing again to limited mares next season.”

Caroline Cook’s Settvalley the Alchemist (Percy) is another Welsh section C who has found himself excelling in the dressage arena. Caroline purchased Percy from breeders Hannah Turnock and Sarah Lee, originally intending to compete in eventing and working hunter pony classes, but as found that as well as enjoying popping a fence, Percy has a flair for fancy footwork! “He has recently taken up BD competition, winning every time out for the last three weekends gaining him two Petplan Area Festival qualifiers,” explained Caroline.

Sprout Winning Flavour Between the Boards

Laurtom Picture Perfect

Settvalley The Alchemist Kirtonian Loch Birnie

Girl Power

Supreme and reserve supreme exhibits are photographed with judge Dewi Evans, Wendy Burt, Barbara Green and Roland Williams

Welsh National Foal Show 2023 Royal Welsh Agricultural Society’s Showground, Builth Wells Photos by EquinePix Matthew Everitt showed his own winning section B foal, Wagtail Empress (Waxwing Arco x Wagtail Eleanor) The quality filly, also known as Biddy, went on to stand champion section B foal, reserve champion section B and then stood supreme foal and supreme of show. Despite being so young, she’s already gained notable success in the showring while shown on her dam. She was champion Welsh section B at Durham County Show, reserve champion at NPS Area 4 where she went on to stand supreme foal, a title she also claimed at East Midlands WPCA. She also stood youngstock champion and reserve overall to her sire at the Lincolnshire All Welsh Show.

Wagtail Empress Clyngim Lady Heti

Reserve supreme was the winning Welsh section D yearling filly and section champion, Clyngim Lady Heti (Geler Boas x Clyngim Rosa), bred, owned and shown by Bethan James. She pipped champion section D foal, Brynithon Billie Jean (Thorneyside The Kingpin x Brynithon Cleopatra), owned and bred by the Meyrick family and shown by Brad Meyrick.

Gethin Williams produced both champion and reserve section A. Champion was Afan Rosezee (Afan Happy Boy x Afan Ragdoll), the winning yearling filly of her section, and reserve was Afan Welshcake (Afan Rock Star x Afan Waterfall), the winning filly foal. Both fillies were bred by Dennis Price, but Welshcake is now owned by Sue Williams. A second pretty palomino section A, Glebdale Jolene (Pendock

Brynithon Billie Jean

Glebedale Jolene

Paige Boy x Pendock Jingle) headed home with the prospective riding pony championship having won the yearling class.

Deryk Dykes showed John Welsh’s Newgap Bewitched (Popsters Rocket Man x Tybanadl Melissa) to stand section C foal champion and reserve overall. However, the fillies didn’t have it all their own way. Standing section champion was Martin Grist’s Windmill Twm (Blaencila Ashley x Windmill Tlysni), shown by Rhys Freeman. He won the yearling colt class en route to the championship.

The Welsh section B championship was also awarded to the winning yearling colt. This was Janpete Prince Charming (Cadlanvalley Masterclass x Janpete Golden Felicity), owned by the Telynau Stud and shown by Llion Owen Roberts.

Finally, Jamie Nottingham’s Foxprims Mr Shelby (Brynseion Dancing Dervish x Little Bit Famous) took the Welsh Partbred championship led by Gareth Lapping.

Newgap Bewitched

Windmill Twm Janpete Prince Charming

Afan Welshcake and Afan Rosezee Foxprims Mr Shelby

HORSE OF THE SAVE THE DATE YEAR SHOW 9 - 13 OCTOBER 2024 TH

TH

HOYS.CO.UK

British RAISING THE BAR

FELL

ROUNDUP

Fell Pony Society Show and Sale

By Claire Simpson The annual Fell Pony Society Show and Sale was held at the NWA Auction Centre near Kendal on 28 October. Ponies entered in the Fell pony sale totalled 76 and were followed by over one hundred other M&Ms and part-breds.

More than 80% of the Fell ponies forward found new homes and the highest price of 6500 guineas was achieved by the first lot, Holling Baby Anne, a seven-year-old black mare broken to ride and drive from G. & R. Dunn; the three-yearold gelding Drybarrows Fordingdale reached 4800 guineas for Zoe Marsden. In the foal section the filly Lunesdale Esther reached 2900 guineas for Bert Morland and the colt Hardendale Kingsman reached 2600 guineas for Barry Mallinson; both had won their classes in the pre-sale show.

In addition, Barry won the new trophy, kindly donated by the Fell Pony Heritage Trust, in memory of Isobel Potter of the Greenholme stud who sadly passed away earlier this year.

The trophy will be awarded annually to the highest priced colt foal and is a lovely way for us to remember Isobel.

Claire Wigley judged the show classes and said that the overall quality and calibre of the ponies presented showcased a commendable representation of our esteemed native breed. Claire explained that the champion pony, the yearling colt Greenholme Quintessential, exemplified all the qualities that she seeks in a Fell Pony. He possessed a compact yet powerful frame, with a deep chest, and strong quarters, standing squarely with a good length of rein.

His movement, characteristic of his breed, was purposeful, straight, and featured a smooth, free stride, demonstrating excellent reach in the forelegs and powerful impulsion from the hindquarters. The pony’s calm and sensible demeanour reflected the breed’s renowned temperament. Overall, the

Dalewin Zara

Greenholme Quintessential

pony’s presence, soundness, and adherence to the Fell Pony breed’s standard were the key factors that led to its championship win for his delighted owner who had travelled from Norfolk. The colt later realised 1600 guineas in the salering.

The yearling filly, Dalewin Zara, took the reserve championship, and in Claire’s view epitomised the excellent qualities of the Fell Pony breed. This pony, with a compact yet sturdy build, displayed a wellbalanced conformation emphasising its strength and agility. Much like the champion pony, her temperament exhibited a composed and adaptable nature, echoing the breed’s renowned traits, securing its deserved placement as the reserve champion. This pony later realised 2200 guineas.

As always the Sale is a popular event in the Fell pony calendar and a great opportunity to catch up with likeminded Fell pony friends. Thanks to the staff at NWA Auction Centre, vendors, buyers and everyone who contributes to make the day such a success.

FPS Pre-Sale Show Results – 28 October 2023 Class 1 – Four Years and Over No entries

Class 2 – One – Three Years Position

Lot #

Pony

Vendor

1

21

Greenholme Quintessential FP73562C C Fox & J Southwell

2

14

Dalewin Zara FP7315

E Winder

3

8

Lunesdale Richard II FP73263C

A W Morland

4

15

Ringstone Polly FP7304

M Cornthwaite

5

20

Meadowpark Bythebeach FP7236

R Alderson

6

30

Holling Tarren FP6951

I Billington

Class 3A – Colt Foals Position

Lot #

Pony

Vendor

1

33

Hardendale Kingsman FP73702C

B Mallinson

2

61

Dalewin Armani FP73729C

E Winder

3

42

Greenholme Rodney FP73691C

R J & B K Potter

4

65

Lunesdale Eric FP73752C

A W Morland

5

53

Rundales Bobbin FP73708C

R D Howe

6

41

Greenholme Rocky II FP73689C

R J & B K Potter

Class 3b – Filly Foals Position

Lot #

Pony

Vendor

1

62

Lunesdale Esther FP

A W Morland

2

47

Brackenbank Louisa FP

D & K Wilkinson

3

32

Hardendale Jewel II FP

G H B & T Mallinson

4

67

Lyndarick Gracie FP

R Potter

5

35

Longbank Penelope FP

S Jackson

6

68

Lyndarick Gem FP

R Potter

CHAMPION : RESERVE :

Greenholme Quintessential FP73562C Dalewin Zara FP7315

HIGHLAND ROUNDUP Highland Hooves Turn to Anything Liz Twite’s super Highland Kirtonian Loch Birnie proved he was no one trick pony at the SWPA Championships competing in three disciplines: showing, workers and dressage. This resulted in them finishing third in the versatility challenge. They also won their concours class before going on to stand reserve champion.

Eleanor Lyttle’s Glenmuir Mountain Ash has had a busy few weeks. She took part in some filming with Alan Titchmarsh – more on that when we’re allowed to tell you! – and the pair also felt “so honoured to represent the breed at HOYS in the HPS Centenary display on the Sunday night”. A week later, they went on to stand third in a huge PP RIHS qualifier at the BSPS Heritage Championships. Finally, she attended a local show with Eleanor’s two-year-old son, Arthur, taking first place in ‘best mane and tail’ and sixth in the Halloween fancy dress class. “She’s such a versatile pony with manners to burn,” said Eleanor.

Ruth Darling’s Islesman of Mendick, an 11-year-old working stallion, has had a successful few outings recently, starting with being judged champion in hand Highland pony

by Mrs Audrey Barron at the Blair

Highland Pony Show in August.

September saw the Scottish Dressage Championships where he came fourth in the medium silver final and third in the advanced medium final ridden by Ruth. Three further affiliated dressage outings have resulted in scores of 67 percent in advanced medium tests and therefore a Petplan qualification.

CONNEMARA ROUNDUP

It was a tremendously fun day at the Eastern area fund raiser on Sunday September 24th. We had members travel from Suffolk, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex and Kent.

The day started with refreshments and a catch up with old friends. We then had our educational talk on “What the judge would like to see” Rachel Scarlett bought her very well-behaved yearling colt Fenrose Callisto.

Julia Woods then gave us tips and advice on what to look for if we were judging or inspecting and ways to present our ponies to portray their best qualities. Calisto was a very good boy; Rachel had obviously put a lot of work into preparing him for his adult life.

We then had a leisurely tour around Steve and Rosie’s farm. Steve told us all about his three stallions and his breeding stock.

We also had a look at the other animals on the farm ranging from very cute piglets, goats, sheep, and chickens.

Lunch was a BBQ with produce from Steve and Rosie’s own on site butchers shop.

We then had an hilarious afternoon of Hobby horse dressage. Our arena was set in Mrs Thompson’s beautiful garden, we had various tests set to music ranging from “Cotton eye Joe” to “He’s a Pirate”!

The winners of each section were: Tiny Tots Sidney and Lillian Johnson Pairs Georgie Rooney & Lindsey Atkins Seniors Sarah Rook.

Unfortunately, Julia Woods was eliminated as her Hobby horse napped!!!

Sidney

Our raffle was drawn with prizes ranging from horse rugs, winter flower pots, pony treats, wine, and biscuits.

We would like to thank Steve, Rosie, and Margaret for letting us have this event at their lovely home and everyone who came on Sunday, and those of you who have donated to this event. We raised £420.00 and £73.00 on the raffle. This amount will help to fund next year’s show.

32 | The Native Pony | November 2023 Issue | info@showingworldonline.co.uk

DARTMOOR ROUNDUP

Danish Dartmoor’s Welsh Crusade

Tactician for Native Pony of the Year

After joining Lucinda Dargavel’s Swansea base just over a month ago from Denmark, Edals Raymond has an overall reserve supreme championship and an in-hand supreme championship to his name on Welsh soil already. By Moortown Trooper and out of Mannerups Rosemary, Raymond carries old Dartmoor bloodlines.

Super-successful lead rein pony Springwater Tactician is campaigning for yet another title: Native Pony of the Year, at the SEIB British Showing World Awards in December.

Having stood runner up at the RIHS and HOYS last year, Tactician went one better this season to win both prestigious mountain and moorland lead rein finals. He was ridden by his owner Heather Clay’s son, Fin, and was led by producer Craig Elenor to both victories.

Tactician won’t need to leave his stable, however, to bag this prize. Instead, Dartmoor fans can vote for him on the Showing World website.

On his debut at Sunnybank Equestrian Centre’s Extravaganza, he won his classes before claiming two championships in the evening performance and going on to clinch the Overall Reserve Supreme title against a host of HOYS-qualified ponies.

At the Equestrian Box’s Halloween show, Raymond and Lucinda had fun dressing up and scoring a hat-trick of wins together before taking the overall supreme in-hand title. His breeder Ann Edal is thrilled that he has carried on his winning ways and is excited to see him under saddle.

Edals Raymond

EXMOOR

ROUNDUP Compiled by Elizabeth Etchells Red Kite Flies High Versatile gelding Stowbrook Red Kite competed at HOYS to finish in the final 11 in the 122cm workers having qualified at Cheshire County show over one of the toughest tracks of the year with his owner Davinia Johnson in the saddle. The pair then went on to the Heritage Championships to win the Exmoor best of breed class booking their ticket to the LIHS with an incredible ride mark of 50/50. “We haven’t been to the Excel so we are super excited to see the difference as we absolutely loved Olympia when we went in 2019,” said Davinia.

Bert is Master Rachael and her Exmoor gelding Mystical Master Bee, (Bert) had a fantastic experience back in September at the Concours D’Elegance of Great Britain National Show. Having qualified in the Summer at Wick Horse Show where they’d been Reserve Supreme, riding Bert in a Concours had always been a dream of Rachael’s.

They travelled all the way to Onley Grounds to compete at the championships, and contested a few classes, taking second in the M&M section. Their final class was the Adult Rider Astride and after such a long wait, Rachael nearly considered packing up and making the long drive home. But luckily she didn’t, as Bert put in his best performance and to their surprise stood Reserve Champion Adult Rider Astride of the Year, out of 22 horses and ponies.

“Never in my life did I think we would have achieved this. The champion went to my good friend Carol Negus who designed and made the costume. The inspiration for it was Victorian, with the colours of a peacock as they represented wealth and money.

I’m very grateful to Carol as we had this dream many years ago and we finally got to a show together, and what a show it was.”

Photos courtesy of Emerald Motion Media Mystical Master Bee

Stowbrook Red Kite

Cassini Cool Customer Moonpenny Cassini (George) and his rider Molly Barker started off the 2023 season the BSPS Area 5 winter show, jumping the winter workers classes and also taking part in the ridden classes on day two, winning the restricted open. They then contested some of the Royal International Horse Show qualifiers before returning to the worker ring.

They have mainly jumped the training, winter and summer stakes classes to build experience and confidence. At the NPS Summer Championships they jumped their first arena eventing class and we were delighted with the way he took on the most challenging course he had jumped to date. Throughout the season, they have had varied results with a good dose of second-itis. He jumped two lovely clears in at the BSPS Summer Championships with a second in one of them. At the NPS Cassini

Performance Show at Aston the Walls in September they jumped their very first open class, their biggest height to date at 80cm. They made it round with just two poles down. Next was very local for us, just a few miles to Southwell Ploughing Match. They won both of their WHP Classes and then took the Championship. Two weeks later, they ended this season at the BSPS Heritage Championships.

They jumped a clear in the novice, placed with some poles in the open, but then rounded off their season in style with a win in the Restricted WHP and taking the Restricted Championship. This earnt them a spin in the Supreme where George behaved impeccably and held his own in a line-up that included the previous week’s HOYS winners. We were so very proud and can’t wait to see what 2024 holds for this combination.

Words by Debbie Barker-Runiewicz Exmoor Pony Society Breed Show 9th of August 2023 The show team of David Hodge and Julian Walters, assisted on the day

by Alan Davies left the showground with a huge amount of silverware and ribbons after their beautiful broodmare Bluebarn Nancy was crowned overall Supreme of the Show. With her filly foal at foot, Nancy kept her sparkle for the whole day to keep impressing in hand judge Rebecca Hodgkinson-Swift, who was joined by Sheila Dinsdale and Pam Cox in the overall supreme.

Reserve Supreme went to the Ridden Champion ‘Blackthorn Poldark’ with rider Jessica Talbot. After standing 2nd in the HOYS ridden, he stepped up in the Championship to take it over Dunkery Wigeon and Hayley Reynolds, who had earlier stood top of the line in the HOYS class at his first show of the year!

Reserve overall in hand champion was the young dry mare Ilkerton Saskia,

shown by Jonathan Payne. Saskia is moorbred and owned by esteemed children’s author Victoria Everleigh.

She came to the Payne family for handling as a yearling, but since then had been running on her moor and had her first foal. She returned this year for some further education and her results at the breed show was a surprise and delight for all her connections.

The Gelding in hand championship was a triumph for husband-and-wife team Deborah Drummond and Mark Drummond with their two year old youngstock winner Greystonegate Juniper. Juniper aka ‘Gin’ was bred

by Rob and Sarah Taylor, and arrived with the Drummonds in September 2021. Regular supporters of all the local country and county shows, Juniper has often play second fiddle to stable mat ‘Fred’ (Tawbitts Squirrel Nutkin) but on this occasion, Gin stood top of the class, with Fred in second place. Deborah and Mark are looking forward to continuing Gin’s education, with a view to backing when he is ready. It is hoped that he will make a good lead rein pony for their grandchildren, and maybe have a go at Carriage Driving as well.

Reserve Gelding In hand Champion, was the versatile Anchor Odyssey who returned shortly after his win to contest the ridden classes where he was winner of the Novice Ridden, and then Moor Bred Ridden Champion. Four-year-old Odyssey is owned by Cassie James, who has produced him herself. He’s had a fantastic first season under saddle, winning every class he’s been in.

Cassie writes “he has been very easy to ride away and has taken to it like a duck to water. He very much enjoys his work. He will continue as a Novice next year before attempting some intermediate and open classes.

There is no rush for him as he has an extremely bright future.

Photos courtesy of Peter Yates Greystonegate Juniper Anchor Odyssey

Bluebarn Nancy

Ilkerton Saskia

Results of Exmoor Pony of the Year, held at the Midlands Area Show 10th September 2023 Youngstock Pony of the Year Champion: Darshill Agent Romanoff Reserve: Tawbitts Squirrel Nutkin Senior Pony of the Year Champion: Threeshires Elicit Lili Reserve: Mystical Master Bee Ridden Pony of the Year Champion: Stowbrook Red Kite Reserve: Mystical Master Bee OVERALL PONY OF THE YEAR 2023 Supreme: Darshill Agent Romanoff Reserve: Threeshires Elicit Lili

HORSE & P ON Y

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36 | The Native Pony | November 2023 Issue | info@showingworldonline.co.uk

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