Showing World April/May 2023 (173) by showingworld

Showing World Issue 173 April/May 2023 www.showingworldonline.co.uk

Issue 173 - April/May 2023

Billy Moran on Tiger Attack How to Choose a Stallion

Showing Down Under

Reports from NPS Area 7, 13 and 17, Wiltshire Spring Show and more!

Edward Young on the British Riding Pony

Save the date! Horse of the Year Show 4th - 8th OCTOBER 2023

NEC BIRMINGHAM

W W W. H OY S .C O. U K

British RAISING THE BAR

2 | Showing World | April/May Issue 2023 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk

A Note From Our Editor Dear Reader, Did anyone see March? I think I must have blinked at just the wrong time... Anyway, it seems many of you have really hit the ground running and got your seasons off to flying starts. I’ve loved seeing a mixture of established and new combinations coming to the fore and taking early RIHS tickets. I find it even more exciting seeing some fabulous novices enter the ring. As for my own horses? It’s still too early for me, although, now that the evenings are longer, there is hope that I’ll manage to get enough work into them to appear soon! I am in awe of home-produced amateurs who manage to juggle working full time with preparing horses for the ring in the depths of winter, and wonder how they will manage to prepare for the LIHS. Let’s see; it’s a fair way away yet! Whilst some shows appear to be well supported, others have not enjoyed thriving classes. I hope that’s because like me, many have struggled with such a sodden spring and it’s not a sign of what’s to come this season. At the risk of sounding exceptionally hypocritical, it’s a case of use them of lose them. At the time of writing, Area shows are being forced to cancel due to ground conditions. It’s a troubling enough time for organisers as it is, let alone having this damp weather cause more worry, so I really do feel so sorry for any show committee who find themselves in such a predicament. Let’s hope that they can reschedule, and when they do, they receive great entries. Don’t forget to give your thanks, too, as I’m sure it will be appreciated. Whilst I haven’t managed as much riding as I would have liked this spring, I have booked both my mares in for AI. For the first time ever, I will be breeding a non-native foal. Even writing it makes me apprehensive, but I have long admired the plaited ranks, and having watched the steady decline in numbers of British Riding Ponies bred, I felt uncomfortable encouraging others to breed an animal without ‘putting my money where my mouth is’ and doing the same thing! It will be interesting to see how that turns out! Either way, I will be able to say that I tried to do my part. Still, I’m hopeful I will be registering some crackers next year! A HOYS winner of the early 2030s perhaps...? I can dream! Having decided that I would venture into the unknown, a chance call to the NPS on other business resulted in some excellent advice, so I jumped at the chance to receive a feature from them on breeding, specifically, choosing a stallion. The feature makes for interesting reading, I’m sure you’ll agree. One stallion I have been keen to at least feature in the magazine is Tiger Attack as I heard his name cited over and over last season as the sire of winners in a range of sections. I also enjoyed phonecalls with his breeder, Billy Moran last season when writing reports. Perhaps it was the ability to also have the odd ‘farming’ chat as well as talk horses! Whatever, I’m delighted that this issue features an interview with Billy and, if possible, I’m keener than ever to use Tiger Attack when the time is right on my own girls! (Perhaps this foray into the plaited world won’t be so short lived ater all..!) Whatever your goals this season, from stepping up to your first affiliated show to bagging your tenth golden ticket or breeding the next star, good luck! Don’t forget to keep us in the loop... Happy reading and happy showing! Beth

info@showingworldonline.co.uk | April/May Issue 2023 | Showing World | 3

Contents 18 22

Edward Young on the British Riding Pony SHCV Hygain HOTY and Thames International Showdown

Behind the brand: Smart Grooming

Wiltshire Spring Show

Royal Canberra Show

BSPS Area 6

NPS Area 7

Exclusive insights with the HOYS Judges

30 Front cover: Annabel Pope leading her own Nantcol Swansong ridden by Luna Hannell Photo by: 1st Class Images

Editorial: Beth Simons

beth.simons@showingworldonline.co.uk

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

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the editor or Showing World Ltd and while every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained is correct and current at the date of publication, Showing World Ltd will not be help responsible for the appearance of photographic material supplied without the necessary consent, copyright and/or photographer’s details. In addition, Showing World Ltd offers no guarantee of publication and reserves the right to edit any reader’s letters, press releases, reports and articles submitted. Showing World Ltd 2023. All rights reserved. No part of Showing World may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, transmitted or shared in any form or by any means, including but not limited to: electronic, mechanical, digital, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior written permission of Showing World Ltd.

4 | Showing World | April/May Issue 2023 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk

COMPETITION TIME! One lucky subscriber to partner super-consistent Welsh section A stallion Thistledown El Toro for the season. Charming Welsh section A pony Thistledown El Toro needs no introduction. Fancy it? To be in with a With former successes including a win at the Great Yorkshire Show, a runner up spot at HOYS and multiple qualifications for RIHS and LIHS, he also has chance you will need to: nothing to prove. However, we’re offering one lucky young subscriber the opportunity to ride him for the 2023 season.

Sound too good to be true? It’s not. El Toro will remain at long-term producer Sharn Linney’s Warwickshire base, and his production and show expenses will be covered by Showing World. All you need to do is be willing and able to practice as appropriate with Sharn, and be there on show day, ready for action. As an extra, we’ll be following you and El Toro for the rest of the year in Showing World and Native Pony. Entries close: April 26, 2023

Be a Showing World subscriber or the child/grandchild of a subscriber; Be aged 12-20 years old; Be suitable to ride a Welsh section A pony under 122cms; Send us up to 300 words explaining your previous competition experience, why you’re the perfect partner for El Toro, and what your aspirations are for the season; Send us a video 1-2 minutes long of you riding a pony of your choice, noting the size of the pony on submission. *Ts and Cs will apply, please see the website for full details: showingworldonline.co.uk

Little and Large!

Photo by Real Time Imaging

BSPS Area 9A Hereford Marches, Three Counties Showground and the National Shire Show, Newark and Notts Showground At the start of last year Alexia Lilly was just four years old and had never cantered. Neither had her six-year-old Shetland Pinglewood Pascha. “Pascha was not a pony already set up,” said Alexia’s mum, Amy. “She was bought as a two-year-old for Alexia’s first birthday, intended more as a best friend to grow up with. The bond that they have is heart-warming to watch; they really do love and trust each other to bits.”

“I’m so proud of my little girl. She has a stuck with it and set her little pony up all by herself! There’ve been times I wished I was tiny enough to get on and help out, but they’ve muddled on and perfected it together,” concluded Amy.

Showing World’s 2022 Rider of the Year shows no signs of slowing down. Talented young producer Will Morton ventured to the National Shire Show and claimed the first Following numerous wins and championships ticket to the Ridden Heavy Horse of the Year last year, including standing supreme at the line-up in October with Gemma McClorey British Palomino Society national championship and Jo Monaghan’s Cotebrook Sgurr Alasdair show and reserve ridden supreme at the (Big Al). The magnificent eight-year-old was Shetland Pony Society performance show, the bred by Alistair King of the Cotebrook Shire tiny duo ended the season on a high with a Horse Centre. He is by Moorfield Edward out nearly-there second in the open HOYS Exmoor/ of Cotebrook Loch Carron, and interestingly, Shetland and third in the HOYS first ridden appeared on ITV’s Amazing Animal Births. classes at the September Stoneleigh Horse Big Al now splits his time between home with Show. his owners and Will’s yard in preparation for Standard Shetland, Briar Puzzle joined the shows. family last autumn and Alexia’s winter hard This will not be his first visit to the NEC, as he work and determination to succeed has already also qualified last year at the New Forest and reaped its rewards with both ponies collecting Hampshire County Show where he was ridden RIHS tickets at Hereford Marches. by Gemma. This spring, Gemma let Will take Puzzle won the Pretty Polly Heritage lead rein Al’s reins whilst she partnered Metheringham whilst Pascha took the Pretty Polly Heritage Upton Ambrose, finishing a very credible third first ridden class. The luck didn’t end there, as on his first ever attempt. Puzzle proceeded to claim the PP Supreme in very strong company. 6 | Showing World | April/May Issue 2023 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk

Photo Jackie Cooper Photography

Cheshire-based producer Vicky Smith on the season so far… The season is very much back underway. The start is always a shock to the system and the 2.30 alarm is never a welcome noise for a nonhorsey partner. For my partner Alan, my ability to wash rugs, hoods, bandages and numnahs is also unwelcome. He says he wishes I did the washing in the house with such efficiency. The work that goes into producing one horse for the ring is incredible and I admire the amateurs that have been out at the spring shows. The British weather makes it tough work for professionals, but juggling the weather with work must be near impossible. I annually hold a 3-day spring showing camp which is full of like-minded individuals desperate for tips and pointers to get the

season underway. Two of my “campers” took RIHS tickets at the first shows and both credited my camp for helping them kickstart the season. I would love the societies to run such events. The grassroot competitors are so important for keeping showing alive. Any encouragement and support we give them is gratefully received. It’s great to see a calendar full of HOYS qualifiers back at the county shows. Full credit to the team at Grandstand Media for doing this. For owners, friends and family attending there is so much more to offer than just the showing classes at county shows and they make for a great day out. I always find a bad day in the ring is soon forgotten after a trip around a good food hall!

Preparing the horses for the atmosphere at county shows is slightly tougher and although I agree manners and way of going are paramount, we need to remember that horses are not robots. I much prefer a horse with sparkle to carry me around the ring than one I am kicking and chasing. Type is key and I would much rather see a true to type winner of the class. Shows I have attended seem to be busier than ever and showing feels to be as popular as ever! Please remember to say well done and have a kind word - we’re all in this together for the love of showing so let’s keep it alive!

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

Launched in 2009, the British Showing Awards have grown year-on-year to become the most prestigious and credible awards celebrating British showing success. The awards recognise individuals, horses and ponies who are ‘best in show’, along with individuals and groups who have made a significant contribution and difference to the showing community. The energy surrounding the awards is unrivalled – with hundreds of nominations, thousands of votes and a marketing media frenzy that will connect you with your target showing audience and help you achieve your objective. The process culminates in a glamorous awards evening and gala dinner, held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire: an exquisite evening attended by top showing names, sponsors and companies. Celebrate with finalists and winners at a fizz reception followed by a three course gala dinner and entertainment.

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“SEIB are delighted to be sponsoring the SEIB/Showing World British Showing Awards. SEIB have long been committed to the showing industry, and these are the premiere showing awards, celebrating the best of the best in the showing community. We look forward to working with the Showing World team to bring you a superb celebration of this season’s best.”

Nicolina Mackenzie, SEIB Marketing Manager

This year’s categories are set to include: • • • • • • •

Breeder of the Year 1st Class Images Junior of the Year Cuddfan at Coxlake Native Pony of the Year Show Pony of the Year supported by the NPS Polypads Show Horse of the Year Veteran Horse or Pony of the Year Groom of the Year

• • • • • •

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

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

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TICKETS ON SALE SOON info@showingworldonline.co.uk | April/May Issue 2023 | Showing World | 9

BREEDING DECISIONS:

CHOOSING A STALLION Article supplied by the National Pony Society, custodian of the British Riding Pony Studbook With spring in the air breeders are once again faced with the difficult decisions about which mares to cover and what stallions to use. Lots of questions need to be seriously considered, such as: Why do we breed? What do we want the offspring to go on to do? Who is this horse/pony for? Have we considered its future? What are we trying to achieve? What outcome are we aiming for?

So, the NPS have asked, what do successful breeders consider when they are choosing a stallion? Jacky Newbery of the renowned Newoak Stud needs no introduction, Dartmoor ponies bred at the stud have made their mark as highly successful show animals and have proved themselves wonderful children’s ponies. ‘When looking for a stallion to use I have several criteria,’ explains Jacky. ‘Firstly, they must be true to type with good Dartmoor characteristics and they must complement my mare; no pony is perfect so you wouldn’t want to double up on a fault. Temperament is also paramount as being a small breed, more often than not they will end up with a child rider. No one wants to deal with an awkward pony!’ Jackie continues, ‘most importantly, I must want to look at him, we all have different opinions on type but if I’m going to breed, I want it to be from ponies I like and find pleasing to the eye’.

Newoak Bobby James

Former NPS President Paul Brightwell’s Cosford ponies have graced the ring for many years, chalking up successes too numerous to mention at the highest level. We asked Paul what drives him when choosing a Section A stallion to run with his mares. ‘The first thing I look for in a Welsh Section A stallion is type, with a well laid shoulder, good length of rein, clean through the gullet a well set tail, a quality head (not freakish) with a kind bold eye,’ said Paul. ‘He should have good limbs with flat bone, short cannons, good straight movement together with plenty of hock action. I also like to see a bit of feather. A sound temperament is also very important as the Section A pony in the main is ridden by young children’.

Cosford Wishes Vision

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Lostock Up To Date (1st Class Images)

So, what about the criteria for selecting a Riding Pony stallion? Does this differ much from M&M requirements? Leading showman, judge and breeder Julie Templeton says: ‘Firstly when looking for a stallion, I consider what I would wish to improve in my own mare. So, if she lacked limb or scope then I would prioritise those elements’. With the same considerations on temperament as Jacky and Paul, Julie advises that she feels that temperament is important when breeding children’s ponies. ‘If they go over height or perhaps aren’t good enough for the show ring, providing they have a good temperament they will always have another job,’ she said. ‘In terms of conformation, I would look for a good front with a well set on head and neck. The stallion should also have a good hind leg and enough bone for type. Finally, I would look for an athletic movement’. Successful breeder Jackie Thompson added: ‘When choosing a stallion to breed top class Riding Ponies, Hacks and Riding horses I look for masculinity, a great front, a handsome head, good forelegs, and a strong hind leg, a well laid back shoulder, all these elements should provide an exceptional mover. I always prefer something with a decent amount of TB bloodlines, this seems to work well when trying to breed the types mentioned above.’

Caroline Hamilton of the renowned Lostock Stud agrees, ‘When looking for a breeding combination ALWAYS look into the back pedigree, do you like it and will they complement each other? Pay particular attention to the damlines of your mare and the stallion you use. Temperament is another of my personal favourites; there is little point breeding a beautiful animal if they don’t have the temperament and rideability for a career in the future’. The final word goes to Lisha Leeman of the Kellythorpe Stud, whose selective breeding programmes have produced Horse of the Year show winners both in hand and under saddle. Lisha also advises on the importance of research into bloodlines and the damline… Kellythorpe Obsession (Equinational)

Joanna Adams’ Sandboro Sir Henry (1st Class Images)

Joanna Adams of the Tanrige stud added ‘As a breeder of riding ponies, I look for a riding pony stallion with the best conformation and movement to complement that of the mare. He must have a beautiful head, plenty of bone and a free extravagant action. I also consider the heights, breeding and temperaments of both the mare and prospective stallion, whether the breeding would enable the offspring to be registered as part-bred Welsh or Arab, and look at any youngstock of either, which could indicate qualities or any undesirable traits that are generally passed on to their foals. I avoid using stallions that are closely related to my mares and generally match their heights - mostly for practical reasons when it is to be a natural covering! ‘ Doing your research on bloodlines and making sure you have the right mare is a key consideration when breeding, and leading breeder and international judge Jackie Webb makes an interesting point. ‘To me the mare’s bloodline are most important as some 70% of the foal will be from the mare. A good breeding mare will produce mostly top class offspring from a variety of stallions’.

‘When choosing a stallion, there are lots of attributes of the stallion that you need to think about such as temperament, conformation, type, and trainability. Look at the good and bad points of your mare, see what you like and what you don’t like so that you can choose a stallion with attributes that could possibly counteract the faults and complement your mare. For example: if your mare is slightly back of the knee and light in limb you would need to consider using a stallion that is maybe a tad over at the knee with plenty of bone. Do your research into your mare’s breeding and damline. Look at any other foals her dam or second dam have produced and gain an understanding of what has worked, as the mare is responsible for at least 50 percent of the foal’. We would like to thank the NPS for their contribution and breeders that gave up the valuable time to help with this article.

www.nationalponysociety.com info@showingworldonline.co.uk | April/May Issue 2023 | Showing World | 11

Stepping Up from Grass Roots By Maggie Simons Taking the step up from local level competition to affiliated showing can seem daunting, from tackling a crowded collecting ring to standing in line next to a HOYS champion! It’s important not to feel overwhelmed. Focus is an area often neglected, but as with our core and leg muscles, our brain also requires training. The adage, practice makes perfect, may not be so wrong after all. If performing at your very best becomes normal practice, it is less likely that nerves will have such a negative effect on your performance. Work on consistency through all your paces and practice lots of different “shows” so that whatever the judge throws at you, you know you’ll be fine. In lessons, ask your teacher to set a show that you execute in front of them for added practice. Attending clinics is a great way of imitating a show environment with the added benefit of getting feedback and help from an experienced trainer. If there is a certain aspect that you are unhappy

with, don’t be afraid to tell them. Tackling the uncomfortable, can be just that: uncomfortable, but it is far better to address these areas at home or at a clinic than be hampered by them at a show. Entering a higher level of competition can also mean competing against professionals. Remember that for professionals there is pressure to get results. Try not to absorb this pressure and don’t feel intimidated. When things feel unfamiliar, self-confidence can be easily knocked. Instead, focus on your own goals, replay in your mind your good performances, and aim to repeat them. Also, provided they are not needed in the ring, most professionals will be happy to give you some real-time advice; another reason not to be intimidated!

yourself, you’ll see what the judge sees. Take plenty of water and nutritious snacks for the journey. It’s boring, but it will make getting up for work or school the next day so much easier. Melanie Morris and daughter Pearl made the leap from grass roots to affiliated last year, and enjoyed a magical season...

Show Day Tips! Plan your route before leaving home. Getting lost, missing turns, negotiating low bridges and arguing with ‘Drive’ do not make for a harmonious start! Arrive in plenty of time. I am quite shy and prefer to be thoroughly prepared for a situation. If you’re like me, do your research and ensure that you and your horse/pony are turned out appropriately as it will help you to feel less self-conscious. Try to watch a few shows in classes before yours. Consider who did it best and how they negotiated the space. If it’s a set show, take note so that you know exactly what you are doing.

“I’m new to showing, although I’m not to horses. I loved Cruz – my daughter’s pony – the moment I saw him. He was unshown but he was big moving, straight with a sensible brain. His striking colour also gives that ‘look at me’ factor. Andrew Collins agreed we should try him as a SHP and clipped him out. We started the 2022 season with a wishy-washy offwhite pony that wasn’t the finished article, but we had big dreams, and a little bit of courage. We were out of our depth, but we qualified for the Pretty Polly SHP class, in a poorly supported qualifier. We didn’t care; we were off to RI! We then entered an open RIHS qualifier and again, qualified. It felt unreal. Cruz’s colour came through and we arranged a couple of lessons with Katy Carter. She told us we had a lovely pony and should try some HOYS qualifiers. That seal of approval meant the world; I’ll never forget the confidence she gave us.

Get someone to video you. It may be uncomfortable watching, but sometimes Having qualified at the North of England for things look and feel differently so by watching the Bryony Gribbin PP Supreme, we decided 12 | Showing World | April/May Issue 2023 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk

Taking the plunge into affiliated showing can also impact your day-to-day life. There is increased demand on training, and heightened preparation stress. You may also be travelling further or missing the odd dinner with friends because you’re leaving home at 4am or still driving home. Be sure to make time for friends, for relaxation and to still enjoy what you do. Whatever the level, unless you’re a professional, showing is a hobby that you should enjoy.

we would also try a HOYS class. It didn’t go to plan. I forgot the stirrups, we arrived late, and she had to ride with leathers too long. Despite this, we finished fourth. This really gave us the confidence to try again. Pearl and I set off for NCPA Staffs thinking, ‘it’ll be nice to see our marks’. When her number was called out for first place it felt like the world had stopped turning and everything went in slow motion! I was stood on my own balling my eyes out. When Pearl came out of the ring we couldn’t talk, we were off to HOYS, the arena of dreams! At RIHS, Cruz and Pearl were unplaced in the opens. The Pretty Polly was nerve wracking as she was against much bigger ponies, but they finished second. Another ‘wow’ moment. The build up to HOYS approached and excitement levels grew. Pearl and Cruz just went to have their moment with absolutely no expectations. Amazingly, they were eighth, a memory our family will treasure. My eldest daughter Elise got into horses later than Pearl. She was fourth at STARS with her Fell pony Greenholme Elgin, the highest placed junior in a class of 50+. STARS can help prepare for the next big step. TSR is now set to be a great opportunity for the ambitious home produced, providing a great way of levelling up showing and giving everyone a chance.

We went from riding club to HOYS. If we can do this anyone can. We train hard but keep our ponies on a varied routine. They have to be children’s ponies. I always say to the girls “train like you want to win HOYS but accept it if it doesn’t go to plan”. Don’t be scared to be at the bottom of the line up if you’re looking at a line of beautiful ponies, just enjoy the company and learn from the experience.” We now have three ponies to campaign for HOYS and RIHS this year but won’t take anything for granted. If we never qualify for anything, I’ll always reflect on the fairytale season of 2022 and be grateful for what we had.

Sarah Chapman founder of TSR, is well versed in helping amateurs step up! “Preparation is key to confidence and enables you to focus on the important things. Understanding how your horse reacts to shows and preparing appropriately is very important so you can both enjoy the day. The main differences between local shows and the bigger shows is that the classes are often run to a strict timetable, with bigger rings, possibly bigger classes and probably a further walk to the ring! Apart from that, the format of the class will be the same. At local shows, judges can give you more of their time and help competitors through the class but at affiliated level you are expected to have done more of your homework and be prepared so do not be surprised if judges act in a more official manner. They are not being rude and will offer advice if asked.

Showing for everyone

Most important is your horse’s way of going and how you stand up your horse/pony for the conformation aspect, which is expected at affiliated level. Have a lesson with a showing person who can advise on these elements before you go to the show. Do not sweat about the small stuff. Is my jacket the right colour? Quarter marks? These can all be refined later. I always advise riders to just get out there and have a go. You can then plan to improve with experience and following good advice. Don’t put pressure on yourself with high expectations; if it isn’t right at home, it will not miraculously be better at a show. Life with animals throws things at you; the fact that you made it to the show and completed the class is an achievement. Above all, do not worry about what other riders think; the majority of competitors will support you on your journey!

info@theshowingregister.co.uk theshowingregister.co.uk

info@showingworldonline.co.uk | April/May Issue 2023 | Showing World | 13

BRITISH SHOW PONY

SOCIETY

As I write this column, the first Royal International Horse Show qualifying BSPS Area Shows are just about to start and members are getting ready for the busy season ahead. The Royal International Horse Show is such an iconic show with super going in the rings and one of the best outdoor shows in the country. With the announcement of the new Performance, Cradle, Nursery Stakes and Lead Rein Heritage Working Sport Pony Classes going into the London International Horse Show there is great excitement for a completely new concept based around Performance which should encourage some new exhibitors to “have a go” and some of our current members to be able to qualify for the London final. The atmosphere is very festive and there are plenty of twinkling lights and Christmas trees! I really hope that you will support your local County Shows and try and qualify for what, I know, will be a great day out. I understand that the cold weather at that time of year is not easy for you to get your ponies ready but I know how adaptable the showing community is and you and your children will have a memorable time!! All of the Horse of the Year Show qualifiers are now posted on the Horse of the Year Show website so you will be able to start planning your season. I do hope that you are all kind to each other at Shows this year and embrace the fun of showing – just remember that before posting on Social Media. Happy Showing. Karen Toynton Ward

SHOWING

NEWS April/May 2023

TGCA We are all hopeful for the beginning of spring and the opportunity to get back out and about doing the things we love with our Gypsy Cobs. During March we have enjoyed embarking on herd evaluations across the UK celebrating the responsible breeding practices of several studs. This ensures that our dedicated breeders are then entitled to become registered on our Assured Breeders Scheme. This will continue to encourage those seeking to become involved with the society to have the ability to choose their future cob with more clarity and confidence. Many shows are including both Full and Part Bred Classes and the County Show circuit is now encouraging TGCA classes across the UK. We are delighted that TGCA will be represented in Northern Ireland in 2023, with a Show and Showing Clinic planned in March and the exciting opportunity for a Northern Ireland Regional in 2024. Due to the strength of our Part Bred Series and the increased demand for qualifiers, we have launched a Facebook page specifically for Part Breds and the response has been amazing. TOYS 2022 saw a huge uptake in these classes and we hope 2023 will see more members registering their Part Bred Gypsy Cobs. Look out for shows local to you holding qualifiers which you will find on www.tgca.co.uk or follow us on our Facebook page.

THE

SIDE SADDLE ASSOCIATION

Show Affiliations/Activities 2023 A list of fixtures is regularly updated on the SSA Website - Competitions – Shows & Fixtures page: http://www. sidesaddleassociation.co.uk/shows_fixtures.asp Seminars The next series of online seminars will commence with a seminar on Thursday 2nd November at 7pm, more details will be circulated nearer the time. AGM NOTICE is hereby given the 48th Annual General Meeting of The Side Saddle Association shall be held on Sunday 26 March 2023 at Hogarths Hotel, Solihull commencing at 11am

We are delighted BD are running the side saddle championship category again this year. More details are on the BD website. The first and most important step is to register your intention to qualify for the Associated Championships in 2023 KEY DIARY DATES 2023 26th March - AGM Sunday at Hogarths Hotel, Solihull 21st April - Area 5 Grade Test Day, Warwickshire – Horses available to hire 4th – 6th August - 42nd National Side Saddle Show, at Bury Farm Equestrian www.sidesaddleassociation.co.uk

BRITISH DRESSAGE ASSOCIATED CHAMPIONSHIPS – SIDE SADDLE

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VETERAN HORSE SOCIETY

With the start of the season slowly unfolding, we are already having people qualifying for the Regional Finals and entries are now open for the first Direct Qualifier at the VHS Spring Festival on 16th April in Warwickshire. If you would like to help support the show we are in need of sponsors to ensure the show returns each year. The schedule is available on the website and entries will open in March. Entries can be taken on the day as well as new Membership and renewals. We will only have a limited amount of age badges so please let us know which age to bring. Along with the festival we also have the Judges Assessment and we currently have spaces still available and an application form can be emailed or downloaded from our website. We already have a large amount of shows affiliating for 2023 Area Qualifiers and Golden Ticket Qualifications, the Regional Finals and Direct Qualifiers will be announced next month. We do have a couple

of Regional spaces available as well as some new county shows join us. We are now working on the 10th National Veteran Championship Show which will be running from 29th September to 1st October at Arena UK, Lincolnshire. We have an Arena and Evening sponsorship still available, as well as various classes. If you would like to sponsor and support this prestigious event, please email Head Office and we can discuss what classes or sections are still available. Finally, just a reminder our Annual Ball & Awards was a sell out last year and this years’ tickets are now on sale and the date is 18th November and will be held at the beautiful Bromsgrove Spa and Hotel. We will be opening the nominations for each of the categories later in year and the Performance Awards Finalists will again be announced on our Facebook group after the Championships. Veteran Horse Society Showing. Thank you all for making the Society such a huge success in 2022 and also for the ongoing support from all our volunteers and Members who give hours of their own time to help the Society grew year on year. Julianne Aston - Founder www.veteran-horse-society.co.uk 01239 881300 (07789 514004 24 hrs) info@veteran-horse-society.co.uk

CHAPS UK The dressage classes have always been popular at the CHAPS (UK) Championship Show, so we are excited to announce we are holding a new Dressage Championships competition this year. Sponsored by Eccles UK Foundries Ltd, the new championships will take place on the final two days of our Championship Show on 11 & 12 August 2023 at Arena (UK), Lincolnshire. Classes will range from Intro to Elementary level, and there will be restricted and open sections at each level. Qualification for these new championship classes can be achieved by gaining 2 x 60% scores at any dressage competition at any venue in the UK at the relevant level. The class restrictions are described in full on our website www. chapsuk.com, but briefly the restricted section is designed for those new or less experienced at that dressage, and neither horse nor rider should have gained any BD points at that level in the last 10 years. The open section is for the more experienced dressage combinations, and is open to all eligible to compete in British Dressage Bronze and Silver sections at that level. As well as class placings, there will be special awards for best junior rider, best native/cob/traditional, and best non-native competitors.

Competitors need to be full or auxiliary members of CHAPS (UK) and horses overstamped with CHAPS, which is a one off fee for the life of the horse. The CHAPS (UK) Championship show itself offers a huge range of classes to suit all types of coloured horses and ponies, and all levels of competitor from HOYS qualifying classes to grass roots classes for those just starting out. There are inhand classes everyday too for all ages of horse and pony. The show culminates in the prestigious youngstock, veteran, junior, home produced, amateur championships indoors on the Saturday night, as well as inhand and ridden Supremes of Show. The hotly contested King of The Ring Finals inhand and ridden will also take place again, with qualification taken from our CHAPS Regional Shows. Champion and reserve inhand and ridden from each of these shows qualify for the King of The Ring Final at the Championship Show. CHAPS (UK) has qualfiiers for our inhand and ridden finals throughout the country. Please see the full list on our website www.chapsuk. com. This is updated regularly when the shows affiliate. The Spring Grading for stallions and mares is now full, our next Grading will take place on 9 August at Arena (UK).

NPS SCOTLAND The first event of the year was the AGM and prize giving on the 12th February near Stirling. The event was well attended and we had the pleasure of awarding the following awards:In 2023 the DWH Dick Trophy was awarded to Gillian McMurray of the Trailtrow Highland pony stud. This trophy is in memory of Dougal Dick (Transy Stud) and his passion for sound breeding and good performance and the award is presented to a member of NPS Scotland who has excelled in either field. The Trailtrow ponies have had great success in the show ring both in hand and under saddle but they also show the versatility of the Highland breed by competing successfully in multiple disciplines. Gillian McMurray of Trailtrow Highland Ponies, Dumfries was awarded the trophy by Sarah Ross of the Transy Stud.

Stanley Grange Trophy, Sue Ellen Lee and Christine Duke

NATIONAL PONY SOCIETY (NPS) The National Pony Society held a very successful AGM and Ball on 18th February where our leading British Riding Pony stallions and performance ponies were recognised and a successful year for the Society and members was celebrated. Mr Martin Jones and Mrs Sara Hird were elected as the new Chair and Vice Chair of the Society and Mrs Christine Duke as the new President. Kilvington Scoundrel was once again the leading sire and Litton Harrison was awarded the Stanley Grange Trophy as the champion young stallion. Winston Classic Gold was the overall winner of the NPS/Derby House BRP Performance Awards after topping both dressage and jumping sections. The 14 year old carries a lot of Connemara blood and owner Sarah Davis was delighted to accept her prizes. Runner up was the driving pony Becca Biddy’s Glee who is by a Dartmoor sire and out of a Stanley Grange Cocktail mare. [IMAGE NPS President Christine Duke presents the Stanley Grange Trophy to Sue Ellen Lee the owner of Litton Harrison] Signs that Spring is on its way are evident in the NPS office as shows across the country are sending in their schedules for checking ahead of what promises to be an exciting and busy 2023 show season. Many qualifiers will have already happened for the NPS Winter Finals which are held at the Spring Festival at Malvern. The Spring Festival this year is on Saturday 22nd April and in addition to the Winter Finals there are RIHS qualifiers for NPS/Supreme Products RIHS M&M WHP, BSPS Plaited WHP, BSPS M&M Pretty Polly , BMHS and UKPH Young Rider, Intermediate and Amateur Finals. The first NPS/Baileys Horse Feeds M&M Pony of the Year HOYS qualifiers will also be taking place.

There are also a number of opportunities to qualify for a variety of M&M and plaited Summer National Championships. If you haven’t had chance to pick up your Winter Finals ticket yet there are also last chance qualifiers in the morning of the show. Looking ahead to the Autumn, the NPS were very pleased to be able to announce that the 2023 Great British In Hand Show will also incorporate the Price Family In Hand Semi Final Championship – allowing competitors a final chance to pick up their HOYS ticket in this most prestigious of breeding championships. The Great British In Hand Show will still include the NPS Supreme Pony or Horse of the Year showcase as the finale to the spectacular evening performance. The show will be held at the lovely Oakridge Arena near Newark this year and runs on Saturday 2nd September.

NPS SCOTLAND THE 2022 SPOTY 2022 POINTS (SCOTTISH PONY AWARDS OF THE YEAR) In 2022 NPS Scotland offered this Points competition free to all their members and we had a fantastic entry with 27 log books returned for the Lady Fairfax Lucy competition which was won by Naomi Archibald and Annandale Maria who also won the best junior and best Welsh section B.

The SPOTY Awards is an accumulation of points from placings at the NPS Scotland Spring, Summer and Championship (Blair) shows in 2022. The winners were as follows •

NPS Scotland In Hand Pony of the Year 2022 Achilty Secret Agent Owned by David Shand, Exhibited by Hunter Macdonald

•

The Ridden Part Bred prize went to Lesley McNaughton- Wells with Roandale Saxon, the In Hand Mountain & Moorland to Emma-Jane Murray with Ochills Enchanted, and the In Hand Part Bred to Eleanor Crate with Bansky Royal Approval.

NPS Scotland Ridden Pony of the Year 2022 Boisil Owned and exhibited by Mrs HG Whetter

•

All prize winners received wonderful gifts and vouchers from our sponsor of this competition TICK TACK, and we are very grateful to Karen Laver for this much appreciated sponsorship.

NPS Scotland Working Hunter Pony of the Year 2022 Woodbank Smokey Sam Owned by Cheryl Mackintosh, Exhibited by Kirsty Aird

Each prize winners is presented with a wonderful canvas of their pony presented by NPS Scotland.

The Treasure Island Trophy for the most points within Mountain and Moorland Ridden showing was won by Jessica Whiteford with Lynmore Glen, who was also the Best Shetland in the competition.

This is a great competition that is open to members and nonmembers to recognise the versatility of the native breeds and we hopefully look forward to lots of entries for 2023.

Our next event will be our Spring show and following are the dates of our other events in 2023 •

Spring Show – 22nd and 23rd April at SNEC (including RI WHP Qualifier

•

Dressage Day – 29th April at Champfleurie

•

Summer Show – 10th June at Strathallan Castle

•

Blair Finals – 25th August at Blair Caslte

•

In Hand Show – 21st October at Netherton Equestrian Centre

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Weaning Prep From 3 months of age a foal can be given its own small meals of concentrate feed to encourage the adaptation of the digestive tract. Stud Balancer is ideal, unless extra calories are needed, and by the time of weaning, the foal should be receiving sufficient nutrients from its stud ration to maintain weight and consistent growth when the milk supply is removed. Digest Plus prebiotic may also be advisable, to help the gut bacteria through the stresses of weaning, while continued nutritional support of the weanling is essential to support even growth and help the youngster fulfil its genetic potential.

Feeding Foals Foals can be cute and fun to have around and it’s easy to assume that the mare and grass will be all they need, from a nutritional point of view. There’s a bit more to it than that, though, so here are a couple of things to think about when feeding foals.

Feed the Mare

Whilst the composition of the milk a mare produces is determined by her genetics, if she does not get the right nutritional components in her diet, it is likely to affect the quality of and quantity of the milk she produces. It’s therefore essential that the pregnant and lactating mare is fed a fully balanced diet, formulated to meet her requirements, so that her suckling foal gets the best possible nutrition from her.

Support Growth Research has shown that high protein diets are not directly linked to nutritionrelated growth problems but a high energy diet, with an inadequate supply of minerals, can result in developmental problems. In the foal and youngster, these are typically when milk is abundant and/or calorific but otherwise lacking in

nutrients, or when forage or pasture are likewise. Supplementing the suckling foal with a vitamin and trace mineral drench, like Baileys Foal Assist, will supply the essential nutrients to support growth, whilst, from 3 months, Baileys Stud Balancer will do the same, both without unwanted calories.

Extra Calories Suckling foals, under 3 months of age, who don’t do well and lack condition on mare’s milk alone, can be supplemented with milk-based Baileys Foal Creep Pellets to supply the necessary additional calories and appropriate supporting nutrients. Older foals, whose digestive system has adapted to forage and hard feed, can be given Stud & Youngstock Mix or Cubes, Prep Mix or Prep-Ease.

Baileys Stud Balancer This is the perfect option for providing essential nutrients, like protein, vitamins and minerals, without unwanted calories, for all breeding stock, from mares and stallions, to growing youngsters. It can be fed as the sole concentrate to good-doers or with reduced amounts of other stud feeds to provide a balanced diet with flexible calorie levels.

Foal Assist This unique vitamin and trace mineral drench is specifically formulated to provide nutrients to support correct growth in suckling foals and can be administered via syringe or on feed.

For advice on feeding foals of all ages, as well as other breeding and youngstock, contact Baileys Horse Feeds on 01371 850247 or visit www.baileyshorsefeeds. co.uk

info@showingworldonline.co.uk | April/May Issue 2023 | Showing World | 17

138cm show ponies line up at the RIHS in 1985

The Decline of the British Riding Pony By Edward Young There seems to be an accepted wisdom that the British Riding Pony is in decline. Fewer and fewer foals are being registered with the NPS, and whilst some foals, such as Welsh part-breds may be registered elsewhere, the trend is that fewer BRPs are bred each year. In the last issue of Showing World, breeder Mark Bullen argued that the British Riding Pony (BRP) is a type rather than a breed. I disagree and believe that the BRP is a “breed”. Much like the thoroughbred, its origins may be diverse but over the years it has developed into a breed with recognisable characteristics. Indeed, I have always seen the BRP as a mini thoroughbred, although that may be because I am a great fan of both breeds. There are numerous theories as to why there is a decline in numbers beyond the obvious reason: fewer people are breeding them! The most common use for the BRP has historically been showing. When I was a child (in the 1970s) classes were generally large at the Royal International and “Wembley” qualifiers, but less so away from them. In the North East of England we saw classes of four or five in the show pony classes at the local shows. As children, my brother Nigel and I used to compete in the showing classes at local shows in the morning then unplait them and do the games in the afternoon. There were always a lot more children in the games than in

the showing classes. Almost all those small shows are sadly now long gone, and many of the larger shows too. At the BSPS Summer Championships there were two rings: one for show ponies and one for workers. The show was held over two days and the classes were prestigious. In 1980, we travelled from Durham to Devon to try and qualify for a novice class at the Championships. It was worth the trip because Nigel qualified Groundhills Mannequin for the 13.2 novice class and she subsequently won the final at Peterborough. It was a massive deal for us back then. There were two lines of competitors and some fantastic ponies in the class. In 1983, the BSPS introduced Show Hunter Pony classes and things went from strength to strength. Soon afterwards the show hunter ponies were at the RIHS and HOYS. In some years there were three sections of twenty or more in some of the show hunter pony classes at the BSPS Summer Championships. During that time there were also huge numbers at the Ponies UK Summer Championships, which at one point claimed to have more equine exhibits than any other show worldwide. The numbers peaked at Ponies UK in 2002, although by then there was a small decline in plaited entries and the mountain and moorlands were increasing. It should also be recognised that there was very little “overlap” between the competitors at the Ponies UK and the BSPS championships. Only a small proportion of ponies competed at both shows. There were a lot of plaited ponies on the show circuit and a lot of shows to take them to at all levels - from unaffiliated, to affiliated, RIHS or HOYS qualifying shows. There was also a strong in hand circuit and breeders could compete at shows such as the Royal, the East of England, Three Counties, the NPS Summer Championships and the Great Yorkshire Show. Even if you had a bad day in the ring, you could have an enjoyable time at the show. Furthermore, it wasn’t hard to sell your three-year-olds once you’d finished with them. Most of them were sold to show under saddle in the UK. Some producers such as Ron and Debbie Thomas were masters at carefully placing animals to get eye-catching results which led to lucrative sales to Australia. Others, such as Bob and Julie Templeton developed contacts in the USA

Deaconwood Goldprint

and ponies which weren’t necessarily champions over here were sold to the States for good money. Not many people realised it at the time, but these were the “golden years”. It was a good time to breed ponies and to compete them. No-one can blame the breeders for concentrating their efforts towards the show ring. However, no-one should be fooled by reminisces on social media. Whilst numbers were high, they weren’t all beautiful ponies, the judges weren’t all honest and knowledgeable experts, the best pony didn’t always win and there were the ever-present moans about cronyism and bad judging. What was different was the absence of social media. As a tool for the good, it can be positive, but give someone with a grudge a keyboard and it can be poisonous and misleading. In the old days, a disgruntled competitor might call a friend (on a landline as there were no mobile phones, and after 6pm when it was cheaper!) and moan for an hour before it was finished. It was a private conversation, unlike online posts on social media which are seen by thousands, added to by hundreds and which rumble on for weeks.

Knowle Victoria ridden by Gemma Rees [James]

As more classes were introduced at both the RI and HOYS, more and more people had the opportunity to compete at those shows. The balance swung from the perception that competing at HOYS was an exceptional achievement, to the view that you had somehow underachieved if you didn’t get there. HOYS became the focus for the vast majority of showing competitors and whilst the Royal International is a fantastic show, HOYS dominates most competitors’ aspirations. I believe that the HOYS obsession partly contributed to the decline of some of the smaller shows. However, there were several other contributing factors, too. Afterall, during that period we also lost some of the bigger shows which had enjoyed the prestige of hosting qualifiers. The Royal, the East of England, Shropshire and West Midlands and Leicester County all went. In the 1980s it would have been unthinkable to lose just one of them. It seems that with the increasing urbanisation of society and with each generation moving further from their agricultural roots combined with the proliferation of other leisure activities, agricultural shows became less appealing to the public. Increasingly, shows are held at equestrian centres, and we go to fewer shows with a public presence. Last year our first show on grass was at the end of May. Equestrian centres have many merits, but they don’t make a great day out for

Starpoint ridden by Shirely Cronin

info@showingworldonline.co.uk | April/May Issue 2023 Showing World | 19 A 1990 |line up from the BSPS championships

A 1974 line up of novice show ponies at Stoneleigh

non-horsey members of the family. If you have a bad day in the ring, there is little to cheer you up outside it. Furthermore, showing behind closed doors deprives showing of a shop window. In the past, we have had families come into showing because they saw a class at a show and wanted to take it up. As a result of these factors, the growth in interest in mountain and moorlands or coloureds, and possibly others that I haven’t yet considered, the numbers in plaited classes have been in a steady decline. In 1999 the were 3,108 plaited ponies registered with the BSPS. In 2019 there were 1,499. This trend is not just a British one, there is also a decline in Australia which has a strong tradition for showing plaited horses and ponies. Nevertheless, the quality of the animals has not declined. I’m not the only one to think that in recent times we’ve seen some very strong classes with quality ponies from the top of the line to the bottom of it. Shows have to pay for themselves and HOYS have taken the decision to reduce the number of qualifiers in some plaited classes because of falling numbers in order to sustain standards and ensure it’s not too easy to qualify. As someone who has spent most my adult life trying to qualify ponies for HOYS, I don’t feel that it’s become any easier! There may be fewer in some of the classes, but the quality is still there, arguably more so than in the golden years. Whilst there is a strong grassroots movement as seen at Equifest and STARS, the majority of the mid-range shows have gone and there’s very little between grassroots and the qualifiers. I hope that people will continue to appreciate the RIHS, but my concern is that if people who have regularly competed at HOYS see it as becoming an impossible dream, they will drop out of showing. We are in danger of losing them to other disciplines such as British Dressage. Furthermore, if the location of qualifiers is pulled increasingly into the midlands, those on the periphery will also drop out. Despite a recent rise, the prices paid for ponies has fallen in real terms. Whilst some ponies sold for less, it was not uncommon for ponies to change hands for between £1,000 and £3,000 in the 1970’s, with prices around £5,000 not unheard of. One high profile

pony was reputably sold for £10,000. In 1975 £3,000 was worth around £24,500 in today’s money. Today, ponies in dressage, show jumping and eventing go for a lot more than our show ponies. In fact, it seems that their second-tier ponies are sold for more than our elite stars. Breeders would be short sighted to ignore the other opportunities available. There is something of a resurgence in the plaited pony ranks, and the BSPS and NPS are working together to ensure a strong future in showing for the BRP. A pony left the Templeton Show Team’s stables bound for the USA last year and there is still a market out there. There has also been interest in the BRP from Hong Kong. Closer to home we had a 14.2 show pony that went on to become a JA show jumper and thereby became worth a lot more than she would have been had she won HOYS as a show pony. We bred a nice pony which was the “wrong” height, and he was sold into dressage where he did well. Whilst I know very little about pony racing, I do know that it’s popular and that the BRP is ideally suited to it. Currently, breeders either hope to attract someone to the stud to view their ponies or have to pay to have ponies broken in the hope of finding a buyer. They also often lack facilities to show the ponies off at home and people are reluctant to travel hundreds of miles to see one or two three-year-olds in a field. The way forward is to market the BRP in a way that shows off all its capabilities. A sale would give breeders a ready market, align breeders and buyers, and lead to ponies changing hands for the sort of money that makes breeding them financially viable. It would, in time, attract international buyers as well as those from the UK. People from many disciplines travel from all over the world to go to performance sales in Goresbridge to buy Irish Sports Horses. Surely the time is right to develop a similar concept in the UK for the BRP? NEXT ISSUE, WE WILL BE LOOKING AT WHAT IS NEXT FOR THE BRITISH RIDING PONY AND HOW WE CAN ENSURE A REVIVAL IN ITS POPULARITY.

138cm show ponies at Windsor in 1977

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SHCV Hygain HOTY and Thames International Showdown Victoria, Australia | January 2023 | Photos by Lisa Gordon, Equinet Media | Judged by Martin Skelton

Ascot Anne Marie ridden by Britt Holmberg was sashed Champion Small Open Pony

Birchwood Crescendo, ridden by Annabelle Richardson claimed Supreme Champion Child’s Saddle Horse

Brynie Lee was declared Champion rider 21-30 years

Aylestone Park Valdez ridden by Jessica Sharp took Champion Large Show Hunter Pony

Cheraton Queen Bee claimed back to back HOTY titles when she was awarded Champion Open Leading Rein Pony

DP Perfection, sired by the great stallion High Chaparral, took the tricolour in the hotly contested OTT Rising Star Open Hack

Falconhurst Showpiece ridden by Sabrina Gilmour exhibited by the Gerber Family was sashed Champion Childs APSB Shetland

Georgia Greenwells nomination Revelwood Stedfast was awarded Supreme Champion Owner Rider Hunter

Cimeron Poprock exhibited by the Shute Family was awarded Champion Large Show Hunter Pony

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Gentry Park Black Velvet ridden by Brynie Lee was declared Champion Large Show Hunter Galloway

Lillie Ford riding DP GiGi was awarded Champion in the Laura Thomas Junior Equestrian Challenge, Rider 13Yrs & Under 17Yrs

The beautiful INK ridden by Greg Mickan was awarded Champion Large Hack in a strong hack class

Prima Donna ridden by Rachael Addison was sashed Runner Up Small Show Hunter Hack in a competitive field

Phantom Park Hollywood was sashed Runner Up Large Show Hunter Galloway

Tayla Anderson competed in the rider 21 & under 30 years and was awarded Reserve Champion

Melody Park Royal Quartet ridden by Greg Mickan was awarded Champion in the ‘Melrose Group’ Park Hack feature class

Monte Cristo V ridden by Ali Berwick was awarded Reserve Champion Large Show Hunter Pony

Wideacre Harry Winston ridden by Sabrina Gilmour was sashed Champion Large Pony

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Marley Thorpe Heal was awarded Champion rider 9 and under 12 years pictured with judge Anna Duffy

Grace Baines was awarded Champion Rider 12 years and under 15

Sabrina Gilmour on Royal Oak Foreign Affairs taking out Champion Child’s Hack

Platinum led by fashionista Chris Leech took the gents fashion off the field contest

Whitmere Minuette ridden by Elle Lee exhibited by the Parker Family was awarded Champion Open Leading Rein Pony under UK Judge Martin Skelton

Ultimate PPH ridden by Ali Berwick was sashed Champion Large Show Hunter Hack

Flowerdale Basil

Daniel Evans aboard Riegal Conchita Cintrón after being sashed in the Newcomer Show Hunter Galloway Class.

Loriot Breaking Dawn was sashed Champion Childs Large Show Hunter Pony

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Murraydale Park Kane ridden by Izabella McIntyre pictured with UK Judge Martin Skelton during the presentations

Natalie McKay pictured with Judge Jess Stones was awarded Champion Rider 30 years and over

Owendale Beesting had an amazing show with Syenna Mullan-Wright who was declared Champion Small Show Hunter Pony

Eagle Park Crystal Roulette ridden by Milla Romeo was awarded Champion Show Hunter First Ridden

Wilgo’s Country Music was decleared Champion Large Pony

Royal Opera exhibited by Greg Gerry & Darren Telford was sashed Champion Large Galloway

Westminster exhibited by Fiona McIntyre was awarded Champion Led OTT Rising Star Hunter Hack, proudly sponsored by Racing Victoria

Coronation ridden by Ali Berwick was awarded Champion Small Hack pictured with judge Kim Durante

Calca Park Aristocrat claimed the Champion Small Show Hunter Pony under UK Judge Martin Skelton

Greg Mickan rode Fiona Mardlings Small Show Hunter Galloway Riegal Manolete to Champion

Lyndam Park Touch the Clouds ridden by Briony Randle was sashed Champion Small Hack

Arabella Juliette ridden by Briony Randle was awarded the Burnewang Stud Perpetual Trophy

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Behind the brand: Smart Grooming Royal Windsor Horse Show has always been a significant date in the calendar for all serious show-goers. But what is it like if you’re producing for the Royal Family? This issue, Showing World team up with Smart Grooming to find out from leading producer Katie Jerram Hunnable. Katie rides First Receiver to win at HOYS 2022

Showing World: Katie, how do you go about preparing for Royal Windsor? Katie Jerram: I need to attend a few shows to get the horses ready for an electric atmosphere, Windsor is the first big show of the season, and is a difficult one, timing wise, to get them prepared for. SW: Do you feel added pressure? KJ: No, I don’t worry about being under pressure, if I did, in a pun, the feeling goes down the rein to the brain! A while ago I was in a side saddle class on one of the Queen’s horses. I was pulled in top, and the judge went out to give it a ride and she totally went to pieces. It’s a lot of pressure for the judge with all the cameras, and being watched by the Queen is hard. SW: Do you have any favourite recollections from Windsor during your time producing for the late Her Majesty? KJ: Definitely. Every win is amazing and a relief when we get one, but my most memorable was Barbershop going Supreme Ridden in the main ring. That was pressure, but he was a delight. SW: How did you begin producing for the royals? KJ: After I was Hunter Champion on Rosen Bright, a difficult Light Weight, I was asked up to the Castle. I thought someone was pulling my leg, but it was real, and was one of the best days of my life. I just wish my Granny was there to tell as it was a dream of hers for me to meet the Queen. Every day, riding for the Queen was a special day, and they have been the best days of my life, even now 20 years on. SW: Tell us about First Receiver and his win at HOYS? Team Katie Jerram!

KJ: We were asked to look at First Receiver at Sandringham with the view to retraining him. He was beautiful, but there were lots to do as in any retraining of a racehorse. I called Terry Pendry straight away to say, “yes, please, we adore him.” He replied: “Here is a number, please call HM Queen and tell her yourself.” Oh my, I was to call the Queen directly! We had no signal in the car and the last thing I wanted, was to be cut off, so we drove around to find a signal, stopped, and called. The Lady in waiting answered the phone. I said, “Hello, could I speak to the Queen, please?” It was quite surreal. The reply was, “sorry, but she is busy, but who should I say is calling?” I asked, “please could you say that it is Kate Jerram?”

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At which point The Lady in Waiting replied, “oh, please hold on, she is now free and would like to speak to you….” It was truly amazing, and then that was it: I talked to the Queen and Firsty arrived that week. That is how the story started. SW: What other highlights are there? KJ: My next highlight will be riding for the King; a new chapter that I never thought would happen is being written now.

“Every day, riding for the Queen was a special day, and they have been the best days of my life, even now 20 years on.”

SW: The late Her Majesty is reputed to have been a superb horsewoman, what is your experience of her as a horse woman and what was it like producing for her? KJ: The Queen was an amazing horse lady with knowledge that so many would love to have witnessed. I was lucky to see her love dedication and passion for the horse at close hand. SW: You have been sponsored by Smart Grooming for several seasons. What are your go-to products from their range? KJ: I have been so lucky to have been sponsored by Smart Grooming for a few years now, and when asked the question what’s my go to product, I can’t answer that because I use them all! As a British brand with British products that are carefully produced, with many essential oils and natural based ingredients, they suit all our horses and needs and make them look and feel amazing. SW: We often get asked for top tips on plaiting and quarter marks. What are yours? KJ: Top tips for plaiting and quarter marking: lots of practice and watching! Work out what type of plaits and quarter marks are suitable for your horse and class as well as dependable products.

“I absolutely love the Smart Grooming Gel and Wax as well as their complete plaiting kit and apron which makes it so much easier to keep everything in the right place and to hand.”

Katie Jerram and Daydream III win at Windsor in 22

The quarter marking brush and combs and gel, we have worked on together. It’s so important to have a good stiff brush and combs to give crisp markings. Applying the gel onto a damp coat will give a perfect base to put in markings in, and a spritz of quarter marking spray after, will keep the marks on the coat all day, even when we are taking rugs on and off between classes.

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info@showingworldonline.co.uk | April/May Issue 2023 | Showing World | 27

Behind the Scenes with Head Girl Ellie Greenhalgh Winner of the Smart Grooming Groom of the Year, Ellie Greenhalgh, tells us about her role on Katie’s yard and what it’s like being a groom in the showing industry… Showing World: Ellie, how did you get your role as head girl on Katie’s yard? Ellie: I started working for Katie in February 2018 as an apprentice. The following winter Jo Jack, who had been head girl for Katie for a very long time, sadly decided to move home but it wasn’t until February 2020 that Katie asked me to become head girl. Katie has spent a lot of time training and teaching me how she likes to produce her horses. SW: What does a normal day look like for you on the yard? Ellie: Our normal day starts at 7:30, when we feed the horses with the feeds Mrs Jerram has made for us, then it’s turning out, mucking out our yards until 9:30 when we begin to ride. Katie provides us with a ride list every morning with a variety of different things including jumping, hacking schooling or lessons. After lunch we groom our horses and once a week, they are trimmed. This includes trimming their manes, pulling their tails, and trimming their faces and heels. Katie likes us to keep the horses trimmed so that show prep is made easier. Once our yards are finished, if there is a show we pack the lorries, clean the tack, and bed down the lorry ready for our early morning departures. SW: What are the best and worst things about being head girl on a showing yard? The best thing about being a head girl on a show yard is getting to travel around different county shows turning out the horses and plaiting; I thoroughly enjoy watching them in the

ring when all the preparation comes together.

Katie helps with marking up

The worst thing is that it’s a lot of responsibility when we have 30 horses all attending different shows; it takes a lot of organisation to try keep the season smooth. SW: How do you set about getting several horses ring-ready on a busy show day? Ellie: It’s a real team effort. Everyone on the team has different jobs that all count towards making the day run smoothly. I like to make a timetable which includes all the details from tack, how the horse needs turning out, the time of the class and the time the horse needs to be ready so that everyone at the lorry knows the layout of the day and what jobs need to be done. That way we can all work together to make the show enjoyable.

Quarter marking essentials

SW: If you could give one Turnout Top Tip, what would it be? Ellie: Using the Smart Grooming Plaiting Kits makes my life a lot easier as all my plaiting equipment is ready to go. SW: Congratulations on winning Groom of the Year at the SEIB British Showing World Awards. Thank you; the Smart Grooming Groom of the Year Awards was an amazing achievement to win. I think it’s so important to acknowledge show grooms as you see the same grooms around the country week in week out, doing what they love, working long hours. A lot of shows do best turned out prizes including the Catplant Hunters at HOYS which is a nice way to acknowledge the grooms’ work.

Quarter Marking

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“THE GREATEST PARTY OF THE SEASON!” 28 | Showing World | April/May Issue 2023 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk

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WILTSHIRE SPRING SHOW

West Wilts Equestrian Centre | 25-26 of March | Photos by 1st Class Images

Always an early season favourite, this year’s Wiltshire Spring Show didn’t disappoint. Despite the tempestuous weather, both professionals and amateur exhibitors were out in force to support both novice and open classes alike. Here are just some of our favourite champions from the weekend… St Giles Devole looked an exciting prospect at Wiltshire ’22 taking the intermediate championship under owner Joanne Price’s daughter Phoebe. This year, the sevenyear-old and Phoebe looked formidable opponents in the hack section, taking the tricolour before going on to clinch the amateur supreme.

Reserve supreme amateur was south-Wales based Jane Jones’ second placed small hunter Wentworth (Basil). Purchased during the pandemic, Basil has a superb 2022, took second in the RIHS amateur small hunter class and third in the open small hunter class. They also qualified for HOYS, and won the amateur small hunter classes at both the hunter championships and the Sport Horse GB National Championships before taking the amateur championships at the latter. Open supreme was awarded to Rebecca Penny riding Leisa Woodward’s coloured traditional type pony, Chynas Top Deck (Squirt). The pair had won the RIHS qualifier and stood section champion, but due to a ‘hiccup’ with the card in her pocket, Rebecca and Squirt made a trip to NCPA Lancs to claim a ticket. The six-year-old stallion was ridden by Rebecca last year when he was loaned by his owner to Babi Berchielli. The pair qualified for HOYS and stood second at the RIHS. Leisa saw him there and liked him, contacted breeder Michael Suddes and purchased him, moving him to producer Danielle Garner’s yard. “I got a text with a picture of him saying, ‘surprise’, which was lovely,” said Rebecca. The open reserve supreme was awarded to Ellie Stunt riding Charlotte Coppard’s exciting novice hack, Littletons Tiger Lily. They won the novice hack class and novice championship en route to the supreme. They pipped Karen Burrows’ winning novice large riding horse Last Orders V to the novice championship, ridden by producer Sophie Curry. Reserve champion coloured was awarded to Jo Bates riding Ami Miller’s seasoned and consistent campaigner, Awsome II.

Last year’s amateur supreme once again brought home the goods. This was Emily Proud’s HSF Lobo Royale, who won the RIHS working hunter qualifier and stood champion. Emily told us at Wiltshire last year that the eight-year-old Cardento Royale gelding was destined for a career in eventing, but nevertheless proceeded to make his mark in the showring, standing second in the working show horse at Windsor and winning the equivalent class at the RIHS.

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Retrained Racehorse classes continue to grow, and a good range of classes at Wiltshire brought quality entries. Eventual champion was the winner of the open class, being Jenni Powell’s Grandads Legacy, ridden by Skye Houldsworth. The winning novice, Maisie Bush’s Caroles Destrier finished reserve.

The Allure of RIHS tickets in the open hunters meant classes were very strong, with plenty of quality novices also along for the ride. Liz Prowting’s versatile former winner of the ladies hunter at both the RIHS and Windsor, Bloomfield Eloquence, topped the RIHS qualifying middleweights and took reserve champion behind the Lucinda Freedman’s winning lightweight, Tigbourne, ridden by Hannah Horton. Tigbourne enjoyed a prolific career as a youngster in hand, and is no doubt destined for greatness in the ridden sphere.

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Annabel Pope’s 11-year-old Nantcol Swansong clinched the open lead rein and mini championship, led by Annabel and ridden by Luna Hannell, 5. The Hightopps Jet gelding qualified for the RIHS the following weekend at Area 15. This will be his second visit to Hickstead having also qualified in 2021, but sadly, Covid prevented Annabel from leading him. Reserve was taken by the winners of the first ridden, Alexandra Fowler’s daughter Addy Fowler riding homebred Broadgrove National Anthem. Champion open ridden pony was awarded to Claire Lockyer’s open show pony winner, Revolution Brave ridden by Grace Lockyer. Reserve was our 2022 Showing World Junior of the Year, Annabel Drake riding promising young show hunter pony Lindeth Quiz Master, owned by Nicola Bentley. Interestingly, it was a Lindeth one-two in the hunter ponies, with Lindeth Whistleblower ridden by India Fisher in second.

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Eight-year-old Fell gelding Melliver Willy Wonka brought home a fabulous cache for owner-rider Lisa Young. He scored a hattrick of wins and took both open mountain and moorland ridden championship and the novice working hunter pony title, which he also took last year. In reserve was Hollie Cowley’s winner of the mini working hunter pony class, Marksway Silver Moon ridden by Millie Cowley. The prospect of RIHS tickets in the UKP&R junior and amateur classes made for a strong section. Eventual champion was the winner of the intermediate class, Robyn Butler riding Anna Butler’s Connemara pony, Lookout Laura’s Flash, and in reserve was Maisie Collis riding Emma Collis’ winner of the large breeds class, Woodrow Invictus. Megan May Davies and her own Howetown Mantovani took the large part-bred Arab class and tricolour ahead of the winners of the partbred pony class, Absolutely Classic (Connie) ridden by Millie Lockhart. Owned by Caron Scudamore and produced by Millie’s sister Kirsty, the former HOYS part-bred of the year also topped the small intermediate show riding type class. Interestingly, this result was reversed in the small intermediates, with Millie winning and Megan standing second. Produced by Justine Armstrong-Small, classy Rosemore Midnight Rendezvous did the double, taking the small riding horse class and riding horse tricolour under Justine, and the large intermediate class and championship under Sophie O’Keefe.

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Taking the reserve riding horse was Alice Homer riding Kay Campell’s Whispering Angel, winners of the large riding horse. Claire Oliver and Susan Granger’s 2022 heavyweight cob of the year, Freddie Kruger, looked on fine form to take the cob championship. Claire was also “thrilled” to top the novice middleweight/ heavyweight class on Emma Gibson’s Greenhall All Business, a horse she described as “a wonderful ride with lovely limbs”. Lightly shown as a five-yearold last season, we agree he looks “exciting for the future”. Though Claire didn’t take a hattrick of wins, she did succeed in qualifying Isle Bright for the RIHS in second in the heavyweights behind Jono Fryer and Dowdstwon Purple, who also won the amateur heavyweight ticket.

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Caroline Mackness looked extremely comfortable on her own Country Seat, winner of the maxi cob in reserve for the cob tricolour.

St Giles Devole

2. Wentworth

9. Caroles Destrier

3. Chynas Top Deck

10. Bloomfield Eloquence

4. Littletons Tiger Lily

11. Tigbourne

16. Melliver Willy Wonka

21. Absolutely Classic

5. Last Orders V

12. Nantcol Swansong

17. Marksway Silver Moon

22. Rosemore Midnight Rendezvous

6. Awsome II.

13. Broadgrove National Anthem

18. Lookout Laura’s Flash

23. Whispering Angel

7. HSF Lobo Royale

14. Revolution Brave

19. Woodrow Invictus

24. Freddie Kruger

8. Grandads Legacy 15. Lindeth Quiz Master 20. Howetown Mantovani 32 | Showing World | April/May Issue 2023 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk

25. Country Seat

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Champion Show Hunter Galloway, Paulgren Park Vancouver, ridden by Jennifer Rutledge

Christine Frost’s prolific winner Ink, winner of the Open Hack 16-16.2 hh and Champion ‘Off The Track’, ridden by Greg Mickan. Ink is sired by Octagonal

Judging of the stock horse class

Nottingham Royal Highness, Champion Large Pony Hack bred by Gary Alcorn, produced by the Crawford Twins and ridden by Trina Crawford

Heathmont Flirt and Abbey Lovell stand Champion Show Hunter Hack

Owendale Beesting , Champion Small Show Hunter Pony

ROYAL CANBERRA SHOW Presented by Royal National Capital Agricultural Society Canberra, Australia | 22nd-26th of February, 2023 Photos by David Puttock Royalwood Touch Of Lyric, Champion Open Galloway, ridden and produced by Adam Oliver, bred by Joanne Prestwidge and sired by Royalwood Boy Soprano

Givency Champion ridden open hack ridden owned by Sue Thompson and ridden by Greg Micken. Givency is a pure Thoroughbred by Octagonal, and was also winner of the best ridden Thoroughbred 2 Woranora Jupiter, Reserve Champion Small Hunter Pony

Reserve Champion Large Pony Hack, Mandaley A Touch Of Silk , by Royalwood Boy Soprano out of Mandaley Pure Silk who is by Strinesdale Matador Show Horse Council Victoria President, Andrew James, competing in the non Hackney Pony Class

Something to keep the ponies amused during the judging of the Lead Rein Hunter Ponies

Wynara Signature , Reserve Champion Open ridden Hack

34 | Showing World | April/May Issue 2023 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk

LAP OF HONOUR

Wow! Our readers really have been taking the showring by storm! Each issue we will be celebrating your individual successes. Make sure that you all keep us up to date on your successes to be included! Email beth.simons@ showingworldonline.co.uk and make sure you follow our Facebook and Instagram accounts for more ways to get involved in Showing World magazine.

info@showingworldonline.co.uk | April/May Issue 2023 | Showing World | 35

(Karen Manuel Photography)

Columbus Explores and Conquers As well as keeping extremely busy in her role with our partners Smart Grooming, Lauren Moore Williams has been fitting in some showing of her own, standing champion at both Native Pony of Devon and at Badgeworth Arena with her young Welsh section C stallion, Menai Columbus, or ‘Chris’. “We accidentally de-noviced ourselves by winning Royal Cornwall last year,” said Lauren, “so we are our having to put our brave pants on and get in some opens this year, which we are excited about!”

Red Rosette Park Murphy

Strathmore Majestic looked an impressive prospect under owner Lucinda Dargavel when he took the confined novice champion at Penskyber Equestrian’s NPS Show. The six-year-old Highland pony stallion is sired by Noah of Meggernie out of Morag Rose of Strathmore. Affectionately – and aptly – dubbed Charlie Bear at home, Lucinda explained that she found him as a foal at the Scottish based Strathmore stud. “He ticked the boxes for me,” she said. “I love finding youngsters to bring on and my aim for him this year is the NPS Picton Final. He had a fabulous start to his career with Aimee Devane at Follywood Show Team and really does have the most sensible head on him which makes him a pleasure to ride.”

Grace Litherland and Connemara pony Red Park Murphy made a successful debut winning the open mixed breeds class at BSPS 2A. He is jointly owned by Grace’s mum, Jane and Zoe Holmes. They purchased him just six weeks previously and intend for the sixyear-old to contend the junior RIHS and HOYS classes. He is produced by Joe Watson and Rob Mcivor.

Fly Flies High Jane Edmonson’s daughters Megan and Amy made their excursion to BSPS 1B’s working hunter show at Greenlands worthwhile. Megan took the beginner, cradle stakes and mini championship with Welsh section C Littledean Morning Light (Fly) while older sister Amy won the 60cm winter worker stakes and reserve champion with him. This is the family’s second season with Fly, whom Jane describes as “amazing”. As well as enjoying PC activities, he also finished 7th in the 122cm junior mountain and moorland workers at HOYS with Amy. (Blue Lace Photography)

Rowfantina On Roll Mandy Burchell Small’s Rowfantina ponies continue to impress in the mini ranks. The family team made a successful start to their 2023 season at BSPS Area 14’s show with Rowfantina Old Gold making a winning debut under Ellie Johnson in the novice lead rein before going on to take the championship. Second to Old Gold was Rowfantina Outlaw who was sold on from the stud shortly before Christmas. He was ridden by new owner Zara Plumer and led by producer Emma Holder. Meanwhile second and reserve champion in the open leadrein was Harry Batchelor on Rowfantina With Grace, leased by Mandy to the Batchelor family.

Ditto Double

(Spidge Photography)

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Dittonpriors Ditto and Jessie Barleycorn have got their season off to a flying start. They headed to BSPS Area 15A at Brook Farm and had a blast heading the Cradle Stakes and mini WHP tricolour before also winning the novice mountain and moorland first ridden.

Aventus Ventures Out In just her first season showing, Elise Morris incurred a frustrating setback when her Fell pony sustained an injury. Luckily, mum Mel was able to purchase a novice Welsh section B from friend Rachel James. Skellorn Aventus is also in his first year of showing, but nevertheless made a winning debut with Elise at NCPA taking the BSPS Heritage mountain and moorland novice small breeds and standing second in the pure novice class. Elise’s little Sister Pearl, 10, also had a good start to her season by winning the biggest class of the day: the 60cms Winter Worker Stakes with her “pony of a lifetime”, Quinton Golden Crusader. Cruz and Pearl enjoyed a magical first season in 2022 winning the winter worker stakes at the BSPS winter championships, and going on to stand second in the RIHS PP show hunter pony class and 8th at HOYS in the 122cm show hunter ponies. Pearl also accompanied her 138cm riding pony, Fieldaston Diamante, to second in a strong part bred class and second in the novice mixed height show ponies. “We came home feeling very lucky and inspired,” said Mel.

Skye’s Limit For Ramasaig

Fantastic Four

Laura Maher’s five-year-old home-produced Highland pony Talisker Ramasaig won the NCPA in hand mixed mountain and moorland class and in hand championship at the NCPA Spring Spectacular.

After a superb 2022, Team Harker show no sign of slowing down, heading to BSPS Area 5 for a fantastic day. Sarah and Mikey Readman’s five-year-old

Nynwoods Simply Grand won the novice and open mountain and moorland and mini championship under his four-year-old rider, Matilda. Lola Carabine piloted her mum Sadie Osborne’s Woodend Tulip to win the novice mountain and moorland first ridden, and Sarah Rudd’s Westside Beatrice won the open Connemaras ridden by Jessica Rudd. Finally, Emma Harker steered mum Jenny’s Rotherwood Fantasia to win the open show pony class, the part-bred Arabs and overall champion. “This is their second season together; they were second at HOYS last year, and I’m very excited to see them out again this season,” said Emma’s sister, Victoria, who produces the team’s ponies.

Shadow Into the Limelight Maisie Chester and her Dales pony Waterside Shadow made a successful jaunt to Area 15, winning the pair’s novice class. He was produced by Team KMP last season, but this year, Maisie will be producing him from home.

Perlena Promising Prospect Samantha Taylor steered Littlebyrom Limited Edition to a win in the open 133cm show hunter pony class and section tricolour, and Waxwing Perlena to novice Welsh section A and B class and the novice mountain and moorland championship at BSPS Area 2A. Perlena is owned by her breeders, whilst Limited Edition is

owned by Samantha’s mum, Chrissy Knipe and aunt Rebecca Abba, who also co-produce both ponies. Though just lightly shown in-hand, Perlena made her mark in breed classes and readers will recognise Perlena from her Royal Highland Supreme Mountain and Moorland in 2022. No doubt she will be one to watch in future.

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Alice Mighty In Mini Alice Hertenfeld continues to be a force beyond her years. At NCPA Spring Spectacular, she rode Welsh section A Thistledown Special VIP to win the NPS open first ridden and overall NPS mini championship, and she also won the NCPA junior ridden class on Shetland gelding, Sharptor Tricolore, whom mum, Katherine purchased early last season, shortly after his placing at LIHS 2021. She had an equally impressive tally at BSPS Area 2B, winning the tiny tots first ridden and championship and the open first ridden championship on VIP. Not content to stop there, Alice won the novice lead rein and novice championship on new ride, Settvalley The Mistress, and the open mixed small breeds and tricolour with Sharptor Tricolore!

Golden Oldie Barney Iona Hooley and her 25-year-old ID X TB Barney headed to Tumpy Green Equestrian for their Veteran Horse Society qualifier. “I was petrified as I haven’t done a show since last year and it was only my second time riding with a pelham,” admitted Iona, “but Barney in all his sensibility and wisdom said ‘come on mum, we’ve got this’ and have qualified for the regionals which I’m just ecstatic about! Barney would not do well in retirement. Some days he just wants to walk, so that’s all we do, other days I can barely pull him up after a gallop. He’s such a character! At the end of the day, he’s 25 so he gets to decide what we do – mostly!” Herefordshire based Iona has owned Barney for the last 13 years. He is a former event-horse forced into retirement ten years ago due to a fractured pedal pone. “Slowly, after much love and affection, lots of long reining and hacking he came fit and well again and has since competed at Novice eventing with a friend of ours who is far braver than I am! He has taught me so much, and I have given him a loving home in return.”

Team Bag More Rosettes Than A Baker’s Dozen Team Cowan has had a great start to the showing season, bringing out both new and established faces. Charlotte Teague and Janet Cox’s Bakers Dozen (Hilda) headed to West Park Equestrian Centre and stood overall ridden supreme before heading to BSPS Area 1A where they continued their lucky streak with a championship. Brittany Hancock’s new Welsh section A Islyn Stewart Little attended his first show – Area 1A – just a few weeks after being backed and stood novice mini mountain and moorland champion under Charlotte Hancock, 5. Older brother Brandon Hancock also took champion in the open mini mountain and moorland with Ringstead Cover Girl (Camilla) who is owned by Clare Dewhurst. Anna Teague also had a go at the first ridden with Camilla were

Hot Gossip Talks the Talk Mother-daughter team Emma Shepherd and Lilly-Mae Howard had a superb 2022 season winning the mini championship at the RIHS with Woodview Lola. At BSPS Area 2B, they succeeded in securing the mini championship once again, but this time with lead rein show hunter pony class Newoak Hot Gossip.

38 | Showing World | April/May Issue 2023 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk

they went reserve novice mini champion. Anna also took reserve on her novice worker Newgap My Messiah after winning the novice nursery stakes as well as reserve mountain and moorland open working hunter pony on Waitwith Sue-Ellen. Meanwhile team captain Jennifer Cowan rode no less than four newly broken in ponies but succeeded in bagging a Silver Medal championship reserve, champion open restricted, champion and reserve novice.

Hunny Bunny on High After a dazzlingly successful season last year, Maisie Peters continued on high at her seasonal debut, BSPS Area 14. It was also Maisie’s first time in the ring on 11-year-old 128cm Hightopps Hunny Bunny, owned by Kate Chissel. Hunny Bunny has joined the Peters family on lease from Ireland for the season. It was a most successful day, with the pair winning the novice mixed height show pony and open show pony classes. “We’re delighted with the start for the pair,” said Mel, Maisie’s mum.

(Spidge Photography)

Admiral In Charge Miranda Hughes’ super-cute Shetland gelding Carrickfergus Admiral and rider Tabitha Hughes took charge of the ring at BSPS Area 14 to win both the novice and restricted first ridden classes.

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UK Ponies and Horses Spring Classic Onley Equestrian Complex | Warwickshire 18-19.03.2023 | Photos by Jordan Brooking Photography Alia Springs to Supreme Hayley Came’s daughter Brooke Came-Boyce, 10, rode Springwater Alina to the overall supreme. Having stood second in their novice and open 133cm working hunter pony classes, Brooke and Alina gave a stonking gallop in the championship to clinch the working hunter pony title. Despite their confidence over fences, Brooke had some nerves entering her first evening performance. Hayley credits Julie Templeton with giving Brooke and impromptu “really good pep talk”, convincing her to take part. “What a magical moment it was hearing the girls named be called out,” said Hayley. Hayley purchased six-year-old Alina as a newly broken-in potential worker. However, it didn’t go smoothly at first. Hayley explained: “When we got her home, she would fall over every cross-pole we put up and I thought, ‘what have we done?’ Then one day we put a big fence up to see and she just boomed over it! So, we took her out a hunting which scared the life out of me as Brooke at 9 years old had only been jumping a couple of months, and on a baby pony it could have been a disaster!” Her concerns were unfounded. “They jumped everything in sight – ditches, post and rail, and a couple of smaller hedges!” Last season was spent concentrating on building both Brooke and Alina’s confidence at home with the pair competing in just a handful of novice workers. Nevertheless, they were consistently in the top three and finished the season with a tricolour at POYS on Brooke’s 10th birthday. Over the winter they have continued to progress with Pony Club show jumping and farm rides. This season, Brooke hopes to tackle the 133cm RIHS and HOYS courses. “Brooke loves a challenge and Alina never says, ‘no’ and jumps her heart out for Brooke,” said Hayley. “The girls have an amazing partnership”.

Springwater Alina ridden by Brooke Came-Boyce

Take That Shines Barkway Take That (Robbie) clearly had his name-sake’s repertoire in mind, giving a fabulous account of himself to ‘Shine’ for the judges before proceeding to ‘Rule the World’ – the mini supreme championship – under five-year-old Reeva Garnder, led by producer Sharn Linney. Reeva’s mum, Jade purchased Robbie after HOYS last season for Reeva and the pair have got off to a flying start. “He’s a cheeky, loving boy with the best personality,” said Jade, adding that Robbie and Reeva “are forming a lovely little partnership”. As well as being Reeva’s first season with Robbie, it is also her first season attempting qualifiers having learned the ropes at riding club level in 2022.

Barkway Take That ridden by Reeva Gardner and led by Sharn Linney

Meanwhile Sharn’s relationship with Robbie is an established one, having produced him since a youngster for his previous owner Anna Clarke. “We took our time with him as he needed to mature,” explained Sharn, adding, “he had a very successful novice career which stemmed his amazing open career, including being champion at HOYS in 2021”. Duos Doing the Double Jessica Everill’s Brackenbank Flicka gave her a show to remember for all the right reasons. The 10-year-old Fell and Jessica took both the BSPS Pretty Polly and UKP&H Amateur tickets to the RIHS. Jessica then made a swift outfit change to compete in the Amateur Supreme, which they duly won, much to her surprise and delight!

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Brackenbank Flicka ridden by Jessica Everill

The Grey Goose ridden by Tina Billingsley

Tina Billingsley’s The Grey Goose looked in marvellous order despite his nickname Tubsy, the pair clinching two RIHS tickets with wins in the open maxi cobs and in the amateur maxi cobs. Tina purchased Tubsy in 2020, as a complete novice. “I bought him untried and unseen after wintering out in the field,” she explained. “We showed as a complete novice that year”. Nevertheless, the pair enjoyed remarkable success, gaining a “golden ticket” to HOYS at the BSHA championships and finished second at HOYS, something Tina describes as “miraculous as an amateur”! With their RIHS ticket in the bag, they’re now hoping to secure a return ticket to HOYS. “We have also started side-saddle and he seems really happy so hopefully this will be another string to his bow. He also loves jumping so there is a possibility that in the future he could do working show horse or working Cob. He’s such a versatile boy!” We say ‘watch this space’ for the pair! Nick Brookes’ decision to purchase Good Idea (Hector) last summer is once again proving to be just that. He is produced by Rob and Sarah Walker, who first spotted him in line-up with former producer Amy Tough on board and liked what she saw, so they jumped at the opportunity to acquire him for Zara when he came up for sale. Hector arrived with producers Rob and Sarah Walker just ten days before the 2022 RIHS having been sold from Amy Tough’s yard complete with a ticket for the intermediate show hunter type and small hunter classes. He went on to win both, the former with Nick’s daughter, Zara Brookes, in the saddle for just her third sit on board, and the latter ridden by Rob. UKP&H marked Hector’s season debut, and he again did the double, booking tickets to defend both titles at Hickstead. Zara went

Good Idea ridden by Zara Brookes

onto take the intermediate championship with the ten-year-old, and was also thrown into the deep end having to contend her first open hunter championship because as well as the small hunter qualifier on Hector, Rob also won the middleweights riding Greenhall Treasure Island (Larry) going on to take the tricolour ahead of Zara in reserve. “I’m excited to start doing my first few horse classes,” said Zara. “The plan is to step him up as this is my last year on Buttons [Zara’s uber-successful 153cm Merrycorner Mister Bui]. Hector’s got a very exciting future ahead of him.” Diana Leeming’s Welsh section A Thistledown San Siro (Rocky) seems set to continue his stellar form this season. Rocky and William won the RIHS first ridden and mini championship on the show’s first day before going on to win

Thistledown San Siro ridden by William Leeming

the RIHS junior small breeds and section tricolour on the second day. By Blackhill Piccolo and out of Thistledown Xenon, Rocky has had a tremendous career to date. After an incredible season in 2021 which saw both William and older sister Lucinda win a class each at the Royal International, his success has continued into 2022. He won an amazing three firsts and a mini championship at the RIHS, with again rides split between both children, and he topped his season by winning the open breed class at HOYS under Lucinda. A truly versatile ambassador for his breed, 12-year-old has also been known to give a whole host of other activities a go including workers, PC and mounted games! New combination Sophie Openshaw and her intermediate show riding type, New Illusion – or Lily – also won two tickets and New Illusion ridden by Sophie Openshaw

collected two reserve championships for good measure. Their first came via the large intermediate show riding type class and the second via the small riding horse class, on their debut in horse classes. “We purchased Lily from Julie Guilford Smith in December 2022,” explained Lynn Openshaw. The seven-year-old had been lightly campaigned by her previous owner, and Lynn said that the Openshaws “jumped at the chance to buy her,” as both a prospect for large show riding type SRT and a small riding horse. Sophie and Lily made their debut a successful one winning the mixed height open show riding type overall intermediate championship at BSPS Area 2a. Lynn explained: “Sophie is 22 now, and we wanted a horse to start contending in both open and amateur riding horses this year along with the show riding type classes. She is a lovely straight forward mare and we are looking forward to the season ahead with her and are over the moon with her.” Another young contender, Cleapatra, scooped her second RIHS ticket in the RIHS Part Bred class on her debut attempt. Cleapatra is owned and bred by Stephane Fitt, produced by Elliee Stunt and ridden by Claudia Groves. She won her first ticket in the show pony ranks and stood champion at BSPS Area 16. The Strinesdale Matador daughter is in her first full season under saddle having enjoyed a successful run in Part Bred Arab youngstock classes which included standing champion at Kent County. Stephanie was keen that they should take their time with Cleapatra not only to allow the mare to mature, but also to allow Claudia to complete her final year in the Shetland Grand National without compromise. Incidentally, her full sister Castra took the non-native coloured pony class. The 2022 HOYS

runner up was ridden by her usual rider, Rhiannon Loader. From the young debutants to older competitors and the veteran supreme. It was awarded to the winner of the pre veteran ridden class and section champion Novato Salvatello with owner Emma Taylor, meaning that they achieved a direct route to the VHS Championships in September. The 18-year-old PRE stallion is known at home as Sparky or Professor Sparkington, and according to Emma, he loves showing, taking part in demonstrations, and competing in MCI dressage and Working Equitation. “He is such a great ambassador for the Spanish breed,” she said, “and is the kindest, most gentle stallion you could ever meet and most people who meet him fall in love with him like I did!” Bling Shines Ali Talbot has taken up uber successful cob Bling Crosby’s reins to great effect, winning the amateur lightweight cob ticket. Bling belongs to producer Vicky Smith, but Vicky decided to hand the ride over to her client, Ali, who is usually to be spotted in hack classes. “I have 3 cobs for this season, and it felt right to let someone else enjoy him. Ali’s never shown a cob so with some encouragement and finding the gallop button, she did really well to win the amateur cob class,” said Vicky. The yard enjoyed further success with Vicky piloting her own and partner Alan’s heavyweight hunter Bloomfield Aristocratic. Purchased from Debbie Harrod last season, a winter of hacking and jumping has seen him really come into his own.

Cleapatra ridden by Claudia Groves

Castra ridden by Rhiannon Loader

42 | Showing World | April/May IssueNovato 2023Salvatella | info@showingworldonline.co.uk ridden by Emma Taylor

Bling Crosby ridden by Ali Talbot

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info@showingworldonline.co.uk | April/May Issue 2023 | Showing World | 43

Billy leads Tiger Cub to the reserve spot in the Cuddy Supreme In Hand Championship in 2019

AN INTERVIEW WITH:

BILLY MORAN:TIGER MASTER Celeste Gall talks to Billy Moran, owner and amateur breeder of the popular stallion Tiger Attack – sire of both the 2022 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) intermediate show riding type winners – about how he got involved in showing, winning the HOYS in-hand championship and why he believes all stallions must have a job to do. Running the family farm, butchery and a busy farm shop would probably be enough for most people, but not for Billy Moran. His passion for breeding and showing has only got stronger over the years, despite not coming from a showing background. Billy met his wife Joanne on a showjumping yard and they got married. “Joanne had colitis and Crohn’s so we sold all her showjumpers apart from

the favourite mare, Silver-Ardo, who we would breed from with the aim of Joanne having a youngster waiting in the wings and could pick the mare back up to finish climbing the showjumping ranks,” explained Billy. When the mare foaled, Billy decided it needed a friend and then it spiralled. “I think I ended up with about eight mares at one point,” he admitted. “We didn’t have any ideas about showing at all so we asked Tom Barron who gave us some pointers in the beginning and then once we had done that one show that was it: I had the bug.” This group of mares included the outstanding broodmare Tiger Lily IV, purchased from the Louella stud as a foal, who herself twice visited HOYS in the then Cuddy in-hand final. She produced both Look North, who qualified for the Cuddy in 2007 and their prolific stallion Tiger Attack, who qualified

44 | Showing World | April/May Issue 2023 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk

Tiger Attack at the NPS Championships

for the Cuddy in 2014, 2015 and 2016, as well as Tiger Trap – a filly they retained as a broodmare. Billy lost Tiger Lily in 2021, three years after losing his beloved Broadstone Dolce Vita (Dee), who he jointly owned with Pearl Underwood. “When I first saw Dee, I said to Pearl that she would win the Cuddy, especially when she has a foal on her,” said Billy, whose prophecy came true in 2017 when he led Dee to take the Cuddy supreme. “I had always followed Dee’s career and loved her so I asked Pearl to let me know when she retires from ridden showing so all those years later she kept her word and called me,” said Billy, who added: “She bred three colts for us, though we would have loved a filly to continue her legacy but it wasn’t to be.” Tiger Lily and Dee are buried together in the corner of the paddock; it was where Dee always used to stand to relax. “It might sound soppy, but I just couldn’t let them go away as they had done everything I had ever dreamed of doing,” added Billy. Things are a little quieter nowadays with just four quality broodmares, including last year’s HOYS Price Family in-hand finalist Corkeeran Willow, a strapping seven-year-old Irish Draught broodmare, who was shown at HOYS with her Tiger Attack-sired colt foal at foot. Other broodmares include the homebred Tiger Trap, who is expecting a foal by Stanley Grange Regal Heights

and the 148cm Love Affair who is out of a large hack mare. “I’d love to have a small hack foal out of her,” said Billy. The final broodmare in the line-up is Dewsberry Park, dam of the 2019 HOYS Cuddy inhand winner Tiger Cub. Aside from Tiger Trap, all three mares are in foal to Tiger Attack. The broodmares are kept out as much as possible, only coming into a huge, shared barn area in the New Year. “With the butchery and farm shop, the festive period is so busy so we keep them out as long as possible and then a few weeks before they are due to foal, they will move into their individual stables, but are still turned out every day,” explained Billy. As well as the broodmares, Billy also has a few youngsters who come in from the field in January for some handling experience and then will go back out for the rest of the year. “I don’t like showing yearlings and I won’t show anything where a judge will say to me ‘that’s next year’s horse’ so if a two-year-old isn’t going to be ready, I will wait until they are three,” said Billy, who did bring Tiger Cub out as a two-year-old in 2019 and showed him to victory at HOYS. “When I qualified Tiger Cub, he looked really mature, but I have his full brother who is two now and he’s about 17hh and just needs more time,” explained Billy.

Corkeeran Willow shown by Billy Moran

Tiger Cub heads the Cuddy Supreme In Hand

Billy’s centreline moment with Broadstone Dolce Vita in 2017

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Billy also co-owns the exciting large hack Lisbrogan Tigerbillie with Gemma Conlon. The now fouryear-old mare had an extremely successful season last year, clinching in-hand championships on every outing. She went on to collect a reserve for the HOYS Price Family Supreme In Hand at the Northern Ireland Festival, led by Gemma’s brother and Tigerbillie’s breeder Thomas Conlon. She returned to Ireland the following August to claim her golden ticket at the Irish Pony Society Summer Championships. Tiger Attack (Henry) stands at Catherston Stud, where he has been based since he was four-years-old after finishing his glittering in-hand career shown by James Crockford whilst he stood at Stanley Grange stud with Jerome Harforth. “I do believe, and still do now that you need to be looking at what the stallion is doing and that they must have a job. “When we showed him as a foal, everybody said we wouldn’t be rushing into castrating him and as we all know, you can’t put them back on once you’ve taken them off! He’s just got the most amazing temperament and a fabulous attitude to life,” enthused Billy. Henry’s competition record is astounding, including qualifying for the Badminton grassroots championship where he finished 20th and has gone on to compete up to Novice level in eventing.

Henry has also been successful in the dressage arena, winning at advanced medium level and he is producing stock from 148cm show ponies to lightweight hunters. “Our late Queen also chose to use him in 2020,” added Billy. A Winning Streak Both of the intermediate show riding type winners at HOYS in 2022 were by Tiger Attack; the small winner and champion was Shildons Royal Affair and the large winner and reserve champion was Ladies Man, who was also champion intermediate at Royal International Horse Show (RIHS). The 2023 show season has already started and there have been several exciting prospects by Tiger Attack making their mark in the ring, including the lightweight hunter Evening Flight, owned by Roz Croft and produced by Claire Oliver. Two exciting hacks coming to the fore are Littleton’s Tiger Lily, owned by Rebekah Pring and Charlotte Coppard, who clinched the reserve supreme at Wiltshire show with producer Ellie Stunt in the saddle and Virginia Russell-Wood’s Stage Tiger, who is being produced by Team Holder. Tiger Attack has now gone international with foals expected in Australia. “We’re delighted and very excited to see his progeny,” added Billy, who is eagerly awaiting four new arrivals imminently: “They’re all due in the same week!”

Abbie Kirkbride and Shildons Royal Affair head the intermediate show riding type class at HOYS 2022. He is sired by Tiger Attack

Ladies Man and Poppy Carter took the intermediate show riding type tricolour at the RIHS in 2022 as well as the reserve spot at HOYS

46 | Showing World | April/May Issue 2023 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk

TIGER ATTACK

Stable name: Henry

11th - 14th MAY 2023 Sex: Stallion

Height: 16.1hh

Breeding: Dolphin Supreme x Tiger Lily IV

Age: Eleven

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS IN:

Best results in-hand: Tiger Attack has thrice qualified for the Cuddy Supreme In Hand championship at HOYS, and thrice stood Ottergale Supreme. Best results under saddle: Qualified and placed 20th at Badminton Grassroots Championships; Evented to Novice level and recording five top ten placings with a clear cross country score sheet. Won at advanced medium level dressage

Outstanding progeny: Shildon’s Royal Affair (2022 HOYS intermediate champion); Ladies’ Man (2022 RIHS intermediate champion and reserve HOYS intermediate champion) Based at: Catherston Stud

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NCPA CHESHIRE SEASON STARTER SHOW Reaseheath Equestrian Centre | February 19TH 2023 | Report by Kim Neal | Photos by MB Photography Hillgarth Pure Harmony shown by Lee Frain

by Shelley and Amy Jones and ridden by Adam Forster. Having come second in his class, this cob excelled himself in the championship and will surely be one to watch in the future.

The NCPA Cheshire Season Starter Show once again proved to be a huge success with competitors coming out to enjoy the near spring-like weather. The day began with BSPA RIHS qualifiers where the tickets were hotly contested. The native and traditional ponies class was well supported as always and saw Jane Shakespeare’s Not Your Average Joe take the qualification on his debut

performance with Rhea Shakespeare, with Charlotte Rafferty’s Starbucks II take second place ridden by David Bennet. The championship was a difficult decision for judge Kevin Lee. However, the winner of the plaited horse class, Mystery Van Der Heuval produced and ridden by Vicky Smith gave an outstanding performance to take the tricolour, Reserve went to the lightweight cob Colour Deluxe, owned

We continued to our SSADL RIHS classes. Many were attending their first show since appearing at LIHS in December, and the standard demonstrating that the condition of older horses and ponies continues be a priority for so many competitors. With only the in hand and ridden champions securing a place at the RIHS and so many forward in each age group, it was an extremely challenging decision for judges Kevan Baskeyfield and Danielle Greenhorn. However, it was the consistent Woodview Fiocco (Finn) who gained the in hand honour. Having won the senior section, the 20-year-old show hunter pony beautifully shown by Georgina Kirby reigned and took the hotly contested ticket. Meanwhile Loren Gaskin’s 15-year-old traditional gelding The Boss headed up the pre-senior section to secure the ridden honours. The day continued with TGCA qualifiers, and it was delightful to see RSPCA Robin take the youngstock title. Now owned by Megan Ablot, he had a rough start in life but Megan had presented him beautifully

Mystery Van Der Heuval

Not Your Average Joe ridden 48 | Showing World | April/May Issue 2023 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk ridden by Vicky Smith by Rhea Shakespeare

Colour Deluxe ridden by Adam Forster

and he was a lovely example of a gypsy cob. The Quest Championship was awarded to Amie Chesworth and 15-year-old So O’ Mally who won his in hand class and took second place in his ridden section. The theme of qualifiers continued throughout the day with the Veteran Class also being a first round qualifier for LIHS and NCPA qualifiers being issued in all classes. The indoor ridden ring held impressive class sizes and amazing quality. The mixed novice class was extremely well attended with the win going to outstanding debutant Stretcholt Evening Dance, owned by Katie Smith and produced by Team Jinks. The five-yearold was superbly ridden by Livie Smith and shone from the moment she entered the ring. She went on to take the ridden championship and reserve supreme of show. Reserve ridden champion was Despicable Me ridden by Ellie Guildford Smith.

Senior Plus section and taking reserve champion in hand. Taking the in hand tricolour was stunning Welsh section D mare Hillgarth Pure Harmony owned and handled by Lee Frain having won the mountain and moorland large breed class. The final supreme of show was decided by Kevan Baskeyfield and Christine Senior. The quality of animals forward was truly outstanding, making their decision extremely difficult. However, the flashy movement and amazing presence of Hillgarth Pure Harmony stood her out from the crowd. It was delightful to see her owner call his daughter into the ring for photographs, a real family affair. Reserve, Stretcholt Evening Dance once again expertly piloted by Livie Smith, received an enthusiastic ovation from their team.

Woodview Fiocco shown by Georgina Kirby

What a way to begin your showing career! Congratulations to all of our winners as well as all competitors making the show such a pleasure to attend. A huge thanks to all of the team that make the show possible, judges, stewards, entries, car park, tea makers, poo pickers without you showing could not go on.

It was decided to hold the in hand classes in the outside arena as the weather was so great and it enabled the classes to continue without any holdups. Youngstock were out in force, which is admirable in February, the first place being awarded to Moorlansdale Magnus and Lee Evans. Veterans saw a pre-senior win for Romany owned and handled by Heidi Bull who had won her SSADL RI class in the morning and was clearly having a very successful day. Donna Hoe showing her sister Gemma’s 27 year old Midnight Magic also enjoyed two wins. The exshowjumper had stood reserve champion in SSADL RI before once again topping the

Despicable Me ridden by Ellie Guildford Smith.

info@showingworldonline.co.uk | April/May Issue 2023 | Showing World | 49 Stretcholt Evening Dance ridden by Livie Smith

Mid Wales Winter Show Lluest Equine Centre, Aberystwyth | 04.03.2023 Report by Hannah Parr Photos by Storm Development

Jumanji Plays To Win As the gates opened to the show’s new venue, Lluest Equine Centre, Aberystwyth, competitors soon filled up the carparks. Although the March temperatures were bitter, the excitement of being out and about and kicking off the new show season kept spirits high throughout the day. The plaited classes were first to test out the new facilities, and although the quality was second to none, it was disappointing to see the numbers dwindling in these classes. Three classes were put on for the mixed height show ponies, show hunter ponies and intermediates but low entries leave these classes in peril of being excluded from the schedule next year. Meg Williams travelled up from Merthyr Tydfil with her Novice Hunter Little Miss Mischief who performed beyond her years and took to the ridden show ring like a duck to water collecting the first championship sash of the day. Fflur Phillips had a very busy but successful debut to her showing career, riding Cathrin Roberts’ Colne Tatsuki (Baby) to win the lead rein show pony/show hunter class. The new combination strode into the ring to catch the eye of judge, Barry Hall to win the class before going on to head the mini show pony/show hunter championship. “She has been a pleasure to break over the winter,” said owner Cathrin. “Ridden today by four-year-old Fflur, they were two novices in together but they have been fabulous. Baby will be ridden by my daughter Ruby, but she is still working on her trot so we asked Fflur to jockey the pony for today. I could not be happier.” Fflur’s winning streak didn’t stop there as she hopped on board her own Menai Mon Felicia. The eight-year-old has recently been purchased by Sarah Phillips, Fflur’s mother, from the Walters family. It was fitting that the Walters Family were also competing at the show and could be on hand and witness the new combination in the ring for the first time. The palomino section A did not disappoint winning both the mountain and moorland novice and open lead rein classes before also clinching both the novice and open mini mountain and moorland titles and the mini supreme championship later in the day.

Glebedale Jumanji ridden by India Latter-Sears

Menai Mon Felicia ridden by Fflur Philips and led by Sarah Philips

50 | Showing World | April/May Issue 2023 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk

Returning this year after a short hiatus was the open riding section, consisting of three classes: the riding horse, ridden hunter and ridden coloured class with healthy pre-entry numbers. Champion in this section went to Elysia New on her traditional coloured, Bentley Lloyd. The six-year-old was bought by Elysia as a three-year-old. “He was a driving cob when I bought him and was pulling coal on the beach in North England. We now do a bit of everything from hunting, jumping to showing. Our aim is to eventually contest the HOYS qualifiers,” said Elysia. Reserve champion was collected by Sarah Chapman aboard Spirit King, winners of the ridden hunter class. 12pm saw the start of the eagerly awaited UKPH RIHS Junior and Amateur Qualifiers. Siblings Harry and Chloe Heathcote repeated last year’s victories to take home the junior small breeds and junior large breeds tickets respectively, making their long journey worthwhile. Whilst Chloe partnered classy Connemara pony Eastlands Dunknowe, a former HOYS, RIHS and LIHS contender, younger brother Harry stepped up onto Sarah Parker’s uber-versatile Rushhill Diplomat. A talented working hunter pony, he was last spotted in the ring at the LIHS safely partnering Sarah’s young son, Owen, the youngest rider in the final at 7 years old. Chloe also took home the tricolour. Reserve was awarded to the winner of the intermediate ticket, first-time qualifier Megan Share and her Section B Stallion Thistledown Grand Prix. Competing at the Mid Wales Winter Show for the second year running, Megan had left at 5am from Kidderminster to compete at the show with the eight-year-old by Mompesson Wild Party. “The journey home will seem a lot quicker now,” gushed

Bentley Lloyd ridden by Elysia New

Megan, still taking in the fact she’d just qualified for the Royal International Horse Show. The UKPH RIHS Amateur ticket was won by Abbie Dark on her Welsh section C Parvadean Rooney mare, Blaencila Penny. Following a hugely successful 2022 season that culminated in the seven-year-old gaining her ticket to HOYS, Abbie is hoping to continue her successes in the showring and is aiming for a repeat qualification this year.

Eastlands Dunkowe ridden by Chloe Heathcote

Both the novice and open mini mountain and moorlands saw new combinations making their debuts in the showring under judge, Anna Stevens. Gwenllian Richards took the reins of Hope Quintessa to ride for the first time in the ring off the lead. Following a successful novice season on the lead, nine-year-old Gwenllian and the five-year-old Section A have been working hard over the winter months to perfect their partnership. With mum Mari Walters nervously watching on, the pair confidently entered the ring to take not only the first place, but also reserve champion in both the novice and open sections.

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Hope Quintessa ridden by Gwenllian Richards

The pure novice classes saw some of the best entry numbers of the day. Kitty Bodily and Jill Williams’ homebred five-year-old Welsh section A Glebedale Jumanji put his best hoof forward for jockey India LatterSears to take the win and the championship in this section. A son of three times Royal Welsh Winner and twice HOYS winner, Powys (NL) Sprite (also ridden and owned by India) Jumanji set his sights firmly on making his debut one to remember. Not content with his championship sash, he then went on to take home the overall supreme title which earnt him another sash and India a rather large Easter Egg. “We are over the moon,” said Kitty. “We wouldn’t have trusted JJ with anyone other than India and are just so pleased with how he has taken to the job. He is now proving himself to be quite the stallion with his second crop of foals due this year, countless wins in hand and now the ridden wins have started. As a breeder, for me, this is what I look for: a stallion who can do all three jobs and we are so proud he is ours.” Emily Locke rode her newly acquired Welsh section C gelding Tynwydd Golden Boy to win the pure novice large breeds class and section champion. The seven-yearold was late to be gelded following a few temperament issues, but this seems to have been the making of him. Emily and her mum, Sarah bought him in early 2023 and have worked hard on creating a partnership and preparing him for the show ring. The BSPS novice mountain and moorland sections saw Eleri Wyn Marshalsay-Jenkins return to the ring on Phylberns Pop Sox.

Phylberns Pop Sox ridden by Eleri Wyn Jenkins

Following a few educational shows and clinics last year the, striking Welsh section B stallion is now ready to campaign the novice classes this year and began in earnest by taking the novice tricolour and ending the day with the reserve supreme sash.

Tynwydd Golden Boy and Emily Locke

Winning the novice large breeds and reserve spot Arndale Surf ridden by Michelle Wright. The Connemara can often be found in the dressage arena competing in the Team Quest events however, owner Michelle is hoping to venture into the show ring a little more this year and is aiming for some of the later HOYS qualifiers to gain experience in showing. The open mountain and moorland classes saw India Latter-Sears return to the ring to win with Cwmmeudwy Awdyr. Owned by Rod Lewis of the Cwmmeudwy Stud, the Section A Stallion by Blanche Montana also secured the reserve championship title, pipped to the post by Zephyr of Forglen. The striking Highland, jockeyed by Sarah Parker, had a long wait to eventually come into the ring at just gone 4pm to win the open large breeds followed by the championship. All in all, although chilly, spirits were high, and competition was filled with quality. The new venue was a popular move and we look forward to returning in 2024. Until then, huge thanks to everyone who came and supported; we look forward to welcoming you all to the Mid Wales Summer Show with Welsh Breed HOYS qualifiers in August.

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Zephyr of Forglen ridden by Sarah Parker

BSPS Area 6

Cyflawn Annabelle ridden by Jemima Jewson

Onley Grounds Equestrian Complex | Report by Beth Simons Photographs by EmmPix

Jemima Jumps to Hattrick Old faces, new faces and new combinations braved the cold to come to the fore at BSPS Area 6’s show. Several young riders took the opportunity to get in some early season working hunter pony practice and showed plenty of promise for the season ahead. Jemima Jewson, usually seen on section A Rhencullen Popcorn, made a successful debut in the workers with Cyflawn Annabelle (Mabel). 14-year-old Mabel and Jemima, 11, won the novice, restricted and the open nursery stakes. Jemima’s mum, Natasha explained that they were yet more “delighted” as it was not only their debut as a combination, but also Mabel’s debut in the workers, having previously been a 128cm show jumping pony. “It has been a challenge settling her to the worker job,” said Natahsa, “but she’s the sweetest mare ever and tries so hard.” The Jewson’s purchased Mabel last November and already “so proud of her. We still have things to work on but it’s a really promising start. Jemima has had a lot of success with Popcorn but she’s always wanted to do the workers so it’s exciting. Let’s hope it wasn’t beginner’s luck!”

The cradle stakes saw nine-yearold Henry Hiscox come to the fore with his charming pony, Shilbrook Mr Holly (Duncan), who is owned by Henry’s mum, Heather Hiscox. Meanwhile producer Michaela Jones’ daughter Lara-Rae, 8, secured the tiny tots workers and mini championship riding Milo

IX. Milo is loaned to Michaela by the Saw family. The pair enjoyed early success last season when they won the tiny tots workers at the BSPS Winter championship on their first attempt. Michaela described 16-year-old Milo as “a pony in a million,” adding, “we are so lucky to have him”.

Shilbrook Mr Holly ridden info@showingworldonline.co.uk | April/May 2023 | Showing World | 53 Milo IX riddenIssue by Lara-Rae Jones by Henry Hiscox

Cleapatra ridden by Claudia Groves

The Fitt-Stunt alliance shows no signs of slowing down after a very successful 2022. Stephanie Fitt’s homebred 148cm show pony mare Cleapatra won the novice show pony and partbred classes before standing ring champion on her seasonal debut. She is produced by Ellie Stunt, and was ridden by Claudia Groves. Cleapatra is by Strinesdale Matador out of Fairfax C. “This was the pair’s second venture indoors having won their novice ridden class SEWPCA Merrist Wood show in the autumn,” explained Stephanie, adding that “Claudia has ridden Cleapatra since she was backed” by Ellie. Interestingly, Cleapatra is full sister to Castra, CHAPS’ coloured non-native pony of 2022 and runner up at HOYS. Ellie also produced Woodroyd Delightful to win the novice intermediate class. Meanwhile Rachel Cowan’s daughter Heidi Cooper won the open first riddens before standing mini champion riding Thurstonhouse Sundance. The pair won at Royal Windsor last summer, when Rachel explained that in the few years since they purchased the 18-year-old, he has enjoyed a varied repertoire of

Cadlanvalley Prince Louis and Jedi of Talisker ridden by Kimberly Bates and Katy Marriott Payne respectively

activities with Heidi from hacking to donning fairy wings! Katy Marriott Payne’s team fielded a strong novice field to take both the champion and reserve spots in the novice mountain and moorland championship. Katy rode the champion, Welsh section B Cadlanvalley Prince Louis herself for the class, but handed the reins over to Kimberly Bates for the championship. “She beat me!” laughed a nevertheless delighted Katy, feigning incredulity! Louis is by Cadlanvalley Buzby, whom Katy rode to stand champion at HOYS. She spotted an advert for Louis as a three-year-old and told client Jemma Atkinson about him. Jemma purchased him and sent him to Katy to be broken before turning him away at home last summer. “He’s really started to flourish,” said Jemma, “and we’re really excited for his future”. It was Mandy Jackson’s Highland pony Jedi of Talisker that Katy rode to reserve.

Samantha Walker’s Welsh section B gelding Melau Aramis to win the open small breeds and reserve champion. This is Lilly’s first year contending Aramis in the open sections. He is usually partnered in opens by his producer Lauren Brill, the pair standing third at HOYS and Best of Breed at LIHS. Lilly and Aramis were pipped to the post by Sharn Linney, who rode Welsh section C Thistledown Superstar to win the Welsh section C and D class and the championship. Sharn also produced Welsh section A Thistledown King of the Road to win the open first ridden and mini championship under Harmony Kershaw.

Building on their HOYS 2022 victory in the junior mountain and moorland class, Lilly Walker rode her mother

54 | Showing World | April/May Issue 2023 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk Thistledown Superstar ridden by Sharn Linney

Thistledown King of the Road ridden by Harmony Kershaw

Georgia Love had a super day bagging a cache of red rosettes. She scored a hattrick in the open mountain and moorland working hunter pony classes, winning the 133cm riding Welsh section C Rhoswen Jimmy, the 143cm class riding Clooneybreen Pollin, and the exceeding as well as the open tricolour riding Ballybane Shadow. Georgia also won both the 133 and 143cm novice classes riding the same ponies, but she was pipped to the championship spots. Instead, Emma Atkins and Flydon Llew proved sometimes small is mighty. Emma and Cubitt Smith family’s Welsh section A were crowned champion novice mountain and moorland working hunter pony having won the 122cm class. Now a five-year-old, Llawen bought by Sue Cubitt Smith at three

Flydon Llew ridden by Emma Atkins

with her grand-daughter Imogen in mind. “He came to me in October and so far has won out showjumping and both his novice worker classes,” said Emma, adding, “He loves his jumping and will hopefully make an open worker and junior pony in the future.” Reserve champion was awarded to Natasha Taylor riding Carnabay Charlie. The seven-year-old Connie is by Streamstown Mickey, and was brought over from Ireland at three. Last season, he won the very novice working hunter pony class at the breed show and qualified for the NPS 2023 novice working hunter pony final with a win at Moreton Show in September. “He’s just back in work after a winter off,” explained Natasha, who will also be competing him in riding club arena eventing this spring in the hope that she will be able to event and perhaps step up to open workers by the end of the season. The training stakes championship was also awarded to an Irish ex-pat: Myshall Onzlo ridden by Abigail Isaac. 143cm Connemara gelding Onzlo and Abigail are a fairly new combination, and this was their season debut. “They are a great partnership and are enjoying every moment together,” explained dad, Paul Isaac. “We found him in Ireland after many months of searching for the right horse.” Onzlo had been competed in eventing in Ireland meaning that he and Abigail hit the ground running once he landed on Welsh soil last summer, managing to squeeze in a few shows before ethe close of the season. “We were very pleased with his results and are looking forward to this year with him.”

Myshall Onzlo ridden by Abigail Isaac

Highlights from BSPS Area 6 Spring Show Onley Equestrian Complex, Warwickshire 12th of March, 2023 | Photos by EmmPix The established back-to-back offering of qualifiers at the Area 6 spring show and at Area 17 the following day at the same venue proved popular once again with competitors making long journeys to make the most of the weekend’s bounty. Byron Bay Making Waves Matilda Holmes, 12, started her 2023 campaign with a bang, securing the 138cm RIHS show pony class and section championship on her mum Zoe’s consistent Ecclesbourne Byron Bay (Benny). She also stepped up from “her armchair” Benny to make her debut on 148cm riding pony Stanley Grange Gilt Edge (Edward) count. Matilda and the reigning Partbred and 148cm children’s riding pony of the year won their part-bred class and reserve champion. “He was a complete pro and took her round beautifully,” said Zoe, adding, “we are all very excited to watch their progress over the coming season”. Both ponies are produced by Craig Elenor and Sara Parrott, who saw first ridden pony Glenard Bumble Bee and Lucy Smith bring home the team’s third ticket of the day before also standing reserve champion.

Ecclesbourne Byron Bay ridden by Matilda Holmes

Jumping Jara Showing World Rider of the Year finalist Georgia Darlington enjoyed a stellar 2022 astride Jara (Fiona) winning the Intermediate Gold Cup at the BSPS winter championships, both the Simply the Best and Champion of Champions working hunter pony tricolours at the BSPS summer championships, and intermediate working hunter pony of the year accolade at HOYS to name just a few of their achievements. Georgia has owned nine-year-old Jara since the striking mare was five. The pair also showjump up to 1m30 and this year she has qualified for the 1m30 final at the British Showjumping national championships as well as the Foxhunter second rounds. Sister Act! Area 6 members, the Richardson family made the most of the whole host of qualifiers available at their show, taking home a remarkable five tickets between sisters Lilly and Penny. HOYS 2022 runners up, Cosford Glamorise and Penny booked a return ticket to Hickstead and stood mini champion, led by producer Kevin Cousins. Penny picked up a further two RIHS tickets. Penny, dad Mark and lead rein hunter pony Gwyrddparc Torres retained the excellent form they have enjoyed in recent years to win the lead rein hunter pony RIHS qualifier and equivalent BSPS Best of the Best class. Penny and Mark also steered the uber-consistent multi-HOYS champion and 2017 pony supreme Thistledown Van der Vaart (Charles) to top the mountain and moorland lead rein qualifier and mini championship over the tiny but mighty, Briar Snowfox and older sister Lily in reserve. Not to be outdone, Snowfox and Lilly did claim a second ticket in the RIHS open class for Exmoors, Dartmoors and Shetlands. No doubt this pair will be ones to watch this year as they work hard to defend and build on their HOYS 2022 win and LIHS best of breed.

Cosford Glamorise ridden by Penny Richardson and led by Kevin Cousins

Perfect Palominos Caroline Egson was delighted to score two early qualifications over the weekend. She started with a ticket to Hickstead with her own Welsh section D gelding Saulire Thunder Struck in the Heritage Pretty Polly class on the pair’s first ever attempt. They returned to the ring the following day at Area 17 to secure a semi-final ticket to the LIHS. Caroline purchased the seven-year-old in February of 2021 from Hannah Miller Burton’s yard where he was in to sell. “He was real project, had wintered out and very immature,” said Caroline. “In our first year we just did loads of hacking and the odd little show to see how he got on and let him mature before having a proper novice season in 2022 qualifying for pure novice and novice finals. We also qualified for Your Horse Live in November and finished third. This year my aim was to have a go at qualifying for the three big shows so I’m over 56 | Showing World | April/May Issue 2023 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk

Saulire Thunder Struck ridden by Caroline Edgson

the moon we are doing well so early in the season! I’m hoping to get some good placings in the HOYS qualifiers this season and do well in the new TSR Amateur League”. Making a successful season debut was Skellorn Royal Anniversary (Andy). The Welsh section B gelding was ridden by owner Tori Oakes. Tori had owned the ten-year-old since a foal but he took a back seat until 2019 when he won his seasonal debut to qualify for RI and later went on to be placed at the final, and to qualify for both HOYS and Olympia. Interestingly, he qualified for the RIHS at Area 6 in 2021 when he went on to win the final. Who knows if this year’s trip to Hickstead will also prove a déjà vu moment for Tori? His other claim to fame is that he once played the princess’ pony in Netflix series Free Rein. Tori and Andy went on to stand RIHS reserve champion behind Sarah Parker riding Leah May’s Dales pony, Nipna Mighty Oak. Scottish Influences Susy Edwards’ CFS Chantilly Galway Girl won the pair’s first ever RIHS 153cm show hunter pony class and section reserve at Area 6. “We bought CFS Chantilly Galway Girl from David and Lorraine Scott after Hoys 2022, so it’s our first season together,” explained Susy. The 10-year-old Irish Sports Horse is by Arkan and was previously second at the RIHS in 2018 with Charlotte Elliot Grooby, and second and reserve champion at HOYS in 2019 with Jessica Reed-Else. Susy’s horses are produced by Caitlin Galbraith Roberts in Ayrshire. The team’s long trip south was made long trip south was made entirely worthwhile when Susy returned to the ring the following day to claim Area 17’s RIHS small

Skellorn Royal Anniversary ridden by Tori Oakes

Thistledown Sea Mariner ridden by Katie Parker Synod Ieuan ridden by Mati Davies and Tiffany, ridden by Ivy Wingrove

CFS Chantilly Galway Girl ridden by Susy Edwards

intermediate ticket with 11-year-old Kilvington Scoundrel son, Comberton Clarence. Edinburgh-based Lesley Parker and 12-year-old daughter Katie also headed to Onley for the weekend, meeting their “lovely boy”, the uber-consistent 133cm show hunter pony Thistledown Sea Mariner (Mario) and his producer Sharn Linney there. Former RIHS winner Mario returned to Sharn’s base last month. Lesley explained that Katie “was thrilled to win” their RIHS ticket at Area 6 before also winning their class at Area 17 and going on to take the championship. Nine-year-old Ivy Wingrove won the cradle stakes on the charming Tiffany before going on to stand reserve champion to the winners of the nursery and open 133cm RIHS classes, Mati Davies riding Synod Ieuan (Tom). The twist in the tale? The Wingrove family purchased Tiffany from Mati’s parents Matthew and Helen after Mati had outgrown her and moved onto Tom. Striking Welsh section C Tom was purchased from Dundee based Donna McElhinney, whose daughter Bernadette competed him successfully in workers and eventing. The Davies’ were given the heads up about Tom by family friend, Di Brash. In a further twist, the Brash family are connected to a second striking chestnut Welsh pony to have a successful day at Area 6. Welsh section A Wellbank Gabriel (Harry) and Lexi Brash stood junior champion at HOYS in 2021 having topped the small breeds class and they later progressed to qualify for HOYS in the mountain and moorland working hunter ranks. Now on lease from the Brash family to Caroline Rooke for her daughter Elizabeth, Harry has continued to deliver the goods for his little riders. They won the 60cm winter worker stakes and stood reserve champion and also won the Area 6 Best of the Best and Area 6 Black Country Saddles Best Rider classes. “This is their first season together and Elizabeth’s first step up from the tiny tots working hunter pony classes,” said Caroline, who added that “Harry is showing Elizabeth the ropes”.

Wellbank Gabriel ridden by Elizabeth Rooke

NPS Area 7

Dycott Welsh King ridden by Ross Keys

Bury Farm | February 26th 2023 Photos by SBM Photographic Spoils for Familiar Faces and New Combinations The Richardson sisters showed no signs of slowing down this season. Youngest sister Penny and Briar Snowfox stood Tiny Tots champion, looking super-cute together. A half-brother to Briar Snowman, Snowfox has risen through the ranks with the girls. He predominantly partnered Lilly last season to much success being the reigning HOYS Shetland of the Year and LIHS Shetland Best of Breed. No doubt Penny has big plans for him this season! However, their best result of the day came from the uber-consistent Elberry Suilen (Billy), who made easy work of a tough track to qualify for the 122cm mountain and moorland working hunter pony final at the RIHS under eldest sister, Lilly. “We are very proud of Lilly,” said mum, Lucy. “She rode well and rode good lines to her fences. Billy is a complete legend; Mark and I owe him everything.” The former RIHS winner certainly has little to prove with Lilly. Last season the pair made history being the first ever combination to qualify for the Mountain and Moorland Junior Working Hunter Final at HOYS. Being the first RIHS mountain and moorland working hunter qualification round of the year, all four classes were well supported. As with the 122cm, the three 58 | Showing World | April/May Issue 2023 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk

Lilly Richardson and Briar Snowfox

larger heights also brought familiar faces to the fore, with a testing course asking tough questions. The 133cm was secured by the Bailey family’s homebred Connemara, HOYS 2022 runner up, Joint Venture under usual rider Rachel Turner. They were the only 133cm combination to go clear round the Lisa Kelly course. Joint Venture was turned out after HOYS 2022 and this was his first outing since, explained Rachel. “The Bailey family were pleased to see him. They had just returned from skiing in Switzerland and drove straight to Bury Farm to watch”. The 143cm class was also topped by an extremely consistent contender: Gwerniago Gethin under Ashley Bird. However, it was 2022 Windsor reserve, 16-year-old Welsh section D Dycott Welsh King that took the tricolour having won his exceeding 143cm class under Ross Keys. Always cool customers, Ross and King looked as unflappable as ever despite having not jumped a track since HOYS! Ross’ partner Anna Chaplin also explained that for various reasons, Ross had also only sat on King once during the interim period. “It’s a testament to their partnership,” she said.

Joint Venture ridden by Rachel Turner

The UKP&H Young Rider and Amateur classes enjoyed good numbers. Georgia Hanson was delighted to claim amateur class astride her own seven-year-old Dales stallion Waterside Blackjack (Jacko) on their seasonal debut. Bred by the Heap family, Jacko was first spotted by the keen eye of the late Norah Starkie, who brought him back to her son Paul and his wife Helen to start his education. Georgia spotted him with them and fell in love, so “when she was given the chance to buy him from his new owner, she snapped him up,” explained Georgia’s mum, Helen Hanson. Jacko and Georgia had a very successful 2022 season as a novice, standing winter heritage novice champion at the BSPS championships and narrowly missing out a HOYS ticket. This year, he has matured into a serious open contender. Sarah Parker’s young son, Owen Parker took the first of the classes, the junior small breeds riding Ysselhofs Hallmark (Casper). The Welsh section A gelding is on lease from owner Rachael Dilcock Thomas to Sarah for Owen having been Broadgrove Family Silver and Heidi Cooper

Blakehill Bobby and Livie Smith

successfully shown by Rachel’s own daughter Annie. Casper gave Annie her first taste of HOYS qualifying in the junior small breeds and section A classes. Meanwhile Owen was the youngest competitor at London International Horse Show last Christmas and began his run with Casper with a supreme championship at Selston Equestrian’s show. No doubt they will form a formidable partnership as the season runs. “The pony is a superstar,” summarised Sarah! 14-year-old Livie Smith and Connemara gelding Blakehill Bobby (Blake) took the tricolour after standing top of the junior large breeds lineup on their season debut. Nine-yearold Blake is by Cnocban Cassanova out of Blakehill Princess. The Smiths have owned Blake just over eighteen months, explained Livie’s mum, Kate. Heidi Cooper and Broadgrove Family Silver had a wonderful day, with a hattrick of red rosettes. They won the class for new combinations and stood reserve champion, then also won the open SP/SHP class and the part-bred class before going one better than earlier in the day to take the tricolour. “We were offered Katy on loan last year,” explained Heidi’s mum, Rachel Cowan. “I was fully aware of the issues she had had but I adored her the first time I saw her as a novice at Arena UK. I have always loved the Broadgrove ponies and highly respect Ann and Po; I had Broadgrove Diamond Jubilee for Megan”. Rachel went on to add that Katy’s “issues” have taken time to resolve but Heidi and Katy have now “turned a corner. Heidi and Katy have developed an incredible bond and it is really shining through now in everything they do! The future looks bright.” Rachel had her own share of the spoils, too. Her own 17-year-old So Sweet (Kandi) returned to the ring after a three-year maternity break to have two foals, winning the non-native coloured horse class ridden by Rachel. They also stood reserve champion coloured.

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Area 17 Onley Equestrian Complex, Warwickshire, 12th of March, 2023 Photos by EmmPix Sister Sister! Sisters Chloe and Emily spencer proved formidable opponents in the Area 17 Best Rider section. In the end, it went to Chloe riding her Connemara pony, Lookout Silver Oisin, qualifying the pair for the Black Country Saddles Final at the BSPS summer championships. Chloe is bringing on the 143cm six-year-old herself despite being just 10 years old. Oisin was purchased by Chloe’s mum, Fiona and aunt, Emma as a freshly backed four-year-old directly from his breeders in Ireland. “I had him for the first six months to do the basics,” explained Fiona, before Emma had him for the subsequent six months. “She had him over the summer until that Christmas when she said to me, ‘it’s time to sell him but we can’t; you need to buy me out and have him for the children,’ so that’s what I did!” As a five-year-old, Oisin was ridden predominantly by Fiona, competing in eventing and dressage, with the pair finishing fourth at the BD pony finals in Hartpury. Chloe started hunting him at just eight years old, and the pair have got to

Chloe Spencer riding Lookout Silver Oisin

know each other on the hunting field over the winter, jumping hedges following Dad – Will Spencer – who is field master for the Pytchley. This summer, Chloe plans to begin eventing Oisin herself as well as compete in some working hunter pony classes. “This year they can get to know each other and grow together,” said Fiona, “Chloe is too young to tackle big courses yet, so our main aim is to cement a solid partnership and see what the future holds. He has to do a bit of everything. He’s amazing with the best character you’ll ever meet in a pony”. Younger sister Emily, 8, and Cosford Floatation (Bing) came in second. 122cm Bing will be competed predominantly by Chloe this season in the workers, but Emily “will be competing in flat classes and trying to steal him from Chloe,” joked Fiona. Either way, we’ve no doubt we’ll be seeing more of both sisters. “They both love showing, eventing and riding in general,” summarised proud mum, Fiona. Laura Millard’s Thistledown Vodka Soda delighted his connections taking the supreme accolade under Mia-Bella Long, 6. A combination no strangers to success, they were 2022 Best of the Best Supreme at BSPS summer championships and stood fourth at HOYS. The pair started their day’s campaign by winning the RIHS mountain and moorland lead-rein led by producer Sharn Linney. They later went on to lead a Thistledown coup in the mountain and moorland mini championship, with the winners of the RIHS mountain and moorland first ridden class in reserve. This was Lara-Rae Jones riding Thistledown Lord of Glencoe, owned by Jade Gardner and produced by Lara-Rae’s mum, Michaela Jones. Michaela explained

Synod Ieuan ridden by Mati Davies

that the team were particularly proud of this young combination as they had only contested one novice first ridden class prior to the show. The fact that it was also owner Jade’s first ever RIHS qualification only made the day even more special. A further Thistledown duo topped their classes in the open RIHS mountain and moorland qualifiers. The Sharn Linney produced Thistledown Jack Sprat won the Welsh sections C and D class under Florence Cunningham-Bryce, and Christina Gillet and Kevin Cousins’ charge, Thistledown Jambo, brought home the Welsh section A and B ticket for owner Anne Thornhill under Scarlett Doswell, before going on to stand reserve champion. However, it was Sarah Parker who topped the championship riding Tammy Heathcote’s Eastlands Dunknowe. The Connemara gelding has had a super career, first under former rider Abbey Gresty before his move to Sarah’s yard and further success under Tammy’s ownership. This is his second RIHS qualification and tricolour this season as he also stood champion junior at the Mid Wales Winter Show under Chloe Heathcote. Sarah also took the ‘hairy’ qualification with Ella Morris’ Dales gelding Tarbarl Luke At Me. The reserve supreme was a horse who needs little introduction: Forgeland Hyde Park (Will). One of the most consistently garlanded hacks and intermediates on the circuit at present, Will won the large intermediates under owner Guy Mears’ daughter, Isabella, before going on to take the intermediate championship. An early RIHS ticket for the pair kicked off Isabella’s season to a positive start in what is already an exciting year as she plans her wedding to fiancé Tom Wood in September after the pair announced their engagement at HOYS last year.

Sandboro Sugar Tot ridden by Emilia O’Brien

by Mary Unwin, and led by mum, Kate, while eight-year-old Ivy Wingrove took the reserve spot riding Welsh section B, Milford Fair Honeybee after the pair flew round the RIHS Nursery Stakes class, no small feat for a rider just eight-years-old! Kate Unwin’s own breeding also came to the forefront at Area 17 when Seamoor Lady Derby (Jessie) booked her return ticket to Hickstead under Hollie Smith and led by Craig Elenor. Jessie has had an impressive career, and a particularly good track record at Hickstead having stood mini champion twice and 2017 pony supreme as a lead rein with Poppy Steadman and James Burchell in the saddle, before winning for a third time in 2022 under Anya Dewey Clarke. Jessie was pipped to the mini championship at Area 17 by Emelia O’Brien and her mum Emma O’Brien’s Sandboro Sugartot. It was Emelia and Sugartot’s season debut, building on a superb 2022 which saw them win at Lincolnshire, and take home a cache of championship rosettes from the BSPS summer championships. Pembrokeshire’s Mati Davies, 12, made the long drive to Onley for the weekend well worthwhile with her parents Helen and Matthew Davies’s Synod Ieuan (Tom). They got off to a flying start by clinching their RIHS tickets in both the 133cm workers and nursery stakes classes at BSPS Area 6, before wakin up fresh to repeat both wins the following day at Area 17’s show. This will be Mati’s second season with 14-yearold Welsh section C. Last year, they finished third in the nursery stakes final at the RIHS and also stepped in to the Welsh WHP team at the championships to land fourth place.

A second grey Welsh section A took the Area 17 Supreme: Rowfantina George Washington ridden

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Area 13 Onley Grounds Equestrian Complex March 4th, 2023 | Photos by EmmPix Paddy Power Lucy Haygate and Inverin Paddy (Joey) made their visit to Area 13 a complete triumph, winning the pair’s third RIHS ticket in the UkP&H Amateur qualifier. They already had their open and Pretty Polly qualifications. Joey and Lucy’s luck didn’t end there, as they also won the Connemara section of the LIHS semi-final and took the championship before going on to stand supreme champion. This was especially poignant for Lucy, as the supreme is held in honour of her Grandad, Roger Cook. “It was wonderful as he loved the show, always taking his ponies for the in hand sections.” The inimitable Cashelbay JJ once again proved himself a class act, taking the RIHS exceeding 143cm mountain and moorland working hunter pony ticket and standing section champion under Maisie Kivlochlan. Maisie has the 20-yearold Connemara on lease from the Eddis family. He is by Castleside JJ out of Ballybawn Cashel, and was bred by Robbie and Barbara Fallon. During his career, Cash has been a phenomenal force in both the plaited and mountain and moorland ranks. He is a multiple HOYS and RIHS champion, appearing to romp home over the most formidable of tracks. Maisie is now entering her second season with Cash. Last year, they took the first ticket of the season to the RIHS and finished in the ribbons at both the RIHS and HOYS. They also won their BE90 section to qualify for the Area Festivals which Maisie is hoping to contend alongside the workers this year. “I often get asked if he is as amazing as his track record and he absolutely is that and so much more. He definitely still has a sense of humour as we parted company in the collecting ring just before our round! I think he was just testing me to

make sure I rode up to his standards in the ring. It definitely worked as we went on to jump an amazing round,” said a thrilled Maisie. Jessica Talbot skipped around the testing track to book a return ticket in the 143cm class and reserve champion riding Welsh section C Peasdown Madison (Pinky). Interestingly, both Cash and Pinky both qualified for the RIHS last season. Pinky was bred by owner Caroline Sutton, whose ponies Jessica has produced for a number of years. Pinky and Jessica are an established combination, being former HOYS and RIHS contenders as well as taking part in a whole host of activities from arena eventing to hunting side-saddle. The 133cm class was won by Debbie Barker-Runiewicz and Exmoor Moonpenny Aquarius, bred by Mary Bryant and her daughter Elizbeth Etchells, the 16-year-old is a former RIHS and HOYS competitor under Debbie. Aquarius’ son, Moonpenny Delphinus won the 122cm mountain and moorland working hunter pony class at HOYS in 2022, and on form again this spring, Debbie and Delphinus picked up their RIHS ticket at UKP&H Spring show.

Inverin Paddy ridden by Lucy Haygate

Cashelbay JJ ridden Ellie Kivlochlan

The final of the mountain and moorland working hunter pony tickets, the 122cm class was won by Ollie Rowlands and his mum Fiona Aston’s Welsh section A, Delami Bravado (Benny). Fiona purchased eight-year-old Benny three years ago from Hannah Turnock when Hannah was pregnant. Ollie and Benny’s partnership quickly flourished, standing champion working hunter pony at STARS in 2021 before going on to tackle open qualifiers last year and scooping both the pair’s first RIHS and HOYS tickets within a week! They ended the season on high with a fourth in the HOYS final.

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Delami Bravado ridden by Ollie Rowlands

Thistledown Magpie ridden by Charlotte Knight

Glebedale Johnny Depp ridden by Harriet Glenn

New Combinations Make Their Mark Jamie Clarke was delighted to stand reserve champion to Penny Richardson and the little legend that is Shetland Briar Snowman Penny and Snowman. Jamie led section A Thistledown Magpie ridden by Jamie’s daughter Charlotte Knight. She was broken in last autumn, and was purchased by Jamie in December from Sharn Linney’s yard. After just three months, they were ring ready to take the novice and open mountain and moorland lead rein classes and section reserve at BSPS Area 6. They repeated their success at Area 13 matching their results exactly. “We’re super excited about this new combination,” said Jamie. Glebedale Jonny Depp and Harriet Glenn, another new combination, took the Ringside open mountain and moorland championship, the Silver Medal championship and the British Isles Area Supreme, also picking up his Olympia semi-final ticket along the way. Bred by Kitty Bodily and Jill Williams, 13-yearold Jonny has enjoyed a very successful ridden career under former producers Sam Roberts and latterly, Clare Fitch including qualifying for HOYS and Olympia. He is now leased to Harriet’s mum, Nicki Glenn from owners Lauren and Jo Baker. He arrived with the Glenns last autumn, and Harriet has enjoyed getting to know him over the winter with plenty of hacking and the odd unaffiliated outing. They will surely be ones to watch this season. The novice mountain and moorland championship was

awarded to Katy Marriott Payne riding Mandy Jackson’s Highland pony Jedi of Talisker. He made a successful debut at Area 6 where he was reserve champion, but went one better at Area 13, collecting wins in the pure novice and confined novice large breeds classes en route to the championship. The UKP&H RIHS junior large breeds was won by Louise Shafar’s son Todd Shafar and her Connemara mare Carlingford Enchantment. Louise has owned the 15-year-old for ten years. “She taught me showing,” said a delighted Louise. “She’s been to the RI and Hoys many times.” Nevertheless, it was quite a feat for 14-year-old Todd to win his first ever RIHS qualifier with a mare he sat on for the first time just three days before! However it was an established combination that took the tricolour in the UKP&H RIHS section. Mandy Burchell Small’s grandson James Burchell won the RIHS junior small breeds class and section champion riding her homebred Rowfantina Orlando Bloom. It was a déjà vu moment, as the pair also qualified and stood champion at Onley last year. “It must be a lucky showground,” said Mandy. In 2022, they went on to stand second in the final, and also won a strong mountain and moorland mini championship at the Hickstead Derby Meeting held at what seems to be another of the pair’s lucky showgrounds. Why lucky? He qualified for HOYS at the same show in 2021 and also won the RIHS mini mountain and moorland final and the championship. Orlando is by Broekland Allesandro, a winner at

Rowfantina Orlando Bloom ridden by James Burchell

HOYS and RIHS in 2013, and he’s out of Rowfantina Old Times, who in turn is out of the 2000 HOYS mountain and moorland mini champion Rowfantina Old Fashioned. A thoroughly family affair, Old Fashioned was ridden by Mandy’s son and James’ uncle, Owen, while her eldest son, Oliver (James’ dad) produces Orlando Bloom alongside James’ mum Jo.

Carlingford Enchantment ridden by Todd Shafar

Jedi of Talisker ridden by Katy Marriot Payne

New Ways Winning Ways Alice Lloyd made the journey to Onley worthwhile collecting a return ticket to the RIHS in the non-native ridden pony class riding Reylem Super Trooper, before going on to stand section reserve. Alice and mum Kathryn have owned Trooper for nearly four years, backing him themselves and bringing him on slowly at home. Last season, the pair finished eighth at last year’s Hickstead final and Alice explained that they are “hoping to compete in a few more shows this year and are very excited to be competing at the Royal International Horse Show again”. The win was especially sweet as Alice has been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and Arthritis. “It largely affects my hands and feet, which makes it hard to ride. I’ve been trying to learn to teach Trooper and myself to ride in new ways to help with my disability.” Reylem Super Trooper ridden by Alice Lloyd

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The INSIDE SCOOP with the 2023 HOYS JUDGES As we all go about qualifying, find out what the judges will be looking for this year in our exclusive feature!

MATHEW LAWRENCE Coloured Horse or Pony of the Year (Conformation)

Mathew Lawrence is a distinguished producer, show rider and sought-after instructor. Based in Bristol, Mathew is no stranger to winning on the highest stage, with several championships at HOYS and the RIHS, and three Olympia championships. He is arguably better known for his mountain and moorland charges, but he has also successfully competed in several other sections including the coloured horse and pony classes. ELS Artform, Nibiley Bertie Bassett and Maytime Challenge include three of his most prolific coloured charges, with each having bagged a HOYS class with the latter going on to stand reserve champion. No longer producing, Mathew spends a considerable amount of time teaching others and has a dedicated pupil base as well as being an extremely popular figure at showing clinics.

be watching the go round. I’m looking for something to walk in with purpose with ears on and up and out in front – not down and in. It’s a show class and the horse or pony has to show you that they want to be there. My winner will need to be true to type and cover ground in its way of going. The traditional will be more workmanlike in their way of going and the riding horse needs to go and look like a riding horse. “Once the saddle is off, conformation is paramount for me and again will be individual to the type that that horse or pony is. The mechanics of a horse are so important. If a horse isn’t built correctly then it can’t go correctly, and I will be looking from the ground up.

And in the hacks…?

that is able to go to the contact but be soft over the back. For me, it is not all about the bling and a hack should demonstrate the epitome of way of going.

“I’m honoured to judge this class. I can remember watching hacks as a teenager and going on to compete in them at HOYS was fabulous but to judge this class “My pet hate with a hack is one Being the correct weight for its really is a dream come true for me. which is on its head and bearing type is key. I want to see soft down. A hack should be pushing But what will he be looking for in lines rather than heavy fat lines. I “Elegance is key. Their way of itself along and not pulling itself. the coloured section? always feel that this is accentuated going should be light and forward but never in a hurry. I want to see “I’m really looking forward to “It’s an honour to be asked to judge at HOYS due to where you are positioned as you can’t really stand ears on and know at a glance that judging this class with Vanessa at HOYS and especially having back to look at the animal. they want to be there. as we tend to read from the same competed in these sections. It hymn sheet!” really is special! It’s my first-time judging “I want a hack to cover the ground conformation at HOYS and the but touch it lightly. A hack should “Even though I’m judging structure of the horse or pony will be a suitable ride for a lady or a conformation for this class, I will be of highest importance for me.” gentleman. I want to see a horse

info@showingworldonline.co.uk | April/May Issue 2023 | Showing World | 65

ALEX KELLY Mountain and Moorland Ridden Pony (Conformation)

A dedicated showing amateur, Alex Kelly will know exactly how many of the competitors at HOYS will be feeling, but this will be her first time standing in the middle, watching the classes unfold from an entirely different perspective. She explains how she came to be “hooked” on showing! “Thanks to my long-suffering parents, I began showing aged three on an Dartmoor called Damsel. The story goes that I was too nervous to eat or speak all day and fell off in front of the judge, but all this aside I appeared to be hooked! I continued my riding career without much success, and I could probably claim to be the worse show pony rider of my

generation. Despite spending most of my time competing for the bottom spot, I was encouraged to keep going by my mum, Elaine, who involved me with breeding and bringing on the young ponies at home. I eventually did make it to HOYS in Search for Star class and just like my showing debut, I fell off but fortunately this time in the collection ring. “As my pony days came to an end, we set out to find a show hack but came home with a Connemara, Walstead Hunny Bear (Hovis). The expression goes “good horses make good riders” and this was certainly true of Hovis; he took me to

the final at HOYS on seven occasions and was the first association with this wonderful breed. “These days I combine brining on the young homebred horses and ponies while working at The Daily Telegraph. I’d just started working in London and had a very unlucky run of horses injuring themselves so found myself at a bit of a loose end. Kathleen James (who I used to ride for on the lead rein) ordered me to do my judging assessments and mentored me through the process. I’m now a panel judge on NPS M&M, RP/ SHP and Connemara breed panels. It’s

unbelievable to be asked to judge HOYS, as a child I never thought I’d ride at the show let along judge at it! I can reassure competitors that I’m as excited and as honoured to be there as they are.! What will Alex be looking for? “As I’m overseeing performance on the big day the first thing I’ll be thinking is ‘would I like to ride that pony?’ Whatever the breed I like to see a light, responsive, athletic, supple ride in self-carriage and moving forward within a natural rhythm. I’ll be firm but fair with mistakes as HOYS is the pinnacle of the showing calendar we should be looking for perfection.”

RUSSELL SUTCLIFFE – HOYS JUDGE FIRST TIMER! Junior Mountain and Moorland (Conformation) Pamela and once with me. We did WHP on him too and he was second at HOYS. Russell Sutcliffe is by now a name synonymous with mountain and moorlands in showing circles. But it seems it wasn’t always so… “I was always interested in show jumping and hunter trials and my wife Pamela had a Fell pony; this is where it all started. “Her Fell was a complete allrounder and would hack, drive and take part in performance trials. I went to an auction one day and bought a three-year old colt. We traced his breeding as he came with no papers and learnt that he was Whitburn Major Tom. “We showed him and he competed at Olympia twice – once with

“The decision was made to start breeding so we bought two mares and Darrenvale stud was born in 1989. Some major prizewinners include Darrenvale Delilah (Heskett Willow x Midtown Jury) who won the Highland, Fell, Dales class at HOYS in 2006 and Darrenvale Jason who was Reserve Supreme at Olympia twice (Whitburn Major Tom x Townend Mountain Gypsy).” What will Russell be looking for in a Junior Mountain and Moorland Pony of the Year? “Firstly, I want to see a pony that looks like it could live where it is meant to live. By that, I mean one that has the best

characteristics to survive in its native environment. “It must have decent conformation and for me, the junior mountain and moorland is almost like the intermediates in the fact that the class forms a steppingstone for jockeys – in this case between the first riddens and the open ponies. “For me, you don’t need a big powerful stride on a junior pony. I don’t want to see them head strong and I err on the side of quality in conformation. Flat bone, clean hocks and round open feet are all factors I will be looking for. “I want to see a pony where the rider sits in the middle. I’m looking for balance - a beautiful back end as well as a decent front. Maturity can alter a pony

but the basic fact of having that balance in conformation doesn’t change. Balance is so important, and the conformation of a pony needs to allow it to be balanced. “If a pony doesn’t have an engine behind it will have a lower head carriage and be on the forehand. When I look at a pony stood in front of me I want to see something that I know will travel with self -carriage. “A pony must have character – that certain ‘joie de vivre’ must be there. Natives can be so overdone in their schooling that they appear robotic and in certain breeds this can cause problems with limbs. “I am really looking forward to judging this class with my co-judge Jacqueline Webb.”

info@showingworldonline.co.uk | April/May Issue 2023 | Showing World | 67

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