Native Pony February/March 2023 (158)

A word from our editor

Dear Reader,

Wow! Here we are at the beginning of a new print year, and I can scarcely believe it’s almost March already. Royal International Horse show qualifiers are just around the corner, and HOYS ‘Golden Tickets’ will be up for grabs shortly afterwards, as well as London International Horse Show qualifiers. I’m not yet ready to toe the season starting line, but I know that many of you out there are, and I’m excited to see the new faces you have to show this year. I’m also looking forwards to see how the new opportunities for amateurs to compete at large finals unfold. It’s wonderful to see showing becoming more inclusive. Meanwhile, those of you not so fussed on showing have also been pretty busy! I absolutely love seeing posts of you and your ponies holding your own against apparently ‘sportier’ breeds and giving them a run for their money. I’ve long purported the versatility of our native breeds, and you’re out there proving it to the world, so I salute you! Especially when jumping enormous fences! This issue is yet another packed one. In fact, when it came to printing time, we found we had overrun, and needed to save some treats for next issue! Last year, the first issue of the year was one of my favourites, and I have loved seeing this one pulled together, too. I think it’s the glorious contrast between the mud-splattered racers at the New Forest Point to Point and the pristine, polished ponies at the London International, as well as all in between, each as fabulous in their own rights as each other. I hope you enjoy it all as much as me!

As ever, please do keep me in the loop on what you are up to with your natives. From fundraising trekks to Badminton Grassroots, horseball, to showjumping, endurance and dressage, I want to know about it so that we can share your story and celebrate your successes in the pages of Native Pony. My email address is beth.simons@showingworldonline.co.uk

Native Pony is indebted to the wonderful folk who give up their time to collate news of each breed and to bring you informative columns, as well as Ruth for her stunning photographs and commentary. I cannot stress how invaluable they are to me. If you are reading this and collate one of our pages, thank you so very much for your constant help and often advice, too; I am looking forwards to working with you for another year.

Yours, Beth

OUR VALUED PARTNERS

Barbara Wilson 5th May 1932 – 30th November 2022

A life well lived

As the Hunting and Native Pony World pay their respect to a lifelong supporter, breeder and International Judge it is only fitting to acknowledge Barbara’s legacy.

‘B’ started riding at a very young age as her parents Arthur and Bryan ran a riding school in North Yorkshire. Just prior to WWII, the family moved to Hardingley Farm, West Yorkshire in the heart of the Rockwood Harriers Country. This was to be Barbara’s home for the rest of her life.

Barbara is photographed hunting with the Rockwood Harriers on the 16th October 1948, accompanied by her Mother, as she always was in those days. Under the guidance of Teddy Lumb and Frank Woodhead, Barbara progressed to First Whip, an extreme honour for a female of her generation and a credit to her riding ability.

Aged 17, with a desire to travel, Barbara took up a position on a Dairy Farm in Wiltshire and hunted with the Beaufort. Returning to West Yorkshire a couple of years later, she won a WRCC scholarship to Newton Rigg to study Dairying and Allied Subjects. Her qualifications took her to Denmark. Unimpressed by her rat-infested accommodation, Barbara returned to the UK.

In 1955 she responded to an advert in Horse & Hound to work at a Shetland and Highland Stud in Aberdeen. Two weeks later, she and her trusted fixed-gear bicycle boarded the train in Huddersfield to meet Miss Richie at the Netherley Stud. The first year she was there they went to the Royal Highland Show and one of Mrs Richie’s Shetland ponies took Supreme Champion. For the next 17 years, Barbara returned to Netherley Stud from May to September. This is where her love for Shetland ponies began and many friendship formed.

In 1972 Barbara’s father suffered a heart attack and so she returned to Hardingley to help run the family farm. It was then she started selectively breeding her own Shetlands. Her Hardingley Stud produced some 51 foals, in the years to 2015, when she officially stopped breeding.

Barbara’s Horse of a life-time, was not a Shetland but Sparkle, a Cleveland Bay mare who she hunted with the Rockwood Harriers for 14 seasons after which time she retired to stud. Sired by Knaresbourgh Jack, Sparkle’s first foal was a stunning colt, which Barbara named Tam O Shanter. Tam was recruited by the Royal Mews and renamed “Calgary”. For many years he was the Queen’s carriage lead horse. Finishing his Royal duties Calgary returned to West Yorkshire, his final years were spent at Hardingley Farm educating the youngsters. Barbara had numerous stories and anecdotes about her visits to the Royal Mews to see Calgary.

Amongst her wide equine interests which included all native breeds, she was a welfare officer for the BHS in West Yorkshire. She was involved in a variety of local riding clubs and agricultural shows. A lifelong member of the Rockwood Harriers. And above all a renowned International Judge.

Barbara remained a very active member of the Shetland Pony Stud Book Society, becoming a member in 1963 and a life member from 1974, serving several times on the council. One highlight of her judging career was being asked to be one of the judges for the SPS-BS Centenary show and celebrations held at Ingliston in1990.

Barbara’s extensive knowledge and wicked sense of humour will be greatly missed by all those who knew her.

Barbara with her Shetlands

Barbara with the Rockwood Harriers and her mother in 1948

“And a knife, a shilling and a piece of string is all one ever requires.” Barbara Wilson, who will be greatly missed.

100

years of developing Ireland’s Connemara

Pony: The Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society celebrate 100 years in 2023

Journey through the century

By Clare Silke

In June 1912 a man by the name of Michael O’Malley, one which has become synonymous with the Connemara pony, set off walking from the west of Ireland village of Rosmuc. His destination was Olympia, London. He was accompanied by his groom Joe Walsh, they lead a 4-year-old grey stallion ‘Irish Dragoon’ and a 6-year-old cream mare ‘Eileen Alanna’. The goal was to present these ponies as an example of the Connemara pony breed as part of ‘The Parade of Types of British & Continental Horses & Ponies’. A journey today gauged at 870 kms was made on foot, train and boat from the wilds of Connemara to the heart of thriving London to one of the most prestigious equestrian events of the British calendar. O’Malley’s desire was to ‘show as many people as possible the best pony in the world’ and he was rewarded for his efforts with a diploma from the International Horse Show for taking part in the display. This journey would ignite a fire to preserve and develop Ireland’s native pony breed the results of which we are still experiencing today.

In December 2022, a pony by the name of ‘Castle Kestrel’who was bred in the heart of Connemara by Clifden based breeder Henry O’Toole - stood Supreme Mountain & Moorland Champion at the London International Show. One hundred and ten years after that first showcasing of Connemara ponies at Olympia, this win is a testament to the efforts of those that would come together to form the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society to develop and a promote a pony breed so versatile and talented it would go on to perform on a world stage for more than a century.

Forming the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society

Twelve years would pass between the journey to Olympia before the coming together of local Irish Connemara breeders to officially form the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society. Over that period O’Malley penned a series of letters outlining his concerns and the actions he would like taken to preserve this pony breed. In December 1923, a public meeting was held under the auspices of the Galway County Committee of Agriculture and the Department of Lands and Agriculture, to form a society for the preservation and improvement of the Connemara pony. The first committee took the initial steps at that inaugural meeting. Their task ‘to attempt to foster and develop, on systematic lines, a native breed which had existed for centuries, the merits of which were recognised not only in Ireland but outside it’.

Concluding that best results were likely using carefully selected ponies from native stock, large numbers of which were to be found in Connemara. It was unanimously agreed to form the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society. Objectives and regulations were set and decisions to inspect existing stallions to determine whether they were suitable to improve the breed or if importing new stallions, such as the Arab strain, would be required. Inspections of mares and stallions were planned. The first inspections were held in April the following year at eleven locations throughout the county including the CPBS first Annual Show at Roundstone in

Connemara pony herd

August 1924. A total of 339 mares presented at inspections: 75 passed; of 50 stallions presented, six passed. The then Society commented: ‘In making our selections we endeavour to adhere to the type of pony which made the breed famous in the past. That is a deep-bodied animal, short-backed and well ribbed up, standing on short legs, having good bone, sloping shoulders, a wellbalanced neck and head. The ideal height ranging from 13 to 14 hands and the average height of the selected ponies is 13 hands 2 inches’ with particular attention paid to action and selected ponies had free, easy and true movement. These inspections would lay the way for the first Connemara Pony Stud book in 1926.

The next 20 years would be a formative time in the Society’s history as they set in motion procedures to encourage breeders to engage and adapt breed standards against a backdrop of starvation and unrest for the people of the Connemara region.

One hundred years on…

It is 2023, 100 years from the Society’s first formation that the foresight of the first council to preserve and improve this unique native pony, and the contribution the breed has made to the economy and development of Connemara, is recognised and acknowledged world-wide. Today the Society has daughter societies in seventeen countries across the world, indicating the popularity and wide-ranging ability of this very special adaptable pony breed.

Members of the first elected Council of the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society. Back row: Bartley O’Sullivan, Michael O’Malley, Willie Roe; Middle: Mr Wallace, Josie Mongan, Tim Cotter, Tommy Kelly; Front: Tom Lyons, Mr Prendergast, Father White, Christy Kerin

Stallion Parade Image (photo by Rynes Walker)

The First CPBS council, courtesy of Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society Archives

To celebrate this extraordinary mile stone in both the history of the Society and of the breed itself several events are planned by the CPBS to celebrate this centenary. Taking place in March the Connemara Pony Spring Weekend will be the first of this year’s events to mark this Societal anniversary. Taking place at venues across County Galway and the seat of the Society, the Clifden Showgrounds the four-day festival will run from the 23rd through to the 26th of March. As well as community events that highlight the impact the pony and the Connemara region have had on one another, colt inspections will take place, an integral part of the success of today’s Connemara pony, on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Encouraging all current and new breeders to have their young stock inspected as part of this year’s festivities to ensure breed standards

are safeguarded into the next century. Saturday evening will see the hosting of the Centenary Celebration Hall of Fame awards where breeders past and present will be awarded for outstanding contributions and commitment to the breed. Launching on the night will be this year’s ‘An Capaillin’, the Society’s annual chronicling the previous year’s global success stories of Connemara ponies both at home and aboard. Sunday, the final day of the festival will see the parade of Stallions showcasing the sires of the moment at the showgrounds. Always a spectacular sight, breeders of stallions that have had significant impact on the breed over the decades are to be recognised as part of this year’s parade. Set to be an engaging 4 days of activities it is set to attract Connemara pony breeders, owners and enthusiasts from all over the world.

The annual Connemara Pony Show will take place at the Clifden showgrounds later this year. Returning to its third week of August date for 2023, this year’s four-day show will be dedicated to this historical anniversary. Always an incredible display of the Connemara across a range of competitive classes from in-hand showing, ridden, side-saddle and performance competitions, the Connemara Pony Show will take place from the 15th to the 18th of August. A date worth saving for anyone who is interested in experiencing Ireland’s native breed at home in the birth place of both the breed and the Society.

For more information and events that are set to be announced to mark this auspicious occasion stay up to date with the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society website https://cpbs.ie/ and Facebook, Instagram and across social media.

Conor Mac Cormack presenting Banks Donavan. (Photo by Rynes Walker)

MERKISAYRE SEA DUBLE

Duble is a familiar with Shetland Pony Grand National fans. Maggie Simons speaks to owner Lianna Dadson to find out what makes him so special.

Born on Shetland, Duble’s first five years were spent on the isles before he was entered for pony sales in Aberdeen and sold for a small amount to a Shetland Grand National pony yard. Lianna’s daughter Poppy Dadson broke him in and soon fell in love, so the Dadson’s purchased him shortly afterwards.

Duble’s racing days started in 2017. He was partnered by Poppy for 2017 and 2018, winning everywhere from Windsor, to Gatcombe, Liverpool and Olympia. 2019 saw Lucy Aspell take the reins. Lucy’s dad, Leighton Aspell was a former winner of the Grand National at Aintree, and Duble’s next jockey, Lucas Murphy also came from a racing family as his dad, Timmy Murphy rode over 1,000 winners over fences. Under Lucas, Duble was again unbeaten, despite being one of the smallest on the circuit. “His flare for jumping enables him to steal an advantage over his bigger opponents,” said Lianna.

His new jockey for 2023, Edie, contacted Duble and his family through Instagram last year. Edie explained that she lived locally and would love to ride Duble. Although Duble already had a racing jockey for 2022, Edie was welcomed over to meet and ride Duble, and “the pair clicked and she will take over the ride from Lucas this season”.

Although Duble is often one of the smallest Shetlands racing at just 39 inches tall, he more than makes up for it in character! Lianna said: “At home Duble is a big character; he will carry the smallest of jockeys around the yard quietly, as long as they stick to walking! He has two gears: walk and fast! He’s a quirky ride, who responds to a pat on the neck as his signal to stop, and is only ever ridden in a happy mouth snaffle.”

Although, it seems Duble hasn’t always been an easy-going character. “He hasn’t always taken everything in his stride as

Merkisayre Sea Double

12-year-old gelding, 39” tall

Sire: Kanteborgs Seagrams

Dam: Merkisayre Duchess

he does now. The noise and buzz used to get to him but he’s an old professional now.”

Lianna explained that “as the King of the yard, he enjoys time out every day, sometimes on the garden, even if the others have to stay in. He is totally spoiled and has everything he could possibly wish for. He loves apples and can often be found rubbing on the apple tree in the garden to get them to fall. ”

In order to remain fresh, Duble’s fitness regime mainly consists of hacking. “This way racing remains exciting,” said Lianna, adding, “he also enjoys show jumping, cross country and is lunged once a week. He is best kept not too fit, this way he doesn’t get too excited at shows! Now that Poppy is 18 she has taken over handling Duble in the ring. Duble is a brand ambassador for Beddown, Omega and Equilibrium, and he also has a large following on social media, where you can also follow their progress and antics.

FB: @dubletheracingshetland

Instagram: @dublespgn_racingshetland

YouTube: @dubletheracingshetland7507

FAST AND FLUFFY

Photos by Real Time Imaging

The Shetland Grand National at the London International Horse Show. Once again, the final showdown in the Shetland racing calendar, the Shetland Grand National at the London International Horse Show was an adrenaline-fuelled treat.

As well as training hard to get fit, the Shetland Pony Grand National team had been busy fundraising for the Bob Champion Cancer Trust, travelling the country together, from the Royal Lancashire show to the Royal Cornwall show and to the queen’s back garden at Royal Windsor.

In the run up to the December finale, the team will take between 16 and 18 pony-and-jockey combinations to each event where they go head-to-head, racing over miniature steeplechase-style fences. Having raced all summer, ten combinations are chosen to race at the London International Horse Show.

Whilst any combination of pony and rider within the ruling parameters can apply to take part in the race, each of those combinations is put through their paces during a mandatory assessment day in April before they are allowed to race. This year, the SPGN trials day is taking place Keysoe International on April 1st. The young jockeys are expected to demonstrate skill riding amongst others, at speed,

and over steeplechase-style fences. By assessing their suitability and ability to race, the team can ensure safety for all. When you watch them race, you can see exactly why it’s needed: these ponies really do gallop, corners are tight, and competition is fierce. And that’s without the electric atmosphere that could fire up even the quietest of ponies.

Whilst there are no costs involved in taking part, the jockeys are asked to commit to fundraising for the Bob Champion Cancer Trust. They take this extremely seriously, and to date, the Shetland Pony Grand National has raised well in excess of £150,000 for the charity. It’s an incredible way to celebrate Bob’s legendary comeback to win the 1981 Grand National riding Aldaniti, just months after he completed cancer treatment. Children are resourceful, and as a result, the funds are raised in several innovative ways, from cake sales, to pressed apple juice, bingo nights and everything in between. The kit that these young jockeys wear is exactly as the professional jockeys. Breeches can also be sponsored with the benefactor’s name or logo emblazoned down the jockey’s thigh for £250, and this money goes directly to the Bob Champion Cancer Trust.

Nevertheless, the Shetland Pony Grand National is as much about training jockeys as it is about

raising funds. The team has a long history of nurturing successful riders in all disciplines, such as event rider Francis Whittington and show-rider Gemma Pallett. Inevitably, it also has close links with the Thoroughbred racing world and there is no shortage of professional jockeys who have found their racing stripes with the team. In the past, trainer, Nigel Twiston Davies’ son, Sam, 2016 champion flat jockey, Jim Crowley, and Jamie Osborne’s daughter, Saffy, have all raced with the team. Just days after the 2021 London International Horse Show, champion trainer, Paul Nicholls’ daughter, Olive, 16, rode her first point to point winner aboard Virak and has gone from strength to strength since. Olive raced Shetlands for four years and in 2022, her younger sister Zara competed at London for the first time in her third season racing with the team.

Many of 2021’s jockeys also have a keen ambition to become involved in the racing industry with several already connected. Successful winning trainer, Martin Keighley’s son Freddie, 10, raced in 2021, as did Grand National winning jockey, Timmy Murphy’s son, Lucas before racing again in 2022. We cannot wait to see who will make the cut and take part in the 2023 final. One thing’s for sure, it will be a nail-biting contest!

Who can take part?

• All ponies (mare and geldings only) must be registered with the Shetland Pony Stud Book Society and must be between 37-42 inches in height.

• All ponies must be between 5 and 20 years old.

• SPGN riders must have attained their 8th birthday, but not attained their 14th birthday by 1st January of that season in order to take part.

• No rider over the height limit of 5 feet tall will be permitted to ride in any SPGN Trial Days, Displays, Qualifiers or at the London International Horse Show.

• All combinations must have attended and passed the mandatory training day

• At the London International Horse Show, the combination of pony and rider must be the same as the one that qualified / selected.

• All ponies must be accompanied by their S.P.S.B.S. passport containing a full vaccination record against Equine Influenza.

CLASS OF 2022

1

Cranford Fantastic [Zorro]

Jockey: Elsie Coppins, 12

Owner: Mrs M Shepherd

Trainer: Mrs M Shepherd

2

Grutness Innogee [Ninja]

Jockey: Toby Moore, 14

Onwer: Miss K Palmer

Trainer: Miss M Palmer-O’Donoghue

3

Cranford Fandabby Dosey [Fanny]

Jockey: Alice De Quincy-Adams, 11

Onwer: Mrs L De Quincy-Adams

Trainer: Mrs L De Quincy-Adams

4

Claredale Edward [Eddie]

Jockey: Matthew Holliday, 12

Onwer: Mrs S Holliday

Trainer: Mrs S Holliday

5

Merkisayre Sea Duble [Duble]

Jockey: Lucas Murphy, 13

Onwer: Mrs L Dadson

6

Shandwick Bentley [Bentley]

Jockey: Bethy Naylor-Davis, 12

Onwer: Mrs J Naylor-Davis

7

Shelcroft Buttercup [Buttercup]

Jockey: Indie Whipple, 13

Onwer: Mrs D Whipple

Trainer: Miss P Dadson

Trainer: Mrs J Naylor-Davis

Trainer: Mrs D Whipple 8

Selspen Merry [Merrylegs]

Jockey: Claudia Groves, 14

Onwer: Mrs S Groves

Trainer: Mrs S Groves

9

Firle Lord Edmund [Edmund]

Jockey: Finn Murphy, 11

Onwer: Miss H Carver

Trainer: Ms V Green

10

Briar Smokey Joe [Smokey]

Jockey: Zara Nicholls, 11

Onwer: Mrs G Nicholls

Trainer: Mrs G Nicholls

New Forest Point to Point 2022

By Hannah Turnock

Racing in the Hoofprints of King

William Rufus

Dating back to the early twentieth century, the New Forest Boxing Day Point-to-Point is believed to be the UK’s only remaining authentic point to point race. Organised by the New Forest Pony Breeding & Cattle Society, with permission from Natural England and Forestry England, the race is open to any member of the society as long as they are riding pure or part-bred (minimum 25%) New Forest Ponies.

Boxing day 2022 dawned bright and clear despite a very wet run up to Christmas. 71 competitors made their way to Ocknell Campsite, revealed to them just the day before – Christmas morning. There followed a busy hour, collecting number bibs, getting ponies measured and weighing in.

The riders are then taken to their newly revealed starting points. The event is regarded as a hugely important part of the heritage of the New Forest, requiring jockeys to navigate an unknown course across the open forest. Participants have just a short time to work out how they will reach the finish line, which this year was on Fritham Plain. It’s also a showpiece for the New Forest Pony Breed as the ponies need a high level of trainability and a brave attitude to cross a variety of terrains at speed.

The junior and veteran riders race over one and a half miles, half the distance that the runners in the open races cover. Whilst they were led to their start near

Janesmoor Pond, course setter John Adams took the three-milers to the Forest Lawn in front of the Sir Walter Tyrell pub. This is just a few steps from the Rufus Stone, which marks the spot where legend has it an arrow shot by Sir Walter Tyrell at a stag glanced off an oak tree and struck and killed King William Rufus while out hunting in August 1100. As riders set off through the glades, they may have been racing in the hoofprints of the King over a landscape little changed from that fateful day over 900 years ago.

Large entries caused organisers to split the race for teens aged 14-16 years and the Novice race meaning there were ten races in all. The 10-13 year-old race went to Amy Good riding Shatterford Golden Lad, or Goldie. Their story is one of tenacity and perseverance. Goldie had been backed at four but had led a feral existence in a large herd until purchased at 10 in May 2021. He retained a strong herd mentality leading him to be highly reactive and needing to flee any situation he deemed frightening. “Initially, he would not even eat hard feed if people were in the vicinity of his stable. He was incredibly fearful of anything in his peripheral vision, which meant basic daily activities such as rugging or giving a rider a leg up on to him were a challenge,” Andrea Good explained. In June 21, a yard fire devastated his stables. Whilst Goldie suffered only minor smoke inhalation, the stable he was starting to learn was a safe place was destroyed so he had to be turned away, very quickly reverting to his herd mentality. Shortly afterwards, Andrea fractured her pelvis and back and was confined to a wheelchair, so unable to supervise or assist Amy, who then suffered a further set back when Goldie spooked and she

incurred a fractured scaithoid. “Throughout the last 18 months Goldie’s character and honesty has shone through; despite his genuine fear he has never said, “No”. He still battles his demons on a daily basis and it was unknown how he would react to the crowds at the finish line. This win is testament to all the hours Amy spent trying to gain Goldie’s trust…her patience, determination and perseverance finally paid off!” The youngest rider on the day, Milly Stride on Hanmer High Days, came in second.

The evergreen Buttslawn Beaufort, who has been placed in the top four in his seven races over the years, recorded his third win in one section of the older children’s race, ridden by Taggie Wagstaff. The Lovell-Divey family recorded another superb day. Sonny Lovell, who had won the younger children’s race last year, stepped up to the older children’s race, where he recorded his second successive win, this year on Rowdown Emeli. Sonny’s brother, Isaac, headed straight into the Open category for first three-miler, duly winning it on Ipersbridge Eclipse. Their mum, Erika Dovey, recorded her third successive win in the Ladies race on the First-Cross pony Nutschullying Betwitched, the pair repeating their 2021 feat.

Anita Smith and partbred Shatterford Thriller won their veterans race. Anita is the outstanding rider of the 21st century, recording 14 wins since 2003, five of which were astride Obershade Top Gun Terry. She’s also notched up two seconds and a third, and has won her last eight successive races since 2014. Anita’s homebred Janesmoor Jasper Conran remains unbeaten in eight point-to-points. He won his first and only novice race under a different rider, before Anita rode him to his six victories in the Open. This year he switched to the Young Commoners, ridden by Anita’s niece Amy Howells, to record his eighth win. Most remarkable is that it’s not clear how much vision – if any – he has in one eye.

Other winners included:

Veterans, Reg New Forest Ponies: Staghill Polar Flight ridden by Katie Macey

Open Ponies: Brookshill Theo ridden by Nathan Coutts

Novice New Forest Ponies, yellow numbers: Sandhole Brandy Snap ridden by Rebecca Dunn

Novice New Forest ponies, pink numbers: Lovelyhill Gentle Touch ridden by Chloe Hughes

Photos kindly supplied by Tristan Jones @theshootingphotographer

Esme Mansergh-Wallace

By Clare Silke

RE-RIDING HISTORY

Onlookers of the Intermediate side saddle class at the Royal Dublin Horse Show may have been struck by the array of competitors in this year’s class. Five of the twelve qualified combinations were pure breed Connemara ponies. Side saddle is not a discipline linked with the history of the Connemara. Ireland’s native breed, traditionally this pony was the working animal of the Connaught region, toiling in the bogs and fields of the west of Ireland, pulling carts to sell farmers’ harvest at market. Come the spring, the hope would be that mares foaled to help supplement the winter months’ dwindling income. Side saddle, in stark contrast, was the riding style of the European elite, upper class ladies. Despite the lack of historical connection with this discipline, Connemaras ridden and competing under side saddle has gained significant popularity in both Ireland and the UK. How has this breed become such a popular choice for a style of riding that is in such contrast to its historical origins?

The art of side saddle has evolved over thousands of years. While the exact date of origin is not clear, there are accounts that Princess Anne of

Bohemia rode aside on her way to marry King Richard II in 1382. Originally saddles were little more than sitting platforms accompanied by wooden step structures called planchette for feet to rest. This 12th century version of the saddle did not offer much stability as women were seated at a complete right angle. Progress came with the addition of the horn or fixed head by Catherine de’ Medici circa 16th century. This addition allowed the right leg to wrap around it offering increased rider support. Later the planchette was replaced with a leather covered stirrup and the rider could now face forward allowing women to walk, trot and canter. By the Victorian era side saddles had evolved hugely in their design as it was considered the proper aristocratic way for women to pursue equestrian activities. The addition of the leaping head during this period, which frames the left thigh, enabled women to jump and cover country allowing them to take to the hunting fields alongside their male peers.

Today, the Ladies and Intermediate side saddle classes at the Dublin Horse Show are arguably the pinnacle of the discipline in Ireland.

Kate Hogan

Qualifiers are held across the country with the top three combinations from each competing at the final showcase in August. The Intermediate Side-Saddle class is popular with Connemara competitors as the height requirements are horses of any breed over 148cm not exceeding 158cm. While the overall aim of the class is to preserve the art of this riding style, combinations are judged on rider’s ability and turnout. From the equine side, manners and way of going are critical assessment factors in this class as traditionally the horse had to be beautifully obedient, well-schooled and light across the ground with smooth, comfortable gaits to carry a lady safely across country as with the hunting parties of old. As part of this class a show piece is performed where combinations are assessed at walk, trot, canter and either an extended canter or gallop with the emphasis on harmony between horse and rider. Light, athletic steps are rewarded with conformation qualities such as a good front with length of rein, good shoulders and adequate length of back to

accommodate this type of saddle. While hacks and riding horse types are traditionally associated with side saddle the Connemara is growing in numbers of finalists in this class year on year.

Esmé Mansergh-Wallace is a household name when it comes to side saddle at the Dublin Horse Show. The tradition was handed down to Esmé and her sisters by her mother Phillipa, and all three girls have been won Champion Side Saddle Rider at the RDS on several occasions. Having competed on both pure and part-bred Connemaras, Esmé considers the natural gait of the Connemara a key factor in their suitability to succeeding under side saddle ‘The trot is probably the most important gait when it comes to side saddle. The pace is very important for the rider to be able to sit comfortably. Connemaras, for the most part, tend to naturally have very good trot.’ She recommends trying sitting trot astride first to get the feel for a pony’s suitability for taking the side saddle. ‘Connemaras’ temperament of course sets them

apart from other breeds. They need to have a spark but that is balanced with good rideablity. Removing one leg means there is a certain amount of trust you are giving over to them. By and large they are very clever with a fondness for learning; they like a challenge and doing something new. That’s what I found with Finn.’ Finn is the 6-time winner of the Dublin Ridden Connemara class Derrymore Paddy Finn. Over the years they have won countless side saddle classes and championships across Ireland. In 2004 the striking pair won the then ‘Junior’ Side Saddle at Dublin and in 2006 they won Champion Side Saddle rider for which Finn was presented plaited as it was not common to present as a native. In 2019, after a break and a change to the Dublin schedule, Esmé and Finn qualified for the Intermediate Side Saddle Class. On these later outings Finn was presented as a native. ‘We were proud of his achievements to date, his age and that he is a purebred Connemara. It was lovely to leave his mane flowing and long.’

Aine Keogh

Having judged side saddle classes herself, Esmé stresses the importance of a good front on an animal thus offering the rider a feeling of security and the broadness that tends to be characteristic in the conformation of these ponies lends itself to that. This is echoed by Thomasina O’ Reilly, 2019 Ridden Reserve Champion at the Connemara Pony Show Clifden aside Rosscon Camille. ‘Their depth in body gives you the feeling that you have something quite solid underneath you as well as the temperament and sure footedness the breed is famed for. Originally bred as working animals they have the ability to handle a variety of ground better aside without interfering too much with their rhythm. Unflappability is important when showing in the ring as these classes can draw very large crowds and the solidness of character that is inherent in the breed is ideally suited.’

Aideen Robinson and daughter Áine Keogh who qualified the grey gelding Cluainín for this year’s Intermediate class in Dublin also call out the breed’s temperament with their adaptability to this riding style. ‘It is his willingness to learn, his forgiveness allowing for mistakes and we learn from them together.’ Áine has juvenile arthritis and doesn’t feel she has the same strength riding astride. ‘He takes on the role (of rebalancing) himself when the other leg is taken of. I put a lot of faith in him and I feel he really supports me when he is under side saddle’.’ Her Mum Aideen adds, ‘The Intermediate Side saddle is such a beautiful class. We really want to encourage Connemara owners to give it a go and get involved to continue this style of riding.’

A stand out performer on the Irish circuit this season was the dun mare Kinamara Laura piloted by Kate Hogan. Winner of the Junior Side Saddle at the Botanica International Show of the East, the Northern Ireland Festival and the Ladies Side Saddle at the Connemara Pony Show in Clifden. ‘Her owner, Jane Dalrymple, always wanted her to go under side saddle at Clifden.’ Witnessing this pony’s gallop first hand was awe inspiring, so much so that when the pair galloped, as part of their show piece in Dublin a week later, the crowd erupted into spontaneous applause. ‘The gallop is her favorite. She loves a big atmosphere and gave such a good spin’. On that sunny Sunday in August they were placed third overall to stand as the highest placed Connemara

in the Intermediate Side Saddle class at Dublin Horse Show 2022.

In the UK the performance of Connemaras under side saddle is equally accelerating. A Connemara that has dominated this year is Sarah Clune and daughter Moya Payne’s Derrow Lad. Moya has been awarded Open Junior Side Saddle Rider of the Year with wins at the Royal Windsor Show and the esteemed National Side Saddle Championships, competing in both equation and Concours D’Elegance classes. The Concours D’Elegance is a costume class where competitors are judged on emulating a painting from period times. ‘Traditionally the plaited types have dominated these types of classes. It is something we accidentally got involved in but this year he has been in the top three on all his outings’. Moya’s

Thomasina O’Reilly

Moya Payne

costume is inspired by the Royal horse artillery and she notes that Derrow performs at another level when the costume is on. ‘Connemaras know when they are being watched, and he will just blow himself up to look like a stallion. The navy costume against his white coat is striking and he seems to enjoy this class as much as we do.’ Sarah & Moya credit Derrow’s traditional, square frame ‘with a leg in each corner’ confirmation for his suitability to carrying the side saddle.

Vice Chairman of the Side Saddle Association (UK) Shirley Anderson, who, with her daughter Alex, compete their Connemara under side saddle notes that Connemaras under side saddle have been gaining popularity over the past decade. ‘Side saddle is all about the elegance of the picture. Connemaras are attractive to look at and many have the flowing paces to give the right picture. Other natives and traditional Cobs have shorter backs and cannot accommodate the length of side saddles. As a strong breed the majority of Connemaras have generous length of back while also being able

to carry the weight of these saddles.’ Shirley emphasizes the importance of correctly schooling ponies first so they are balanced and conditioned to take the weight of a side saddle. The pony’s back needs to be conditioned as carrying a rider and this saddle style is a different weight distribution. Riders also need to condition themselves to hold their posture without relying on the stirrup or balance strap. This is a common thread and something to consider for anyone training ponies to this riding style. Both Thomasina and Esmé emphasize the importance of correct schooling astride first and foremost with a focus on left hand aids. When ponies are trained to the saddle short sessions of 20 minutes twice a week are considered sufficient to keep backs strong and healthy.

Hacking out in the side saddle is encouraged to understand the feel for both pony and rider. When the physical strength has been built up ponies need to be well schooled both astride and aside respectively, not

purely able to perform a show piece. Due to the physicality of this style of riding, the athleticism of the Connemara allows the ponies to adapt successfully to this discipline.

While side saddle may not have played a role in the history of the Connemara pony there is endless potential for this breed to excel in this discipline as part of its future. The experience of these riders illustrates how the inherent nature and qualities of the modern Connemara allow these ponies to compete and be enjoyed under side saddle. For more information of how to get involved with side saddle in your area both the Side Saddle Association and Irish Side Saddle Association have details on instructors near you.

www.sidesaddleassociation.co.uk

www.ssaireland.com

Since the writing of this feature, the writer learned of the sad passing of Áine Keogh. The warmth and passion she demonstrated during her interview will be fondly remembered. The feature is dedicated to her and her family.

Shirely Anderson

Show

10th December 2022 | Berkshire College of Agriculture, Berkshire Report by Beth Simons | Photos by EquinePix

Thames Valley Welsh

Aimee Devane rides Popsters Storytime to supreme ridden champion

Storytime’s Debut a Happy Tale

Aimee Devane was delighted to take the ridden supreme with Jane and Paul Steeples’ four-year-old Welsh section C mare Popsters Storytime on her debut showring appearance under saddle. The Glebedale Johnny Depp daughter was purchased by Jane and Paul from the WPCS Autumn Cob Sales as a foal and was sent to Aimee to produce earlier this year. She took her first show well and truly in her stride, winning first the pure novice before running through the cards taking the overall novice tricolour en route to the supreme.

Aimee’s charges dominated the ridden championships. A second Welsh section C produced from her Newbury base, Costa Joe The Boss topped the open championship under Rachel Cooper having won the NPS Open Ridden class. Though co-owned with Aimee, Rachel took over the ride at the BSPS Heritage championships where she was restricted reserve. Whilst Rachel will now take most of the rides in flat classes, Aimee will continue to compete him over fences, and they aim to begin with arena eventing in January.

Gillian Simpson’s homebred section B

Wortley Golcar Lilly made it a hattrick of tricolours for the team by taking the open training class and section champion. She was ridden by stand-in jockey Amber Thorpe who was having a final London International Horse Show practice run.

Following in her parents’ footsteps, Phoebe Prater, swapped her ridden gear for running shoes, handling Welsh section A stallion Sprinbourne Coalport to take the section championship, NPS Silver Medal Championship, overall Welsh championship, and in-hand supreme. Seven-year-old Coalport is by Cascob Silverghost out of Springbourne Cara. Though UK born, he was reimported by Phoebe’s Parents Dan Prater and Ann Thomas-Jones after Phoebe had spotted him a few weeks after he had gone through one of the Welsh Pony and Cob Society’s online sales in 2020 unsold. “He was a surprise; I only knew he was coming a few hours before he was delivered as Mum kept it quiet,” explained Phoebe. Coalport is the sire of filly Challenge Cloe, the 2022 Welsh International Reserve Supreme, and Phoebe explained that he “has

sired two lovely foals this year who are retained” by the family, and they “expect two more next year”. The Springbourne stud also expect one foal by him next year having sadly lost his sire last year. As well as producing quality youngstock, Coalport has also had a successful run in the showring, standing reserve champion at Towerlands Silver Medal and winning at NPS Area 4. “He’s a lovely boy and I really enjoy showing him,” said Phoebe. Reserve supreme also went to a Welsh pony: section C Coppathorne China Doll. The quality filly was bred by Simon Charman, and is now co-owned between the Charman family and the Fuller family, who produce her. She started her day’s campaign with the section championship, and she also stood supreme foal and supreme youngstock champion before taking the overall reserve. She was shown by Tommy Fuller, who has produced and shown for Simon for a number of years. Tommy explained that he made the long journey from Kent to John and Jacky Kirk’s Builth Wells home to cover China Doll’s dam, Coppathorne Special K (by Moorcroft the Master) with

Springbourne Coalport stood champion Welsh section A and supreme in hand shown by Phoebe Prater

Donys Importance. “I fell in love with her once she arrived, and lucky for us Simon agreed to share her with us,” said Tommy. She made her debut showring appearance at Southern Counties WPCS Autumn medal show where she was youngstock section C champion and reserve overall section C and supreme overall youngstock. “She’s had quite the start and something very hard to follow,” Tommy said, adding, “we will hopefully have her out this coming season and look forward to her becoming a future broodmare.”

Hot on Tommy heels was his teenage son, also Tommy, showing the winning section C stallion and standing reserve to his dad with Graham Moffatt’s Pwllmelin The Fox, who arrived at Shankley for Tommy junior to show earlier in the autumn. The pair have got off to a great start in the ring, standing section C champion and supreme overall champion at Southern Counties Bronze Medal Show. “I can’t bewgin tell you how proud of Tommy we are and how grateful we are to Graham for allowing The Fox to come stay at Shankly,” said proud dad, Tommy.

Another foal showing great promise was the Welsh section D youngstock champion, Tony Newman’s homebred filly, Startcrest Total Enchantress. Tony is better known for his breeding and showing of Welsh section Cs, including Olympia winner Starcrest Discovery.

However, Tony had long considered keeping his own Welsh cobs, and having successfully shown Stephanie Edwards’ London section Ds, he decided that this filly’s mother, London Total Temptress would be the one to set him on his way with his own cobs. It proved a brilliant decision when she stood youngstock champion at the Royal Welsh show in 2019. By Llanmorlais Exclusive, Enchantress is Temptress’ first foal and is already set to follow in her mother’s successful footsteps, standing first,

youngstock champion and overall section D champion winning her first Bronze WPCS medal at the Southern Counties WPCA Show on her first showring appearance.

However, the Welsh section D championship was awarded to Sonia Smith’s homebred Trevallion Culhwch. The five-year-old stallion was successfully shown as a youngster by Dai Williams, bringing home numerous red rosettes, and has since been broken and shown under saddle by Katie Parry.

Tommy Fuller showed Coppathorne China Doll to stand champion section C, supreme foal and reserve supreme inhand champion

Starcrest Total Enchantress took the youngstock Welsh section D title, shown by her breeder-owner Tony Newman

Now matured, Culhwch was shown once again by Dai. He is by prolific stockgetter Gwynfaes Culhwch and has his trademark expressive movement. Sonia and Dai’s luck didn’t stop there, with homebred colt foal Trevallion S Zeus also winning his showring debut, shown by Sonia. Culhwch pipped the reserve, Carol Isaac’s homebred mare, Penclose Deluxe, to the post. Deluxe was shown by Carol’s grandson, Freddie Deacon, who has risen to the challenge of showing cobs in-hand with great promise over the past year, proving himself to be as natural in the inhand ring as Carol is in the riddens. Freddie’s mum, Delyn explained that Deluxe has spent much of her life in the field as a broodmare, but thought they would test the waters with the view to showing her with a foal at foot in 2023. Deluxe took it all in her stride to give a great account of herself, making for a promising start to her campaign.

The section Bs saw Jo Filmer leave with plenty to celebrate having taken both champion and reserve spots. This season, Jo has enjoyed tremendous success with homebred HOYS-winning Longhalves Renoir, and at Thames Valley we saw promises of more great things to come from Longhalves. Her champion was showring debutante Stougjeshoeve Royal Dutch, who later also went on to stand reserve overall foal champion and reserve overall youngstock champion. Bred in the Netherlands by Geert Verbaas and was

imported by Jo to join her Longhalves stud. “I have bought in specifically to use over the Falcon and Renoir mares. I love his bloodlines,” explained Jo. Dutch’s dam, Stougjeshoeve Especiale Born, is a full sister to Royal Welsh supreme champion and HOYS finalist, Stougjeshoeve Escudo. Meanwhile sire, Cwrtycadno Glyndwr, is of a long line of illustrious champions.” Whatever his pedigree, it’s clear that “dear” Dutch is becoming something of a favourite. “He’s a real delight, possessing superb conformation, lovely bone and limb a

delightful temperament and extravagant movement. Here’s hoping he fulfills his potential!”

Jo’s own breeding also enjoyed a share of the spoils, with yearling – now two-year-old – filly Longhalves Crown Princess [Molly] occupying the reserve spot. By Longhalves Heir Apparent, Molly occupies a special place in Jo’s heart, being out of the late Rhoson Silwli, who was dam of retained HOYS finalist Longhalves Lollapaloosa and the prolific Longhalves Renoir.

Jo Filmer’s Stougjeshoeve Royal Dutch stood champion Welsh section , reserve overall foal and reserve overall youngstock

Trevallion Culhwch impressed to stand champion Welsh section D handled by Dai Williams

PONIES PERFORMANCE

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

Furzley Fun

Jane Haskell’s New Forest ponies had a super day out on the South Notts Hunt Fun Ride last December. “It was an amazing day out with some game ponies who loved it!” Nine-year-old stallion Furzley To Be Faire (Toby), a competitor at HOYS 2022 in the mountain and moorland working hunter pony finals enjoyed a first day out ridden by Kirstie Wright. Kirstie’s niece, Annie rode nine-year-old gelding Furzley Fitzwilliam (Will) for his first time and her third time hunting. Finally, Furzley Fanfaire, a 13-year-old mare is Jane’s own “hunting machine who loves all things speed”. Once and open working hunter champion at the breed show, she also had two eventing wins in ’22 and showed no signs of taking it easy over the Christmas break! Jane explained that all three ponies have Luckington Sportaide and Sophia as their grand sire and dam. (Photos by Penny Fillingham)

Topsy Takes Top Turn

Alexa Teague competes and hunts her mum, Penny’s homebred Welsh section D mare Garthfach Utopia (Topsy). The 11-year-old is by Eifed Trysor out of Glanvyrnwy Goldspray, and the pair are photographed qualifying for NSEA champs.

Evie Jumps To It!

Amilas Clicquot –affectionately known by his friends and family as Colin –has spent the winter jumping with Evie Walker who is set to take over the reins from older sister Lilly. Colin was gelded at seven to contend the junior classes and did so extremely successfully with Lilly, even standing second and reserve champion junior at HOYS in 2021. Evie and Colin have been practicing at home and doing a bit of arena eventing. They are preparing for some novice workers before

hopefully tackling the HOYS junior working hunter pony class.

Evie has also been hunting our Shetland correspondent Kate Hampton’s Belle with the Wheatland. “Plastered in mud, they both absolutely loved it,” said Kate. Evie has wanted to go hunting for such a long time and was doing a happy dance when, as part of a Christmas treat she was told she could take Belle. Father Christmas even included a proper hunting flask in her stocking for future meets.”

A Sporty Summer Solstice

Far from dreary, the winter brought great news for Charlotte Caple’s Welsh Section B Stallion, Summer Solstice, as he won the Sports Pony Studbook Society 2022 Stallion Grading Champion.

Charlotte explained: “Earlier in the year we made a visit to Catherston Stud to have him graded by some of the top breeding judges in the UK. Summer Solstice also has some successful progeny on the ground and we look forward to him standing at stud again this season.”

(Photos by Tanja Davis Photography)

The pair have showing all summer only starting to jump towards the end of the season. “Belle took to it straight away and they have started competing in Arena Eventing. Despite being the smallest in her section, she’s won both attempts with super clears and a definite visible turn of speed in the timed section where the pair really push on to compensate for Belle’s shorter leg length!” (Photo credits: Topshots Photography)

Masterpiece’s Moves

Anneli Whitehouse of the Stanleys Stud’s Shetland stallion Kinness Masterpiece is produced and ridden by Laura Wells. He has recently won his section at the TDS Dressage Championships with a super 70%. He had to be in the senior section predominantly against horses but this was no problem to Masterpiece as he does not think he is any smaller than them, and with his presence, correct way of going and his active up-hill paces, he can charm judges!

“Masterpiece is a pleasure to have on the yard he loves a variety of work hacking schooling and jumping and he is very partial to a blast on our gallop strip,” said Laura. “Masterpiece is also ridden very often by my nine-year-old daughter Ella Rose who is counting down the time till she can take him in the ring herself. We are hoping to have a big year with him this season he will be doing RIHS, HOYS and LIHS qualifer’s, but we will also continue with his dressage as I think it is a very good form of training.” (Photo credits: ESP Media Warrior)

25-year-old Welsh section B pony Misty arrived with the Andrews family last summer as a games school-mistress for nineyear-old Evie Andrews, but has been adding a new string to her bow by turning a hoof to showjumping. At their first BS show, the pair qualified for the Blue Championship at Hartpury in the Pikeur Pony Winter Novice Championship 80cm class, with Misty loving her additional role!

If you want to see your performance pony in print, email us at beth.simons@ showingworldonline.co.uk

Mhairi of Silverstripe

Ruth on the Hoof –Back to the Hebrides

Highland pony Nashend Tobermory on Luskentyre beach, Isle of Harris

After the adventure on the Isle of Rum, I was due to head back out to the Outer Hebrides to see the Eriskay ponies. On my way, I just had to stop at Skye to see Neil McDonald and his stunning ponies. Neil has an Eriskay, Shetland, and Highland pony and keeps them in the most beautiful setting by the sea. The ponies were really keen to eat some seaweed, and Jo the Shetland was particularly enjoying it – in fact she had to get her toes wet as the tide was coming in and she hadn’t noticed!

The following day I caught the ferry out to Lochmaddy and drove down to Eriskay where I met Sandra from the Eriskay Pony Society – Comann Each nan Eilean for lunch. As it was summer, the ponies were all up on Ben Scrien, with the exception of the mares and foals who were kept in little fenced off and movable paddocks. I was not going to be staying in the area for very long, so I was quick to set out and see the ponies –one of my wishes was to see an Eriskay pony tacked up in the traditional creels and DJ from the society very kindly said he would do that for me.

While he went to fetch a pony from the hill, I went to see my favourite stallion and his mares who live nearby on South Uist to get an immediate Eriskay pony fix. I then went to join DJ and his brother as they expertly tacked the pony and took him down to the beach where DJ cut and loaded seaweed into the creels. Seaweed is used as a fertiliser for growing crops on the island and the

creels were used to carry other things such as manure and peat. Historically, the creels and pony would have been loaded high with seaweed but he only put a little in to give an idea of how it worked.

Eventually, I set out to climb Ben Scrien on Eriskay myself with the hope of seeing the ponies at the top. I did find a group of three that were sadly not near the top, and took a few photos, but I was keen to find more ponies. I spent the afternoon combing the hillside for the ponies with no luck. When I reached the summit, I found plenty of traces but sadly not a pony in sight. I came back down the hill and very close to the gate at the bottom, I discovered the herd basking in the evening sun. I took more photos of them but had to leave to make my dinner plans! That evening there was the most beautiful sunset and Sandra and I took Calmar the creels pony down to the beach to take a few photos of him there. He is such a patient pony!

The next day was hot and sunny and I didn’t fancy going up the hill again to find ponies if they were not going to be there. I patiently watched the ridge line all day and not a pony in sight. I explored parts of the island I had not been to before and caught up with a few friends. One exciting thing was the bay foal that was born on the island. Most Eriskay ponies are grey – with solid colours being very rare. It is wonderful to have a non-grey pony born on the island and hopefully there will be more of them in the future.

Eriskay pony stallion looking out to the island

There is nothing wrong with greys of course, but grey became prevalent with the introduction of Highland ponies to save the breed in the 1970’s. Before then, most Eriskay ponies were dark in colour –usually bay or black - so this is a return to the more traditional looking Eriskay pony.

I was about to leave the island to head back up to North Uist, but as I drove towards the causeway, I glanced up out of habit and saw the little white figures of ponies on the ridge line! I don’t think anyone has ever climbed Ben Scrien so quickly and I was so out of breath when I reached the top. Thankfully, the ponies were still there, and looking at this gasping pink creature that had appeared with a camera. It was just wonderful to spend time with them at the top – they were up here to escape the flies and the heat and one even had his head resting on the trig point!

Finally, I did leave Eriskay and headed to North Uist. I had an exciting excursion to the Isle of Harris to meet Mairi again who took me to Luskentyre to meet a beautiful Highland pony called Toby. His owner let us take him out onto the beach and we did a little photoshoot with him. Toby is quite famous and known as one of the Unicorns of Luskentyre by visitors.

That ended my amazing trip to the Hebrides where I saw so many new ponies, and so many familiar ponies. It is a magical place indeed!

Words and Photos by Ruth Chamberlain

Edindurno Keona the Highland pony grazing seaweed

Sunset on the Isle of Eriskay

Eriskay pony and traditional creels

London International Horse Show:

BSPS Heritage Championship

Castle Kestrel ridden by Lucy Glover

Kestrel Flies To Top Spot

London International Horse Show | London Excel

December 2022 | Report by Beth Simons |

Lucy Glover made owner Amanda Sharman’s LIHS debut a memorable one, riding her Class 1 Connemara stallion Castle Kestrel to take the championship. The seven-year-old gave an exquisitely well-mannered and precise show, some of which executed with just one hand on the rein, while nevertheless maintaining an onward-bound rhythm and outlook characteristic of a native. The judges were certainly impressed, with both ride judges Jill Burgess and Fiona Holton awarding him 46. The conformation judges, Joyce Coltart and Ann Bigley were equally impressed. Indeed, Ann Bigley awarded him a consistent 46, describing him as a “proper Connie”, while Joyce Coltart gave him her highest mark of the day at 47.

Bred by Henry O’Toole, he is by Glencarrig Knight and out of Castle Melody. Lucy first spotted him online as a yearling, while he was still in his native Ireland. Spotting his potential, Lucy messaged Amanda, who is based just fifteen minutes away – to tell her about him immediately. “I told her, ‘we need to buy this one, Amanda,’ but I later read on the advert that he was shown to a ridden home,” Lucy recalls, fondly, “So I rang her and said that he had gone, which was when she replied, ‘Yes, he’s gone because I’ve bought him!”

Despite being excited to show him, Lucy and Amanda decided to turn him away as a four-year-old allowing him to mature, and COVID-19 claimed his five-year-old year. Consequently, he remains lightly shown. He secured his 2022 RIHS ticket at the 2021 Heritage championships, won a second RIS qualifier at Area 4B, then proceeded to win Royal Windsor and Lincolnshire County. He finished a credible seventh at HOYS before going on to win the breed qualifier at the 2022 Heritage championships and securing

Photos by Real Time Imaging

his LIHS spot. He then returned to Amanda’s for a short holiday before making his LIHS debut looking every bit a champion.

Lucy explained he’ll enjoy another holiday before the RIHS qualifiers for 2023. “He’s really easy,” she said of him, “my little niece goes into him and can lead him out to the field, and he really enjoys his work and does loads of hacking. He gives a beautiful ride; he’s so light in the contact and so forwards off your leg.”

Though Lucy has very few natives to produce, it is her third visit to LIHS having formerly taken the Welsh section B Best of Breed with Carrwood Shimmering Gold. However, she was utterly thrilled to take the win: “It’s amazing; Olympia’s always been a massive one to tick off the list for me, and now he’s done it.

Meanwhile Amanda was somewhat speechless! “We just wanted a young Connemara stallion to breed and to bring on,” she explains, “So to be here for the first time and win is a dream. I feel very lucky,” she said.

Equally stunned, though perhaps more emotional was Victoria Harker. The young producer had already had a stunning season and capped it with the reserve spot riding Welsh section A stallion Dukeshill Pearly Spencer [Dennis]. Like the champions, Dennis and Victoria executed a balanced and rhythmic yet sparkly show to go one better than at HOYS. Victoria explained that she had flown back from Australia just three days before to ride him, and so credited mum, Jenny, and younger sister, Emma, with keeping him running. A Royal Welsh in-hand winner as a youngster, Dennis had first arrived with the Harker family at three, on loan from his breeder Jo Sheil, who was there to

Castle Kestrel ridden by Lucy Glover

watch him at London. To add to the occasion, Jenny had newly purchased Dennis from Jo as Victoria’s very special Christmas present. “I sold him when it became clear that they [the Harkers] wouldn’t let him come home,” joked an evidently proud-as-punch Jo.

Dennis is out Dukeshill Philadelphia and is by Dukeshill Magnum. He is the second son of Magnum to achieve the Best of Breed award at Olympia, or its equivalent, the first being Heniarth Quip, who was BoB in 2003 and 6th in 2004.

When asked what he was like at home, Victoria answered: “He’s a character! Everything goes in his mouth and he’s a good doer! But he’s really easy and loves his job; he’s a true showman.” He’ll now enjoy a break before commencing the 2023 season by hitting the later RIHS qualifiers.

The third placed combination were by far the best travelled, having made a 574 mile trip over several days to the show. This was Katy Common and Jane McNaught’s 11-year-old Highland Best of Breed Dunedin Mascot. His show belied his heavy stature, being apparently extremely light on his feet and forwards. Katy agreed, describing him as a “really uphill ride”.

He has been on loan with Katy since 2018, and the pair hit the ground running winning their first show before going on to stand supreme at the breed show twice and taking the coveted NPS Picton Final along the way.

Mascot, who is sired by the renowned Dunedin Marksman, had an amazing 2022 season having stood champion at the Royal Highland Show, champion at NPS Scotland where they secured their HOYS ticket, champion and NPS Silver

Medal winners at Blair Castle, reserve supreme at the Highland pony breed show having won a second HOYS qualifier, and he finished runner up at HOYS.

“It’s none of my work,” laughed Jane when congratulated on his placing. “It’s all down to Katy.” Jane purchased him as a three-yearold colt but had him gelded when broken. When we asked what was next, Jane was clear: “It’s all up to Katy. He is so happy at Katy’s that I couldn’t and wouldn’t take him away. He adores her and loves where he is; I couldn’t do it to him –it would break his heart!”

Last year’s runner up, Felicity Thompson’s Salcombe Starehole Bay once again proved absolutely deserving of his moniker, ‘Special Cecil’, taking the Best of Breed for the Dartmoors in fourth place, ridden as ever by producer Katy Marriott-Payne. Felicity’s battle to overcome a life-threatening injury this autumn has not only given Team KMP additional motivation

to keep Felicity and daughter Freya smiling, but added a new poignancy to his HOYS victory, a win that capped an amazing season in which he stood champion at Windsor and repeated his 2021 RIHS win – an occasion Felicity, thankfully, witnessed. “We’re coming back so Felicity can come to see him here,” said Katy.

Cecil’s brother, Fred, Salcomb Frowder Bay was also in the line-up, finishing sixth under Team KMP member Alice Tomlinson. Fred won the RIHS and stood second at HOYS under Katy in 2019, but he has since allowed Cecil to enjoy the limelight. Nevertheless, he made his extremely light 2022 season count taking the LIHS qualifier at the Heritage championships on his season debut! Fred belied his lack of match practice at the final to give an excellent account of himself.

Julie Pennell and the Pennell family’s Nipna Midnight Rambler [Rambo] took fifth place under his producer, Sarah Parker. Rambo is the first foal out of Nipna

Salcombe Starehole Bay ridden by Katy Marriott Payne

Dukeshill Pearly Spencer ridden by Victoria Harker

Dunedin Marksman ridden by Katie Common

Damask Rose [Rosie] who stood second at HOYS under Julie’s daughter, Anna Pennell. The seven-year-old first turned heads at the BSPS Winter Championships when he stood supreme before going on to take the coveted ridden championship at Windsor in 2021, standing second at HOYS and taking third place at the London International Horse Show last December. This season, he booked his RIHS open and Intermediate tickets, a HOYS qualification and the LIHS qualification on his first attempts, going on to repeat his runner up spot at HOYS and win the RIHS Intermediates under Caitlin Hamilton. It was a remarkable victory for the pair, not least because Caitlin had won the 2021 RIHS intermediate final on Rambo’s father, Nipna Invictus [Victor]. Not to be left out at LIHS, Caitlin and Victor finished 10th at London, forming the second of four Nipna-bred ponies at the final.

In seventh was Samantha Walker’s golden palomino Welsh section B Melau Aramis [Teddy], ridden by his producer Lauren Brill. Lauren partnered the six-year-old in novice classes, winning the revered Picton Novice

final at the NPS championships. This year, he has had a super season, winning his first open qualifier and taking an RIHS ticket at BSPS Area 4A, qualifying for both the juniors and open breed classes at HOYS and going on to stand third in the opens under Lauren and first and reserve champion in the juniors, ridden by Samantha’s daughter, Lilly Walker. This was Teddy’s debut appearance at HOYS.

Salcombe Frowder Cove ridden by Alice Tomlinson

Nipna Invictus ridden by Caitlin Hamilton

Nipna Midnight Rambler ridden by Sarah Parker

Melau Aramis ridden by Lauren Brill

Eighth place was awarded to Rebecca Penny and Leisa Woodward’s Hilltop Ned who also netted the New Forest Best of Breed. The nine-year-old forest bred stallion won HOYS in 2021 under former owner Ellena Thomas before being sold to Leisa and moving to be produced by Danielle Garner and occupying the runner up stop under Rebecca at HOYS 2022. Not only did the pair’s appearance mark his London debut, but also Rebecca’s debut at London on a New Forest. “I’ve only done a handful of shows with him, really, as we bought him in August,” said Rebecca, “but he’s pretty uncomplicated, has settled right in and isn’t a moment’s bother.”

Ninth saw another 2021 HOYS victor step into the placings. This was Ruth Roberts’ Fell stallion Wildhoeve Okidoki under his producer Clare Fitch. Ruth, who sponsors the Arab classes at HOYS, originally went to Clare to produce her Arabs but became “hooked on hairies” through Clare, with Oki being her first. 13-year-old Oki is a consistent campaigner, being a former Olympia Best of Breed as well as 2018 reserve mountain and moorland at RIHS. “I adore him,” said Clare, “and he knows he special for sure. He’s genuinely such a great pony.”

The remaining Best of Breed spots saw several debutantes make their mark. HOYS 2022 winners Lucy Richardson, 10, and her mother Lucy Richardson’s Briar Snow Fox executed a show beyond their years to cap a superb season taking the Shetland Best of Breed and Heniarth trophy for the highest placed junior rider on their first appearance. “It feels amazing,” said Lilly! Eightyear-old Shetland gelding Snow Fox was bred by

Viv Hampton. He originally joined the family on account of his halfbrother, Briar Snowman’s success in their hands.

Derbyshire’s Hannah Turnock and Menai George also made their London debut notable taking the Welsh section C Best of Breed. George was originally loaned to Hannah by Robert Elliott, but having fallen absolutely in love with him, Hannah persuaded Robert to part with him and purchased him as her own earlier this summer. Last season saw them make a visit to HOYS and RIHS, and this year they topped the season with a first-time qualification to London International Horse Show at the Heritage Championships and scoring one of the highest ride marks of the day. “He is just the best,” said a beaming Hannah. “I can always rely on him to give his best and to try his hardest.”

Hilltop Ned ridden by Rebecca Penny

Wildhoeve Oki Doki ridden by Clare Fitch

Menai George ridden by Hannah Turnock

Briar Snow Fox ridden by Lilly Richardson

Katy Marks’ Welsh section D stallion Thorneyside The Guardsman [Doulas] pinged his way to the Best of Breed spot. The powerful 11-year-old was purchased by Katy as a three-year-old, and has been brought on by her to great success. This year, they bagged an early HOYS ticket before finishing 7th at the RIHS and 6th at HOYS. Qualification for LIHS at the Heritage Championships saw them complete their hattrick of tickets for the season.

Elizabeth Etchells took home the Exmoor Best of Breed riding Mary Rose Bryant’s Warrenmere Woodcock. The Frithesden Lysander stallion was the only representative of his breed forwards having claimed the Breed class at the Heritage championships. He has had a super season this year, winning the supreme at the Exmoor Breed Show and claiming a HOYS ticket as well as winning the Assendons Freestyle to Music final at the NPS championships.

Native Pony would like to give a special mention to Lilly Ahern-Lee who sadly missed out on competing at London International Horse Show with crowd favourite and 2022 HOYS first ridden winner, Lotuspoint Cassius as Lilly sustained an injury during a practice with her cheerleading team. We hope that Lilly’s feeling better and that we’ll see the pair back in the show ring very soon.

Warrenmere Woodcock ridden by Elzabeth Etchells

Thorneyside Guardsman ridden by Katy Marks

Champions of Yesteryear

2022 champion Lynuck The Showman and Rebecca Penny

1978 Scriffel Casper Welsh B

1979 Senruf Grebe Dartmoor

1980 Rosenaharley Laurin Connemara

1981 Norwood Principle Boy Welsh B

1982 Grayswood Village Peregrine Connemara

1983 Rosenaharley Rossleague Connemara

1984 Rosenaharley Rossleague Connemara

1985 Phineas Phinn Connemara

1986 Wiston Llwynog Welsh D

1987 Dunrowan Dolphin Highland

1988 Marston Monsoon Welsh B

1989 Persie Ramroad Welsh C

1990 Verwood Roger Welsh D

1991 Tiercel Mystical Connemara

1992 Lunesdale Lucky Lady Fell

1993 Langfield Canth Dartmoor

1994 Kentchurch Cloud Welsh D

1995 Marwood Doon Caedmon Connemara

1996 Kentchurch Request Welsh D

1997 Rannock of Trailtrow Highland

1998 Harwel Wizard Welsh B

1999 Dunedin Harris Highland

2000 Snowydene Highland

2001 Starcrest Discovery Welsh C

2002 Kilmannan Black Pearl Dales

2003 Stowbrook Jenny Wren Exmoor

2004 Castle Comet Connemara

2005 Bunowen Castle Ri Connemara

2006 Pittybeck Prince Charming Welsh B

2007 Bunowen Castle Ri Connemara

2008 Torrin of Croila Highland

2009 Farriers Finger Print New Forest

2010 Pumphill Buckthorn Dartmoor

2011 Rushfield Bailey Dartmoor

2012 Bronheulog Harvey Welsh B

2013 Fly the Last Flute Connemara

2014 Moelview Prince Consort Welsh B

2015 Townend Schubert Fell

2016 Uphill James Fox Welsh A

2017 Cadlanvalley Sandpiper Welsh B

2018 Banks Timber Connemara

2019 Dyffryngwy Sir Picasso Welsh D

2021 Lynuck The Showman Welsh C

2008 champion, Torin of Croila

2009 champion, Farriers Finger Print

2009 champion, Farriers Finger Print

The breakdown in numbers

2010 champion, Pumphill Buckthorn & Sarah Parker 2014 champion, Moelview Prince Consort

2017 champion, Cadlanvalley Sandpiper

2019 champion, Dyffryngwy Sir Picasso

1997 champion, Rannoch of Trailtrow and Heather Prescott

1987 champion Dunrowan Dolphin and Gillian McMurray

London International Horse Show

Final Placing Name

Breed Owner

1; BOB Castle Kestrel Connemara Amanda Sharman

Eastlands Dunedin Connemara Susan Pool

Inverin Paddy Connemara Paul Cook

Moyabbey George Connemara Ailsa Vines

Griseburn Lester Dales Gillian Simpson

10 Nipna Invictus Dales Kirsty Hamilton

Nipna Kitty O’Day Dales Julie Pennell

5; BOB Nipna Midnight Rambler Dales Julie Pennell

Nipna Mighty Oak Dales Leah May

Greenholme Knight Fell Terry Clynes

9; BOB Wildhoeve Oki Doki Fell Ruth Roberts

3; BOB Dunedin Mascot Highland Elizabeth McNaught

Trailtrow Tearlach Highland Gillian McMurray

Harris of Mendick Highland Aileen Curle

8; BOB Hilltop Ned New Forest Leisa Woodward

Lovelyhill Folklore New Forest Penny Sutton & Peter Rowe

Bryncarreg The Bandit Welsh C Charlotte Laurens & Chris Phillips

Danwood Llewelyn Welsh C Linda Atkinson

Gems Malt Whiskey Welsh C April Gilmartin

Lantau Supernova Welsh C Jodie Haywood

BOB Menai George Welsh C Hannah Turnock

Llandderfel Richard Welsh D Anne Wilson

Rider Breeder

Lucy Glover Henry O’Toole

Lauren Beaumont Dianna Stavely

Lucy Haygate Sean Flaherty

Ailsa Vines Tony Walsh

Aimee Devane Helen Horn

Caitlin Hamilton Julie Pennell

Tayla Lewis Julie Pennell

Sarah Parker Julie Pennell

Leah May Julie Pennell

Terry Clynes William Potter

Clare Fitch Roy Ottink

Katie Common Anne Mitchell

Kirstin McMurray Gillian McMurray

Brian Williams John and Kate Dykes

Rebecca Penny Lucinda Lang

Vikki Smith Alex Humble

Kimberly Bates Gary Watson

Hannah Atkinson Linda Antkinson

April Gilmartin Richard Deptford

Jodie Haywood

Nicola Hutchinson

Hannah Turnock Peter Jones

Danii Thexton Tony Smith

Steppers Relight My Fire Welsh D Ashleigh Flear O’Rourke Lisa O’Rourke Decland Davies

BOB Thorneyside Guardsman Welsh D Katherine Marks

Wishaw Red Admiral Welsh D Simone Harrison

6 Salcombe Frowder Cove Dartmoor Felicity Thompson

4; BOB Salcombe Starehole Bay Dartmoor Felicity Thompson

Shilstone Rocks River Dart Dartmoor Chloe Chubb

Westown Wild Fire Dartmoor Sarah Weston

BOB Warrenmere Woodcock Exmoor Mary Rose Bryant

BOB; Best Junior Briar Snow Fox Shetland Lucy Richardson

Latijn V.d. Helling Shetland Claire Connor

Lotuspoint Cassius Shetland Rachel Brightmore

2; BOB Dukeshill Pearly Spencer Welsh A Jenny Harker

Longhalves Renoir Welsh B Jo Filmer

7; BOB Melau Aramis Welsh B

Samantha Walker

Moelview Prince Charlie Welsh B Chloe Chubb

Rushill Diplomat Welsh B

Waxwing Persia Welsh B

Wortley Golcar Lily Welsh B

Sarah Parker

Emma Burrow

Gillian Simpson

Katherine Marks Peter Grey

Simone Harrison Alice Burgoyne

Alice Tomlinson Felicity Thompson

Katy Marriott-Payne Felicity Thompson

Emma Lucas Elizabeth Newbolt Young

Gemma Pallet Sarah Weston

Elizabeth Etchells RSPB Minsmere

Lilly Richardson Viv Hampton

Aliya Khan Jan Lap

Lilly Ahern-Lee Chris Hodgeson

Victoria Harker Jo Sheil

Sam Roberts Jo Filmer

Lauren Brill Mandy Jones

Chloe Chubb Richard Jones

Owen Parker Jill Rushton

Emma Burrow Waxwing Stud

Amber Thorpe Gillian Simpson

PERFORMANCE AWARD SCHEME

If you have a registered Connemara pony, a part-bred or an overheight, do you:

n Do a few fun rides and perhaps the occasional Riding Club competition?

n Compete in affiliated horse trials, dressage, show jumping, Trec, showing, WHP, endurance or driving?

n Go hunting?

n Take advantage of everything your local Riding Clubs, Pony Clubs or show centres can offer?

BCPS PERFORMANCE AWARD SCHEME

If you do any of the above, then the BCPS Performance Award Scheme is for YOU!

The Scheme runs from 1st October to 30th September each year and points are awarded for a wide range of competitions and non-competitive activities, all of which count towards rosettes and trophies in the full range of disciplines.

You can compete to win beautiful Bronze, Silver and Gold rosettes, giving those who want to have fun doing unaffiliated and non-competitive activities something to aim for, while still recognising and rewarding the achievements of those competing at higher levels.

PhotographybyJuliaShearwoodPhotography

For more details and how to take part please have a look at the BCPS website - britishconnemaras.co.uk where you will also find a list of FAQs.

If these do not answer your questions, please email pas@britishconnemaras.co.uk and we will be happy to help. To join the Scheme, either:

n Buy your card online from britishconnemaras.co.uk

n Or send the £12 entry fee and an A5 SAE to:

Julia Woods, Cockerel Inn Farm, 35 Prickwillow Road, Isleham, Ely, Cambs CB7 5RH

or to Geth Tillin, 24 Mount Pleasant Road, Alton, Hampshire GU34 1NN.

Cheques should be made payable to BCPS.

Completed Cards

Please return completed cards to Julia Woods at the address above, no later than 5th October.

Equipix

CONNEMARA ROUNDUP

BCPS DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2023

Full details on the British Connemara Pony Show website

• Sunday 4th March BCPS Arena Eventing at Pickering Grange Equestrian, Leicestershire

• Monday 1st May Eastern Area Dressage Gala at Fenning Farm, Soham (NPS and BCPS Dressage Qualifiers. Intro, Prelim, Novice, Elementary and Music, Open to all)

• Monday 1st May Chiltern and Thames Group Show. Manor Farm, Kinsey, Aylesbury

• Sunday 7th May SE region Connemara M&M Show, Felbridge Showground, Copthorne Road, Felbridge, West Sussex,

• Sunday 7th May BCPS Northern Show Myerscough International Arena, Near Preston

• Sunday 21st May BCPS West Midlands Show, Solihull Riding Club, Four Ashes Road, Solihull,

• Sunday 28th May Scottish Connemara Show Champfleurie EC, Torpichen, West Lothian

• Sunday 28th May Wessex Area Performance Day, RAC Saddle Club, Bovingdon, Dorset

DALES ROUNDUP

By Lucy Darvill

Tobias Takes A Trip

• Sunday 18th June SW Region Show, Kings Sedgemoor EC, Bridgewater

• Sunday 25th June BCPS Performance Day, Solihull Riding Club, Four Ashes Road, Solihull (70cm – 100cm Onsite overnight stabling and hotel. Saturday evening get together)

• Sunday 2nd July Eastern Area Ridden, In Hand and WHP show at The Suffolk Equestrian Centre, Bury St Edmunds (Qualifiers and BCPS Performance Pony Qualifiers. Part bred/over height classes)

• Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th July BCPS Ridden, WHP and In Hand Breed Show. (BCPS Dressage finals and NPS Qualifiers, Tam 0’ Shanter In hand finals, HOYS and NPS Qualifiers, James Family finals, Trec and unaffiliated in hand and ridden rings)

• Sunday October 1st BCPS Eventing Championship finals. Offchurchbury, Leamington Spa,

• Monday 23rd October McCartneys Horse and Pony Sale (includes Connemara) Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells

• Saturday and Sunday 25th and 26th November BCPS AGM Weekend, Charlecote Pheasant Hotel, Warwickshire, Full details of all events are available on the British Connemara Pony

Tam O’Shanter Qualifiers

Qualification for the Tam O[Shanter Championships at the BCPS Breed Show in July run at affiliated shows all over the British Isles. The qualifying classes are for In-hand pure-bred BCPS registered Connemara ponies, yearlings, two-year-olds and three-year-olds. There is also a class for In-hand pure-bred BCPS registered Connemara brood mares who either have a foal at foot, are in foal or have had a foal previously.

The Tam O’Shanter Championship was originally started by Carole Prentice of the Scottsway Stud, to promote British Connemara pony breeding.

E-mail questions to Penny Makinson on info@tawnydunstud.co.uk

It was an emotional fair well to Jill Greens first homebred foal, Marlfields Tobias, born to Roandale Travellers Joy and sired by Tarbarl Matthew.

The six-month-old, blue roan colt was purchased from Jill by Fiddlehead Farm Fell and Dales Ponies, located in Pacific NW, Oregan, with the prospect of becoming one of their stallions to join the North American breeding programme. Adding further to their contribution of conserving the Dales Pony.

Jill commented that “When Tobias left my yard that morning, I have to admit, I shed a few tears. For someone so young and so small, the journey ahead of him was massive!! Road journeys across Europe to Amsterdam for a flight to Los Angeles, where he spent three days in quarantine before a 10-hour road journey to his final destination in Oregan. His new owner informs me that he was quite a celebrity throughout the journey, and when he arrived in LA, no-one wanted to hand him over. He has a lovely new home with a great future ahead of him.”

Marfield Tobias

EXMOOR ROUNDUP

Compiled by Elizabeth Etchells

Warrenmere Woodcock

The 2022 season drew to a close with the London International Horse Show. Our sole breed representative was the 14-yearold stallion ‘Warrenmere Woodcock’ who is owned by Mary Rose Bryant of the Moonpenny Stud and ridden by Elizabeth Etchells. ‘Woody’ has had a tremendous season, standing second and highest Exmoor at Horse of the Year Show, as well as making history at the Exmoor Pony Society Breed Show with his dual in hand and ridden Supremes. Preparing Woody for the LIHS was no mean feat as Woody lives out 24/7 and the addition of the snow in the week before the show made things especially difficult. However, he relished the atmosphere in the arena and put in a fantastic performance to take the Best of Breed accolade. This was the icing on the cake to what has been an incredible showing career, and he is now retired from competition so he can make way for his progeny to make their mark in the Show Ring. Two of his daughters will be out in 2023: eight-year-old Moonpenny Hati who was in hand supreme at the 2022 Midlands Exmoor Show will be aimed at the NPS/Picton Final, and three-year-old Moonpenny Kalyke will appear in some youngstock classes. (Photo by Real Time Imaging)

Davinia Johnson and Stowbrook Red Kite

On 15 January Kite, Davinia and boyfriend Darren headed over to their favourite local venue Yorkshire EC to compete in the 60/65cm arena eventing class. The arena at this venue is set in an old quarry and always has a fabulous course. Kite jumped a fantastic round to be double clear with only 7.9 timefaults and won the class, although he had already picked up his NPS Arena Eventing ticket at a previous event and he and Davinia hope to contest the 2023 final following their success last year where they stood second.

Show dates for your diary

April 8th – Eastern Area Exmoor Show hosted by the NPS Area 14 at Ashfields Polo Club CM6 1JU.

May 8th – EPS Spring Show and Stallion Parade at Emmetts Grange, Simonsbath TA24 7LD

July 8th – Northern Area Exmoor Show at Camden EC YO26 8EH

September 10th – Midlands Area Show incorporating the Exmoor Pony of the Year at Rugby Riding Club CV22 5EP

Schedules and information on the above shows will be available from www.exmoorponysociety.org.uk as they become available

Warrenmere Woodcock

By Claire Simpson

Fell Pony Society (FPS) Display Team 2022

Christine Robinson reports that the Fell Pony Society Display Team has had its busiest year to date, starting with practices early in the year, then attending a total of ten events, a couple of which were held over two days.

Firstly, two of the Team made the trip from Cumbria to Norfolk with the Sales and Information Tent to attend the Sandringham Fell Pony Show in late April, where they were given a very warm welcome. The FPS Stallion Show in midMay was next, where the Team impressed the crowd with their educational historical tableau as part of the launch of the FPS centenary celebrations. Later that month they wowed the crowds at Country Fest, at the Westmorland Agricultural Society showground where they performed two displays each day and manned the busy Information Tent.

In June some of the team provided pony drawn transport and an escort for the local Anthorn Jubilee Queen and her attendants. The Information Tent went to Penrith Show in mid-July, then it was down to the Coniston Country Fair the following week with the whole Team.

Cartmel Show invited the team to attend their 150th Anniversary Show in August; then the last two weekends of the month saw them at the Lakeland Country Fair at Torver, and Blackcombe Country Fair.

September saw an incredible highlight, as the Team was invited, quite unexpectedly, to attend the Burghley International Horse Trials. This generated both huge excitement and huge panic in equal

measure; particularly when the Team was told a couple of days before the event that there was no stabling available. An appeal was made through the Facebook page and the Team was delighted when they were offered, not only amazing stabling and parking facilities at Oakridge Arena, but also use of the massive indoor arena, the horse wash, solarium and, importantly for the humans, showers, and a Bar.

Burghley was all it promised to be. There was a short wait before the Team was due in the ring and in the interim, they were inundated with people asking if they could stroke the ponies and take photos. They answered lots of questions in that short time from the interested and enthusiastic crowd. Once in the ring the ponies all behaved impeccably while Sue Millard gave the commentary. Although the actual time in the ring was short, only allowing a parade of several laps around the ring, rather than the full display performance, the wave of applause that followed, and the many lovely comments afterwards, made everything worthwhile.

After Burghley, the Team had one day to turn round and repack, before heading to the Westmorland County Show for three days, one to set up the Tent, then two days at the Show, including a display performance on the first day.

The show brought an end to a funpacked Summer of promoting our wonderful ponies; talking to hundreds of people about their own ponies, and their memories of ponies past; and, in some cases helping with information about potential future purchases.

So, who are the Display Team? They are 20 like-minded Fell pony enthusiasts, aged from their late teens to their 70s. The newest Team members have gained in confidence and bravery during the season, often stepping onto the main stage at short notice from understudy roles, when the original human or equine performers were ill, or unable to travel. The ponies, as you would expect, have displayed great versatility, as most of them played at least two roles, and on some occasions more.

This year the Team has travelled a total of 19,222.4 miles - if they’d set off directly west from the FPS Office, they’d have gone one and a half times round the world! They have given a total of 274 days on behalf of the Fell Pony Society and Fell Ponies; equating to an average of 961.12 miles and 13.7 days per person, with one individual spending over 30 days and covering around 2595 miles.

You can follow the Team on social media where around 1,500 people usually see their posts. Based on information provided by event organisers, the Team has calculated that over 102,500 show spectators have had the opportunity to see the display this Summer and learn more about Fell ponies.

There are already four events booked for 2023. If you feel interested, or brave, after reading about the Team’s exploits they always welcome new members! Well done to the Team!

NEW FOREST ROUNDUP

Compiled by Diane Hadwen

Blueberry Bryn – a New Forest Pony Dressage Star

As we all know the gold medal winning dressage superstar Valegro, is known at home as ‘Blueberry’, but did you know that another Blueberry is making waves in the dressage world? He might not quite be in the same league as Valegro, but the very talented Blueberry Bryn is competing and winning at Medium level and excelling in Freestyle classes.

Bryn is an eight year old, Forest bred gelding by the Forest run stallion Bakeburn Benny (bred by the late Brian Wilson and his wife Angie). He is owned by Dr Shelley Finlan, whose sister bought him from the Forest as a yearling. She ran him on and Bryn grew up (with lots of Alpaca friends, so he is now certified Alpaca proof!) on her farm on the outskirts of the New Forest. Three years ago, Shelley took him on, the plan being for him to be her children’s pony. He duly made the move to South Yorkshire and Shelley backed him and rode him away. He proved to be a bit much for her young children and she was in her own words ‘having an absolute ball with him’, so Shelley kept the ride and began to work towards his BD dressage debut. He proved to have a real aptitude and was very trainable.

He successfully competed in BD Quest, moved up the BD levels and did very well in British Riding Club

competitions. He is currently training and competing at Medium level and wins Freestyle Elementary classes for fun. They have also competed in online dressage, always doing well under BD list judges.

Some of Bryn’s successes are listed here:

• BD Quest Regional Champion 2021 (Northallerton)

• Petplan Area Festival Champion Freestyle 2021 (Port Royal)

• BD Northern Region Freestyle Champion 2022 (Willowbanks).

• In 2022 he notched up 6 wins from 6 starts, in BD freestyle qualifying classes.

• BRC: Summer dressage

Championships area 16 qualifier Individual 1st, Team 1st (Arena UK)

• BRC National Championships 2021; 3rd Individual (Lincolnshire showground)

• Winter 21/spring 22 Dressage Area 16 qualifiers, 1st Individual, 1st Team (Arena UK).

Bryn has also amassed a number of online championships including: Dressage 2021 BD Music Freestyle, 2021 Emerald League, SDU Summer League, Port Royal Equestrian Centre Testing Times 2021, 2022 Emerald League and Elite Champion E.riders. Shelley (who usually competes on a Warmblood) has really fallen for Bryn. ‘He’s such a little dude, barely over 13.2hh and I’m, 5’9 but he seems to not mind my long legs! An absolute joy to train, but definitely not ideal for a young child. He’s wilful and spirited at times!’

In 2021, Shelley and Bryn joined the Northern New Forest Supporters’ Group winning the Forest Bred and Dressage Championships in the annual Performance Competition. Last year, 2022 he finished the season by again taking the Dressage Section sash, by a clear margin.

Apparently, Shelley reports ‘Bryn has a super jump, so I might start jumping him in the new year’. Watch this space!

Blueberry Bryn

Blueberry Bryn

SHETLAND ROUNDUP

By Kate Hampton

Patrick Petitioned Mayor

Five-year-old Tawna Patrick –born on St Patrick’s – is a tiny 7hh. However, he’s a small pony making a big impact! Patrick is the official mascot for the War Horse Memorial, the Animal Purple Poppy Fund and has helped raise money for many equine charities. He is also the official Mascot for Devon Recovery Learning Community, supporting those in need with mental health difficulties by bringing comfort and smiles. He became the Mayor of Cockington after a petition was signed by hundreds of people, and was presented with his Chain of Office by Cllr Andre Barrand. Local MP Kevin Fosters attended the historic event where Patrick was also given an animal blessing by Rev Emma.

SPS-BS DRIVEN PERFORMANCE SCHEME

The annual Luncheon was held at the Moat House, Acton Trussell on Sunday 8 January. We were very honoured indeed to welcome our President, Roselyn Fraser who had travelled down from Shetland to be with us. Roselyn gave us a good insight to what was happening within the Society as well as some fascinating history of our beloved breed on Shetland. We welcomed 40 members and guests and as usual it was a wonderful “Shetland affair”! Despite Covid with all its many issues, the placings were hotly contested and the following placings were made.

Champion: Gerratown Creta/ Oakgrove Chantilly Lace owned by Ginny Williams.

Reserve Champion: Foldhouse Little Lord Valentine owned by Su Woodcock.

Patrick

Patrick

Patrick

The Junior Whip Championship: Jointly awarded to Sophie and Emily Moore from the Clothie Shetland Pony Stud.

The Waterside Galahad Trophy: Presented to Jane Austin and her lovely pony Clibberswick March.

This trophy was presented to the Scheme by Mrs. Sue Helps-Wood (Waterside Stud) and is given annually to the person/pony/stud who it is considered has done the most to promote the breed. Jane and ‘Monty’ have been a couple for more years than they would care to remember, and have just kept going out and about quietly, being seen and just making many people realised what a lovely versatile breed our Shetland ponies are.

In the spring, all members will be invited to Jayroc Stables in Shropshire to view Russell Hand’s amazing carriage collection and we look forward to that very much.

The next Annual Luncheon will be held on Sunday 15 January 2024 at the Moat House.

Report by Willowe Keeley. Hon. Secretary.

Photos by Alan Payne Photography

Patrick

Ginny Wiliams with Gerratouna Cresta and Oakgrove Chantilley Lace

Jane Austin and Clibberswick

By Kate Hampton

All The Queen’s (Smallest) Horses

“Setting an alarm for 4am on New Year’s Day is definitely not normal practice for me. But when you receive an invitation to join JPL Racing and Display Team of Shetlands in the London New Year’s Day Parade, it is quite simply an offer you cannot refuse.

Driving through the dark with other members of the Shetland Performance Display team, London was waking from its slumber, and a solitary fox happily going about his morning’s business near central London’s five-star hotels was the first surreal sight of the day for a country girl like me.

Since 1987, London’s New Year’s Day Parade has brought the heart of London to a standstill with more than 10,000 participants from the USA, UK and Europe, a street audience of over 500,000 and a TV audience which reaches more than 500,000,000. The parade adorns the streets from Piccadilly, Regent Street, St James’, Pall Mall, Trafalgar Square, and Whitehall to Westminster. The explosion of colourful sights and sounds at the Ritz Hotel starting point is enough to wake any tourist from the deepest of postcelebratory sleeps.

Caroline Marsh, creator and mastermind of ‘All The Queen’s Horses’ first became involved in 2012, pulling together a massive team of horses in just six weeks.

It was such a success with the crowds that they have been invited back every year since.

Never waning, Caroline’s infectious enthusiasm is as strong today as it was in 2012. With a fantastic support team, Caroline’s joy of being back after Covid was evident. “We have less horses involved this year than we did before Covid hit, which is a perfect way to get back into the full swing of things after two years away,” said Caroline, who is already making plans for 2024 with the team.

Outside Green Park, opposite the Hard Rock Café, the closed, silent dual carriageway housed the horse village. Negotiating the central barriers, we entered a whole new self-contained world of costumes, horses of all descriptions and of course, Shetlands.

Part of ‘All The Queen’s Horses’ for their second year, the JPL team were busy preparing eight ponies whilst 16 children transformed into Dalmatians with face paint and spotted jumpsuits. In 2020 the team paraded in their racing silks; this year the theme of 101 Dalmatians,

complete with Cruella Deville on a Fresian and the dog catcher on a Sec C cross was the theme for the team.

All the Shetlands in the team are owned by Essex based JPL. Nikki Marsden commented: “The children who ride with us come from a very wide geographical spread, training weekly. We feel as well as racing displays, variety is important for the ponies’ brains, so they all also participate in Quadrille and are very proud that our teams have been Champions at Equifest for the last three years.”

With the final vet checks of every horse completed, you could feel the excitement building in the horse village. A line of Porsche and Lamborghinis had grown outside a hotel opposite as guests arrived to watch the spectacle unfold. With a smile from the top hatted doorman, the horses moved off for the ride of their lives.

Flanked by Scouting for Girls, the Shetland team waved their way along crowd-lined streets waving their Union Jacks and phone cameras in the air. Seeing ourselves high on the huge screen above London’s crowded streets was the second surreal moment of the day.

The horses, led by Caroline on foot, delighted everyone with many hands reaching out to stroke them at every opportunity. For some, it was the first time they had stroked a pony.

Leaving the dense crowds behind the quieter walk along the Mall provided some fabulous team photo opportunities, none more so than outside Buckingham palace itself. Those visiting the palace clamoured for photographs, taking an unusual story home with them that day and a little more than they bargained for in their photos! One American couple

made a beeline excitedly wanting to know all about these ‘special little ponies’. Leaving the dense crowds behind the quieter walk along the Mall provided some fabulous team photo opportunities, none more so than outside Buckingham palace itself. Those visiting the palace clamoured for photographs, taking an unusual story home with them that day and a little more than they bargained for in their photos! One American couple made a beeline for me excitedly wanting

to know all about these ‘special little ponies’.

For 2024? The JPL team’s theme is still a secret, but we are really looking forward to joining Caroline and ‘All the Queen’s Horses’ again. Who can blame them? Once you have celebrated the New Year in such an incredibly flamboyant way, nothing else could quite compare.”