Native Pony September 2023 (162)

SEPTEMBER 2023 ISSUE 162

Natives and their part breds at the Royal International Horse Show

Highlights from the Royal Welsh, NPS Summer Championships, and more! ! info@showingworldonline.co.uk | September 2023 Issue | The Native Pony | 1

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MADE IN OUR OWN

UK MILL

A word from our editor Dear Reader, Already it’s September and I can hardly believe it!

As I write, the final HOYS qualifiers for our native breeds played out yesterday at the September Stoneleigh Horse Show, and it was difficult to believe there were so many excellent ponies yet to qualify. The standard of natives in the show ring really is so high. Our HOYS final seems set to be a fantastic event.

You’ll see we have the mountain and moorland champion from the Royal International Horse Show on our cover. This was Linda and Hannah Atkinson’s Danwood Llewellyn. As wonderful as he is, I’ll admit I was torn and almost made Izzy Hartswood Collier and Beech Hall Ryan my cover stars as what an amazing accolade they achieved: the overall supreme pony title.

In the end, it was the plaits that clinched it for me, and I chose the hairy option. Nevertheless, Connrmara pony Ryan, Izzy and all their connections deserve the highest praise from us al!l Don’t forget that if you want to shine a light on a special pony’s achievements, you can nominate them for the SEIB British Showing World Awards, set to be announced in December at Stoneleigh Park.

Nominations are open on the Showing World website now.

One thing that once again concerns me is the ratio of mares versus stallions and geldings entered for HOYS qualifiers, and subsequently the number at finals. It is a similar scenario in RIHS and LIHS qualifiers. Where are all the lovely mares and why aren’t they being shown in these prestigious ridden qualifiers? I would be really interested to hear your thoughts. Please do email them to me at beth.simons@showingworldonline.co.uk.

Finally, I hope that the last few summer shows are successful for you, and I look forwards to seeing what you all have in store for the autumn and winter months.

Somehow, I don’t think you’ll be turning those sporty natives away, and will have lots of fun on the cards!

Beth

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

Contents Features 8.

Native Highlights from Royal Cheshire County Show

12. Fell Pony Society Next Generation Group’ Greenholme Stud Visit

19. Royal International Horse Show 2023 28. Royal Welsh Show 2023

Regulars 35. Connemara Roundup 46. Fell Roundup 39. Exmoor Roundup

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COVER PHOTO: Danwood Llewellyn ridden by Hannah Atkinson. Photo by Equinational 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 | September 2023 Issue | info@showingworldonline.co.uk

Native Highlights from Royal Cornwall Show

Holmedown Wisconsin ridden by Jess Talbot

8th – 10th June 2023 Report by Celeste Gall Photos by Jayphotos Marie Booth’s exciting Highland prospect Holmedown Wisconsin (Tom), partnered by Jess Talbot, landed the M&M ridden championship. The six-year-old gelding by Lyncrests Rhodri out of Holmedown Clearwater was bred by Devon-based Wendy Bridges and was purchased as a foal by Marie to enjoy her retirement. “He went to Jess to be backed and he has stayed with her since as he is very happy there. He is everything you could want in a Highland pony – confident, kind and wants to please,” said Marie, who has enjoyed watching his progress this season. Jess and Tom have already clinched three top three placings in HOYS qualifiers, just missing out on their ticket twice. “We don’t want to push him too hard as he is only a baby and enjoys his work,” added Marie. Reserve went to the Welsh section D winner, the seven-year-old black mare Eglwysfach Blodwen, owned by Nicky Harrison and ridden by Victoria Hunton. Nicky has owned her since she was six months old and broke her to ride during Covid. “She is such a kind, genuine mare who is ridden by everyone including my 11-year-old son Edward who has started competing in junior classes with her,” said Nicky.

Eglwysfach Blodwen shown by Nicky Harrison

info@showingworldonline.co.uk | September 2023 Issue | The Native Pony | 5

Game Bertie’s Trip to the Fair Photos provided by Kate Hawes Kate Hawes and Joshua Carnegie were invited to support the Highland Pony Society Centenary celebrations. They took the Highland Pony Society breed stand along with Whitefield Prince Valiant (Bertie) to the Stalking Show held at Staffordshire Showground to represent and promote the Highland pony as a working hill pony. Bertie had his own pen amongst the stallholders for his meet and greet sessions which were very well received with lots of visitors visiting to find out more about the breed and its history. They also presented a slide show twice daily in the Stalking Show chat room on training the Highland pony for the hill. The slide show was developed with the help of Balmoral’s Sylvia Ormiston and featured ponies at various stages of their training at Balmoral which proved extremely popular.

Bertie and the breed stand have been invited back again for the 2024 even, which will be the show’s third year of running and promises to be a bigger and better event than ever.

Kate was again invited to take the Highland Pony Society breed stand to the Game Fair. On the Friday,

Kate was asked if Bertie would accompany her on stage for an interview in the Game Fair with Charlie Jacoby for The Field Sports channel. “Why not?” was er first thought, without realising that Bertie would have to walk from one side of the show ground to the other, “through thousands of people with guns going off left right and centre and flags flapping off all the stands,” she recalled, adding, “he then had to walk through the middle of a seated crowd for the interview.

Charlie asked for a round of applause as Bertie entered the theatre”. However, Bertie did not put a hoof wrong and maintained his chilled attitude to life throughout.

Later in the week, his unflappable nature again came to the fore when he was invited to join the main parade through the show.

During the course of the week Bertie and Kate participated in two displays per day alongside Kristine Johnson and Richard Hardy’s, Redliffe Millicent driven, Tracey Bonner’s Hirstmund Barolo side saddle. The ponies were fantastic and put on a perfect display showcasing the breed’s versatility and telling the history of the society all to the sound of Scottish pipes and drums.

Haighmoor Gemma shown by Gareth Andrews

Native Highlights from Royal Cheshire County Show Royal Cheshire Showground, Congleton | 20-12 June, 2023 | Report by Beth Simons In hand photos by Equinepix | Ridden photos by Equinational The 2023 Cheshire County had to contend with adverse weather conditions. The show’s first day opened beneath grey skies that soaked competitors and viewers alike making conditions testing for the workers especially. The second day, however, saw the skies open and what can only be described as biblical rain saw anyone who could bathed in the time it took to run for cover! Competition, however, was hot.

(Charlie) to win the Connemara class over four years old. Victoria purchased six-year-old Charlie from David Bennet this spring. What makes this win special is that Charlie lost an eye at the beginning of the year. “The pump behind the eye that gets rid

Haighmoor Gemma represented the Welsh section D championship for the second year running.

Gemma is owned and bred by Julie Evans, but she was shown by Julie’s friend and fellow breeder, Gareth Andrews, while Julie handled her filly foal by Haighmoor Cadfael. Gemma is bred in the purple, being out of Royal Welsh supreme champion and Cuddy Supreme In Hand finalist, Haighmoor Glain, who is herself by Royal Welsh winning stallion, Fronarth Victor. Gemma’s sire, Menai Sparkling Imperial was also multi-garlanded, standing champion mountain and moorland at HOYS among his many in hand and ridden accolades.

30 Year Wait to Win Pays No foul weather could dampen Victoria Weir’s spirits. She handled her own Churchgate Choirboy

8 | The Native Pony | September 2023 Issue | info@showingworldonline.co.uk

Churchgate Choieboy shown by Victoria Weir

as well as topping both the heavyweight and maxi cob HOYS qualifiers with Jessica Penrose’s Hortons Valentine and Gaynor Holgate’s Orcarber the Phoenix respectively.

First HOYS Ticket!

The plaited working hunter pony tricolour went to HOYS first-timer Mati Davies. Pembrokeshire-based Mati won the open 133cm class riding her parents Matthew and Helen Davies’ Synod Ieuan (Tom). Striking Welsh section C Tom was purchased from Dundee based Donna McElhinney, whose daughter Bernadette competed him successfully in workers and eventing. Mati has had an excellent season so far, gaining both her open and nursery stakes tickets at BSPS Area 6 Spring Show.

Cloughrae Hill Billy ridden by Alice Cowie

Sarah Parker (nee Challinor) is well accustomed to picking up HOYS tickets, and Royal Cheshire County was no exception. Perhaps most notable for native breeds followers, she claimed the small breeds championship riding her own talented Welsh section B Rushfield Diplomat. Bred by Jill Rushton, he is an ambassador for the Welsh breeds’ versatility, regularly switching between jumping with Sarah and taking care of his junior riders in their sections, as evidenced when he went on to claim a further two tickets in the workers and the juniors the following day at Lincoln. Sarah was, however, taken aback and even shed a few tears as she watched from the lineup in one ring as her young son Owen, 10, took his first ever HOYS ticket off the lead with Ysselhofs Hallmark (Casper). Casper is leased to Sarah for Owen from owner Rachel Dilcock Thomas. Owen and Casper will also be joining the first ridden ranks at the RIHS, and fellow cradle stakes competitors at the LIHS.

of water had stopped working,” explained Victoria in layman’s terms! “Charlie has adapted to life with one eye amazingly,” said Victoria, “and he’s completed his first few ridden shows without his eye with me this year, exceeding all our expectations! We entered Cheshire with no expectations other than to enjoy our favourite show of the year. To win was a dream come true as after competing there for 30 years, it was my first win!”

School’s Out For Summer Cheshire was one of the first shows for the many riders and handlers who have taken exams at GCSE, A Level and beyond to make a comeback. One such rider was Alice Cowie, who made her comeback count just four days after her final exam by taking the exceeding 143cm working hunter pony ticket riding her own Connemara Cloughrae Hill Billy (Billy). This is his first HOYS ticket ever, so I am absolutely thrilled with him,” explained Alice.

The championship, however, was awarded to the second placed exceeding 143cm pony: the evergreen Laburnam Richard (Pedro) with Amy Smith. Amy purchased him from the Clifden sales at three with the intention of selling him on. A year later, she had not received a single enquiry about him and so decided to keep him. Now sixteen years old, the incredibly successful Connemara can boast too many wins to list, with highlights including three wins and two championships at HOYS, and an incredible four championships at Royal Windsor. In reserve was Amy’s sister Vikki with the versatile New Forest stallion Lovelyhill Folklore (George) owned by Penny Sutton.

The sisters’ luck didn’t end there. Amy also posted a win in the HOYS Fell breed qualifier astride Laura Marshall’s Hardendale Ray, and Vikki stood novice working hunter pony with Sara Dowdswell’s Linsard Sparky

Synod Ieuan ridden by Matti Davies Ysselhofs Hallmark ridden by Owen Parker

Silver Pigeon ridden by Claire Kenworthy

NPS Area 12

CCR Equestrian, Glos June 1, 2023 | Photos by Equinepix With a host of RIHS mountain and moorland (M&M) working hunter qualifiers on offer, this central show saw some good numbers forward for these classes.

A CONNEMARA gelding booked his Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) place at NPS Area 12.

Silver Pigeon, owned and ridden by Claire Kenworthy, won the exceeding 143cm mountain and moorland (M&M) working hunter pony (WHP) qualifier.

The 14-year-old grey gelding, by Cashelbay Cruise, was bought by Claire in 2016. “I bought him as I was keen to get back into jumping again before I was too old!” said Claire, who is nearing 50.

“I went to look at another horse but fell in love with Silver and what a star he’s turned out to be,” added Claire, who started off with local level WHP classes, arena eventing and showjumping. “We worked our way up with the help of my trainer Maria Podmore.”

In 2021, the pair got a wild card for RIHS and here they produced the only clear round in this section. “My mum got me into ponies and has always supported me and comes to all the shows, but the one show she couldn’t make

due a bad back we went and qualified,” said Claire. “My non horsey dad had to fill in for her. I’m an enthusiastic amateur and I do this purely for pleasure,” added Claire. “I love to bring them on and see them improve and Silver is such a lovely pony – loves his jumping and puts a squeal in quite often.

He’s so easy he would put his tack on if possible.”

Rebecca Raine and Carrownulaur Johnny won the HOYS 143cm section. The Connemara, who is uncharacteristically

chestnut, has previously been jumped in plaited 143cm WHP classes, but Rebecca is now out of the class. His results include winning at Royal Windsor in 2022 and jumping for the BSPS England team as a plaited WHP. Johnny is by All Smoke and was bred in Ireland. “He’s been an amazing pony and won the HOYS Le Liga points awards in 2021 and 2022,” said Rebecca’s mother, Karen Raine.

With Rebecca and Johnny already qualified, the ticket was handed to second placed Carrownulaur Johnny ridden by Rebecca Raine

Furzley To be Faere ridden by Kirstie Wright

Wellbrow Buster ridden by Jodie Haywood

Kirstie Wright and Furzley To be Faere. The nine-year-old New Forest, bred by Sandra Kilford, arrived with Kirstie in 2019 and last year finished ninth at HOYS. “He hadn’t done very much at all so he’s come quite a long way,” said Kirstie, 38, who works as an optician. “The course really promoted forward riding and he likes to be ridden forward to his fences.”

Jodie Haywood and Wellbrow Buster won the 133cm section. The 15-yearold Fell, by Heltondale Mountain Mist II, was being piloted by Jodie while owner Chloe Tyler was out of action for a few weeks. “I’ve had him for eight years and he was bred by Andrew Thorpe,” said Chloe.

Dunkery Black Grouse and Frankie Elizabeth Currell had already booked their place to Hickstead in the 122cm class at NPS Area 10 and stood champion, but went for another outing here and finished on a score of 97/100.

“At some point he’ll go back to his owner, Jacqueline Wharton, as he’s a

Hope Munir ridden by Ella Eynon

Dunkery Black Grouse ridden by Frankie Currell

working stallion as well,” said Frankie.

It was Ella Eynon and Hope Munir who took the qualifying ticket from the 122cm division. The eightyear-old Welsh section A,

by Rookery Stardust, was bought by Rebecca Faulkner and Eurig Eynon as a foal.

“We did a little bit with him as a novice but then Ella was busy with other ponies so I turned him away,” said Rebecca. “He came in over the winter and has done some arena eventing and jumping. He did a couple of novice classes and training shows at the beginning of the year but this was his first qualifier,” added Rebecca.

“We’re going to contest some HOYS qualifiers and see how it goes. He has lots of jump and we’re excited about his future.”

A group are given ‘the once over’ by eagle eyed visitors

Fell Pony Society Next Generation Group’ Greenholme Stud Visit Report by Claire Simpson | Photos by Sarah-Jane Morey The FPS Next Generation Group hosted an open day recently at The Greenholme Fell Pony stud. The group, formerly the Young Persons’ Group created in 2015, was renamed in 2022 to make it more inclusive, and encourage people of any age to share and learn as much about the breed as possible; and is now being championed by Kayley Radford and Stacy Longrigg.

The aim of the group is to capture the knowledge and experience that current Fell Pony breeders have and deliver it to others, as well as future breeders, to enable them to take the breed forward and to raise awareness of the significance of the semi-feral Fell Pony herds.

The first event ran over two days in August 2022, with a discussion day and the assessment of a sample of youngstock

and adult ponies judged by Alistair Smith (Bracklinn stud); and a farm ride around Breaks Hall, Appleby.

The open day was an amazing opportunity to see the semi-feral Greenholme ponies in their natural surroundings. The ponies had been given an identification number and everyone was given a sheet that provided information on each pony and identified those that will be going through the Hill Bred Gems online sale.

Inside the six-year-old stallion Greenholme Lancelot lapped up the attention of around 85 people who came in and out to view him and the information that had been provided for visitors, including picture boards of Greenholme ponies bred throughout the years. There were past and present stud

Greenholme Forget Me Not with filly foal Greenholme Rose II hiding under her mane

For identification purposes, the ponies numbered are: 1a - Greenholme Susan with Greenholme Rufus. 13a Heltondale Bonny Girl II. 24 - Thistlebank My Fair Lady.

22 - Banksgate Rhian. 16 Greenholme Dora.

Visitors were treated to spectacular views as well as lovely ponies

There’s always time for a pat!

books and sales catalogues; the Fell Pony breed standard; information on the Foal Immunodeficiency Syndrome and rare breed information for people to browse through; as well as books about Fell Ponies, the FPS Centenary book and cakes and refreshments galore!

Outside the visitors saw two stallions, four yearling colts and geldings; and a number of mares with their foals who all seemed quite unperturbed by the influx of visitors, considering the environment they are used to.

group’s events and information is through their Facebook page, “The Fell Pony Society Next Generation Group”, where suggestions and help are equally welcome.

Well done to Kayley, Stacy and the Greenholme stud for hosting such a lovely and informative day, and thanks to the attendees for the images.

Ponies on the move at the Greenholme Open Day

The group canvassed the visitors for their views on the best way to gather and spread knowledge and information about the breed, the general consensus was that more people need to be talking... and listening. This is something that the Next Generation Group is keen to encourage to promote and grow the breed.

The group intends to host educational events such as stud visits, information days and discussions across the country and to be accessible to as many Fell Pony enthusiasts as possible. The best way to keep up to date with the The group on the move

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The National Pony Society Summer Championships Three Counties Showground, Malvern | 1-3 of August, 2023 | Photos by 1st Class Images The National Pony Society championships were a resounding success with smiling faces toppin quality lines and enjoying the evening performances in spite of some occasionally very challenging weather. The hardworking committee provided something for everyone, with younger enthusiasts able to enjoy a whole host of fun classes as well as trying a hand at the more serious finals and qualifiers.

Below is just a small taste of the numerous deserving winners who took home first and championship rosettes.

4. Gorgia Toms rode Michaela Toms’ Bewcastles Bell to top the Assendons Freestyle To Music final. Always a crowd favourite, this fun-filled final requires combinations to perform a freestyle show to music of their choice in the evening performance. This pluckly eight-year-old Fell mare by Clifford Blue Chip enjoyed a string of good placings at the championships.

7. Michelle Rowles-Lloyd led her daughter Medi Lloyd astride Brynrodyn Danika to win a super-strong lead rein mountain and moorland class before topping the championship. At just four-years-old, Annie showed plenty of 1. Clover Hill Magic and Jamie Frost promise and maturity beyond her years. booked a return ticket to the Price This is the third HOYS ticket for the Family Supreme In Hand championship. family, as Michelle has qualified her own Owned by Cathy Wood, the six-yearWelsh cob Haighmoor Horace for the old Connemara stallion is by Glencarrig ridden final and dad, Dorian Lloyd has Knight and was bred by the Lee family qualified Welsh cob stallion Gwynfaes just outside Clifden. Cathy first spotted Seren Wledig for the Price Family him at the annual show while queuing Supreme in hand final. for coffee. This season, he secured his 8. Reigning Showing World Junior first Price Family Supreme ticket at of the Year Annabel Drake – now Bath and West, and he almost repeated out of section! – rode Vanessa Clark’s the feat when he won the Connemara Blakehill Matador to win the Picton breeding championship for the third Connemara Final and the Picton time consecutively and later stood a Novice championship, which is always painstakingly close reserve supreme. a showcase for talented young ponies.

2. Reserve supreme was Moelview He first showed great promise this Moonstruck, bred and owned by season when he stood novice champion Richard Jones, who also showed the at BSPS Area 5’s spring show ridden by 12-year-old at NPS. He is by HOYS then owner-producer, Katy Marriott finalist Moelview Prince Charming out Payne prior to Vanessa purchasing him. of Moelview Moonshine, and is also a He is by Cnocban Cassanova out of HOYS and RIHS finalist under saddle as Coosheen Wren and was bred by Cian well as a former Price Family Supreme Geoghegan. contender.

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12 11. Lily-May Joyner showed JulieMarie Joyner’s Caffreys Jack The Lad to win the young handler 7-12 years old class and later the young handler championship.

well as bagging herself an RIHS ticket, Princess has belied her lack of milage to give grown-up performances in HOYS classes and has secured no less than three tickets.

12. Beeftub Bell Emilio turned a tiny hoof to a whole load of classes during the championships. She is photographed en route to winning the lead rein working hunter pony class ridden by Morgan Matthews and led by Marie Matthews. Belle also won the mountain and moorland novice lead rein final, the junior concours d’elegance and the tiny tots lead rein, and stood third in the home produced lead rein final.

Former RIHS contestant Belle is leased to the Matthews family by owner Kate Hampton.

14. Alice Sheen and her own Highland pony Carlung Xephyr won the Dargavel Final championship. The final is aimed at mountain and moorland ponies aged 4-6 years old, and the pair won the sixyear-old class. They also stood third in the Picton Novice Final for Highland ponies.

13. Glebedale Sancerre (Princess) is a five-year-old on a mission to impress under young rider Lilly Richardson.

She is leased to Lilly’s mum, Lucy Richardson by her breeders Kitty Bodily and Jill Williams. Princess and Lilly were the winners of the novice first ridden final and the section championship. As

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16. Lockie Butler leads Ella Souster’s Sangrug Spartan to win the mountain and moorland junior in hand class for large breed exhibits and later the championship.

17. Reigning HOYS champions Griseburn Major and Joe Watson top the Black Country Saddles final for Highlands, Fells and Dales ponies and then took the championship. The sixyear-old Wolsey Viking Dales stallion also stood second in his Ringside Stud Open Championship class.

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18. Moortown Golden Girl donned a fantastic disguise to win the Fancy Dress class led by April Hammerton and ridden by William Hammerton.

19. Jess Tunney rode Jane Cooper’s homebred Welsh section C Chatterbox to top the training stakes 69cm final and championship.

Chatterbox is out of Starcrest Mel Aur by the multi garlanded Popsters Tommy Cockles. She also stood second in the 133 WHP novice final and reserve champion.

20. James Burchell topped a fantastic fortnight’s showing by winning the Welsh section A HOYS qualifier and the open championship on his grandmother Mandy Burchell Small’s Rowfantina Orlando Bloom. The previous week James and Orlando Bloom won the UKP&H Junior championship at the RIHS!

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Book your tickets today!

4TH - 8TH OCTOBER 2023 NEC BIRMINGHAM 16 | The Native Pony | September 2023 Issue | info@showingworldonline.co.uk

Rookery Rapture shown by Heidi Davis

Austin with his sash!

Pembrokeshire County Show Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire August 2023 Photos by Simon Rees Nine-year-old becomes youngest owner to qualify for the Price Family Supreme In Hand Championship Despite being just nine years old, Master Austin Davis has already realised what is for many exhibitors a lifetime’s achievement when his Welsh section A mare Rookery Rapture qualified for the most prestigious of breeding finals in the showing calendar: the Price Family Supreme In Hand Final, set to be judged during HOYS. Rapture was bred by Serena Crump, and purchased for Austin by his parents Justin and Heidi Davis of the Popsters Stud when she was a foal. She is out of Wernderris Rachel, and by Olympia Champion Uphill James Fox. The intention was that Austin could begin his own breeding program using his grandfather Jack Davis’ famous Parvadean prefix as it has remained largely dormant since Justin’s bother Jeremy decided to give up breeding.

Rapture has surpassed all expectations, not only making her own mark in the showring but also successfully breeding prize-winning stock. Last year, her foal Popsters Jigglypuff was the top priced Section A filly foal at the autumn sales making Austin the youngest vendor to top a sales category.

Rapture was shown at Pembrokeshire County by Mum while Dad handled her foal. They won the first class of the 86-strong Welsh Mountain Pony section, before going on to be judge Helen Myers of the Rosemarche stud’s choice

as champion. “I was so honoured to have judged the Welsh Mountain Ponies and award her the championship,” said Helen, “She was absolutely beautiful”.

It was breeder and producer Mark Tamplin of the Griashalls stud that presided over the supreme, and he meticulously cast a keen eye over each of the exhibits forwards. As he is better known for his involvement with Welsh section B and riding ponies, general consensus around the ring was that it would be the Llanarth Stud’s Welsh section B champion, Llanarth Consort, Rebecca Lamb’s homebred Welsh partbred champion Becklam Aurora or Mandy Godden’s pony breeding champion, Moor Hall Peter Pan that would take the crown.

However, Mark found himself drawn to the Welsh section A, stating that “she was conformationally a very correct mare with everything in just the right place; a lovely little mare”.

Glebedale Deja Vu shown by Bryn Jones

His reserve was the striking black section C champion, Glebedale Déjà Vu (Dan) owned by Kitty Bodily and shown by Bryn Jones. The two-year-old commanded the attention of onlookers giving a brilliant account of himself, especially his expressive movement. Kitty and Jill’s longstanding friendship with Justin, who has produced ponies for them for many years meant their reserve was bittersweet. Indeed, Dan is sired by a Parvadean stallion: Parvadean Darius, and he is out of Glebedale Delightful.

Rapture’s success was all the sweeter for Justin and Heidi as it provided the perfect first wedding anniversary gift for the couple, who showed Parvadean Delight to win the then Cuddy Supreme In Hand Championship in 2011, but have never shown one of the family’s own at the final.

“We are absolutely delighted,” said Heidi, “and we can’t wait for the final.”

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Royal International Horse Show 2023 Hickstead, Sussex Report by Beth Simons Photos by Equinational

Llewellyn Rules the Ring!

The overall mountain and moorland championship headed north to Linda Atkinson’s North Yorks based Danwood Stud with her own and her daughter Hannah’s homebred Welsh section C Danwood Llewellyn (Lewi). In Welsh history, Llewellyn was a famous Welsh prince, and this Llewellyn certainly ruled the ring!

At 12 years old, this was Lewi’s first visit to Hickstead, although the Atkinson family team did make the long journey south from their North Yorks base for Hannah to compete with Lewi’s mum, Rivervalley Lou Lou. Lewi is by the prolific stockgetter Wyken Rob Roy and has been extremely successful in the showring. At just five, he stood Reserve Champion Mountain and Moorland of the Year at HOYS, ridden by Linda, and has since consistently secured placings in the final eight at HOYS with Hannah, and secured seventh place at the LIHS when making his first trip for the festive finale in 2021. This season, he qualified for HOYS in both the open section C and junior large breeds classes at the Native Breeds Festival in May with Hannah and Ella Eynon in the saddle respectively.

In RIHS the supreme, despite her nerves, Hannah and Lewi executed a balanced show that both showed off his native pluck and his mannerly temperament with a long trot along the front before a serpentine that included a walk-to-canter transition and a one-handed canter circle. “Lewi means the world to us as a family,” said an emotional Hannah when they secured their RIHS championship, “We came here to enjoy ticking off another ‘big’ show off the list and never expected this. The class win itself was

Nipna Midnight Rambler ridden by Sarah Parker

Danwood Llewellyn ridden by Hannah Atkinson

a dream come true; the championship was out of this world and totally unexpected. It feels like we are dreaming.”

The reserve award went to Julie Pennel, her daughter Anna and the Pennel family’s winner of the Highland, Fell and Dales class, Nipna Midnight Rambler (Rambo). By Nipna Invictus, Dales stallion Rambo is the first foal out of Nipna Damask Rose (Rosie) who stood second under Julie’s daughter, Anna Pennell at HOYS. The eight-year-old first turned heads at the BSPS Winter Championships when he stood supreme before going on to take the coveted ridden championship at Windsor in 2021.

Since then, he has stood runner up twice at HOYS and also Best of Breed at LIHS on both his visits. Last year, he topped the UKP&H Intermediate final under Caitlin Hamilton, who won the same class with his sire, Invictus in 2021. This season, he has been unstoppable, booking the first LIHS ticket of the year at the BSPS Winters, winning at Royal Windsor, Area 25 and standing champion at the Great Yorkshire Show. Though something of a favourite with Anna, she was actually showing her prize-winning sheep at the Royal Welsh when news of his win reached her! Interestingly, the final saw the HOYS ’21 placings reversed, with Carol Prater’s Tarbarl Major Tom and Katy Marriott Payne finishing second.

Young producer Victoria Harker and her Welsh section A stallion Dukeshill Pearly Spencer (Dennis). Dennis and Victoria had a superb 2022, finishing runners up at both HOYS and the LIHS. A Royal Welsh in-hand winner as a youngster, Dennis had first arrived with the Harker family at three, on loan from his breeder Jo Sheil.

Victoria’s mum, Jenny, purchased Dennis from Jo as Victoria’s very special Christmas present last year. “I sold him when it became clear that they [the Harkers] wouldn’t let him come home,” joked Jo! Dennis is out Dukeshill Philadelphia and is by Dukeshill Magnum.

Despite a nasty fall at NPS Area 7 which saw her forced into easing her way through RIHS preparations, Jess Talbot fared extremely well at Hickstead. “Even without the win, it was probably the best RIHS we’ve ever had; weeks like that don’t happen to people like us usually,” said Jess, who took home a cache of rosettes, including a second in the Welsh section A and B final with section A stallion Rookery Bold as Brass. She also claimed her first ever major title, winning the Exmoor, Dartmoor and Shetland final astride Julian Walters and David Hodge’s Exmoor stallion Blackthorn Poldark (Poly), whom Julian purchased after spotting a photo of him on social media.

“You dream of wearing a blue sash, but you never think it will actually happen,” said Jess. Poly is sired by supreme stock

Blackthorn Poldark ridden by Jessica Talbot

getter Blackthorn Sea Poacher, who was himself by the multigarlanded Siskin, shown by Poldark’s breeder Jackie Webb and Ann Nicholls. Poly has been shown successfully in hand, with championships including at the Breed Show, and he has so far enjoyed an excellent ridden career under Jessica’s guidance, standing second at the 2022 RIHS and ninth at HOYS. He booked a return ticket to the NEC early having stood top in the first qualifier of the year at Bath and West.

Hambleton and District’s qualifier provided our final winner.

Rosscon Emperor and topped the Connemara and New Forest Class ridden by Katie Marshall. The six-year-old stallion is by the prolific Frederiksminde Hazy Match and was bred by PJ Watson. He is now owned by Sarah Harden, who bought him directly from PJ. He is low milage, and so exceeded all his team’s expectations for his first “stay-away” big show. “He’s been to a maximum of nine or ten shows in his entire life,” said Katie, “we just really hoped for him to have a nice time!”

Finishing second was Susan Pool’s reigning Connemara of the Year, Eastlands Dunedin, ridden as ever by his producer Lauren Beaumont.

Rosscon Emperor ridden by Katie Marshall

A Commemoration Celebrarion Craig Elenor had to be content with the reserve spot for the second year running in mini mountain and moorland ranks with a “delighted” Heather Clay’s Springwater Tactician, ridden by Finlay Clay. Nevertheless the trio did go one better than 2022’s second, winning the lead rein final on this occasion. They qualified for the RIHS at BSPS Area 4B, and they have already secured a spot at HOYS having won at the NCPA Staffordshire Festival.

This was Fin’s third attempt at an RIHS blue sash, and it was an extra special moment for mum, Heather, as she celebrated her 40th birthday at the show. “Finley, Craig and Tactician gave me the best present ever winning their class,” said Heather, who last enjoyed an RIHS win as an owner nine years ago when Hallmark IX won the maxi cobs.

Tactician arrived at Team Elenor as a youngster from breeder Nicola Tyler with the 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! “He has matured again this year having turned 7 last month,” said Heather, who describes Tactician as a “true child’s pony,” with “the most amazing temperament”.

Springwater Tactictian ridden by Finlay Clay and led by Craig Elenor

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Last season, Craig and Fin steered Tactician to the mini championship in his native county show, the Great Yorkshire, and finished runners up at the HOYS final. No doubt they will be crossing fingers that the RIHS served as a good omen and they’ll go one better at HOYS in October, too..!

They were pipped to the tricolour

by Harlow Luna White, 11.

The social media sensation is in her first season of showing at an affiliated level. Luna rode her mum, Chelsea White’s Coppinshill Commemoration (Rolo) to win the first ridden final before going on to also take the championship.

Coppinshill Commemoration ridden by Luna White

Luna and Rolo qualified for both the first ridden and the UKP&H young riders final on the same day at Area 16, and they had had a successful warm up in the latter,

standing seventh.

Bred by the Simcox family, Rolo is a nine-year-old Dartmoor by Springwater Happy Day out of Shilstone Rocks Another Beach.

He is produced on the family’s behalf by Bea Shepherd, who was watching ringside.

Harlow was visibly shocked at the result, making the moment all the more special! Known for her social media content, Harlow fell in love with the idea of showing when spectating at HOYS last October, and Rolo joined the family shortly afterwards.

As throngs of young fans watched Harlow and yet more will have seen her success on social media, we hope that more young pony lovers will be inspired to give showing a go.

King Richard The prolific Connemara Laburnum Richard, by Rynn Richard, topped the M&M WHP title for their time here at Hickstead. It was also the pair’s third time they’ve won the exceeding 143cm class. The course featured a sizable bullfinch, tricky lines and a large water splash. Clear rounds were few and far between and the 122cm section saw no clear rounds. “It was probably one of the best courses I’ve jumped here,” said Amy. “The ground had to be taken into account and those with more experience didn’t ride directly on the boggy ground but stuck to the outside of the fences to get a better shot.”

Jump judge Amanda McHale said of her 16-year-old champion: “He’s so workmanlike and sits through his bridle. “He’s a proper native working hunter pony.”

“He’s like a fine wine and just keeps getting better with age,” said Amy, of her multiple winning champion pony.

It was 10-year-old Felicity Watts and Annandale New Approach who made their WHP debut at Hickstead a winning one. The 122cm contenders qualified at the BSPS winter championship show as a newly paired combination. “Flissy has been desperate to get in the worker ring as a competitor so to go in and win will be a day we’ll never forget,” said Felicity’s mother Sharon. Roachy, as he’s known, is home produced in East Yorkshire and went to the Watts’ family in January this year when he came on the market. “We’d always admired him, so it was amazing to have the chance to buy him.”

Laburnam Richard ridden by Amy Smith Annandale New Approach ridden by Felicity Watts

Reserve went to Ashley Bird riding his own Welsh section D Gwerniago Gethin. The pair won the 143cm division while Stennerskeugh Garry finished second in the 133cm section above Sarah Parker and Rushill Diplomat. “I was super proud to have two of my boys in the championship, it felt amazing,” said Ashley.

Natives in Plaits Report by Beth Simons & Steph Fitt Photos by Equinational

Beech Hall Ryan ridden by Izzy Hartswood Collier

Ryan Rules The Roost Both the horse and pony supremes were a treat for all spectating from the side of Hickstead’s iconic main ring and on their TVs at home.

The pony supreme kicked off proceedings, and a high standard set from the get-go. Those watching were kept guessing until the very end, and the Supreme Products Supreme Pony title was eventually awarded to the very last to go.

This was Izzy Hartswood Collier, 15, and Connemara pony Beech Hall Ryan working hunter pony champions.

Although this was Izzy’s first supreme, the 143cm Rathcoona Holiday Boy 16-year-old was also champion in 2019 and his vexperience told. England working hunter pony team members Ryan and Izzy looked perfectly tuned to each other and their show was difficult to fault, being balanced and mannerly with a scorching gallop and just the right amount of sparkle to secure a whopping score of 29 from judges Pearl Underwood, Alison Leddingham and Tony Whipps. Nevertheless, Izzy’s evident shock when ‘the penny dropped’ and she realised they had secured the supreme spot was heartwarming.

“I was feeling so lucky to even be in the main arena with all the beautiful show horses,” said Izzy, adding, “I wanted to do the best I could for Ry in the hope that other people would appreciate and love him as much as I do. It’s been the most incredible week of my life!”

Scarlett and Adam also steered Naomi’s Newoak Midnight Blue to win an extremely strong lead rein of hunter type final. The five-year-old part-bred Dartmoor is by Lickfolds Snowstorm and he was spotted by the Jinks Team at his breeder Jackie Newberry and has enjoyed tremendous success already, winning at HOYS in 2022 at just four years old and at Windsor earlier this year.

Meanwhile, a partbred Connemara pony secured the show hunter pony championship. This was the Team Walker produced Merrycorner Mister Bui (Buttons) by the sorely missed Connemara stallion Templebready Fear Bui. The 153cm winner then held his own to take the championship for the third time consecutively under his owner-rider Zara Brookes. It was actually the fourth time for Buttons in total, as he also did so in 2018 when ridden by Harriet Dennison, with the pair going on to clinch the supreme.

Zara’s wish was to enjoy one last gallop in the International Arena and her pony obliged. He gave her a memorable final spin on Hickstead’s hallowed turf not only in his section championship but also the pony supreme where their show was reminiscent of producer Rob Walker’s 2022 supreme winning show with two gallops along the front, one on each rein.

Mum, Claire Collier, remained in quite some “disbelief”. She later told said, “I felt so proud watching her; and the experience has been incredible. We’ve been touched by the kindness of so many people who have sent cards, messages and good wishes.”

In reserve was Scarlett Smith, who had already made history by becoming the first mini jockey to achieve a double of wins at the RIHS. She was partnered to the reserve supreme by her grandmother Naomi Bardwell’s Hightopps Black Magic (Maggie) and Adam Forster, after the trio won the show pony lead rein class and mini championship.

Merrycorner Mister Bui ridden by Zara Brookes

Although this is Zara’s last year in 153cms, the party isn’t over yet, as the pair will be gracing the Top Spec arena at HOYS in October having qualified at Midland Counties where they were also champion.

Pushing to break the pair’s hat trick were Reise Shakespeare aboard the Team Jinks produced five-year-old Rosscon Copycat, another part bred Connemara out of the Castle Comet daughter Chilham Quest and by the Irish Thoroughbred stallion Royal Storm.

Welsh section Bs took the top two spots in the 133cm and 122 classes. Ridden by Daisy-May Allan, the reigning show hunter pony of the year Warleigh Blushing Groom (Joey) took the winning 133cm rosette. 11-year-old Joey started life as an orphan foal before commencing his show ring career with Debbie Thomas. Joining him In the Championship was Lesley Parker’s ultra-consistent former RIHS winner, Thistledown Sea Mariner ridden by Katie Parker and produced by Sharn Linney. By Paddock Sahara, he was bred by Sandy Anderson.

Repeating their 2022 win in the 122cm class was an ever-taller Izzy Walker’s adored Redlays Theseus (Theo) owned by Paul Mortimer, with section B Gryngallt Prima Donna ridden by Beatrice Taverner-Jordan.

Delighting her family to take home a rosette on her first trip to Hickstead was well known show steward and bedding haulier Philp Judge’s youngest daughter Arabella. She rode her mother Clare’s Team Gillett produced Welsh section A Thistledown Snowfall to stand second to the aforementioned Scarlett Smith in the lead rein hunter pony. Also produced

by Team Gillett was the second placed lead rein, Welsh part-bred and 2022 HOYS runner up Cosford Glamorize ridden by Penny Richardson.

Also in the mini championship was Welsh part-bred Barkway Alfie Moon, who delighted his jockey Myles Hartland with his first RIHS win and the Mini Reserve Supreme sash.

Myles is enjoying his first season of affiliated showing and shares the ride with his younger sister Margot on their Victoria Harker produced pony. Joining Myles in the Championship was the Royal Windsor and Royal Cheshire winning Frank Newbould of the Emmerson Show Team riding his HOYS bound Welsh part-bred Litton Reflection by Nantcol Libretto.

Warleigh Blushing Groom and Daisy May Allen

The show pony championship also contained a fair drop of Welsh blood. Having been pulled top Chloe Heathcote and the low-milage Roseberry Picture Perfect (Haribo) had considerable pressure on their shoulders but gave a well-executed classic show. Haribo is homebred by Chloe’s grandmother Susie Hinchliffe and mother, Tammy Heathcote, and Chloe was on a mission to achieve a first RIHS show pony championship Susie, who hasn’t enjoyed the best of health for several years. He is sired by Rotherwood Spring Storm and his dam, Roseberry County Affair was a successful ridden pony.

He is one of many successful ponies out of her including HOYS champion and RIHS reserve Roseberry Highland Fling, who was ridden by the family’s longstanding producer Gill Thompson’s daughter. Gill admitted the championship left her feeling “a little emotional”, and not just on account of history. He was broken by Gill and her team as a three-year-old, and showed great potential when he showed maturity beyond his years to win the inaugural championship for 4-6-year-olds at the BSPS Championships last year. Earlier in July, Gill headed south to the busy Kent County with the five-yearold where he won his HOYS class and stood supreme champion with stand-in jockey Eva Herring. At Hickstead, he calmly took in the buzzy atmosphere in the main arena to give an excellent account of himself during the championship and supreme.

Roseberry Picture Perfect ridden by Chloe Heathcote

Scarlett Doswell produced a flowing show to take second place on her first visit to RIHS with the eight-year-old bay mare Dibynn Miss Congeniality bred by Di Nicholson and produced by Christina Gillett.

Jubilant in being pulled forward to win the 128cm class and later the overall reserve championship was Warwickshire based Lilly Richardson riding her parents’ five-year-old Whiteleaze Pollyanna who are enjoying a consistent second season together. Lilly and her elegant little pony by Cusop Dimension out of Wycroft Pasha were winners their novice class at Royal Windsor and have already qualified for HOYS. 24 | The Native Pony | September 2023 Issue | info@showingworldonline.co.uk

The Showing Register Championships Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire 15-16 July, 2023 | Report by Maggie Simons | Photos by 1st Class Images Amateurs turned out in force for the inaugural running of the new TSR championships. The atmosphere was positive and jubilant despite the testing weather conditions.

Sweet Mini Memories Making history and taking the very first TSR amateur-only HOYS ticket were the winners of the lead rein class, Derw Sweet Memories (Elsie) – a pert-bred Welsh pony – ridden by Esme Phillips, 5, and led by Aunty Bethany (Phoenix). Five-year-old Elsie was bred by Julia Owen by Westrove Dark Secret out of Welsh pony Heniarth Hushabye, making her a full sister to last year’s BSPS Supreme and HOYS mini champion, Derw Dream Boy. Although they took the first ticket of the championships, it will actually be their second visit to HOYS, as they qualified at Lincolnshire County last year.

When asked what Esme thought about making a return visit, she answered, “it’s amazing,” and concluded that she was excited already!

Bethany and Esme almost made even more sweet memories when they stood second in the mountain and moorland lead rein class with Dartmoor pony Springwater Sir Francis, but they were pipped to the post by Becky Donnelly’s charming Welsh section A Waitwith Texas Tom ridden by Charlotte Donnelly and led by ‘Uncle Phil’ (Hodgson). This will be their

Waitwith Texas Tom ridden by Charlotte Donnelly and led by Phil Hodgson

first trip to HOYS after consistently knocking on the door, making the four hour journey to Stoneleigh thoroughly worthwhile.

Cadlanvalley Domino ridden by Grace Gardiner

“I can’t believe it, we are just a normal family and things like this don’t happen to us so we are unbelievably proud,” said community safety domestic abuse specialist Michala Gardiner of her Welsh section B pony Cadlanvalley Domino (Dom) and daughter Grace Gardiner’s first ever HOYS ticket in the mountain and moorland first ridden class. Eight-year-old Dom is by Cadlanvalley Rio out of Stockham Domino and was bought directly from her breeders Yvonne and Hywel Davies and their daughter Hayley Grota. Grace, 10, and Dom showed great promise when they won their class at STARS and the Stella Stars section at TSR Amateur Rider of the Year finals in 2022.

“Dom is the perfect pony; she isn’t my pet she is my whole life, she doesn’t even know how special she is and she follows me around the yard without her head collar,” said Grace of her “true pampered princess”.

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Withymead Honey Bear ridden by Kirby Fentiman

personality and gets treated like a king,” said Jenna, adding that in true native style, “he eats anything and everything and his favourite thing to do is pull his sash off as soon as a judge puts it on him”. Meanwhile Poppy asserted that she felt her “heart was coming out of her chest when they were calling the results in reverse order,” as it is her dream to ride Razz at HOYS. Poppy works her ponies herself, and is an inspiration to other home-produced children having also qualified her 128cm show pony for the part-bred final HOYS. “I will always be forever grateful to the Cassell family for trusting us with their special boy,” concluded Jenna.

Rocco Rocks M&M Championship Kirby Fentiman’s Withymead Honey Bear headed a strong show hunter pony lead rein class under Ruby Fentiman. Having loaned Bear from breeder Rosie Mackenzie in January 2020, Ruby and Bear were Champion Stars of the Future at the British Elite in 2021. Fast forward to the end of 2022, and having cemented himself as part of the family, Kirby enquired about purchasing Bear after another successful season. “Thankfully Rosie Mackenzie accepted so he became ours and Ruby’s Christmas present”. Winning at TSR has broken their run of seconditis for this year, having had four seconds in RIHS qualifiers and second at Lincoln County. “We were pulled second, which I thought took the pressure off, but Ruby obviously still had her game face on and as we came out to do our show, Ruby said to me, Mum don’t muck this up! It’s a dream come true for any parent to lead their son or daughter at HOYS”.

by the Gresty’s since December last year.

Poppy and Razz have had an amazing season so far, qualifying for the PP first ridden and the UJP&H junior small breeds on their first time out. Razz is a former RHS champion and also won the RIHS junior class under Leah’s younger sister Hollie McGauley. He’s since won again in the PP first ridden with Poppy.

Prior to the TSR show, Poppy and Razz had been knocking on the HOYS door, standing second and reserve junior at Royal Cheshire County, but it was their first attempt at an open class.

“We absolutely adore this pony; there is nothing he can’t do, from hacks to jumping and dressage. He has the biggest, cheekiest

Poise and Perseverance Serve Well After a disappointing Saturday where Poppy Gresty, 11, had to accept that she could not show under junior judge Nicki Glenn due to a previously unknown connection, her dignity and composure were rewarded when she won the Dartmoor open breed class the following day with Pumphill Rasputin (Razz). Razz is loaned to Poppy’s mum, Jenna from owner Leah Cassel and has been home-produced

Pumphill Rasputin ridden by Poppy Gresty

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The mountain and moorland open championship was dominated by Welsh breeds. Jane Smith and her own Welsh section C Dafren Rhodri (Rocco) took home the tricolour.

Seven-year-old Rocco is sired by Parvadean Recharge and is out of Gwenlan Aur. Jane purchased him at four, and he was lightly shown as a novice five-year-old. Last year he stood overall supreme at BSPS Area 11 and gave Jane her first taste of HOYS. This year “he has exceeded all expectations” qualifying for the RIHS PP and open finals as well as the LIHS, an experience that will again be a first for both Rocco and Jane. “He’s such an amazing pony,” said Jane. “He loves his Dafren Rhodri ridden by Jane Smith

Maescrofta Don Juan ridden by Natasha Ham

Crumpwell Finella ridden by Maddison Shrimpton

job and is consistent and mannerly; he really tries every time he’s out. I just love him.”

Maescrofta Don Juan (Mylo) claimed the reserve championship under his owner Natasha Ham. 13-year-old Mylo is a Welsh section D by Maesmynach Enchanter out of Deildre Jubilee. He was bred by Marilyn Beach and was purchased by Natasha from the WPCS Spring Sales as an unbacked five-year-old. A former RIHS contender, Mylo’s had countless wins at county level including at Devon County, Kent, the New Forest and Bath and West where he also qualified for Olympia. He has also won at the Hickstead Derby Meeting three times and has been consistently placed at the Royal Welsh including standing second in 2022. However, a HOYS ticket had eluded the pair until now. Horse transporter Natasha hunts Mylo during the winter and the pair also compete in other disciplines. During the spring, Mylo successfully juggles work with stud duties. “He’s a very genuine easy pony who knows he is the King on the yard at home and a much-loved member of our family,” said Natasha.

Also taking home a ticket for the first time was Jessica Norris. She rode her mother-in-law Lindsay Miller’s New Forest mare Purwell Poppy Lou to top their breed class. Seven-year-old New Forest mare Poppy is Forest bred, being by Springmoor Barbie and out of Lucky Lane Rolo. Linsday purchased her at 18 months old and Jessica has produced her herself, even continuing to ride Poppy until she was six-and-a-half months pregnant! “It’s like she has been here before,” said Jessica, adding “nothing is too much to ask. “We do a bit of everything and are just getting the hang of jumping so next year I’m hoping to do some workers if my nerves allow me.”

A warehouse worker, Jessica fits producing Poppy around her own job, taking care of her young daughter and occasionally still covering shifts in Lindsay’s Teapot Café.

Purwell Poppy Lou ridden by Jessica Norris

Poppy and Jessica finished runners up in the Pretty Polly final and headed the 29-strong UKPH amateur mountain and moorland final at the RIHS last year.

Jessica. Nevertheless, they were “speechless” taking their first golden HOYS ticket! “It’s just amazing to be an amateur and make it to HOYS. It’s been a life-long dream for me since I was a little girl and I can’t believe we have done it. We are both very lucky and honoured to be competing here.”

Brothers Oscar and Bodie Wellens

Brother Act The TSR open classes were superbly supported, providing a platform for those young jockeys and novice horses needing a little more experience before stepping up a level.

Taking the mini championship was eight-year-old Olivia Ferns with Barkway Blue Moon (Simba), owned by aunty, Sarah Birchall. In her first season off the lead rein Olivia was delighted to be awarded the tricolour by judge Ella Souster.

Bought in 2022, following HOYS, Simba has taught Olivia to canter of the Winter. “They never give up, come rain or shine, Olivia is riding. She even practices her show in living room,” laughed Sarah.

Mini mountain and moorland champions were first ridden winner Maddison Shrimpton and Welsh section A Crumpwell Finella. The pair are a fairly new combination and deserve high praise for overcoming what mum Claire Sutcliffe described as “a few issues at the beginning of the season but have worked hard and have now got to know each other.” Maddison and Finella also stood second in their section of the Super Star rider of the year final. “I’m so super proud of these girls,” said Claire, “And I can’t wait for what next year brings.”

Mum Jenny Wellens had good reason to be extremely proud of her boys, brothers Oscar and Bodie Wellens who were in the ribbons both in the in hand and ridden rings. Oscar, 7, won the M&M lead rein class, stood reserve and highest placed member with Dolrhedyn Cardinal. The combination also stood third in the Handler of the Year class before going on the take the overall Members Reserve Supreme of the Show. Not to be outdone, older brother Bodie Wellens, 12, and Llyncathbury Going For Gold won their Handler of the Year Section and were second in a hotly contested Veteran class and highest member before going on to take the member’s Supreme of Show!

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Royal Welsh Show Builth Wells, Powys

July 2023 Report by Beth Simons Photos by 1st Class Images The show’s first morning opened under tempestuous skies, but competitors were rewarded for coming forwards by brightening weather.

First into the main ring were the hopeful exhibitors of Welsh section Cs under saddle, who were nose-to-nose during the first walk around the ring.

Judges Eleri Marshalsay-Jenkins and Adrian Bowen pulled Louis Dennis and Steph Glover’s striking chestnut stallion Hillgarth Lucky Legend in top, ridden by Lisa Wigglesworth.

By Blaencilla Ashley and out of Hillgarth Lady Luck, the eight-year-old stayed top. He is in his second season under saddle, and succeeded in making his first count by qualifying for HOYS. No doubt a gold medal will have made this season yet more magical.

Hillgarth Lucky Legend shown by Lisa Wigglesworth

As usual, the Welsh section D gelding class was well supported, giving judges Sue Hardy and Leon King plenty of work sorting through them. An astounded Cassie Reagan was pulled forwards as winner on Julie Halliwell’s Trefforest Versace. The 17-year-old by Trevallion Hooch out of the multi-garlanded Pantanamlwg Free Gift was enjoying his last trip to Builth. An emotional Cassie’s week continued on high as she secured the HOYS small breeds championship riding her own Welsh section B, Clanmill Top Vote.

The stallion class saw Aimee Devane stand top riding Ashleigh O’Rourke’s HOYS bound and former LIHS finalist Steppers Relight My Fire. Although we have seen Aimee clinch countless wins during her career as producer, the Brynithon The Director seven-year-old gave Aimee her first cob championship at the Royal Welsh. He was purchased just backed from his breeder Dex Davies, who also had a tremendous week with his in hand team.

In reserve was the winner of the mare class, Pennal Royal Anthem, owned and ridden by the recently married Emma Clarke (nee Scott).

Although she is light on miles, the Pennal Welsh Guard nine-year-old has hit the ridden circuit with flair this year, winning her first ever HOYS qualifier at NCPA Derbyshire Festival. She appeared to grow in confidence as the class progressed and looked completely at ease strutting her stuff in the championship making her surely one to watch in future.

Though they are yet to be granted a spot in the main ring, the ridden A and B classes were not lacking in quality, giving judges Harold Zoet and Pippa Balch plenty to deliberate.

Sarum Phantom provided India Latter-Sears with yet another win in the Welsh section A ridden class on behalf of owner-breeder Stuart Franklin, and Teleri Edwards’ Hilin Frozen topped the lineup of section Bs. Steppers Relight My Fire shown by Aimee Devane with judges Leon King and Sue Hardy

Section As The week’s Welsh classes were altered slightly for this year, with the Welsh section A adult stock waiting in the wings a day longer than usual. Instead, Julie Perrins judges the youngstock on her first morning in the ring.

It’s a nervous moment for any exhibitor to bring forwards a reigning champion for judging, but Ashley Oldroyd and Dan Williamson of the Danash stud were rewarded for doing so with 2022 youngstock champion and reserve male champion Idyllic Spectre. The three-year-old by Springbourne Capricorn and out of Springlane Soprano not only held his title, but also went on to stand male and overall champion, much to the delight of handler Ashley and to Dan watching nervously alongside breeders Mark and Liz Kilbey.

Reserve for the youngstock award came from the twoyear-old filly class. This was Gill Farrow’s homebred Waitwith Jeneva, by Waitwith Sierra Star and out of Waitwith Little Jewel. She was shown initially by her producer Liesel Mead, but was shown equally successfully the following day by Liesel’s friend and fellow producer Sam Morsley taking the female championship. The friends swapped once more for Liesl to lead Jeneva to the reserve overall title.

Idyllic Spectre with owners Ashley Oldroyd and Dan Williamson and judge Julie Perrins

Waitwith Geneva shown by Liesl Mead

Section Bs Stephen Howard presided over the Welsh section Bs and appeared to thoroughly enjoy himself despite the testing ground conditions on his second day of judging.

As with each of the four section judges, his work began with sorting through the youngstock classes.

The reserve youngstock champion came from the two-year-old filly class, won by the reigning Winter Fair supreme champion Eyarth Vienna. Vienna was bred by her owners Jessie and Joe Parry, who showed her. She is by Rhoson Adonis out of Eyarth Titania.

Heniarth Moonahmia shown by Richard Miller Heniarth Arrietta shown by Ashley Porter with judge Stephen Howard and section sponsor representative

The owner of last year’s champion, Sandy Anderson, had his first win of the section in the three-year-old colt class, being Thistledown Sherman, by Mowbray Pilgrim and out of Thistledown Sheer Lustre, a daughter of former Royal Welsh champion Paddock Sheer Lustre. By the end of play, Sandy had a further three wins. Sixyear-old Thistledown Athene (Mintfield Sandpiper x Mintfield Antonella) won the junior broodmare class and Thistledown Arctic Rose, by the Mintfield Sandpiper sired Thistledown Calon Lan out of Cottrell Anya. Arctic Rose is a former Lampeter champion and was reserve youngstock champion at the Royal Welsh. His final win was with 2019 youngstock champion and HOYS qualified Thistledown Shereef, also by Mintfield Sandpiper and out of the aforementioned Thistledown Sheer Lustre. He went on to stand male champion over second-placed multigarlanded Walseker Colorado (Paddock Rio x Paddock Petula), owned by Lynn Wilson and shown by Colin Tibbey, enjoying his final Royal Welsh as a producer.

The female champion graduated from the youngstock championship. This was the winner of the three-year-old filly class, Heniarth Moonahmia, owned by her breeders Richard Miller and Meirion Davies. She was shown by Meirion while Richard showed third place Weston Park Mimosa, bred in Australia. Moonahmia is by the Australian bred Tooravale Houston and out of Heniarth Toodle-Oo. She later went on to take the overall championship over stable mate Heniarth Arietta in reserve, shown by Ashley Porter from the Vanoca Park Stud in Victoria. Arietta is by former Royal Welsh champion Heniarth Woodwind, out of Rhoson Anoushka.

She has already had a successful career in hand having stood reserve youngstock champion in 2019.

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Section Cs It was North Wales based Geraint Thomas’ role to sort through the Welsh section Cs, and his first red rosette was handed to and ecstatic Stacy Rodgers showing her homebred Croslyn Encanto. By Donys Reem out of Gweunydd Glwys, the yearling colt recorded Stacy’s first win with a homebred pony. He later went on to win the special rosette for the best yearling over winning filly, Ashmeadow Delilah, by Blaencilla Ashley out of Ashmeadow Delta. She was shown by Simon Charlesworth on behalf of breeders John and Linda Wilkinson. Interestingly, it was also their first win with a homebred pony.

The youngstock champion and reserve came from the two-yearold classes, with the champion awarded to Richard Pittman’s Popsters Duke Of Gloucester, repaying Richard for the care and patience he showed when nursing the colt back to health from life-threatening colic surgery last winter. He is sired by Starlans Evol out of Parvadean Saving Grace. This was Richard’s first Royal Welsh win, but was just the beginning of a magical week.

Rhoswen Cara shown by David Oliver

Donys Dick Turpin shown by Richard Pittman with co-breeder Jacky Kirk

The reserve youngstock award was handed to David Oliver with his homebred Rhoswen Cindy by the uber-successful stockgetter Donys Llawen out of Rhoswen Cara, who went on to win the junior broodmare class, the Paddock Dawn broodmare championship, the female tricolour and reserve overall later in the section. Five-year-old Cara is by Rhoswen Gethin out of Blaencilla Arabella.

The stallion classes provided an eyeful as always for spectators.

The winning junior stallion and reserve male was Ioan Evans and Dora Wyn Jones-Evans’ five-year-old Brynseion Red Knight (Donys Importance x Laurtom Red Hot). His paternal brother Donys Dick Turpin (Hugo) provided Richard Pittman with his second win of the section. He was shown by Richard on behalf of breeders John and Jacky Kirk. 10-year-old Hugo has enjoyed an illustrious career, following in the footsteps of his father, a multi-winner at the Royal Welsh. Hugo went on to secure Richard’s second gold medal of the show standing overall section C champion. Their luck didn’t end there, as they later went on to win the coveted Tom and Sprightly championship where champions from Sections A to D go head-to-head for the overall prize. “It’s a dream come true,” said Richard. “Hugo’s a credit to his breeders John and Jacky, and I’m grateful to them for trusting me with him for the last few seasons.”

Welsh section Ds It was the Welsh section D champion, Meirion and Diane Evans’ Gwynfaes Seren Wledig however, that made the most headlines.

Seren was handled by his producer of several seasons, Dorian Lloyd, whose ebullient embrace of the 12-year-old stallion spoke volumes.

He is by the prolific Gwynfaes Culhwch, who won the Prince of Wales cup for himself in 2002 and whose daughter Perthog Gwenan Mai took it home twice.

Seren had come close on previous occasions, even standing reserve champion male in 2017 and 2018. 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.

“As dairy farmers and Welsh cob breeders, the Wednesday of the Royal Welsh is eagerly awaited at Gwynfaes. This year, however, was even more special as we were also celebrating our son Caleb’s 18th birthday,” explained Meirion.

Their remarkable show started when judge Geraint Davies removed his bowler indicating that Seren and Dorian had won the senior stallion class for the second time before going on to secure the prestigious George Prince of Wales Cup. The win was particularly special on Caleb’s birthday as his intervention was crucial to the stallion’s place with the family. Meirion had agreed to sell Seren

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Gwynfaes Seren Wledig shown by Dorian Lloyd

Welsh breeds with his clean limbs and hocks,” said Sue Keylock. To top it all off for the Evans family, his sire won the RWAS Section D Sire Ratings and his dam Gwynfaes Elliw won the RWAS Section D Dam Ratings.

“Since 2002, I didn’t think there could be a day to compete with being in the main ring, winning the George Prince of Wales Cup and qualifying for HOYS with Culhwch. However, watching Seren power his way through the day with the crowd vocal in their support was truly incredible as his breeder; this has to be a once in a lifetime show that can never be repeated.” said Meirion.

The female championship headed home to West Wales with Elgan Evans’ homebred winner of the senior brood mare class Eglwysfach Neli. The 11-year-old by Geler Glyndwr out of Brynithon Southern Breeze was shown on Elgan’s behalf by Geraint Lewis while the proud owner held onto her foal.

Fronarth Boneddiges Yr Ail shown by Dafydd Jones

to Canada as one of two foals to make a driving pair, but Caleb, who was five at the time, 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 in his place and the rest is history.

The long journey west from Kent was made worthwhile for the Attrell family of the Danaway stud. Their seven-year-old junior brood mare Danaway Jolene won her class and stood reserve female champion. She is sired by former Prince of Wales cup winner Trevallion Black Harry out of Danaway Shakira.

Seren returned to the main ring the following day to impress judge Sue Keylock with his undoubted presence and flair and secure the supreme in hand title and a ticket to the Price Family Supreme In Hand Championship. He later became the first Welsh cob champion to stand overall supreme of show over the ridden and driven champion, judged by Sam Waley-Cohen. “He was a magnificent cob. He was fit not fat, and was a great ambassador for the

The final gold medal in the Section Ds saw two-year-old Fronarth Boneddiges Yr Ail hold off stiff competition to take the youngstock title home to Ceredigion. Owned by the Jones family, she is by Fronarth Magicman out of Fronarth Michelle Keegan. Giving her a run for her money to take reserve was Ross Thomas’ homebred Rhonas Welsh Dolly, by Brynithon the Ambassador out of Brynithon Patty.

Welsh Geldings Cathy Pearse of Devon’s Uphill Stud presided over the Welsh section A and B geldings. Alison Hayward’s three-year-old Immybrook The Baron (Penboeth Bold x Forlan Bright Eyes) won the youngstock section A class, and Serena Crump’s homebred Rookery Brodie took the senior class. The five-year-old then went on to be reserve overall champion.

l-r Ringside Zorba, Kate Williams, Helen Williams, Cathy Pearse, Anna Crump and Rookery Brodie

In the section Bs, Kevin Morgan’s two-year-old Ystradcothi Macsen (Tooravale Houston x Heniarth Daisy Doesit) and Gwyneth Eastwood’s five-year-old Hazelmoor Sky Blue (Nefydd Adferth x Hilin Reflection) took home Cathy’s final two red rosettes.

Helen Williams of the Seiont Stud sorted through the Welsh section C and D exhibits. Three-year-old section C Popsters Louboutin (Brynseion Dinadan x Popsters Kinky Boots) provided owner Cheryl Mackintosh with her first Royal Welsh win, and he was shortly followed by Annah Marie Chester’s nine-year-old Shankly Man Of War, by

Royal Welsh youngstock champion Moorcroft Master Tom out of Tyrllawn The Temptress.

In the Ds, Eleri Walters’ three-year-old LLanarth Mr Whitty (Abercippyn Victor’s Last x Llanarth Winnie) won his class before being awarded the best youngstock award. But it was the winner of the senior section D class that took the gold medal home. This was Kate Williams’ own Ringside Zorba who is well used to Royal Welsh success having won both his ridden classes in 2022. The nine-year-old is by Trevallion Troy out of Gwernfythan Melody.

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10 Performance Winners A)

Hayley Grota’s Hoekhorst Example won the Welsh section A HOYS qualifier under Libby Grota for the third time.

B)

Cassie Regan rode her own Clanmill Top Vote to win the Welsh section B HOYS qualifier.

C)

Rachel Dilcock Thomas’ daughter Annie was the youngest rider to take an open HOYS qualifier riding Welsh section C Wyken Sweet Silhouette.

D) Tamia Joyner rode the Joyner family’s Cruglwyd Esgob to win the biggest class of the section, the Welsh section Ds. A Hoekehorst Example ridden by Libby Grota

E)

Emma Hesketh and her own Popsters Travis topped the 122cm working hunter pony class and then took section reserve.

F)

Charlotte Owen’s Llanarth Windsor won the 133cm working hunter pony class under Charlotte’s daughter Sophie.

B Clanmill Top Vote ridden by Cassie Regan

C Wyken Sweet Silhouette ridden by Annie Dilcock Thomas

G) Eiry Bonner’s Fear An Ti was the only Connemara to win and he did so in style, going on to take champion for the second time.

H) Sandy Taylor’s Donallt Tywysog was steered to victory in the exceeding 143cm working hunter poncy class ridden by Billie-Louise Voyce.

D Cruglwyd Esgob ridden by Tamia Joyner

I)

Simon and Sally Bigley’s Waitwith Wild Apricot won the HOYS lead rein ticket under their daughter Millie.

J)

Michael Dunne’s Marsh Walk On By won the HOYS first ridden class ridden by Mia Dunne.

E Popsters Travis ridden by Emma Hesketh

E Popsters Travis ridden by Emma Hesketh

G Fear An Ti ridden by Eiry Bonner

F Llanarth Windsor ridden by Sophie Owen

H Donallt Tywysog ridden by Billie-Louise Voyce

I Waitwith Apricot ridden by Millie Bigley and led by Simon Bigley

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J Marsh Walk On By ridden by Mia Dunne

Native Highlights from Lincoln County Show June 21st-22nd Report by Beth Simons Photos by Real Time Imaging Home-produced Copybush Angelina – a 122cm mountain and moorland WHP – took the M&M working hunter pony title after winning her division, ridden by 14-year-old Lexi Barfield.

The daughter of Friars Gabriel is on lease to Helen Summers nee Clubley, from Elizabeth Canton. She is the first Welsh section A to get a ticket in this class so far. “We’ve not had that long to get to know each other,” said Lexi, who is heading to RIHS. “The course was quite poley and it would have been easy to have a fence down, but Annie will jump anything for me, and her gallop is her forte.” Helen, who is based in Nottingham, has the ponies stabled with her. “We do it as a little team with Lexi who doesn’t have a pony of her own.”

A Welsh section B added another two HOYS tickets to his tally after winning the 133cm M&M working hunter pony section with owner Sarah Parker. Rushill Diplomat, a seven-year-old 128cm bay

gelding, jumped a foot perfect round to win his jumping qualifier, while also picking up a second ticket in the M&M junior small breeds class with Harry Heathcote. “Harry has leased the junior ride from me,” said Sarah, who also clinched the HOYS open Welsh section B class and overall M&M championship at Cheshire County show the previous day. “He’s now got three tickets and been amazing,” said Sarah. Diplomat, who was bred by Jill Rushton by Janpete Tom Thumb out of Mybella Demure, is also Olympia bound after winning the BSPS 128cm junior performance qualifier with Sara’s son Owen, 9.

Kirsty Pickles’ daughter Arabella, six, was called forward to head the HOYS M&M lead rein qualifier and championship partnering Combebank Magna Carta led by Kirsty’s sister and co-producer, Alex Ahern. The sevenyear-old first season Shetland is by Lilly’s 2022 HOYS M&M first ridden winner – Lotuspoint Cassius, who the family has on lease from Rachel Brightmore. “We weren’t really looking for another pony, but when we saw photos of Carta, we had to have him!” added Kirsty.

Copybush Angelina ridden by Lexi Barfield

Rushill Diplomat ridden by Harry Heathcote

Combebank Magna Carter ridden by Arabella Pickles and led by Alex Ahern

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Eastern Connemara Group Area Show 2023 2nd July 2023 | Suffolk Equestrian Centre

CONNEMARA

ROUNDUP

Compiled by Julia Woods A great day was had by everyone, with great weather, excellent riding and good judging.

After the clear round jumping which started off ring 2, Supreme Chamiopnship Eastern Area 2023 the Really Novice WHP class judged by Jane Somerset was won by Molly’s Boy, a dark buckskin gelding owned by Sarah Hamilton and ridden by Sophie Sexton, which qualified them for the Novice Championship. They went on to come 2nd in the Performance Pony Qualifier 2ft3” and took Reserve in the WHP Championship, as well as enjoying a good score in the Strictly Sharpley with their show of Ride & Lead. 2nd was Glencarrig Skye, a grey mare owned by Sara Sansom and ridden by Charlotte Rayner. They also came 3rd in the Performance Pony Qualifier 2ft3” and 3rd in the Novice WHP 2ft6”.

The winner of the Performance Pony Qualifier 2ft3” was Kate Sullivan riding golden buckskin mare Barravalley Breeze, owned by Danielle Smith-Turner, who also came 2nd in the Novice WHP 2ft6”.

The Performance Pony Qualifier 2ft6” was won by bay gelding Sallybank King, Sophie Sexton’s second ride, who also came 3rd in the Partbred and Overheight WHP, with Colette du Feu’s bay roan gelding Westbridge Mirah coming 2nd. Louise Clover won this class with her 16.2 grey gelding Stitchwort with Zara Thain on Court Fitzurkel, a 6yr old grey gelding by Urkel coming 2nd. The Novice WHP 2ft6” was taken by Killoughter Cossack, owned by Claire Norman and ridden by Holly King, who also took the WHP Championship and Reserve Novice Champion.

In Ring 1 under judge Jerry Leahy, the Really Novice Ridden was a good sized class! Zara Thain and her buckskin Miskawn Danny Boy took 1st as well as the Novice Championship, with Rathvaldron Dun Pauric, a 4 yr old gelding owned by Pretoria Lee and ridden by Ruby Murfitt in 2nd place, and they also took the Young Ridden Pony NPS Dargavel class 4 after showing their fluid paces. Pam Clingan took over judging for the Novice Ridden NPS class and gave buckskin Slieve Bloom Ronnie and Dawn Farnish 1st, with Beth Taylor on her bay gelding, Connla Leon 2nd.

The Intermediate Ridden NPS was awarded 1st to Emma Last on her 11 yr old grey mare Kilimazing Kwanza, owned

by Sarah Baker, after showing very balanced and correct paces, with Georgie Rooney and her 15 yr old Barana Castle coming 2nd giving us a show of lovely lengthened strides.

Kilimazing Kwanza had a very good show, coming 1st in the Open Ridden NPS, took the Ridden Championship, and was the Purebred Supreme Champion! 2nd place in the Open Ridden NPS was Julia Woods on her own 5 yr old Fenrose Golden Aura, who was Ridden Reserve Champion, Best British Bred Reserve Champion and Reserve Eastern Connemara Supreme Champion. A brilliant show for a 5 yr old mare!

The In-Hand classes followed with Jerry Leahy judging, and he had a big entry in the Partbred & overheights, with Zara Thain and Court Fitzurkel taking 1st, and Rebecca Smith with her own 14 yr old grey Kilshanny Shadow coming 2nd. The Youngstock class showed the up-and-coming ponies for the future, with a win for Emma Payne and yearling filly Leake Evensong, who also took the Youngstock Championship. Emma has not had her lovely youngster for very long, so a very welcome start on her first outing.

Rachel Scarlett with her own yearling colt Fenrose Callisto, who she bought at weaning from the local Fenrose Stud, came a close 2nd with a lovely show. The stallion class had only one entry, but a lovely example of a Connemara stallion in Sophie Robins 5 yr old grey Knockferry Vision was shown, and he also took the In-Hand Reserve Champion. The Mares & Geldings 4yrs & over was another big class, with Pooreen Melody, owned and exhibited by the Crouchman family taking a well deserved 1st with the only mare and foal (Ickworth Melodic (Dora) who got her first ‘Best Foal’ rosette), with Sarah Baker’s Kilimazing Kwanza coming 2nd, and who also took the Best British Bred Championship. Pooreen Melody then took the In-Hand Championship gaining the NPS Silver Medal, then Eastern Connemara Supreme Champion, and then Reserve Supreme of the Show. Caroline, who handled Dora excellently in the ring, said ‘we came back with some lovely silverware and some beautifully engraved glasses, which I might be persuaded to have a G&T in them later!’ Georgie Rooney and Barana Castle came 1st in the Veteran class, with bay Buster Boy and Rebeccca Wright 2nd. So lovely to see veteran ponies in such wonderful condition and fitness!

The new Prefix class was taken by Fenrose Stud, with Julia Wood’s Fenrose Golden Aura and Rachel Scarlett’s Fenrose Callisto.

Ridden Partbreds & Overheights was won by Rebecca Smith’s Kilshanny Shadow, who also took the Partbred & Overheight Championship, with Louise Clover and her Stitchwort taking 2nd.

Zara Thain and Court Fitzurkel was the Partbred & Overheight Reserve Champion.

The Strictly Sharpley competition was fun, with Georgie Rooney and Barana Castle scooping 1st with a great show, Georgie riding him and showing off his wonderful lengthened strides, and 2nd with Millie Hunt riding him giving her lovely show. 3rd went to Sophie Sexton riding Molly’s Boy and leading Sallybank King, which, if you have not tried riding and leading, is not as easy as it looks! 4th place went to lovely stallion Knockferry Vision in-hand.

Sara & Julia said: ‘thank you to everyone who came and supported our show. We had some wonderful ponies. Thank you to everyone who make it happen. Toby Bancroft the course builder and Steve Woods who helped build and re build. Sarah Rook for commentating. Our judges Jane Somerset, Pam Clingan and Jerry Leahy. Gill Evans chief steward. Margaret Bates and Mrs Middleditch our lovely stewards. Tracey our Paramedic. Thank you to Debs and her family for letting us use Suffolk Equestrian centre. Fingers crossed we will do it all again next year but our numbers have been down the last 2 years so we shall have to do some number crunching.

Please do share your photos of the day with us. Thank you so much Sara & Julia for your organising skills and for putting on a wonderful show. We hope to see everyone again next year!

info@showingworldonline.co.uk | September 2023 Issue | The Native Pony | 35

FELL

ROUNDUP

by Claire Simpson

The South Cumbria Fell Pony Show June 2023

Supreme Champion Brackenbank Red Ace shown by Courtney Savage and Reserve, Drybarrows Emillie, shown by Alex Robinson

Two young novice ridden ponies came through to take the supreme and reserve supreme at the South Cumbria Show. The ridden ring judge Alison Bell had a busy day with nine classes of super ponies to appraise whilst the Brackenbank stud’s David Wilkinson judged the in hand ring, but Chris Grant stepped in to replace him in the judging of the supreme as a Brackenbank bred pony had taken the ridden championship.

The overall supreme championship went to Courtney Savage and Brackenbank Red Ace in a fabulous follow up to the stallion show supreme that they had won the previous month. Reserve supreme went to Anna Metcalfe’s four-year-old Drybarrows Emillie piloted

by Alex Robinson. Both ponies remained foot perfect all through the very hot day and had won their own sections of the traditional walk and trot ridden class, before taking the first and second places in the novice ridden class.

The in hand ring was also full of quality and David awarded the championship to Emily Wilson’s three-year-old Greenholme OMG with Nicola Chippendale’s two year old Lammerside Red Princess in reserve. Unusually there were no yearlings forward, but other winners in the in hand ring included Charles Stewart’s seven-yearold Bybeck Stella who won the mares; Claire Burns ‘eleven-year-old Greenholme Geoff II the stallion/gelding; and Nicola Evans’ sixteenyear-old Henry won the veteran.

Back in the ridden ring Greenholme Hania won the best turned out with Susan Bailey the eighteen-year-old Ferrymount Tiffany won the veteran ridden with Victoria Barton. The open ridden mare went to the 2022 novice winner Amanda Bridges with Greenholme Juliette; while the open ridden gelding or stallion went to Cargenwater

Casanova and Georgina Mallinson (16), who also won the Junior 15-18 years and Junior championship, with Hattie Partington (12) and Dalefoot Rolo in reserve.

Julia Mitchell judged the working hunters where, very unusually for a Cumbrian show, the open class was abandoned due to the very hard ground. Claire Simpson’s novice winner Bracklinn Sam took the tricolour, ridden by Vera Praislerova; with the versatile Hattie Partington and Dalefoot Rolo in reserve; the intermediate went to Greenholme Dillon ridden by Marie Kudrnova.

Many thanks to Bev Metcalfe and her team for another superfriendly, relaxed, no nonsense show with classes for everyone, even the dogs!

The Fell Pony Society 50th Annual Breed Show 2023 Professional photos by L E Jones Photography The Fell Pony Society held its 50th annual Breed Show in the beautiful setting of Dalemain near Ullswater, Cumbria, by kind permission of the Hasell-McCosh family.

Jim Bell in 1970

The first Breed Show was held in the same setting in 1970, and since then the show has been held at Brougham Hall Farm and Streatlam Farm, Barnard Castle, before returning to Dalemain in 2013. The show was cancelled in 1998 and 2011 due to bad weather, in 2001 due to foot and mouth disease and in 2020 due to Covid19, fortunately there were no such problems this year although a close eye had been kept on the weather forecast.

The supreme champion in 1970 was Waverhead Peggy shown by the late Jim Bell, who was one of thirty-three exhibitors.

The Waverhead stud name is still very much to the fore in the Society; Jim’s daughter Barbara Bell is the Society’s President, the Waverhead Cup is awarded annually to the winner of a junior ridden class and the Jim Bell Memorial Trophy to the Reserve Supreme.

This year eighty exhibitors entered ponies and a good crowd of spectators watched the beautifully presented ponies being shown in hand, ridden and performing in the dressage and working hunter rings. The classes were judged by: Christine Robinson (mares, foals, stallion progeny and veterans in hand); David Lovegreen (geldings, youngstock and mare progeny); David Wilkinson (foot classes); Robin Avery (junior ridden, traditional and Picton novice stallions/geldings, Picton novice mares);

Georgina Mallinson riding Cargenwater Casanova

Debbie Chadwick (nursery novice, open ridden, traditional ridden mares); Kev Turner (driving); Jean Ward (other junior classes); Barbara Bell (fancy dress), Catherine Heaney (dressage); Russell Sutcliffe and Mrs C Pickering (WHP).

The judges joined together to cover the relevant championships.

Fortunately, the weather during the day was rather better than had been expected, with the bad weather waiting until the supreme championship to put in an appearance; and the heavy rain certainly didn’t dampen the spirits of young rider Georgina Mallinson, who came out on top with her lovely six-year-old dapple grey gelding Cargenwater Casanova (Casper).

Sixteen-year-old Georgina has had a fantastic season with Casper but was astonished and delighted to take the supreme accolade at this prestigious show. On their way to the supreme the duo won their open ridden class; the open ridden championship, best turned out of the day; and the overall ridden championship. Earlier in the day Casper won the in hand class for young adult geldings in hand and the adult gelding championship with Georgina’s father, Barry.

Katie Raine’s Dalewin Uptown Jen and Rainesmill Billy Boy

Georgina managed to smile throughout her very busy day, despite having sprained her ankle slipping off the horsebox ramp early in the morning. It was only after she had taken the supreme championship that she had the time to have the first aiders take a look at it!

The reserve supreme went to Katie Raine’s Dalewin Uptown Jen, a six-year-old mare that had taken the mare and the overall

adult in hand championship with her strong colt foal at foot. Her foal, Rainesmill Billy Boy, won the colt foal and overall best foal awards, and was still full of running in the afternoon’s supreme championship.

Katie’s young fillies were also in the ribbons during the day and together won the stallion progeny class for their sire Lunesdale Black Ice II.

info@showingworldonline.co.uk | September 2023 Issue | The Native Pony | 37

Milburn. Miss M Jackson took the Picton novice stallions or geldings class with Moathouse Jack The Lad. Elsewhere in the junior classes Eva Carnochan (11) and Bowthorne Dorothy won the ridden class for children under 14 years and reserve in the best turned out. Jack Greener won the Young Handlers with Craggs Stardust and Emily Cheetham the class for young judges.

Ivy Wrigley (4) won the fancy dress class for the second year running with Murthwaite Ripley, and this year had created a wonderful depiction of Frozen with Ivy as Elsa and Mum Emma as Olaf. Ivy also won the prize for the youngest rider.

Greenholme Jumping Jack and Pam Brown

In the veteran classes Rebecca Morland took the in hand with Greenholme Buttercup and Georgia Ellis took the ridden with Harthouse Hillman and the best unshod foot class. Boutime Esther took the best foot unshod for Deb Vychinski, farrier Louis May. In the novice ridden classes, both the nursery novice and Picton novice mares classes were headed by Townend Sherry ridden by Dianne

In the dressage ring Sally Atkinson won the Introductory with Catterlen Gary’s Lad, and Louise Younger with Wellbrow Dodger won the Novice 24.

In the working hunter classes Pam Brown piloted Greenholme Jumping Jack to win the intermediate class and take the overall championship and also won the beginners with Claire Simpson’s Dalewin Vesper. Fran Hoggarth won the novice class and took the reserve championship and won the Packway Bellman trophy for the pony gaining most points in the performance

Ivy Wrigley with Murthwaite Ripley

classes. Greenholme Dillon won the open class with Marie Kudrnova.

The Society would like to offer grateful thanks to the Hasell-McCosh family, to all our generous sponsors, judges, competitors, stewards and to all the volunteers who so generously give their free time to make the show happen.

Without these people there would be no show. Many thanks everyone.

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EXMOOR

ROUNDUP Compiled by Elizabeth Etchells This month we have two success stories from ponies bred by Jackie Webb at the famous Blackthorn Stud.

Blackthorn Poldark Well done to Blackthorn Poldark and his connections after his win at the Royal International Horse Show in the Open Ridden Shetland/Exmoor/Dartmoor class. This is the first win in this class for an Exmoor since 2018. Poldark is owned by David Hodge and Julian Walters, and since being ridden has been produced by Jessica Talbot who first had ‘Polly’ on her yard in 2019 when he was broken in at the end of his three-year-old year, he was campaigned lightly as a four-year-old and then had the following year off for stud duties.

Jessica writes “I had him back at six and competed the opens.

He qualified for the RIHS at the BSPS winter champs and qualified for HOYS at Lincolnshire show where he was also small breed champion. He went home to cover before competing at RIHS that year where he was 2nd. This year Polly has had a great season, kicking off with a 1st and reserve champion at Bath and West at the first HOYS qualifier of

Blackthorn Poteen Blackthorn Poteen, a 17-year-old Exmoor stallion, owned by Kestra French has achieved a historic milestone as the first of his breed to qualify for the SSADL (Senior Showing And Dressage Ltd) In-hand final at London International. Purchased by Kestra as a yearling from breeder Jackie Webb, Kestra and ‘Poochie’ as he is affectionately known at home have enjoyed many in-hand and ridden successes in the showring together since.

Poochie has a wonderfully calm personality, and this has meant

Blackthorn Poteen (photo courtesty of Portly French)

Blackthorn Poldark (photo courtesy of Equinational)

the year. He qualified for RIHS at BSPS 11, and then went on to win the Final! It was amazing, something I’ve always dreamed of and the icing on the cake was getting to ride in the International arena. He went and felt brilliant that day, he always tries his best and I feel very lucky to be able to ride and produce him.

He’s a pleasure to have and such a great character, he’s a big part of the yard and with everyone here. I am very excited to have HOYS to look forward to now.

that he and Kestra’s younger sister Portly were part of the West Somerset Pony Club showjumping team. “He is so versatile and puts his hoof to anything that I ask of him” said Kestra “Poochie has competed in pairs hunter trails, showjumping, numerous fun rides, as well as filling my house with so many rosettes”.

After having a 6-year break from the show ring the pair returned this year to compete in the SSADL veteran in hand classes. “It has been wonderful to be back out with Poochie who is having the time of his life, I haven’t told him he’s doing ‘old man’ classes.” The pair qualified for the final at The National Pony Society Summer Championships under judges Carolyn Nelson and Carol Whitely.

This is a dream come true for Somerset based owner Kestra, “I never really tried for ‘Olympia’ or HOYS with Poochie when he was younger, maybe just two breed show qualifiers; so, to come out after a 6 year gap and book a visit to see ‘Santa’ was a million miles away. He never lets me down, but to qualify for London has exceeded all my expectations. He has produced a lovely colt foal at home and that had been the highlight of the year so far”.

The pair will be competing in the winter dressage league as well as their regular hacks out across Exmoor with their good friends at the Exmoor Pony Centre. Kestra said “He owes me nothing, he never has, he is a true friend and it’s so important that we have ‘fun’ and enjoy our time together, rosettes are a lovely added bonus”.

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Allow our team of experts to help you spend your money wisely on a policy that will protect you and your horse.

Prioritising your horse’s insurance at this time could give you the power to call the vet when you need to, keeping your horse in the peak of health, and ensuring your outgoings are under control.

01708 850000 Terms & Conditions apply. South Essex House, North Road, South Ockendon Essex RM15 5BE. SEIB Insurance Brokers Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

40 | The Native Pony | September 2023 Issue | info@showingworldonline.co.uk

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