Highland times review 2017 final version 30 dec 2017

Highland Times Highland Pony Enthusiasts Club

Review of 2017

Reports from the Royal Highland Show, Great Yorkshire Show, Royal Bath and West, HOYS, Olympia …..

Results from HPEC shows Features Jo Brew and Tower Sovereign Ruwenzori Gilbert Moss-side Highland Ponies Fleetmead Ronay…….

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Editor’s comments Welcome to the Highland Times review of 2017. This is my first attempt at editing such a large publication and has been a much greater challenge than creating the club newsletters. I have strived to make it a contemporary magazine with the emphasis on what has been happening within the club throughout the year both from the competitive point of view and also for those who just enjoy being with highland ponies and reading about them. Work for this edition started back in May and I have found many members extremely helpful when I have requested articles about events around the different regions. I am very grateful for all the help that has been kindly and freely given. I would like to wish all readers a happy and successful 2018 and look forward to gathering news and views for next year’s edition.

Alison Payne

Photo by Jim Bone

Cover photo Heald Town Bruadarach by Melody Ashcroft

Contents Results p7 Pennine Area Spring Show p20 Performance Awards 2016 p48 Pennine Area End of Season Show Reports P8 Royal Highland Show P12 Southern Highland Pony Show P26 Royal Bath and West P30 HPEC Summer Show P36 Pleasure ride at Eskrick Park P42 The Great Yorkshire Show P54 Native Breeds Dressage p56 Olympia Features P4 Isle of Man to Northumberland P14 Moss-side Highland Ponies P17 HOYS P22 Trophy winners P27 Fleetmead Ronay P28 Hi-Ho Highlands P34 Ruwenzori Gilbert P38 Foals Gallery P45 Mannochmore of Millfield P50 Trowan Promise P52 Mardy Fawcett’s Finest Hour P58 Jean Connell’s trip to the Pennines

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A word from the Chairman….

My Chair’s report is definitely going to seem like a long list of ‘thank yous’ but I am very grateful to everyone who works so hard to ensure the club is a great club to be part of. My first thanks must go to Alison Payne, not only has she taken on the task of composing our great newsletters which have been brilliant in keeping everyone in touch with what is going on within the club, she has now undertaken the mammoth task in producing the Highland Times in it’s new ‘Review of the Year’ format. I am sure you will all agree in saying “thank you Alison” and I hope you all enjoy reading it as much as I do. My second thank you goes to the committee and area reps, who continue to work hard in keeping the club alive and help towards keeping it progress.

I am sorry not to list you all individually but you are all diamonds. Every one of us are volunteers, fit everything in around busy lives and always come up with new and fresh ideas to give the members activities to attend and take part in. Hopefully they still get pleasure from being part of the club, I know I do. My third thank you is to you the members, who are the backbone of the club. As an area rep. it is always thrilling when events that have been put on are well supported and it’s so rewarding to see members and their ponies doing well. At this point I’m going to make a small plea and remind you of the definitions from the title of HPEC. Enthusiast – a person who is very interested in a particular activity or subject; and Club – an association dedicated to a particular interest or activity. As a group as a whole we can only make the club even better and any help great or small is greatly appreciated. Many hands make light work and whilst I’m not asking you to take on a major role such as chairman (we already have two budding ladies signed up for that job), small help even in your area corunning one event will mean that more and more gatherings, rides and events can take place. Please do give me a ring, even if it’s just to chat about ponies, it’s my favourite topic and I can tell you a little more about your club too if time permits! The club has had a great year and I am proud of the lots of exciting events that have been happening around the country. Alison has done a brilliant job in rounding up what has gone on to give you a flavour and an insight into what some of our members have been up to. Our highland ponies are so special and seeing them being enjoyed so much is brilliant. I will sign off by wishing you all health and happiness, many hours enjoyment with our beloved ponies and hope I will see all of you at some HPEC events over the coming year.

Chris Grant

Feature

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Isle of Man – Northumberland: Teddy’s 200 mile trip to camp

by Jo Brew and Teddy (aka Tower Sovereign) The HPEC newsletter had come through with the dates for the 2017 Highland & Fell Pony Camp, I innocently asked Chris for some more information, with a view to attending next year. The sessions sounded great fun and Chris was very encouraging….. before I knew it, I’d chosen our preferred activities and mailed the cheque off.

Mum couldn’t believe I thought it a good idea to go “all the way to Northumberland”.

All I could think of was the potential for hairy pony heaven! A nervous few weeks were spent checking the ferry prices and eventually when Chris said “you’re in”, I immediately bought a (relatively cheap) boat ticket! (£250).

So, 6.30am on the 3rd May off we set. The weather was kind and we had a good sail over, just a few white horses as we neared Heysham. Teddy travelled well and by midafternoon we’d reached that evening’s destination, Newton Rigg College. After a few hours chilling in the stable, I took Teddy for a graze as the sun went down. We walked to the local pub for tea and then back to the luxury of camp beds in the back of a very kind friend’s 3.5t Equitrek (as we’d just sold our lorry). It was very cold that night!

Before setting off the next morning, I decided we’d better warm-up by having a cooked breakfast in Booths in Penrith; the benefits of small lorries!! The obligatory carrots for Teddy were also purchased.

Next stage of the journey took us to Jan & Chris Grant’s in Heddon-on-the-Wall; they’d very kindly offered an overnight stable, to break our travelling up. A lovely journey over on the A69, a road we’d not travelled on before – field after field of oilseed rape, driving alongside railway lines and rivers. We arrived safely and met with the lovely Jan & Willie, settled Teddy in and after a very welcome cuppa, had a guided tour of their gorgeous ponies. Jan kindly cooked us a fantastic tea; we finally went to bed underneath the flight path to Newcastle airport!

5 Up early the next day and off we headed in a convoy following Jan to Camp Fact file Linnel Wood. Loved the very scenic The camp has now run for 10 years.

A total of 16 highlands and 20 fells bridge over the river in Corbridge. participated in 2017 We arrived at Linnel Wood - the The format has changed over the years to Charlton’s lovely home, wow! what a keep it fresh whilst maintaining its fun and beautiful location… They are a very kind friendly atmosphere. family to allow camp to invade every The camp always runs over three days from Friday to Sunday as an action packed year. weekend.

Teddy, now an expert traveller (!) settled In 2017 campers selected their lessons in with his now-standard routine of a beforehand with everything on offer from wee, drink and tucked straight into his flatwork, x-country, Trec, gridwork, showing and rides out in the wonderful hay! Mum and I set up camp, sitting on Northumberland countryside. In between foldaway chairs in the back of the lorry we had a talk by Richard Telford and a with the ramp down, sun streaming in, feed consultations with Topspec. Campers naively complaining “it’s too hot, my legs attended a Ceilidh in aid of the Moorland Mousie Trust on the Saturday evening. The are burning!” weekend is usually rounded of with a relaxed competition, everyone getting the chance to put their new skills to the test.

Lots of friendships are formed, there is lots of fun and overall it is just a great pony filled weekend.

Later that afternoon Teddy and I had a novice flatwork lesson with Richard Telford. I LOVED THIS. My only regret is that we didn’t video it, but I tried to write everything down later and took away some fab ‘homework’. Teddy learnt rein-back in what felt like a millisecond and before we knew it, we were doing walk-canterwalk, change rein, walk-canter-walk transitions etc. I was beaming from ear to ear after this session and decided if this was all I took home from camp then I was already very happy! Later on we all sat round the outdoor arena and Richard gave a showing demo which was very informative. Yummy pasta-bake for tea with all the other campers and straight to bed (with hot water bottles), the temperature dipped below freezing and we rather regretted our earlier comments about it being too hot…

6 Saturday dawned bright and we started early with a novice flatwork session with Jan. Some great exercises and invaluable experience within a larger group of ridden ponies.

Teddy’s tremendous trotting was anything but – however, we worked on through and he just had to get on with it! After this Teddy got weighed by the TopSpec lady, he was the same as last August so we were happy with that (money-off tokens were welcome too!).

Camp lunch, then an afternoon polework session in the field with Gail. Even though Teddy hadn’t done poles before, he wasn’t fazed and this was great fun. Finally rediscovered his tremendous trot over the final set of lengthened poles – happy days! (and yes, I went back up the field later to measure the distance so we can replicate that at home!). That night, after a very welcome bowl of hot soup at camp, we headed up to Whitley Chapel Hall for the Ceilidh in aid of the Moorland Mousie Trust – a lovely night, superb food and thanks to Margaret for being my dance partner for the evening!

The final day of camp dawned a bit damp and windy. We had a lateral work session with Jan at lunchtime which was very good, followed later on by our camp competition, a dressage test (you could also do cross-country, trec & showjumping).

When our turn came, the wind had increased and I felt very sorry for the judge and writer sat up the far end of the school, backs to the winds, covered in blankets to keep warm. As we entered the school, I felt Teddy go “ooh” …… turns out the lovely ladies in blankets were terrifying... We managed to do most of the required movements – our centre line was more reminiscent of a wiggly worm and any movements near C were completed sideways at speed (keeping his eye on the blanketed ladies at all times) with normality returning nearer A. What could you do but laugh!

The presentations were made late afternoon, each camper received a lovely rosette with their pony’s name, Teddy was 2nd in his dressage (obviously out of 2!) and came 1st in the team competition (the rules of which nobody knew!).

That evening we travelled to Thirsk, passing the Angel of the North. We stayed with our friends Sara & Craig, who have our retired hack on breeding loan – it was lovely to see all 3 of them again. The next day we travelled to Chorley to stay with another friend, before getting the ferry on the Tuesday. Teddy was delighted to be back out in his field!

Even though it was quite a distance, it was a very worthwhile trip. I’d highly recommend it to anyone – from novice rider, baby pony to experienced combination – there’s something for everyone.

Grateful thanks to all the organising team and to the Charlton family. We’d definitely like to do camp again next year, if they’ll have us!

Jo Brew and Teddy

7 These classes were mixed Highland Fell and Dales.

Judge: Mrs J. James, Staffordshire Youngstock Condition 3rd Maisie of Strathmore 4th Luna of Heatherglen

Amanda Fairclough Liz Mangham

Maturestock Condition 2nd Finches Dollybird 3rd Carmoor Maisie 4th Moss-side Vivienna

Sarah Doran Liz Mangham Catherine Taylor

Yearling 1st Luna of Heatherglen

Liz Mangham

Two Years old 1st Maisie of Strathmore

Amanda Fairclough

Three Years old 1st Sydbrook Molly May

Margaret Woosey

Mares 2nd Lagalgarve Loch Lussa 3rd Finches Dollybird

Amanda Kay Sarah Doran

Geldings/Stallions 2nd Craiglaw McIntosh

Abie Duffy

In-hand Highland Championship Ch Lagalgarve Loch Lussa Res Sydbrook Molly May

Amanda Kay Margaret Woosey

Pennine Area Spring Show Results

Lagalgarve Loch Lussa

Tack and Turnout 1st Finches Dollybird Sarah Doran 2nd Afton Ben Nevis of Hartcliffe Lyn Etherington 3rd Craiglaw McIntosh Abie Duffy Nursery Novice/Novice Ridden 1st Heybrows Berberay Lord Bertram Amy Harris 1st Afton Ben Nevis of Hartcliffe Lyn Etherington 2nd Finches Dollybird Sarah Doran 3rd Rosie of Combebank Michelle Parking Vaughan Intermediate Ridden 1st Lagalgarve Loch Lussa 2nd Moss-side Vivienna 5th Craiglaw McIntosh

Amanda Kay Catherine Taylor Abie Duffy

Open Ridden 1st Lagalgarve Loch Lussa 3rd Craiglaw McIntosh

Amanda Kay Abie Duffy

Ridden Highland Championship Ch Lagalgarve Loch Lussa Amanda Kay Res Heybrows Berberay Lord Bertram Amy Harris Utility Pony 1st Rosie of Combebank Michelle Parking Vaughan

Heybrows Berneray Lord Bertram

Photos courtesy of MB Photography

Report

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The Royal Highland Show 2017 In-hand Highland Ponies at the Royal Highland Show 2017 Thursday 22nd June saw the in-hand highland pony classes at the 2017 Royal Highland Show at Ingliston. There were an impressive number of ponies forward and a good number of HPEC members had a very worthwhile trip to Edinburgh with many of them in the ribbons. The males were judged by Jo Jack and in the mature stallion class Chris Grant stood at the head of her line-up with the beautiful yellow dun Dunedin Mohawk and in the junior stallion class Kirsty Faulkner took third place with Glen Falloch of Shanquhar and Alison Payne took fifth place with the homebred Connell Daibhaidh of Castle Green. Sarah Doran took second place in the yearling colt or gelding class with her colt Watermillock Maverick and was again second in the 4, 5, and 6 year old gelding class with Tower Jacobite. In the mature gelding class Kirsty Faulkner took fifth place with Austin of Milton Glen and Mardy Fawcett took

Dewley Auburn Esther

Tower Jacobite

Bridget of Combebank Connell Daibhaidh of Castle Green

Photos courtesy of Chrissy Prichard and Jim Bone

9 sixth place with Tower Highland Piper. Dunedin Mowhawk went on to take the Male Championship and best Stallion or Colt. The females were judged by John Dykes from the Mendick Highland Pony Stud. HPEC members were represented in the ribbons by Amanda Kay’s fifth placed yeld mare Lagalgarve Loch Lussa and there was a wonderful line up of ponies, with the Female Championship going to Shirley Clarke’s Heather of Conway with George Baird’s brood mare Ulrika of Whitefield taking reserve. Female youngstock champion went to Jimmy Hendrie’s yearling filly Tower Caileag Oir. The Supreme Championship was hotly debated between John Dykes and Jo Jack with the first prize going to Heather of Conway and Dunedin Mohawk standing reserve.

Chrissy Pritchard

Heather of Conway

Dunedin Mohawk

10 The second day of the 2017 Royal Highland Show on Friday, 23 rd June was memorable in that another English bred pony scooped a championship, this time the ridden Highland.

This pony was the winner of the 7 years and over class, 143 to 148cm, Mrs S Fox’s 9 year old grey mare, Holmedown Charlotte (Glenmuir Buzzard X Holmedown Cobweb) bred by Wendy Bridges and ridden by Kirsty Aird.

Taking the reserve ridden championship was Isleman of Mendick (Moss-Side Iain Mor X Gissings Luscardene), a 5 year old mouse dun stallion. This pony was bred and is owned by John and Kate Dykes. He was ridden by Ruth Darling and had won the first class of the day, the 4, 5 and 6 year olds. Judges for the three classes were Marjorie Grant from Perth for ride and Mary McCall Smith from Crieff for conformation.

Wendy Shearman

Results 4, 5 and 6 year olds 1st Isleman of Mendick 2nd Skye of Dykes 3rd Carlung Quest 4th Moss-Side Vivienna 5th Tower Ae Fond Kiss 6th Rebus of Fourmerk 7 years and over under 143cm 1st Trailtrow Lille 2nd Strathleven Drumochter 3rd Orla of Carlung 4th Lagalgarve Ben Ghuilean 5th Bowmore Lady Laura 6th Ardnagaisk Edan 7 years and over 143 to 148cm 1st Holmedown Charlotte 2nd Burnside Vorlich 3rd Heald Town Bonny 4th Tower Ceilidh 5th Westray of Alltnacailleach 6th Lawman of Invervack

11 The Junior Mountain and Moorland Ridden Pony of the Year qualifier saw highlands taking both the Champion and Reserve. Kirsty Faulkner’s homebred Austin of Milton Glen ridden by daughter Libby lifted the championship with Elinor Steven’s Glenbanchor Somerled taking the Reserve. Both ponies went on to appear at HOYS for the finals.

Alison Payne There were only three entries forward for the Working Harness this year at the Royal Highland Show at Ingliston.

In first place was HM The Queen, with Balmoral Ulleam, shown by the, as always, beautifully turned out Lucy Fernie. Ulleam was wearing a set of grouse panniers. This pony works on the hills on the Balmoral Estate bringing down deer and grouse. Second place went to Mrs Sara Chamberlain with her own pony, Tower Memory, a pretty mouse dun. Mem was wearing a traditional deer saddle and Sara was wearing a huge smile. Third place was Michelle Parkin Vaughan and Bridget of Combebank. We were dressed in authentic 1950’s riding equipment including an army issue saddle and bridle.

Although trekking tack is not usually seen in working harness classes I think it is an important part of highland pony heritage, after all in the 1950’s when the demand for ponies was in decline, highland ponies proved safe and sensible enough to take novices out over the hills for a tourist experience, helping to promote the breed and provide a job for otherwise unwanted animals.

For some people it has sparked a love of the breed and some have been inspired to get their own pony.

Michelle Parkin-Vaughan

Report

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The Southern Highland Pony Show Class winners and Championships Yeld Mare 5 years & over (entered in ridden) Orla of Carlung - Penny Daniels In Hand Gelding Dunedin MacDonald - Emily Flynn In Hand Mare or Gelding 4 years old Madeleine of Millfield - Laura Drake Yeld Mare 5 years and over, not in ridden Carmoor Maisie - Liz Mangham Yearling colt, filly or gelding Carlung Viscount - Melanie D’Agati 3 years Filly or gelding Balmoral Angel - H M The Queen 2 & 3 years colts/stallions Connell Daibhaidh of Castle Green - Alison Payne Youngstock Champion - Balmoral Angel.

Reserve - Connell Daibaidh of Castle Green Mature Champion - Madeleine of Millfield Reserve - Orla of Carlung Overall In Hand Champion - Madeleine of Millfield Reserve - Orla of Carlung Best male Duntulm of Talisker - Andrew Ward Novice Handler Duntulm of Talisker - Andrew Ward Walk & Trot Ridden Laurien of Ariene - Yasmin Batty 5 years & over Nursery Novice Ridden Tuskerbister Norna - George Twyman NPS Picton not exceeding 14hh Orla of Carlung - Penny Daniels NPS Picton 14hh – 14.2hh Dunedin Mauruce - Elizabeth Etchells Ridden Novice Champion - Orla of Carlung Reserve - Dunedin Maurice Novice Rider Nashend Strathisla - Rachel Webster NPS Peasdown Intermediate Ridden Dunedin Matthew - Laura King NPS Open Ridden exceeding 14hh not exceeding 14.2hh Hirstmund Barolo - Tracey Bonner

13 NPS Open Ridden not exceeding 14hh Orla of Carlung - Penny Daniels Open Ridden Championship - Dunedin Matthew Reserve - Orla of Carlung Novice WHP Dunedin Mathew - Miss Laura King Open WHP Tuskerbister Jarl Sweyne - George Twyman Champion WHP - Tuskerbister Jarl Sweyne Reserve - Dunedin Mathew Style & Performance Ridden Dunstruan Darroch Mhor - Melissa Candy Condition & Turnout 4 years & over Carmoor Maisie - Liz Mangham Condition & Turnout 1,2,3 years Collstone Principal Lord - Caroline Sheenan Ridden Tack & Turnout Lochlands Moonshadow - Helen Best NPS Home Produced 1,2,3 years Mannochmore of Millfield - Mandy Fairclough NPS Home Produced 4 years & over Madeleine of Millfield - Laura Drake Champion Home Produced - Madeleine of Millfield Reserve - Mannochmore of Millfield In Hand Veteran Domino Silver - Gill Collins M&M NPS Junior Ridden Austin of Milton Glen - Libby Faulkner Family Pony Hudsondene - Gemma Wiggins Ridden Veteran Hudsondene - Gemma Wiggins 40+ Rider Katie O The Glens - Kelly Hubbard Best Female Catriona of Mystic Isle - Polly Porter Long Reining Hudsondene - Gemma Wiggins Ridden Pairs Katie O The Glens - Kelly Hubbard Barnfields Million Dollar Dexter - Helen Sandle Photos Kate Hawes

Feature

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Moss-side Highland Ponies Jean and Willie Ralston run Moss-side Highland Pony Stud at their 1200 acre, arable farm ‘Moss-side’ near Methven in Perthshire. Both are from farming backgrounds and grew up with Clydesdales working on their respective family farms although at this time they were starting to disappear as a work horse. Willie was born at Moss-side in the old house which was knocked down and replaced with a new house in 1977 and Jean was also local to the area her father having a farm about three miles away.

Jean didn’t have the opportunity when she was young to have a pony and so she had to wait until her youngest child went to school and then purchased her first pony.

Highlands were chosen because a neighbour rode a magnificent, dapple grey gelding through their farmyard when she was a child and Jean had found them very attractive and really liked them. It was Jean who was the original one to be interested in the ponies and Willie became interested when they started breeding ponies and showing their stallions in hand and is at present the Vice–Chairman of the Highland Pony Society.

The original ponies they owned were Mandy of Meggernie and Mabel of Whitefield who were both purchased in the 1980’s as riding ponies that they had a lot of fun with but neither of which had a foal. Mandy of Meggernie eventually moved to Yorkshire where co-incidentally I frequently borrowed her from her subsequent owner to ride on my day off and Mabel went on to be an RDA pony.

15 Jean and Willie started their breeding program in 1990 with the first crop foals born in 1991 having purchased the foundation mares Vienna of Whitefield and Whitefield Lady Verona. Twenty-seven years ago they started naming their foals with ‘A’ and have just worked around the alphabet back to that again. Two filly foals were born that year Moss-side Ardnamonadh - Gaelic for ‘Peak of the Moss’ (Whitefield Lady Verona x Jura of Whitefield) and Mossside Aonach Mor (Vienna of Whitefield x Viscount of Whitefield). Jean describes Ardnamonadh as being a fantastic mare who bred many lovely foals particularly with Moss-side Domhnach with whom she really clicked as a combination. Vienna of Whitefield went on to have19 foals, 14 of which were fillies and Moss-side Breagh out of Lady Verona of Whitefield was an excellent broodmare who not only was Moss-side Jacobean Lady the dam of Moss-side Iain Mor but also had a successful ridden career in her own right ridden by Jo Jack.

On average, four or five foals are born each year, weaned at six months and spend their first winter in a barn with turnout when the weather permits. “Handling the ponies at this early stage is vital,” says Jean, “As boisterous young ponies can quickly turn into Moss-side Iain Mor dangerous large animals if not taught some manners.” Colts are assessed when they are yearlings and again at two years old and those not retained and licensed for breeding are gelded and sold. A decision is made on which fillies to retain for breeding after two years.

When asked who was a favourite pony, Jean says “like grandchildren… you shouldn’t have favourites.

They all have different qualities and must be appreciated for their individual personalities”.

As far as successes go, Moss-side Iain Mor is special as he has had a very successful showing career both in hand and under saddle. His wins Moss-side Domhnach included:- male champion R.H.S.2004 and Supreme Highland 2006, HOYS Finalist in 2009 under saddle, Breed Show in hand Champion and reserve overall Ridden Champion

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2010, Best of Breed at Olympia in 2010. Moss-side Domhnach didn’t have an extensive career under saddle but was novice ridden champion at Blair. Moss-side Campsie Glen although not owned by them at the time was Reserve Champion at Olympia and Jean and Willie made the journey south to London to watch him in the finals. Moss-side Uilleam Mor has had a lot of success in recent times in mixed M&M classes and Jean and Willie have had great success with White Heather Beth this year. Another success is that they have won the foal cup at Blair three times in the last seven years (2010, 2012 and 2017) and they get a real sense of achievement from seeing which breeding combinations work really well and striving towards the best they can breed. As for the future, they hope to continue to breed a good type - as they have in the past. They always aim to breed ponies with firstly good conformation, added to that a pretty head, good strong bone and fluid movement. They are keen to continually improve the standard of their pony whilst staying true to the characteristics of the breed.

As well as their interest in highland ponies Jean and Willie are keen Scottish country dancers, enjoy travelling abroad and visiting their family including the ‘Magnificent Seven’...their grandchildren.

To conclude Jean was asked what if anything they would have done differently. She laughed and said wryly “investing in riding lessons when she had first started out!”

However their impressive list of wins would suggest that has never caused a problem.

Alison Payne

Photos by Jim Crichton, Jean Ralston and Alison Payne

Feature

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HOYS Mountain and Moorland Ridden Pony of the Year I couldn’t turn down the chance to visit HOYS this year as two Holmedown ponies had qualified, Holmedown Charlotte (Chicago’s half sister) owned by Susan Fox, in the Open M&M Ridden (having qualified twice!) and also Holmedown Talladega owned by the Lines family and ridden by daughter Isabel in the Junior Ridden. Notably, both ponies are by Glenmuir Buzzard.

Last time I was there was 2010-12 when Holmedown Chicago flew the flag for Holmedown Ponies, being placed each year and getting 2 nd to Tower Clyde in 2011 and so I had high hopes.

I took the train, as I am fed up of driving on the M5 with the long delays due to traffic /accidents etc. and was quite impressed with how quick and easy it was to get to the NEC. I actually went to work in the morning then straight to Exeter St David's for a train to Birmingham New Street and then then onto the airport train followed by a quick walk – easy! After an early night at the hotel I had an early morning start, with a good cooked breakfast and five minute walk to the arena.

All the ponies did the set show really well with none of them appearing to be stressed by all the noise and the atmosphere in the arena and they behaved impeccably. The ponies come in all together and walk round before they are split in to two groups. One group do their ride whilst the other group do their in-hand/conformation, and then they swap over. Afterwards they all file back in for the final marks to be announced. To my delight Holmedown Chicago ridden by Kirsty Aird finished 6th and we were all over the moon. The winner was Catriona of Meggernie owned by Beverly Malim and ridden by Scott Dixon, a beautiful yellow dun mare.

I stayed an extra day and watched the NPS Working Hunter Ponies. Aigas of Achnacarry owned by Kelly Capstick and ridden by Amy Smith finished 9 th after having a pole down in the final. The course was really good, well built but twisty – it’s amazing how many jumps you can get into a small arena.

Wendy Bridges

Photo Bailey Mel Bambra

Report

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HOYS Junior Mountain and Moorland Ridden Pony of the Year Austin of Milton Glen and Libby Faulkner As a ‘Home Produced’ family feel very honoured to of not only qualified for the junior class at HOYS this year. To have bred Austin of Milton Glen, qualify by taking the championship at the Royal Highland show, ridden by daughter Libby was something you dream of! ! Austin was born in a field behind our house and Libby was there when he was born, and named him, he was always going to be her pony! We own his father Oscar of Edinglassie, who with Libby riding qualified for the open Ridden for HOYS 2016. Austin was gelded at two as Libby would be to young to show him as a stallion. We don’t rush our ponies so Austin was broken in just before turning 5. He did some in hand showing taking the Highland Pony championship at Royal Norfolk. He started his Ridden carrier seriously in 2016 and qualified on the second attempt for the RIHS in the junior, and first attempt in the Pretty Polly class.

Libby and Austin are best friends, they go for miles hacking and love to have a go at jumping. He is such a loveable boy, although usually annoying to tack up or get ready as he loves to fidget or grab things! We were so proud of Libby and Austin’s performance at HOYS, they both loved it, totally taking it in their stride and we were thrilled they were in the final line-up, coming 8th! It sums up their relationship that when Libby came out from doing her show for the conformation phase she said to me “Mum, I could have cried when we finished our show, he tried his hardest for me, I couldn’t ask anymore of him!” That for us is worth everything as a family!

Kirsty Faulkner

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Holmedown Talladega and Isobel Mae Lines My father brought Bobby for me as a Junior potential pony. We brought him after Molly asked me to ride him at NPS twice as we instantly fell in love. He is the first large breed pony we have ever owned and shown in the ring so at the start were unsure of what our successes would be. Bobby is the easiest pony to do in all ways with the kindest heart. He first stood out to the showing world when he was the first ever pony to be pulled top off the go round in the first HOYS Junior Larges but also when he qualified RIHS at NPS Area 5, also going champion. 2 months later, he qualified for HOYS and went champion at the same place we collected him from.

(Monmouth), winning by 8 marks. At HOYS, he was 12th just missing out on the lap of honour. He is now enjoying a break before our second season together.

Isobel Mae Lines

HOYS Mountain and Moorland Working Hunter Pony of the Year Tori Oakes and Cairns Fergus 11th

Amy Smith and Aigas of Achnacarry 9th

Results

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Performance Awards 2016 Results Happy Hacker Platinium – Humphrey of Combebank Trophy Glen of Langsett – Katherine Owen (Douglas of Combebank Award for Veteran HH Highland) Thistle of Kuranda – Christine Gellender-Mills Dorlyn Calais – Sue Perry(Veteran HH NonHighland) Eddy de Chazel – Joseph Gellender-Mills/Thomas Gardner Buster – Jake Gardner Ballinton Commander – Julie Beaty Gold Balleroy Iona – Melanie Bailey Glenmuir Crusader – Ros Hudson Brownbread Easter Rabbit – Sally Rowe Silver Dene Fire Façade – Sandra Williams Marilladene – Michelle Watts Glenedin Lady Elsie – Sandra Williams

Intermediate Rider - J & V. Hawkins Cup 1st.

Katie Lowthian Senior Rider – Highland Gold Rose Bowl 1st.

Claire Kinsley 2nd.

Sammy-Jo Grantham 3rd.

Michelle Parkin Vaughan 4th.

Samantha Osborne 5th.

Amanda Fairclough 6th.

Lesley McNaughton-Wells

Bronze Chapelhill Winston – Perpetua David Fionnlagh of Achnacarry – Jennifer Beveridge Mature Rider – Gissings Stud Trophy Seamus of Langsett – Bronagh Walsh 1st.

Lesley Dawson Achtriochtan Cara – Sue Hatch 2nd.

Mardy Fawcett Mossbank Gypsy Anna – Pam Russell 3rd.

Alan Butler Muckle Skerry of Arden Forest – Chrissy Pritchard 4th.

Rebecca O’Rourke Humphrey of Combebank – Rebecca O’Rourke 5th.

L-J Macholc 6th.

Ed Macholc Merit Heidi – Veronica Heywood Youngstock – Potterton Park Trophy Fleetmead Eorsa – Lorraine Bushaway 1st.

Whitefield Prince Valiant – Sarah Doran Angus of Ansgiobal – Ed Macholc 2nd.

Mannochmore of Millfield – Claire Kinsley Constance of Ansgiobal – L-J Macholc 3rd.

Holmedown Wyoming – Wendy Bridges Silver Fox Malin II – L-J Macholc Cameron of Allendale – L-J Macholc Mature In-Hand - Leyhills Shield Douglas of Combebank – L-J Macholc 1st.

Lagalgarve Ben Ghuilean – Amanda FairDunvegan of Forglen – Chrissy Pritchard clough 2nd.

Machelthy Sir Bertram – Alan Butler Happy Hiker - Moonshine Trophy 3rd.

Carlung Peregrine – Claire Kinsley Trailtrow Glenrinchie – Harriett Rust-Graham 4th.

Tower Highland Piper – Mardy Fawcett Hardendale Symphony – Harriett Rust-Graham 5th.

Domino Silver – Steve Collins Corrybrough Rory – Katherine Owen 6th.

Trowan Promise – Lesley Dawson Fleetmead Eorsa – Lorraine Bushaway Ridden – Seastorm of Nashend Plaque Junior Rider – Sages Shield 1st.

Carlung Peregrine – Claire Kinsley 1st.

Abie Christie 2nd.

Machelthy Sir Bertram – Alan Butler 3rd.

Tower Highland Piper – Mardy Fawcett

21 4th.

5th.

6th.

Rignell Auchentoshan – Claire Kinsley Tower Braveheart – Mardy Fawcett Trowan Promise – Lesley Dawson

TREC – Sennocke Salver 1st.

Dalesman of Combebank – Linda Graham 2nd.

Machelthy Sir Bertram – Alan Butler Long Distance – Spitchwick Cup 1st.

Myrtle of Combebank – L-J Macholc 2nd.

Ladarna of Langley – Ed Macholc = Miriam of Combebank – L-J and Ed Macholc = Tower Braveheart – Mardy Fawcett = Machelthy Sir Bertram – Alan Butler 5th.

Carlung Glenbride – Jane Feeney 6th.

Trowan Promise – Lesley Dawson Jumping – T.B. Law Salver 1st.

Hector of Langley – Sammy-Jo Grantham 2nd.

Trowan Promise – Lesley Dawson 3rd.

Patchacott Grace – Katie Lowthian 4th.

Talisker Bow Bells – Samantha Osborne 5th.

Tower Braveheart – Mardy Fawcett Dressage – Mandy of Meggernie Bowl 1st.

Trowan Promise – Lesley Dawson 2nd.

Tansy of Dull – Abie Christie 3rd.

Celia of Dykes – Judy Harwood 4th.

Machelthy Sir Bertram – Alan Butler 5th.

Tower Braveheart – Mardy Fawcett 6th.

Dalesman of Combebank – Linda Graham & David Turner Hunting – Nashend Tankard (In memory of Clive Smith) 1st.

Talisker Bow Bells – Samantha Osborne 2nd.

Kirstie Bannister and Nashend Wheatear 3rd.

Emily Stewart and Lagalgarve Ben Nevis.

4th.

Bridget of Combebank – Michelle Parkin Vaughan 5th.

Machelthy Sir Bertram – Alan Butler

Newcomers – Lyncrest Shield 1st.

Ladarna of Langley – Ed Macholc 2nd.

Miriam of Combebank – L-J and Ed Macholc 3rd.

Carlung Glenbride – Jane Feeney Novice Ridden – Domino Foxglove Bowl 1st.

Carlung Peregrine – Claire Kinsley 2nd.

Trowan Promise – Lesley Dawson Veteran – Sheenadene Rose Bowl 1st.

Rignell Auchentoshan – Claire Kinsley 2nd.

Domino Silver – Steve & Gill Collins

Part-Bred Highland – Daisy Lee salver 1st.

Carrick Izzey – Sue Howard 2nd.

Fleetmead Feargus – Mrs C A Cable Driving – Curtis Rose Bowl 1st.

Staffin Peigi of Castle Green – Christine Bassett Amateur Breeder – Castle Green Rose Bowl 1st.

Holmedown – Wendy Bridges 2nd.

Domino – Gill and Steve Collins Best Stallion - Alec of Litigan Trophy Talisker Bow Bells – Samantha Osborne Best Gelding – Ceilidh Cup Machelthy Sir Bertram – Alan Butler Best Mare – Goldilocks of Tower Cup Trowan Promise – Lesley Dawson Reserve Points Champion Lambrigg Black Jack Salver Machelthy Sir Bertram – Alan Butler Points Champion – Silver Jubilee Salver Trowan Promise – Lesley Dawson Working Highland Jive Pony’s aka Leyhills Jubilee Fanfare, Strathmore Ronan and Moss-side Naver Bay Unsung Heroes Paul Feeney Joseph Gellender-Mills L-J Macholc HPEC Highland Pony Ambassador – The Westmeads Emerald Trophy Staffin Peigi of Castle Green – Christine Bassett

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Performance Awards Trophy Winners Katherine Owen winner of the Happy Hacker and Veteran Happy Hacker trophies  Glen of Langsett yellow dun gelding  Born 1995 and purchased 1998  Glen took a couple of years to settle to hacking out on his own but by 5 or 6 having bonded he will go anywhere  Katherine hacks out as often as she can regardless of the weather or daylight hours  Glen was started as a youngster building up slowly - now he is getting on life is taken a little slower but he still covers the miles and shows no sign of wanting to retire  Feeding regime - low energy mixer and Lite Balancer plus more hay if Glen starts to look trim  Hacking is all straight from the stables… in Glen’s younger days they would take a picnic and been out all day  Katherine’s tip - other happy hackers are really encouraging on the forum.

Wendy Bridges winner of the amateur breeder trophy  Holmedown Highland Ponies  Wendy has owned highlands since the 1970’s and been breeding since the mid 1980’s  Wendy finds showing mature highlands rewarding and youngster sometimes very challenging  Wendy's land is very steep which helps improve the ponies muscle tone for the show ring  Not only has Wendy had much success in hand but Holmedown ponies have been placed at Olympia and HOYS  All the ponies live out, youngsters are fed chaff and Ready Mash Extra with big bale haylage in the fields in the winter if needed  Due to diesel costs travelling is only as far as Malvern, Cornwall and Wales, Wendy no longer travels from Devon to the Royal Highland Show.

23 Samantha Osbourne winner of the stallion and hunting trophies  Talisker Bow Bells cream dun stallion  Born 2011 and purchased 2012  Shown locally in-hand as a 3 year old  Broken in at 4 years of age and focused on dressage  As a 5 year old, hunted with the Bilsdale also cross country schooling, show jumping and WHP followed by an eight month field holiday to mature  Feeding regime has included Shape Up, Simply Sunshine and Boost  With Bow, I tend to stay locally but we have travelled as far as 3 hour radius for the odd show such as Derby County where he won as a 3year old  Samantha’s tip—have a go at the Performance Awards as they have beautiful trophies and rosettes, are free to enter, include a great social trip at the AGM, are easy to record and are an encouragement to start the season.

Lesley Dawson winner of the mature rider, dressage, best mare, overall point’s champion trophies  Trowan Promise mouse dun mare  Born 2009 and purchased 2014  Initially doing flatwork lessons, clinics and hacking in Northumberland scenery  Competed in many dressage competitions but also will have a go at most disciplines.  Schools twice a week, has a dressage lesson once a week and in between hacks out a lot to keep work varied  Feeding regime Top Spec light balancer, out all year round on limited grass with supplementary hay  Competitions tend to be in a 20 mile radius with occasional overnight trips to Scotland for events like Blair  Lesley’s tip - start with low key events and build up a good friendship network.

24 Laura-Jane Macholc winner of the long distance riding trophy  Myrtle of Combebank bay mare  Born 2006 and purchased 2009  Myrtle started endurance in 2015 when she did 101km over six rides  In 2016 Myrtle did 144km in 10 rides plus the HPEC Queen’s birthday ride from Swinton Park  L-J only ever does pleasure rides and so winning the LDR trophy is an achievement against those who do competitive rides  Training is purely through hacking at home with excellent stamina building terrain  Feeding Regime - Simple System Lucie Nuts and Purabeet well soaked soaked food helps with rehydration  All endurance rides are within a two hours drive and there are many within the local area  L-J’s tip - endurance is a friendly , relaxed sport with many end of season awards.

Ed Macholc winner of the newcomers trophy  Ladarna of Langley mouse dun mare  Born 2002 and purchased 2004  Ladarna has been doing endurance since she was 5 years old  In 2016 Ladarna completed 134km in 9 rides, but her best year was 2008 when she did 33km. Ed is now concentrating on building up Ladarna’s pairing confidence with a variety of different other ponies  Ed never travels more than a couple of hours to a venue  Ed’s tip - download the form and start filling it in - you can decide to send it in (or not) nearer the time entries close.

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Sammy-Jo Grantham winner of the TB Law trophy (for the past 5 years)  Hector of Langley mouse dun gelding  Born 2001 and purchased 2007  Initially Hector was quite a naughty pony and so in 2008 did a bit of everything to vary his education  Started do WHP HOYS qualifiers in 2012 and first qualified in 2013  All training is done at home but without a school and mum, Sandra, is the trainer  Feeding regime Fresh air! Turned out in the daytime and in at night with hay  To do qualifiers Sammy-Jo has to travel up to six hours  Sammy-Jo’s tip the performance awards are a great way to celebrate what you have achieved, the rosettes are beautiful and the trophies are so special if you are lucky enough to win one. The award presentation is one of the friendliest and supportive presentations I have ever been to so come and join the party.

Did you know that………...

 The point’s awards are a fun way of promoting all the various roles highlands can do. You don’t have to be especially good at any one task; you just need to have a go.  They are free to enter and you do not have to collect signatures.  You can download awards cards from the forum.  For the non competitive member there are the Happy Hacker and Happy Hiker cards.  For member who do compete there are individual ponies’ cards, for dressage, driving, le trec, general riding (including showing), side saddle, endurance, jumping, hunting, veterans, newcomers to the awards, western riding, and in hand showing.  There is also an award for amateur breeders to record the success of their stock.

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Royal Bath and West Show 2017 I love this show, and got two ponies (5 year Holmedown Carolina & 3 year old Holmedown Wyoming) ready on the Thursday having decided for once to take them to a local livery yard for the night nearer my house to save time in the morning – so it would “only” be a 4.30 am start. Thank goodness this really was a good decision. As I loaded them on Thursday evening one of the brakes was binding on the lorry and was rather “hot” with a lovely aroma of asbestos burning when we arrived. So I offloaded and limped the lorry back to my yard and grabbed the small lorry (thank goodness we were only taking two!). I had a good run Holmedown Carolina Balmoral Angel up in the morning – a slightly different way as they have changed their show layout this year with all the “horse / pony showing” at a completely different end of the showground, with only the show jumping back where the horses used to be. I must admit the separate horse area/show grew on me during the day and did save battling through the public trying to get to the rings.

Both classes (adults and young stock) were well supported with good numbers forward. The young stock class was won by HM The Queen’s Balmoral Angel – a lovely 3 year old mouse dun filly produced and shown by Lizzie Finlayson-Bryant, with Holmedown Wyoming (aka Wilma) in 3 rd place. Next was the adult class, again very well supported and much to my amazement .., and delight, Holmedown Carolina was pulled first … and stayed there. Next was the championship which Carolina also took with Balmoral Angel in reserve. It was lovely to win there again as I presented a cup many, many years ago (1990) in memory of my father so to have it back on my mantelpiece again was lovely.

Wendy Bridges

Photo courtesy of Jayphotos

Results Highland Pony Youngstock 1st & Res Balmoral Angel 2nd Kirtonian Loch Clunie 3rd Holmedown Wyoming

HM The Queen Carrie Quick Wendy Bridges

Highland Pony Maturestock 1st & Ch Holmedown Carolina 2nd Swallowfields Butterkiss 3rd Finches Lord Lambourn

Wendy Bridges Lynda Ferguson Frances McWilliam

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Feature

Fleetmead Ronay (Carrick Raasay X Fleetmead Shuna) 1997 – 2017 I recently had to make the decision we all dread that the time had come for Ronay to cross the Rainbow Bridge and run free once more in the land above the clouds.

I was lucky enough in 1996 to have Rae Bingham’s Carrick Raasay for a few months to show, he covered Fleetmead Shuna whilst here and despite ordering a black filly the result was Ronay. He was very athletic and used to amuse himself by jumping the jumps that were up in his field or the electric fence which had its problems. I never showed him in hand although he was very easy to break and from day one being perhaps a smaller and perhaps more Western Isle pony was very well balanced and forward thinking. Around that time I had had a horrid experience when riding a green highland mare I hoped to show at small local dressage competition when a large posh entire dressage horse ridden by inexperienced rider flew across the field and tried to jump on top of her and flattened us both, ruined her riding in company although she went on to produce some super foals and because Ronay was always very keen on ladies and from a human point of view perfect to handle never competed on him in case for some careless reason he escaped and was loose on a showground, a great shame as he would have been a brilliant performance pony.

He was a very successful sire of both part bred Arabs which were all very good performance horses and highlands and in total sired about 40.

He spent about three years in Scotland in anticipation of living with a herd but sadly most of the time was on his own when the stud was dispersed. Back home he was always happiest when he had a wife living with him but with my land problems due to a pipeline coming across it he was very restricted and had to be fenced with 8 feet high fencing to keep him under control as I always had visions of him skipping out to join the posh race horses who lived next door, The day after he left me without warning a beautiful rainbow appeared with one side right in my field so I knew he had now safely crossed the rainbow bridge and was in his home above the clouds.

Deirdre Robinson

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Hi-Ho Highlands After their success in 2016, we asked Hi-Ho Highlands to tell us a little about the team…………..

Hi-Ho Highlands was the brain child of Lynn Paisley back in December 2015! She had read up about the new British Dressage competition called Team Quest and thought she would see if she could put some feelers out and try to get a team together. Little did she know that one Facebook post later and she would have 180 responses from all over the UK!! She decided to keep it local and so a date was set for a get together

of the people most local and so the 6 person team was created!

We are a combination of all ages from 14 to … (well I’m not going to admit that) and ponies are from 5 to 17! The one thing that binds us together is that the ponies are all registered Highland ponies. The team combinations in 2016 were:  Lynn Paisley & Jura of Meggernie  Jo Jack & Glenbanchor Somerled  Lindsey MacDonald & Dunedin Merlin  Jackie Coull & Longriggs Cruachan  Mirren Hay & Bowmore Lady Laura  Kirsten Berry & Stuartdene First order of business was to get ourselves and the ponies registered with BD and then to create a team name and get that registered too! Then a team outfit and pony wardrobe had to be chosen – this was great fun and meant hours of window shopping until we found just the perfect kit!

We started our first competition in February 2016 and what fun we had – being out competing as a team, with the support and help from each other made everything we did even more enjoyable!

29 We worked our way through the season, competing at different venues and with different combinations of riders and ponies but every time having great fun together.

As well as the team competition, there is an individual competition called My Quest which we all competed in as well. This meant that each competition there was a variety of tests we could all ride at.

In September 2016, the Scottish Regional Team Quest Club final took place at Morris Equestrian. Ten open teams took part in a weekend of competition and to our sheer delight, we managed to win the team competition securing our place in the National Quest Final. Each individual rider also placed in the My Quest competition meaning all 6 ponies & riders were destined to head south!

Six weeks of frantic planning was next on the agenda before the National finals at the end of October, which were held in Bury ….. over 400 miles away!!! It was at this time, we realised what wonderful friends and family we all have – offers of support came from all angles, but especially from Jane McNaught who offered to take her lorry to the finals and transport 2 of the team ponies. Eleanor, Jean, Jacqueline & Mr Mac all came down with us and without them all, we would never have managed.

We had 3 days of competition but plenty of time in between to set up our “Scottish” camp and to get to know the other teams and competitors. The whole competition had a wonderful atmosphere. After we all put in brilliant tests, the scores came back and we were bowled over to discover we had managed to come second in the open competition, only a few points behind the winners! There were tears of joy and sore faces from smiling, we were so happy and proud of our ponies to have done so well against teams from all over the UK. So, that has been our story so far – 6 Highland ponies and their riders achieving so much and hopefully encouraging others to take up the BD Quest Club challenge! We are looking forward to heading out as a team again in 2017 and can’t wait to see you all out there too. You can follow our fun and antics on our Hi-Ho Highlands Facebook page and if you do see us, please join in our team chant …… Hiiiiii-Hoooooooooo

Kirsten Berry

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HPEC Summer show at Equifest The Highland Pony Enthusiasts Club’s new Summer show held during Equifest at the East of England Showground was a success on its first year running in 2017. Ponies travelled to the show from as far south as Kent and north from Inverness-shire to stay in the highland pony camp and fill some strong classes full of quality.

Judge Virginia Osborne-Antolovi had a tough job on her hands but her Supreme In hand Champion Lagalgarve Maroa, a five year old brood mare by Marnoch of Millfield, owned and exhibited by Catherine Whetton was a very worthy winner with Glen Falloch of Shanquar owned by Kirsty Faulkner as reserve. Glen Falloch was Champion young-stock earlier in the day with Rhiannon Randall and the yearling Jedi of Talisker as reserve. Rhiannon also won the Senior Stallion class with her five year old Bluebraes Merrick.

After lunch Debbie Spears judged the Home Produced and progeny sections.

Her Champion was Ballachulish Fraser of Castle Green, owned by Laura Drake, Fraser also stood Reserve Champion Mature Stock to the Supreme Maroa, he then went on to win the progeny class, shown with his half brother Connell Daibhaidh of Castle Green owned by Alison Payne who also bred both ponies.

Virginia returned to judge the ridden highland ponies in the afternoon. These were judged in the traditional manner for the open ponies with Virginia judging from the saddle, whilst the Novices gave short displays of their own.

Tina Mckay won the nursery novice with the lovely Floraigh of Combebank.

Kirsty Faulkner’s success continued into the afternoon with Austin of Milton Glen winning the Junior ridden class ridden with daughter Libby before taking the Ridden Championship and NPS silver medal. A super result for Kirsty and

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her homebred pony. Reserve Ridden Champion came from the winner of the under 14hh open class, Xavier of Alltnacailleach for Prue Relland.

The show will be held again in 2018 on the Sunday of Equifest, a special private Highland pony stabling area is available and there will be Highland pony breed classes on the Saturday of Equifest if you fancy making a holiday of it in 2018.

Kate Hawes

Photos Max Walsh

Results

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HPEC Summer show at Equifest In Hand Classes Class 1 – Stallion 4 yrs and over 1st.

Blaebraes Merrick – Rhi Randall 2nd.

Finglands Braveheart – Mrs M Stanford 3rd.

Ashleyvale Glenavon – J A Osborne Class 2 – Gelding 4 yrs and over 1st Ballachulish Fraser Of Castle Green – Miss L & Mrs J Drake 2nd Tower Emblem – Dawn Farnish 3rd Marksman of Achnacone – Melanie D’Agati Class 3 – Mares 4 yrs and over 1st Lagalgarve Manoa – Catherine Whetton 2nd Ella of Milton Green – C Timbury 3rd Glenwestcastle Little Miss Jasmine – J Farrar Class 4 – Foal 1st Callan of Caudwell – Catherine Whetton Class 5 – Youngstock, 3 yrs old 1st Glenfalloch of Shanquar – Mrs K Faulkner 2nd Connell Daibhaidh of Castle Green – Miss A J Payne 3rd Moonstruck Northern Star – Miss Mary Proctor Class 6 – Youngstock, 2 yrs old 1st Maisie of Strathmore – Amanda Fairclough 2nd Elmere Loch Blair – P Matthews-Brown Class 7 – Youngstock, yearling 1st Jodi of Talisker – Rhi Randall 2nd Luna of Heatherglen – Mrs E Mangham 3rd Morayelphin Balco – Vicky Leggett

In Hand Championships Youngstock Champion - Glenfalloch of Shanquar Reserve - Jodi of Talisker Adult Champion - Lagalgarve Manoa Reserve - Ella of Milton Green Overall Champion & NPS Silver Medal - Lagalgarve Manoa Reserve - Glenfalloch of Shanquar

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Class 8 – Home Produced, 4 yrs old and over 1st Ballachulish Fraser Of Castle Green – Miss L & Mrs J Drake 2nd Glenwestcastle Little Miss Jasmine – J Farrar 3rd Marksman of Achnacone – Melanie D’Agati Class 9 – Home Produced – Youngstock 1st Maisie of Strathmore – Amanda Fairclough 2nd Carlung Viscount – Melanie D’Agati 3rd Luna of Heatherglen – Mrs E Mangham Class 10 – Progeny Pairs 1st Ballachulish Fraser Of Castle Green & Connell Daibhaidh of Castle Green 1st Elmere Loch Blair & Tower Emblem 2nd Drumbuie of Talisker & Jodi of Talisker

Home Produced Championship Champion - Ballachulish Fraser Of Castle Green Reserve - Maisie of Strathmore

Ridden Classes Class 11 – Nursery Novice Ridden 1st Floriagh of Combebank – Tina McKay 2nd Breeze of Alltnacailleach – Jo Cocker 3rd Ella of Milton Glen – C Timbury Class 12 – Novice Ridden 1st Moss-side Vivienna – Catherine Taylor 2nd Ben Macdhui of Heatherglen – Glyn Sheffield 3rd Ewen of Croila – Amy Logan Class 13 – Open Ridden under 143 cm 1st Xavier of Alltnacailleach – Prue Relland 2nd Glenwestcastle Little Miss Jasmine – J Farrar Class 14 – Open ridden over 143 cm 1st Strathmore Robin – Kim Fairhurst 2nd Ewen of Croila – Amy Logan Class 15 – Junior Ridden 1st Austin of Miltonglen – Olivia Faulkner 2nd Ben Macdhui of Heatherglen – Glyn Sheffield

Ridden Championships Overall Champion & NPS Silver Medal - Austin of Miltonglen Reserve - Xavier of Alltnacailleach

Photos Max Walsh

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Profile of a pony Ruwenzori Gilbert Fact File Name – Ruwenzori Gilbert DOB – 28/06/2010 Dam – Knockandy Dirks Lady May Sire – Rannoch Of Fourmerk Height – 14.1 Colour – Mouse Dun Grey Breeder – Wendy Sanders of Ruwenzori Highland Ponies Owner – Catherine Taylor Gilberts Character Traits – Shy, quiet, reserved, affectionate, diligent, reliable, sensitive and yes….. trustworthy. Gilbert shares his home with four dogs, five cats and seven other highland ponies. Gilbert is the Uncle of the herd. Gilbert is a gentle soul my whom my nieces and parents regularly ride and/or cuddle. Gilbert enjoys hacking out over fields and roads, jumping, endurance rides and hunting.

35 Gilbert arrived in Coppull, Lancashire on the 27th of April 2014. We began spending time together to build a relationship in the stable, field and going for walks together.

Slowing introducing ground work. Gilbert soon began to gain confidence in himself and trust me. Gilbert was backed by myself and began hacking around fields, splashing in streams and rambling through woodland. Gilbert turned his hoof to dressage and was successful at intro and prelim, this helped with his confidence around other ponies, balance and gave something to work towards.

In 2016 Gilbert started jumping, he always enjoyed pole work. We entered the Royal Highland show where he was placed 6th in the 4,5 & 6year old ridden class. 4th in the Nursery Novice working hunter class at Blair. This is where I realised Gilbert forte. At Blair 2017 his breeder Wendy rode Gilbert which was a fantastic moment. On the 3rd of December 2016 Gilbert and I attended the “Cheshire Drag Hunt” Gilbert was quite taken by the hounds, the atmosphere lifted him, traveling over open fields with the hunt with his ear pricked. Gilbert happily took us over numerous rail jumps successfully, as our confidence grew we moved with the field towards a hedge jump, Gilbert steadily set himself up to …. fly …. we landed and had accomplished our first hedge. This 2017 season we have attended and enjoyed a few hunt days.

One which gained me a mud facial as I dismounted unexpectedly this however did not phase Gilbert, once mounted we continued with the hunt field

happily and completed that day’s hunt riding upfront with the field master which was a proud moment. Gilbert is truly a versatile, trustworthy highland pony who I will be forever grateful and thankful for.

Catherine Taylor

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HPS and HPEC Pleasure ride at Escrick Park The day couldn’t have been chosen better

by Anne Owen-Walker and her husband Steve when they organised their charity ride on the 17th June. The weather was glorious but with a hint of breeze which especially when riders entered the forest kept them relatively cool. This is the second occasion that Anne’s has put on this ride under the banner of the HPEC and the HPS. In aid of the grass sickness research fund it raised a tremendous £xxx for the charity. The ride had a flexible starting time and was off-road in parkland and forest areas and being informal in style, riders were able to set off in groups of friends and choose the length of ride and the amount of time they were out for. An additional bonus was the optional crosscountry jumps with a variety of types and heights and most groups took advantage of the water jump as a cool off point for their horses and ponies.

There were x horses and riders took advantage of the ride and included five highland ponies; Vale Rock Florence ridden

by Val Murphy, Pitfields Summer Ball (aka Duncan) ridden

by Sally Doxey and her husband Nick who shared one walking one riding with a swap half way round, Lochlands Military Flute ridden by Vanessa Woodhead, Constance of Ansgiobal ridden L-J Macholc and the star of the day – grass sickness survivor of nine years – Miriam of Combebank (aka Madge) ridden by Ed Macholc. Anne explained that riders had come from as far away as Dronfield in the south and Patringham in East Yorkshire both a two hour journey.

With all these positive comments this is definitely an event that it is hoped run next year and even more highlands are encouraged to take part.

Alison Payne

37 “It’s been lovely, we’ve really enjoyed ourselves”. Sally Doxey, who had already done the ride once in the week as part of the risk assessment team.

“I had a fantastic time, thank you so much Anne”. Val Murphy "Thank you to Anne and her team for organising a super ride. It was great fun to actually ride at Escrick for the first time....for the last 12 years we have helped at the EGB PR near Escrick which incorporates some of the tracks we rode along today. It happens the last w/e in Feb so too early in the year for us to ride. Madge and Connie were very well behaved and Connie had a few more "firsts" which she barely noticed...big piles of cut logs in the woods, cross country fences to ride past and lots of noisy motorbikes going along the main road near the venue...not visible but a new noise for my country bumpkin . The cakes were wonderful & the tea very welcome.” L-J and Ed Macholc

”A lovely day at the HPS / HPEC Pleasure ride, thanks to Anne and Steve for organising it. Three hours hacking, 15 km and a few wee jumps and canters along the way. I was so proud of Vanessa Woodhead & Mr Flute, for what they achieved on the day, Ravi was a star too. Not to forget to mention the delicious cakes Anne had made to refresh us at the end, Pimms cupcakes, one word ... awesome!!” Heather Woodhead

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Foal’s Gallery 2017

Talisker Butterfly Highland Chief of Whitefield X Rhibhin na Dailach

Heald Town Serendipity Clandon Bertie Wooster X Roman of Dull

Jasmine of Achnacarry Eros of AchnacarryX Siusaidh of Achnacarry

Talisker Chieftain Highland Chief of Whitefield X Rhidorroch of Talisker

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Foal’s Gallery 2017

Gillian McMurray

Watermillock Fortune Whitefield Prince Valiant X Mistral of Carlung

Heald Town Wooster Clandon Bertie Wooster X Tower Bluebell Girl

Trailtrow Tusk at Dusk Dunedin Ranald X Trailtrow Teaninich

Soldier Boy of Achnacarry Rannoch of AchnacarryX Fionnalaigh of Achnacarry

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Foal’s Gallery 2017

Kate Hawes pm

Talisker Red Admiral Highland Chief of Whitefield X Jem of Ednam House

Heald Town Bruadarach Ghamjon Ernie X Elmere Loch Linnhe

Fleetmead Honeybee Fleetmead Manikin X Fleetmead Honeysuckle

Holmedown Wisconsin Lyncrest’s Rhodri X Homedown Clearwater

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Foal’s Gallery 2017

Heald Town Sir Isaac Newton Ghamjon Ernie X Blair Bheag Crunluath

Merlin of Achnacarry Eros of Achnacarry X Rosanna of Achnacarry

Deirdre’’s foal

Perburn Annabella Vatersay of Whitefield X Margaux of Hirstmund

Fleetmead Eros Fleetmead Manikin X Fleetmead Emmaline

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The Great Yorkshire Show The Great Yorkshire Show is my ‘local’ agricultural show and has been my summer highlight for more years than I care to remember! After much campaigning by HPEC members, 2016 brought the first year of a highland only in-hand class. Although all ages/sexes were in the one class, HPEC kindly sponsored a special cash prize of £25 for each of the highest placed 1,2, and 3-year-old to encourage youngstock entries.

This class was very well supported (probably too much so given the size of the show ring!) Further campaigning success brought 4 separate in-hand classes for 2017.

Historically there has always been a very good entry of highlands at this show, so it was only fitting that they were now given this increased range of classes. Entries did not disappoint with 37 ponies pre-entered-highland ponies which has definitely putting a mark on the Yorkshire map! A cash prize of £25 for highest placed 1, 2 and 3 year olds was again offered by the HPEC. Although some threat of rain was suggested on Tuesday, the weather managed to stay fair for the in-hand classes. These were not scheduled until after 5 and with the ring running late by this time, it was a long wait for some, but worth waiting for, to see so many ponies forward.

Of 14 youngsters entered 11 were forward on the day with Claire Kinsley with her 2 year old colt Mannochmore of Millfield taking a well-deserved win and going on to take overall Champion.

Wednesday was the turn of the ridden class which was also very Mannochmore of Millfield well supported with in excess of 30 highlands forward on the day. What a wonderful sight and a credit to the breed to see all these ponies cantering around the White Rose Ring together.

Holmedown Charlotte was a worthy winner, with Benbreac of Croila second and Catriona of Meggernie third.

Magnus of Dykes

Liz Mangham

Photos Janet Smith

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Colt, Filly or Gelding 3 years old or under (14 entries) 1st Ms C Kinsley Mannochmore of Millfield 2nd Ms A Fairclough Maisie of Strathmore 3rd Miss S Hurst Royal Duchess of Hanlith 4th Mr C Grant Dewley Benwiskin 5th The Countess of Swinton Poppy of Dykes 6th Miss M Procter Moonstruck Northern Star Stallion years old or over (5 entries) 1st The Countess of Swinton Magnus of Dykes 2nd Miss T Millward Lochlands Gypsy Barron Gelding 4 years old or over (7 entries) 1st Mr C Grant Dunedin McSporran 2nd Mrs E Long Jura of Ryedale 3rd Mrs A Barton Hamish of Fourmerk 4th The Countess of Swinton Gordon of Dykes 5th Mrs M Fawcett Tower Highland Piper 6th Ms A Fairclough Lagalgarve Ben Ghuilean

Dunedin McSporran Mare 4 years old or over (7 entries) 1st Mrs GM McMurray 2nd Mrs P Daniels 3rd Mr M Forrest 4th Mrs C Taylor 5th Mrs M Parkin Vaughan 6th Mrs J Farrar

Trailtrow Lille Trailtrow Lille Orla of Carlung Windgates Rhianna Moss Side Vivienna Rosie of Combebank Glenwestcastle Little Miss Jasmine

Ridden Highland HOYS Qualifier (35 entries) 1st Mrs S Fox Holmedown Charlotte 2nd Mrs M Stanford Benbreac of Croila 3rd Mrs B Malim Catriona of Meggernie 4th Mr C Grant Dunedin Rhiona 5th Mrs D Brereton Dunedin Duncan 6th Mrs GM McMurray Trailtrow Lille Holmedown

Charlotte

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The Great Yorkshire Show 2017

45

Feature

Mannochmore of Millfield the story so far!

In the late summer of 2015 I was having a casual look through the sales pages on the Highland Pony Society (HPS) website when a photo of a pale yellow dun foal caught my eye. I was immediately impressed by his uphill front, neat pony head and 'look at me' expression. The description which included strong possibility of an 'exceptional temperament' had me even more interested.

He had been to Perth show and had won the male foal class and then been made foal Champion.

I really didn't 'need' another Highland pony. However, I think sometimes it can work out best to let the heart rule the head! Therefore in October I arrived at the Millfield Highland pony stud just north of Edinburgh and was made very welcome. I had a wonderful day meeting the whole family and being shown all the ponies.

Willie Allan took me to meet the foal's sire Glenmuir Lochaber who was very friendly and chilled. I though he was one of the nicest examples of a Highland pony stallion I had seen. The foal was visited out in the field with his dam the lovely Maggie May of Millfield who is owned by Willie's daughter Kathryn. I was just as impressed with the foal in real life and was considered a suitable new owner for him!

I was allowed to name him as long as it started with 'M'. My first Highland Rignell Auchentoshan (aka Tosh) was named after a whisky distillery near Glasgow so when I found the Mannochmore distillery near Inverness I though it would be a very suitable name and shortened to Mannoch as a stable name.

In December 2015 this fluffy little foal arrived who had ended up being a very generous Christmas present. He walked off the transporter in the dark, straight into his stable and started eating hay, no fuss what so ever. I thought he must just be tired, but this no fuss approach to life has continued ever since. He spent the winter playing with his now best friend my Mum's Highland gelding Carlung Peregrine.

In April 2016 Mum and I washed him and we managed to tame his incredibly thick mane over to one side for the first time.

46 Suddenly the fluffy foal had transformed into a rather smart looking yearling so we thought a few shows would be good for his education. Mannoch's first show was at a local venue and he won both the youngstock and mature M&M classes.

From the first moment he stepped inside a show ring he has been a total showman.

He pricks his ears, lifts himself up in front and strides out, it is a wonderful feeling leading something so light, responsive and naturally balanced.

His second show was Suffolk county where he was best yearling. Royal Norfolk is my home county show I hadn't won a class there since 1980 when I won the lead rein class aged 6 (I am giving my age away here!). On the first day Tosh (then aged 21) was 2nd in-hand and 3rd in ridden veteran classes. On the second day Peregrine went into the mature Highland, Fells & Dales in-hand class and to my delight he won. I was still in shock, but I had to go straight into the youngstock class with Mannoch and it was like buses (all arriving together!) as he won his class too! To top it off Peregrine was awarded Champion and Mannoch Reserve.

Mannoch then had a break before Equifest where he won two out of three classes including the Highland yearling. Finishing with best colt in the yearling class at Southern Highland Pony Show (SHPS). I decided that five shows were enough for a yearling and he would have the rest of the year to chill in the field. As he had behaved so well as a colt and had received positive comments he would be kept entire to see how he matured.

Showing a two year old can be tricky as they are often at an in between age, but we thought we would take him to a few shows again just for the experience, definitely with no expectations. His first show as a two year old was Nottinghamshire County in May 2017 and he couldn't get in the lorry fast enough to get to his special treat a net of haylage! He was pleased to be out again, but settled well in the ring to win the youngstock non welsh large breed class, which was a lovely surprise.

At Suffolk County he won the Highland, Fells and Dales youngstock class and then was Reserve Champion. At Midlands County he gained third and then two firsts leading to two Reserve Championships. At Royal Norfolk he was second in the youngstock class to the eventual Champion.

At all these shows he coped really well with staying away and was always chilled in his stable and travelling. It also helped he had his field buddy Peregrine with him to show him the ropes. We felt confident he could handle a longer trip away.

Mum used to drive Heavy Horses at the Great Yorkshire Show (GYS) and really liked the show. I was keen to support the new in-hand classes just for Highlands which had been supported by the Highland Pony Enthusiasts Club (HPEC) and the HPS. So I booked a week’s annual leave and instead of chilling on a beach like a 'normal' person

47 set off on a 'Showcation'.

It was a great return for the organisers efforts that there were 37 Highland entries across the four classes on the first day of the show. I would have been delighted if Mannoch had been awarded the GYS Special card and the Special prize offered by the HPEC North East for the highest placed two year old, so I was thrilled when he won the 3 years old or under class and then gobsmacked when he was called forward as overall Champion. The HPEC plate, HPS bronze medal (which arrived later) and sash, rosettes and GYS cards are all wonderful prizes to remind us of an amazing day. Being made Champion Highland had also qualified Mannoch to take part in the GYS qualifying round of the Cuddy Supreme In-Hand Championship on the final day of the GYS. Our planned day off shopping and enjoying the rest of the show turned into a day getting ready for the big class. Leading Mannoch into the 'Cuddy' past the packed grandstand of the White Rose ring as representative of the Highland Pony breed was a very proud moment. He enjoyed the crowed, showed himself very well and was pulled forward into the final seven. I was delighted with how he rose to the occasion.

On the way home we broke the journey at the weekend of The Showing Register (TSR) show and the Southern Highland Pony show (SHPS) at the same venue near Rugby. At the TSR show he won the three years and under Highland class and was reserve Highland Champion. At the SHPS I just took him in the Home Produced youngstock class which he won and was then reserve to four year old Madeline of Millfield owned by Laura Drake. Madeline is also by Glenmuir Lochaber and she went on to be SHPS In-hand Supreme Champion winning a HPS Bronze medal.

This was a very successful few weeks for the Millfield Stud as at the Scottish Game Fair five year old Miley of Millfield won the Working Hill Ponies class too Since the end of July 2017 Mannoch has had a complete break and is enjoying time in the field being wooly and muddy. We are already looking forward to next season and hopefully will take him to see the Queen in May!

Claire Kinsley

Results

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Pennine Area End of Season Show Results Mixed Condition in Hand Youngstock 1st & Res Moss-side Yeva Christine Bassett 2nd Luna of Heatherglen Liz Mangham 3rd King Fearghus of Croila Croft Caroline Beech Maturestock 2nd Lagalgarve Merlin Joanne Rodgers 4th Windgates Rhianna Mick Forrest 5th Finches China Rose Lianne Parkin

Lussa

Highland Ponies in Hand Yearling 1st Watermillock Maverick Sarah Doran 2nd Luna of Heatherglen Liz Mangham 3rd King Fearghus of Croila Croft Caroline Beech Two or three years old 1st Sydbrook Molly May Margaret Woosey 2nd Moss-side Yeva Christine Bassett 3rd Craiglaw Meagaidh Sarah Doran

China Rose

Mares 1st & Ch Lagalgarve Loch Lussa Amanda Kay 2nd Madeline of Millfield Laura Drake 3rd Windgates Rhianna Mick Forrest 4th Floraigh of Combebank Tina McKay 5th Blairbuie Holly Fiona Barber Geldings & Stallions 1st & Res Lagalgarve Ben Ghuilean Mandy Fairclough 2nd Carmoor Troy Laura Maher 3rd Lagalgarve Merlin Joanne Rogers 4th Heald Town Mr Brock Angela Aucker

Rhianna Bertie

49 Highland, Fell and Dales Ridden Tack and Turnout 2nd Lagalgarve Merlin Joanne Rogers

Nursery Novice Ridden 1st Floraigh of Combebank 2nd Finches China Rose 3rd Windgates Rhianna 4th Lagalgarve Merlin

Photos by Melody Ashcroft

Tina McKay Lianne Parkin Mick Forrest Joanne Rogers

Novice Ridden 1st & Res Heybrows Berneray Lord Bertram Amy Harris Intermediate Ridden 1st & Ch Lagalgarve Loch Lussa Amanda Kay 2nd Heatherglen Dougal Emma Godwin 3rd Bridget of Combebank Michelle Parkin-Vaughan 5th Carmoor Troy Laura Maher

Yeva

Dougal

Open Ridden 2nd Lagalgarve Loch Lussa Amanda Kay 3rd Heatherglen Dougal Emma Godwin 4th Bridget of Combebank Michelle ParkinVaughan Utility Pony 1st Heatherglen Dougal Emma Godwin 2nd Lagalgarve Merlin Joanne Rogers 3rd Bridget of Combebank Michelle Parkin-Vaughan 4th Finches China Rose Lianne Parkin

Merlin Ben Ghuilean

Lussa and Bertie

Feature

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Focus on Trowan Promise Lesley started her partnership with Promise in 2013 and went on to take the top accolade in the HPEC Performance Awards this Spring. We asked Lesley to tell us about the events leading up to this…….. Trowan Promise is my first ever highland pony whom I have owned for three and a half years now and what a fantastic journey it has been……..

I bought Promise from Robert Davidson of Carse of Trowan, Crieff, Perthshire on the 14th September 2013. Donna Middleton and myself made the long trip to Perth on the Friday night and stayed at Susie Robertson’s house with a lovely little pony called Star who would keep Promise company on the long journey back to Newcastle. The next day we picked Promise up and typical highland style she walked on the trailer like she had done it all her life (well there was food involved!). She travelled like a pro and was totally unfazed by the whole thing and got off at the other end and tucked straight into her hay!

We were on a very busy livery yard but only stayed there about 6 weeks until we found the perfect yard, which really is a pony paradise if the truth be known! Beautiful yard, fantastic grazing, bark paddock for fat ponies, flood lit arena, beaches only 30min hack away and the hacking is fab too, acres upon acres of set aside to ride on, hardly touching the main roads at all.

In the early days we just hacked about and had a few lessons here and there - really just getting to know each other. Our first ever competition was in June 2014 and with no transport at this point we hacked to the dressage competition which was right next to the beach at Gloucester Lodge, Blyth, Northumberland.

We came 3rd in an intro test and I was over the moon!

2015 was very similar to 2014 - just the odd show, lesson, and a few dressage tests, show jumping and showing competitions but in 2016 I was able to get my own trailer.

Now with transport, we were out most weekends (no stopping us!)

January 2016 was a great start for us competing in three dressage leagues, where Promise won two of them, and collected a very worthy 17 1 st places throughout the year at Prelim and Intro level.

We also had a bash at the dressage to music which I have to say was great fun and a great crowd pleaser. We finished 2nd in our first ever attempt at it, along with the biggest cheer I have ever had. I think it might have been the Scottish music that got the crowd going!! Although I was a very proud mum that day I had a tear in my eye, but I wasn’t the only one.

Promise absolutely loves to jump (too high at times) so we tried our hoof at WHP, ODE, show jumping, long distance rides and combined training. All of these she does

51 with a smile on her face. At Blair she certainly had the judges eye or shall I say jaw dropped on how big she was jumping the novice WHP course, I think she had other ideas like jumping the BE course, maybe next year Promise!

Promise was also voted by the Bedlington and Blyth Riding Club the best pony of the year and she won the trophy for the overall point’s show which included dressage, show jumping, cross country and handy pony.

On the 19th January 2017 Lianne, Sheila and myself made the trip to Steve and Anne Owen-Walkers home where Anne held the performance awards. It was the most lovely relaxed day with nothing being a problem to them. We had coffee and biscuits on arrival and mixed with approximately 35 other highland pony owners, where the talk was mostly of our ponies (well, what else would you expect) and then we went onto the awards.

What can I say except my little 13.3 mouse dun pocket rocket won several of the categories including a bronze medal, best overall, best mare ,best cross country, best senior rider, best dressage, best newcomer and the £100 bursary for to spend on lessons of my choice. As you can imagine I was over the moon with these fantastic results and am still coming down to earth, as you can imagine I never expected so much in our first performance season.

After the awards we then had a beautiful lunch made my Anne and Steve followed by the pudding competition…….. This was judged by conformation (how it looks) and ride (how it tastes) this was really well supported and was in place of a raffle and it made £53.52 for the equine grass sickness fund Promise is still on her winter holidays at the moment but will be coming back into work very soon and my aim for 2017 is to affiliate her with the British Dressage and compete in WHP classes.

Lesley Dawson

Feature

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My Finest Hour Ask yourself a question. How can you decide what is your finest hour? Is it when you first sat on your highland pony, or when you first jumped a working hunter course, or was it when your pony won the HPS performance awards for England and Wales?

Well no, in my case it was in 2015, my second time competing at The Royal Highland Show in the ridden class, a class I had longed to compete in but my occupation (teaching) prevented me from even attending the show except at the weekend.

Tower Highland Piper was stabled off the showground as I was only competing in the ridden class on the Friday. We travelled up on the Thursday at a nice leisurely pace and put him in the stable for the night. On the Friday we arrived early to avoid the queues and rode in before getting him ready for the show ring.

In plenty of time we made our way to the collecting ring and I must admit to having butterflies. The class was called on time - fortunately a fellow competitor reminded me that Pipers tail was still plaited up to avoid getting dirty on the way up to the ring! After a swift removal of the plait we made our way into the main ring. On entering the main ring, it was nice to see so many familiar faces, all wishing you well. Piper walked easily and settled into a good walk but was wary of other riders and their ponies jostling for space in the ring.

We were asked to move into trot and finally into canter. Piper and I maintained a steady canter whilst one or two others came past us. After two circuits of the ring we were brought back to trot before being asked to change the rein and canter on the other rein. All the time I was aware of keeping my eye on the judges whilst encouraging Piper to show himself and keep working from behind (he has a tendency to go on his forehand) - I constantly have to be on his case.

We eventually were called back to walk and walked around the ring whilst the judges began to call in the competitors. I was surprised but pleased to be called in to the first row. The question I asked myself

53 was “Would I retain my place in the line up?". It wasn’t long before it was Piper’s turn to be ridden by the ride judge, Eric MacKechnie. Would Piper stand perfectly still whilst he mounted? Would he respond to the aids and give him a good ride?

He seemed to move off well and behaved beautifully except for an anticipation of canter. On returning back to me the judge thanked me and moved on to ride the next pony. I had to remove Pipers saddle and Jan Grant came into the ring to help me which was just as well as I was all fingers and thumbs. Piper had a quick brush down before moving off for the conformation stage of the class. He stood to attention and led up well for me.

It was now a waiting game and I hoped that we could retain our place in the line up against such a big class of quality ponies. I stood in the line up next to Heather Dick and we chatted whilst waiting for the results to be announced. We both were hoping to stay up and as the numbers were called out in reverse order. I got rather anxious as riders from below where we stood were called out and was hoping that I wouldn’t fall off the line up, especially as there were still ponies that had been pulled in above us still standing. There were two places left and four of the original ten had still not been called in. Thoughts were going through my mind, wondering if I had fallen at the last hurdle to achieve a place. Imagine my shock when my number was called out. Piper and I had achieved second place. Second place at the Royal Highland Show! I think I spent the rest of the day in a daze!

Sometimes when I look back on that day I still cannot believe what our partnership achieved and am grateful for both Sinclair photography and Jim Bone for their pictures of that memorable occasion.

Mardy Fawcett

Fact File Tower Highland Piper born 2006 grey dun gelding

by Turin Hill Kylemore out of Tower Amanda

Report

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British Dressage Native Breeds Associated Championship This was my first experience of the British Dressage (BD) Native Breeds Championship, but it is the second year this associated championship has run. The competition was held at the end of September at Vale View EC in Leicestershire.

To qualify ponies must be registered Natives or part-breds and achieve 3 scores of 60% or higher. The classes started on the Wednesday with small entries for Prix St Georges and Advanced Medium. In the Elementary Freestyle to Music also run that day 2nd place went to the free moving part-bred Highland Hirstmund Merlot who was bred by Sara Hird and is ridden by Zoe Florence.

Thursday was the championship classes for Medium and Elementary. In the Elementary pure bred section there were over 30 entries and the three Highland representatives only just missed out on top ten placings. They were Moulzie Thunder ridden by Rebecca Chalmers, Kincardine Heather ridden by Julie-Ann Davidson and Glenmore Roisbheinn ridden by Susie Chappelhow-Lacey and owned by Sophie Beaumont.

I arrived Thursday afternoon and as soon as Carlung Peregrine had got off the lorry he was being admired by Julie-Ann Davidson and we got chatting about - you guessed it Highland Ponies! I was very impressed by her commitment to take part in this competition having driven 10 hours from Scotland.

On Friday the Novice part bred section was won with the highest percentage of all the Novice sections by Hirstmund Merlot. Due to the larger entries the pure bred entries were split into Welsh and non-Welsh sections, which worked well.

Unfortunately Peregrine made a small mistake which put him just out of the placings.

However the three Highlands from the previous day did super tests and were able to take part in the ridden presentation.

Glenmore Roisbheinn was 2nd, Moulzie Kincardine Heather Thunder 3rd and Moulzie Thunder Kincardine Heather Glenmore of Roisbheinn 9th.

55 The Prelim non-Welsh section had over 30 entries with seven Highlands.

Unfortunately Peregrine decided that he really must go to the toilet in the middle of a 20 metre circle so that scuppered our chance of a place! The majority of the results were very close, but the only Highland in the top ten mounted prize giving was newcomer to dressage Kerrera Duke ridden by Erin Denney and owned by Paula and Ian Phillips with a well deserved 9th place.

The indoor arenas were impressive, but took some getting used to for the less experienced ponies.

There were large flower arrangements on top of the markers and two tables of judges caused some baffled looks Kerrera Duke from ponies. The venue gave the opportunity for 'arena walks' before the classes started which was beneficial.

I found the judging was strict, as you would expect at a championship, but fair and they mainly seemed to appreciate that the ponies were not going to have the same type of paces as a warmblood.

On Sunday Peregrine had his first go at freestyle to music Prelim and Novice classes and I was delighted with how he handled this new challenge and he achieved two good percentages and close second places. It would be nice in future years if more people stayed and had a go at freestyle with their native ponies.

I certainly found, like at many other shows, Highland riders and grooms were supportive of each other and genuinely pleased for each other’s good results. We are a determined bunch as we don't make it easy for ourselves doing BD on a Highland, so I think we aim to have a lot more fun!

Claire Kinsley

Report

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Olympia 2017 Olympia for many means the start of Christmas, and this year many HPEC members descended on the capital to join in with the festivities. Travelling from all corners of the country from Inverness to Surrey and everywhere in between including the Isle of Man, I travelled with a large crowd from Newcastle with our weekend getting off to a fun filled start consuming Buck’s Fizz and more on the 8am train to London. Our plans for the

day began very merrily as tourists with us branching off into small groups and heading to various locations including the Horse Guards Parade, Covent Garden, Tate Britain and the Natural History Museum. Our group reconvened at the hotel where we met with others before heading out for Sunday dinner. The following morning thirty nine of us met at the show to enjoy the BSPS Lemieux Heritage Supreme Pony of the Year final. This year the highland ponies were represented by Dunedin Duncan, Harris of Mendick and Ruby Rose of Strathmore.

All three ponies acquitted themselves well with Harris of Mendick taking the best of breed award. The competition was won by the Welsh Section B pony Cadlanvalley Sandpiper on his seventh trip to the final.

An action packed programme kept us all entertained in the afternoon with

57 everything from six bar show jumping to dog agility following the M&M class. The ever popular Shetland Pony Grand National was made even more exciting when our very own Amanda Hart’s granddaughter Sophie Stiles won the race. With plenty of retail therapy on offer, the time flew by and it was soon time for us to tackle the London crowds again heading back to Kings Cross for the journey home.

Chris Grant

Photos by Alison Payne, Norma Reid Charters Louise Berry wright

Feature

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Achnacarry visit to the Pennines On 9th November I and three of my dogs drove once again south of the Border, this time to stay with Alison Payne and her father. This is the twelfth year of these visits mainly to attend the Northern Schnauzer Show where I join enthusiasts of the breed and show one or two of my dogs.

Prior to the show Alison asked if I would like to visit Heald Town Highland Pony Stud and of course us Highland Pony people very rarely refuse such an offer!

Christine Bassett was also joining us so once again an excuse to see some more Highland Ponies and of course I would see Alison's ponies too before I left for home.

It was good to see Chris's latest addition, Moss-side Yeva as I hadn't seen her since she left Scotland. She has matured well and is so well handled. It was also nice to see Chris and Paul's other ponies, Isla, Peigi and Lady. (Ialuinn Na Dailach, Staffin Peigi of Castle Green, Lady MacSpate of Warren).

After a very nice bar lunch at a dog friendly pub we set off to visit Heald Town ponies.

Although I knew we were on the edge of the Peak District I was surprised to learn that the farm stands at 1400' and on the day we visited it was particularly cold and windy.

Not ideal for me as I was choked up with the cold! However, I wouldn't have missed it for the world.

Our first encounter with the ponies was with two young colts that the stud is running on, one a sturdy yellow dun Heald Town Darwin, the other one Glenmuick of Coynach black with a lovely head.

Next was a must visit to see Ghamjon Ernie whose sire is my Aigas of Achnacarry. Ernie is a dark mouse similar to Rowan his paternal grandmother and he looked to be a bit taller than both his father and grandmother but had their superb temperament.

I look forward to reading the next chapter in his life as he has just left the stud to be broken in and add another notch to his belt.

The stud had two colt foals by him that were well grown and chunky. In total there were four foals for us to look at and I complement Heald Town on having them so well handled and haltered and such an early age.

59 From there we climbed up the hill to view the mares and young fillies and it was here that I thought I had never been so cold in a long time! The ponies were all grazing away happily with shaggy coats already! No wonder.....their environment is comparable to our ponies in the Highlands of Scotland. Every one of us had a favourite I think and I would love to visit the stud again in the summer when their next crop of foals are on the ground.

Just before we went in for tea, Melody showed us a little grey Fergie tractor she had been gifted and which she hadn't been able to start.

Undaunted I climbed aboard and after a check managed to start it up. Pity I hadn't checked where the accelerator was because it soon stopped never to start again that day. However I was informed by Melody that she did in fact get it started again later!

On the Sunday I had a rest day at Castle Green and Langsett Stud and had my usual tour round Alison’s ponies all of which were looking very well. "Ginger Filly" (Seonaid Mhor of Castle Green) by my Rannoch, looking less ginger and maturing nicely, then Davy (Connell Daibhiadh of Castle Green) by Echo of Achnacarry also maturing nicely. I can't wait to see him as an 8 year old when he should be at his peak. I have a soft spot for Gigha since she stayed with me this summer and she is also Davy’s mother and will hopefully have a foal by Eros of Achnacarry next year.

Of course the reason for staying with Alison was to attend the Northern Schnauzer Show and show Tallulah and Sam. This is always a popular show and we usually have a good show there this year being the exception where Tallulah was 2nd in a strong Limit class and Sam 3rd in Open so no prizes of dog food this year which comes with the red tickets.

However it was a fun packed few days and as always very enjoyable.

Jean Connell

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