Showing World
EXCLUSIVE:
Issue 167 May 2022 www.showingworldonline.co.uk
INTERVIEWS WITH
Issue 167 - May 2022
2022 HOYS JUDGES Find out what they’re looking for in competitors this year...
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MADE IN OUR OWN
UK MILL
A Note From Our Editor Dear Reader, When our last issue was published, we were just stepping out of winter and into our spring shows. Yet here we are, fresh from witnessing an extra-special Royal Windsor Horse Show for the Queen’s jubilee. As much as I love seeing young talented horses and ponies emerging from the shadows at winter and spring shows, it was wonderful to see seasoned campaigners return to the ring with all the power, grace, presence and exceptional manners that you would expect of show horses at the pinnacle of their careers. A few stand out: the inimitable record-breaking View Point, Forgelands Hyde Park and Bart being just three examples. Is it just me or does a brilliant show horse give you goose bumps?!
provide us with qualifiers and practice runs for our ‘opens’. Lots of us are feeling the pinch with rising living costs – fuel in particular – but if you can, please support these shows, and without stealing our columnist Vicky’s thunder right here, thank the organisers. We’ve also got a full report in this issue from the first SEIB Search for a Star qualifiers. It’s hard starting out and trying to step up, so I really do believe that this series along with the BSHA’s Rising Stars and the TSR’s Talent Spotting series – among others – are so important in helping enthusiastic new people get a leg up into affiliated competition. Likewise, I was enthused by the new championships that the BSPS have introduced to nurture young riders and young ponies already in affiliated classes.
I came close to a Windsor win last year with a second, but alas, I’ve only won Windsor once and it was a few years ago. This year, I managed a fourth. But just being there, in the ring and on a lovely pony seems special, so the wave of emotion that must accompany those ‘big wins’ must be really something. For those who landed them, I hope you are still riding Cloud Nine! It’s all very well pontificating about the wonder of Windsor, but we all must remember that our societies and their area associations are also working extremely hard to provide excellent events for us. A few have seen a steep decline in entries this year and that is worrying; their shows are a vital resource for emerging young riders, horses and ponies, and
Talking of youngsters previously nurtured into competitive brilliance through showing, weren’t Laura Collett and London 52 superb at Badminton?! It just goes to show how important it is we support and encourage the many super children we have in our showing classes. Before I go, we have two interviews in this issue – one with Jo Jack and one with Kitty Boddily and Jill Williams, and we shine a light on a third individual’s contribution to showing. Without giving too much away, I’d like to take the opportunity here to wish Norwood White the happiest of 90th birthdays! (Equinepix)
- Beth
MEET OUR COVER STAR ON PAGE 42 Sarah Field’s Murvey George (Real Time Imaging)
Contents 24
Meet the producer: Jo Jack
28
The NPS Spring Festival
32 Exclusive insights with the HOYS Judges 45
The BSPS championships
47 Bumper report from Royal Windsor Horse Show 80 Lap of Honour 90
Stud stories: behind the scenes at Glebedale Stud
47
Front cover: Bea Bailye-Hawkins, 11, and her uber versatile Precious Gem [Star]
Editorial: Beth Simons
beth.simons@showingworldonline.co.uk
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32 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 2022. 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 | May Issue 2022 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk
SHOWING IRISH PONY
NEWS MAY 2022
SOCIETY
The Irish Pony Society would like to thank Showing World for the opportunity to update its readers on pony showing in Ireland.
The IPS would like to congratulate all members who competed so successfully at the Northern Ireland Festival, with special mention to Aoibhinn Ruanne riding Clonad Rose and Isla Coad riding Frosthill Jackaroo who picked up their working hunter golden tickets to HOYS. Well done girls! Once NIF was finished all focus shifted to the Irish Pony Society Spring Show which played host to R.I.H.S working hunter and coloured ridden pony and horse qualifiers. With top class competition throughout the day. Those lucky few who qualified for R.I.H.S are already busy making plans for their trip across the water. We cannot wait to see how they get on. After a successful Spring Show all focus has now shifted to preparation for the Summer Championships taking place on the 3rd and 4th of August at a new venue for the IPS, Necarne Castle, Irvinestown Co. Fermanagh. This promises to be a spectacular two days of showing with plenty of
THE
BSHA
Shows are well underway all over the country, with closing dates coming thick and fast. Jess is keeping our Facebook platform current with closing dates for shows popping up each week. If you have not yet followed us on social media, please do. We recently had a great clinic at Merrist Wood with Jayne Ross and Mathew Lawrence, our thanks go to them for taking the time to help the association. We get asked all the time about clinics, and we will do more. It’s difficult finding venues and times to do these and of course getting instructors to help when everyone is so busy, but we will try a do a few more later in the year. Our Accredited Trainers have their own clinics, and these do appear on our show dates list on our website with booking details, and we also advertise these through social media. The Rising Star classes are taking off, with many shows around the country taking qualifiers, so if you are reading this and have never been a member of the BSHA but have a suitable, hack, riding horse, cob, hunter or racehorse, why not give it a go and enter a class near you? The top two in each section receive a rosette and a qualification to the final at the National Championships in September at Arena UK. Ian Darcy and I had a recent visit to Arena UK and have some great new ideas for the venue – something for everyone – so we will be beavering away over the next few months getting our schedule and packages together. A date for the diary: NPS Area 20’s Amateur/Novice Day, 26th June. Schedule and sponsorship packages will be out soon for the BSHA National Championship show. It was the ‘must enter’ show of last season, so make sure it’s in the diary for 8-10th September at Arena UK. Have a great summer!
additions to the schedule for 2022. The Schedule includes HOYS Qualifiers for mountain and moorland working hunter ponies, junior working hunter ponies, the Price Family Supreme in hand final, the small, lightweight, middleweight and heavyweight show hunters and ridden Connemaras. The full schedule and details will be available shortly. In other news the new IPS Chairperson Clive Johnston is working hard with the council to add popular classes to the IPS showing schedule notably included now are in-hand Connemara classes for breeding and youngstock as our native pony it will be fantastic to see them represented at our Summer Championships. Spotlight: Ned Kelly riding his Mum’s Tinnecarrig Milo and Rowdown Archer picked up two R.I.H.S qualifying spots in the 133cm and 143cm Working Hunter categories. They are definitely partnerships worth keeping an eye on for the rest of season.
NPS
BREEDERS CHALLENGE BSPS AND NPS JOIN FORCES TO SET BREEDERS CHALLENGE Two of our leading pony societies, the British Show Pony Society has and National Pony Society, have announced that they have joined forces to bring a new initiative promoting the Breeding of British Riding Ponies to the BSPS Summer Championships. In selected classes, the highest placed mare will be entered into The Breeders Challenge, with the champion winning a stallion premium covering by Llanarth Top Cat, kindly sponsored by Jerome Harforth. The reserve champion will receive a £500 stallion premium voucher sponsored by the National Pony Society. The stallion premiums offered through the challenge will remain with the pony. It is hope that this will encourage owners to breed from their mares when they retire from the show ring. Edward Young, BSPS Council member said, “We are pleased to be working in partnership with the NPS, to promote the breeding of riding ponies, support existing breeders, and hopefully, encourage
new breeders of the future”. Chair NPS Stud Book Committee Chair, Anneli Jones said: “We are also keen to help riders get a good understanding of how their pony is bred and an appreciation for reputable, responsible breeders is key to this. To this end, the NPS has been working with BSPS to identify ways to encourage this. We are pleased that breeders will be invited to showcase their studs at the BSPS Summer Championship show and the Stud Book Committee is also looking to identify other events to showcase the qualities of the breed”. This is an exciting initiative that is much needed to drive the promotion of the breed, especially within the younger generation. For more information on the National Pony Society, visit: https://www.nationalponysociety.com For more information on the British Show Pony Society, visit: BSPS :: The British Show Pony Society
Gribbin family
‘Future Stars Young Pony of the Year’
for 4, 5, and 6-year-old ponies In this exciting new championship, we’ll see classes for show ponies, show hunter ponies, intermediates and mountain and moorland mixed breeds. There will be associated special awards for riders under 17 years in the show ponies, 20 in the show hunter ponies and 25 in the intermediates, as well as sashes for the best 4, 5 and 6-year-old in each class. The classes will be held on Tuesday 23rd August 2022 with a championship in the evening performance, and the champion will be eligible for the Saturday night’s supreme championship.
restrictions providing the rider is suitably mounted, this new competition achieves that objective.” Antony Gribbin said: “We are delighted to support the BSPS in this new initiative putting something back into the sport from which we take so much enjoyment, the BSPS are promoting a number of new initiatives this year and we were pleased to play our part.”
The champion pony will win £1,000 and the reserve champion £500. Paul Cook, National Chairman of the BSPS said: “We are indebted to Antony and his family for sponsoring these new classes and championship with tremendous prize money. Members have been asking for a new class and championship for young ponies without age
BRITISH SHOW PONY
SOCIETY
After a superb winter championships, the BSPS have now opened entries for their Midsummer show which will be held on Saturday June 18th at Arena UK. There will be a host of HOYS qualifiers as well as a range of Tiny Tots classes, and qualifiers for our summer championships which will be on the 23rd – 27th of August, again at Arena UK. As well as the new breeder’s challenge and the Robert Oliver Showmanship Award, keep an eye out for more details of the new Grange Bank Stud Awards, which will be coming soon. Lastly, qualifiers are underway for the BSPS Heritage Semi Finals in October, and you can find the full list of qualifiers on our website.
SSDAL
The SSADL return to London International Horse Show for second final!
The Senior Showing and Dressage Ltd. (SSADL) have announced their return to the London International Horse Show which will be held at the Excel Centre, London from 15th -19th December 2022. The SSADL/London International Horse Show Grand Finals will take place on Saturday 17th December. As ever, the series is open to home produced horses and ponies, 15 years and over, from all equestrian disciplines, and will be supported by a new and exciting headline sponsor, Agria. Clare Frost said: ‘‘SSADL is thrilled to be returning to The London International Horse Show. We would like to thank the committee sincerely for allowing SSADL to return to this most prestigious and iconic Christmas event. We are very pleased and excited to welcome Agria to SSADL as our London International Horse Show sponsor, and very proud to be able to offer our members a summer and winter Grand Final at two of the leading equestrian events in the country”. SSADL are committed to offering riders, handlers and owners of their beloved home-produced senior horses and ponies
the opportunity to showcase their animals through two qualification series at high profile events across the UK, whist maintaining the highest welfare standards and supporting equestrian charities. For further information, email: info@seniorshowinganddressage.co.uk or follow the SSADL on Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/SSADL1
A new sponsor for the SSADL Longines Royal International Horse Show Grand Finals Following the success of the 2021 series and Grand Finals held at the Longines Royal International Horse Show The PRP Rescue Services/SSADL Longines Royal International Horse Show qualifiers for 2022 are now under way! The series is open to home produced horses and ponies, 15 years and over, from all equestrian disciplines. “We are absolutely thrilled to be working with the team at Hickstead again to offer the chance for 40 home produced senior horses and ponies to qualify for this highly prestigious show, for both the In Hand and Ridden finals in 2022,” said Clare Frost. “We are also delighted to welcome PRP Rescue Services as new title sponsor for the series.
This multi award winning specialist breakdown company has a wealth of experience and will offer our members an unrivalled roadside service.” The PRP Rescue Services/SSADL Longines Royal International Horse Show Grand Finals will take place on the Saturday 30th July at the iconic All England Jumping Course, Hickstead. “We are pleased to be able to offer our members a summer Grand Final at the Longines Royal International Horse Show and a winter Grand Final at The London International Horse Show,” added Clare. “The scene is set for an amazing year for SSADL and its members.” SSADL are committed to offering riders, handlers and owners of their beloved home-produced senior horses and ponies the opportunity to showcase their animals through two qualification series at high profile events across the UK, whist maintaining the highest welfare standards and supporting equestrian charities. For more information, email info@seniorshowinganddressage.co.uk and follow Senior Showing and Dressage Ltd on Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/SSADL1
BSPS
HERITAGE SUPREME CHAMPIONSHIP RETURNS TO LONDON At Showing World, we were absolutely thrilled that the British Show Pony Society have confirmed that their BSPS Heritage Supreme Championship will once again be hosted by the London International Horse Show. It will be judged on the morning of the 19th of December 2022 at the Excel Arena, London Docklands and the prizegiving will be part of the prestigious afternoon performance. BSPS Executive Member of Council, Simon Richardson said: “We are indebted to HPower, organisers of The London International Horse Show for enabling us to once again be part of this iconic show. It is our showcase for 40 of the best mountain and moorland ponies in the UK with all twelve breeds being represented”.
GRANGEBANK STUD AWARD
It has also been confirmed that the proven format with four judges will continue and the substantial prize money will also be maintained. However, this year’s championship will be kindly sponsored by New Horizon Plastics thanks to Philip and Karyn Thomas. Nevertheless, the BSPS extends their “thanks to Robert Lemieux for his sponsorship over the last three shows”, said Simon Richards, adding, “we are delighted that he will continue to provide the superb rugs for all those who qualify for the final”. No doubt this will come as welcome news to the many who thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle provided at the 2021 London International Horse Show.
As part of its exciting new series of classes to be held at it’s summer championship show, the BSPS announced the ‘GRANGEBANK Stud Awards’ for children competing in lead rein, first pony and cradle stakes classes.
Sashes will be awarded in no less than 40 classes. To be eligible to win a sash, children must be the highest placed of those who did not in 2021 or have not won the same class at the BSPS Summer Championships formerly, have ridden for a professional producer, or been placed in the same class at HOYS or RIHS with the exception of Pretty Poly home produced classes. Champion and reserves from each section will go forward to ‘The GRANGEBANK Stud Awards Supreme Championship’ judged on the Saturday evening performance. The champion will receive a trophy and flower sash, and medals will be awarded to all riders in the championships.
Malcolm Holland, co-owner of GRANGEBANK Stud, with his granddaughter Renee Holland said, “We are thrilled to sponsor and support these new awards that will encourage and support our youngest riders”. BSPS chair, Paul Cook said: “We cannot thank the GRANGEBANK Stud enough for these awards which we hope will give our youngest and least experienced riders recognition as they start out on their showing career. It is wonderful that children can have a great experience in showing and enjoy the fun of being at our championship show with their family and friends and these awards are the icing on the cake.”
ROBERT OLIVER
SHOWMAN AWARD
The British Show Pony Society has announced a new initiative to spot and nurture talented young riders in honour of supreme showman, Robert Oliver. During the 2022, season members of the BSPS Council will be talent spotting young competitors in each of following categories: show ponies, show hunter ponies, working hunter ponies, heritage working hunter ponies, mountain and moorland ridden classes and intermediates. Riders will be 25 years and under and will be chosen to compete at the final for their flair, showmanship and presence in the ring. Claire Oliver said: “Robert loved being President of the BSPS, a role he really valued and enjoyed. He would be thrilled that young rider who display real “showmanship” are being recognised and rewarded by this award given
in his honour”. The final will be judged at the BSPS Summer championship show and comes complete with an exciting prize package that includes an afternoon tour of dressage afficionado and Olympian Carl Hester’s yard. Paul Cook, BSPS National Chairman said: “We are delighted that this award not only spots talent in show riders of the future, but in doing so, honours one of our greatest ever showmen and producers. Robert epitomised style, tradition, showmanship with charm and manners and true sportsmanship. This is something I hope our young riders can emulate and aspire to”.
THE
SHOWING
NEWS
SIDE SADDLE
MAY 2022
ASSOCIATION
Side Saddle Association Urge you to Celebrate local Riding Club, your local Area Side Saddle Platinum Jubilee Year riding Side Saddle! Association would love to come and give a talk or demo. The Side Saddle Association are urging the equestrian world to celebrate the Queen’s To find your local area and what they have Platinum Jubilee Year by taking up riding side planned for this year’s celebrations, please visit saddle and are offering riders the chance to www.sidesaddleassociation.co.uk or email sec‘have a go’. retary@sidesaddleassociation.co.uk “The Queen will always be fondly remembered for her poise and grace when riding side saddle for ‘Trooping the Colour’ to celebrate her official birthday. We want to encourage riders to try side saddle for themselves and this is your opportunity to get involved,” said a spokesperson for the association. The Side Saddle Association covers the length and breadth of the UK and has many regional Areas. Within each area you will find a wealth of knowledge from Instructors to Judges to other riders.
NATIONAL SIDE SADLE SHOW UPDATE The schedule has now been circulated and is live on the National Show website. Equitation Points Update: The SSA Council has voted to reduce the points required to enter the Equitation Championship classes at the 2022 National Side Saddle Show from 10 to 4 points having taken into account the reduced number of shows in some areas, distances involved and the rising costs of travelling to compete.
We hope this will help more members to compete in the classes at the National Show. To celebrate the Platinum Jubilee, the Side Members are however asked to continue to Saddle Association are offering riders to support our affiliated shows whenever possible chance to ‘have a go’. This could either be with to maintain their provision. your own horse as part of a Have A Go Day or a private lesson on an instructor’s horse. You Further details about the show can be found on could try on a mechanical horse first. If you the National Side Saddle Show website: www. are actively involved with the Pony Club or a nationalsidesaddleshow.co.uk Website: www.sidesaddleassociation.co.uk
There are a limited number of tradestand spaces left, anyone interested should please contact Patricia Drake: treasurer@nationalsidesaddleshow.co.uk Online Equitation As an aid to the Championship preparation for members a one-off Virtual Equitation Competition has been set up and if you are also planning on entering the Equitation Jumping at the National Show, why not take advantage of our ‘bundle’ offer and submit both a Virtual Equitation and a JumpCoach video for just £15 (would normally be £18). Once again you will be able to find all the rules, hints and tips for filming and enter via the Just So Equestrian Events website – www.justsoequestrianevents. co.uk/whats-on What better way to prepare at home for the National Show than with valuable feedback from a SSA list judge and instructor? Membership Survey Feedback from the 2021 survey is included in the Spring newsletter which has been recently circulated.
Business page www.facebook.com/sidesaddleassociation
Group page www.facebook.com/groups/764823307610056
VETERAN HORSE SOCIETY
As we welcome in a new season, we are delighted to announce some new County Shows and also some new Riding Clubs and Shows to the 2022 calendar. We also see the return of shows to Scotland and Wales which is such a relief. This season is certainly going to be very busy and our shows are updated very regularly on the website and also Facebook – Veteran Horse Society – Showing. Already people are qualifying through to the Regional Finals and preparing for the Direct Qualifiers, which start at our Spring Festival in Warwickshire in May. The schedule will be posted online shortly. There will be the opportunity to sponsor classes at the Festival and we also welcome tradestands. New for 2022 is the long-awaited VHS end of season Anniversary Ball and Awards evening. Tickets are selling out very quickly and is currently only available to Members, sponsors and judges. Tickets may go on sale to non-Members from April 1st 2022. For those wishing to attend and have received an invitation to reserve tickets please do ensure this is returned as quickly as possible to avoid disappointment. As we start planning for the hugely popular National Champion-
8 | Showing World | May Issue 2022 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk
ships, we will be looking for volunteers to assist with the smooth running of the weekend both in the office and ‘on the ground’ to assist stewards and judges. So the competition is on again to find the Veteran of the Year 2022 and am sure your beautiful veterans, will once again be an absolute credit to you and the Society. With record numbers last year we know it is going to be yet another very busy show. For all our updates please visit our website www.veteran-horse-society.co.uk. We also hope the new series of the Podcast will be back in the Spring and would welcome anyone who has an interesting story or lifetime experiences to chat about with us. We are now accepting Membership for anyone who has a veteran born on or before 2007. We look forward seeing everyone out and about again. Lets’ leave the past behind us now and look forward to a bright new future. Julianne Aston, Founder Info@veteran-horse-society.co.uk
THE
NATIONAL
SHOWING REGISTER
What’s new for 2022 with TSR?
TSR Amateur Rider and Handler of the Year WOW! Over 250 talented combinations have been spotted by the amazing team of TSR Talent Spotters! For all those riders and handlers who have been spotted you should have received your exclusive invitation to enter on May 1st. Over £1,000 of training to be won plus the fabulous rosettes and sashes. We are very excited to see who will be crowned the Amateur of the Year. TSR Summer Show 16th-17th July 2022 at Onley Equestrian Centre It looks to be a bumper show this year! Entries are open with a great range of classes for all levels of rider from novice to experienced and all types of horses and ponies. We are pleased to announce a DIRECT qualifier for the SSADL London International Grand Finals as well as the HOYS qualifiers, plus SWPA, NCPA, Sunshine, Equifest, RoR, VHS qualifiers. TSR Showing Finals NEW qualification System To qualify for the TSR Showing Finals you need to gain 20 points. TSR qualifying shows are worth 20 points OR attend any show to gain 10 points. Download your qualification sheet from the TSR website to get it signed by the judge, steward or secretary plus check out the list of qualifying shows for those extra points! If you ever have a question or need help or advice on any aspect of showing, ask TSR! Good Luck and have fun!
NORTHERN
COUNTIES PONY ASSOCIATION
2022 looks as though things will remain slightly different from all the preceding years but NCPA membership is holding up and all our shows have resumed. We see the continuing of the “Golden Tickets” for both in hand and ridden animals, with the finals at the prestigious Pony of the Year Show, at Warren Farm Equestrian Centre, Formby on Sunday 4th September. Anyone can qualify for the big-money finals (whether a member of NCPA or not) by gaining a “GOLDEN TICKET” at any of our NCPA shows. The prize money at the final remains the same as last years fund – a total of £2000. There will be two finals, one for in hand animals, and one for ridden. Entry to the final is FREE, but qualifiers MUST be NCPA members to enter, and also enter at least one other POYS class at the show.
Anyone lucky enough to have received any qualifications (including the NCPA Topline Horseboxes Junior Ridden M&M final, President’s or Chairman’s Cups) after the 2021 finals can be reassured that these are valid for 2022, provided the circumstances of the animal and /or the rider are not affected by age limits.
Lancashire branch had a tremendously successful Spring show at Warren Farm EC, with large entries forward particularly in the m&m classes, as did the Main Branch Eastern Spectacular. We wish all those who qualified for RIHS great success at the finals – enjoy your moment! Shows are listed on the NCPA website www.thencpa.co.uk and the NCPA Facebook pages carry much of the latest information regarding these events, often including numbers in classes. These platforms are regularly updated and virtually all the information you need is there, saving you telephone calls and emails. Currently, all pre-entries are online and but many of our shows take entries on the day – CASH ONLY. Please make sure you do your entries in good time and remember that members get reduced rate entry fees in most classes. If you are entering RIHS, HOYS or London International Horse Show semi-final classes remember to do any memberships or registrations in good time.
PONY
SOCIETY Entries for the 2022 Summer Championship show are now open Entries for the 2022 Summer Championship show are now open. This show really is one of the highlights of the showing calendar, set against the iconic backdrop of the Malvern Hills. Although the showing classes don’t start until Tuesday 2nd August, the Monday afternoon will see the NPS Areas send both teams and individual young judges between the ages of 10 and 25 to compete in the Jennie Seymour Young Judges competition. If you are interested in taking part, please contact your local Area secretary and ask how you can get involved. It is a wonderful way of getting an understanding of what goes on from the inside of the ring and the highest scoring young judge will accompany Mrs Jennie Loriston-Clarke to judge the Price Family In Hand qualifier on the Wednesday of the show. The Summer Championships offer a full range of pony HOYS qualifiers and the Finals for all the NPS National Championships. If you have not already picked up your qualifying ticket there are also last chance qualifiers at the show. But we also offer classes for new young jockeys in our junior ring with all classes going into the evening performance. As well as straight showing classes, there are pairs, concours and fancy dress on offer. Plus, in the WHP rings the youngest children can have a go at leading rein WHP, utility pony and there are also young handler classes through the week. The second day of the show features the majority of the in hand classes. Each of our wonderful native breeds is showcased alongside a full range of classes for British Riding Ponies. Hacks and riding horses compete for the famous Ottergayle championship and sport ponies and part breds also have their own sections. The champion British Riding Pony will add their name to the roll of honour on the historic Vincent Taylor Cup. Home produced ponies also have their own sections and the whole day is a must see for pony enthusiasts. The Wednesday offers a chance to qualify for the NPS/ Anthony Evans Arena Eventing Challenge Final and the more performance orientated competitors also have both Prelim and Novice dressage competitions to enter which offer the chance to qualify for the 2023 NPS Dressage Finals. The final day of the show is Thursday 4th August where the open M&M ponies try and earn one of the 12 HOYS breed tickets on offer in the NPS/Baileys Horse Feeds qualifiers and in the HOYS WHP ring, the under 12s have their own qualifying class in addition to the usual 4 sections. There are also three in hand gold medals on offer for the show pony, hunter pony and M&M sections. The popular NPS/Corscaron Horse Essentials Home Produced Finals are also held with sections for open, junior, leading rein and first ridden plaited and M&M ponies. New for 2022 are London International Horse Show qualifiers for veteran ponies with the addition of SSADL classes to the schedule. To download the schedule and make your entries please head to the website https://www.nationalponysociety.com/ summer-championship/
info@showingworldonline.co.uk | May Issue 2022 | Showing World | 9
Norwood with Downland Mandarin at his 21st Birthday
Norwood Turns Ninety This month, Norwood White will turn 90 years old. Norwood and his late wife, Renita, built a breeding dynasty under the Colbeach prefix, its legacy still visible in the showring today. The pair started out breeding Welsh section Bs. “They had a Downland mare and used Downland Mandarin at stud,” explained Jean Andrew, who lived nearby the White’s Whissenthorpe Hall base in Oakham, and who has known Norwood for over fifty years. Renita then decided to move into riding ponies, and purchased the stallion, Willowbay Symphony, who was unbeaten under saddle, a prolific winner in-hand and an excellent stockgetter from Rod Cartlidge. It was then that the Colbeach prefix shifted into a new gear, producing top class ponies. The Whites also purchased Pendley Birthday girl. It was a wise move, as she later transpired to be one of their best broodmares, begetting multi-garlanded champions, including three times HOYS winner Colbeach Sensation, a charming 128cm show pony mare produced by Julie Templeton. As well as Sensation, the Birthday Girl / Willoway Symphony cross delivered the Dent family’s Colbeach Salamand, who was 2004 Pony of the Year under Samantha Dent, also produced by Julie. That year was a special one for the Whites, as Colbeach Starlight Express also
claimed the Hack of the Year title under Alyson Fagan.
the years,” said Claudia, “so it was really quite lovely when Myles was asked to ride for them”.
Pendley Birthday Girl was also dam of Colbeach Serenade, who qualified at Royal Norfolk for the Lloyds Bank Final – now the Price Family Supreme – as a yearling but never attended HOYS as a hood damaged her eye.
By this point, in truth, it was largely Jerome behind the breeding operation as well as the production of the ponies for the show ring. The Colbeach ponies and prefix were entrusted to Jerome when the Whites relocated to Leicestershire. Jerome, honouring the gift, continued to breed quality ponies under the Colbeach prefix while also progressing his own breeding programme at Stanley Grange. Nevertheless, the Whites maintained an avid interest. “They would always come to watch Myles and Duet; Myles loved riding for them,” said Claudia.
Nevertheless, Serenade was to make her mark later as a broodmare, being the dam of Colbeach Duet that Myles Cooper rode to win the 138cm show pony and part-bred classes at HOYS and the 138cm show pony class at the RIHS. Myles would later lead Duet’s foal and the last bred under the Colbeach prefix, Caprice in the Cuddy Supreme Final – again, now the Price Supreme – whilst her producer, Jerome Harforth led Duet. Incidentally that foal, Colbeach Caprice, stood second in the 138cm final at HOYS in 2021, and Duet is back in foal again, and now under James Hunton’s care as James had always admired her when he was based at Stanley Grange.
The breeding has also had an influence at the Langaller Stud, where Charles Upham stands Stalight Express’ half-brother, Colbeach Nightlight. As well as his own showing successes culminating in standing reserve supreme champion at the BSHA Championships in 2004, he sired prolific show horses including the 2008 Myles was not the first Cooper to ride a Colbeach HOYS reserve hack, Stanley Grange Eclipse, pony. His grandparents were good friends with Barrdene Night Fever, Daldorn Legacy, Stanley the Whites, and his mother, Claudia Cooper, would Grange Nightshade, Kingsford Moondance and hunt with the Whites’ daughter, Virginia, and Pendley Apassionata. In fact, such was his Claudia graduated onto Virginia’s 143cm working prowess as a stallion, that he sired five finalists at hunter pony, Skippy. “We had kept in touch over HOYS 2010 and six finalists in 2011.
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Colbeach Caprice
Julie met Norwood and Renita through Colbeach Martina, the first of three 128cm ponies that she purchased from the Whites, the second being Sensation and Salamand. Julie said: “Norwood is a really, really nice man; such a gentleman. And of course, he absolutely adored his late wife, Renita; the perfect gentleman.”
- Julie Templeton
Norwood White and Colbeach Splendour Meanwhile, Colbeach Regal Model is proving to be a valuable asset to Vicki Rudd’s Shildons stud. Her son, Shildons Royal Scoundrel has recently announced himself as one to watch by taking the supreme novice championship at the BSPS winter championships. His full brother, Shildons Plan B was supreme at the BSPS summer championships in 2021 and reserve supreme at the 2021 BSHA championships. Regal Model is also dam of Shildons Regal Gold, who won the novice hacks at Windsor and was supreme novice at BSHA last season, and she’s also dam of Shildons Royal Affair, who booked a return ticket to the RIHS at the BSPS championships. Though Renita was the initial force behind the ponies, Norwood himself became immersed in the showing industry and did the in-hand showing himself until Lesley Edwards worked for the couple and took over the showing. Being a fun and sociable character with a distinctive voice, Norwood also found himself commentating at the Ponies UK and the BSPS championships for several years. “He had a great big booming voice so you always knew where you were when he was doing the commentary at the PUK and BSPS Championships as you could clearly hear him,” said Julie Templeton.
Jean describes Norwood as an affable character, regularly enjoying a walk down to the local café for a morning coffee. “We used to have days out, for example at Calke Abbey or Shugborough Hall,” said Jean, who still travels for a short break to see Norwood each autumn. The Whites were also “great friends” with Davinia Whiteman and Lionel Ensten, and Davinia, like Jean, continued to visit Norwood until she sadly passed away. However, a lover of sports, no light-hearted social calls are to disturb Norwood’s sports: “He loves watching the racing and the Grand Prix on TV – you can’t ring up when they’re on!”
- Jean Andrew
As celebrations get under way for his birthday this month, the Showing World team wish him the very best, and reflect with fondness and admiration on the legacy of the Colbeach ponies and look forwards to their continued influence in the showring. Colbeach Caprice (1st Class Images)
Pendley Birthday Girl 1988 in the PoB journal with the Whites
Bada Bing is Best
L-R Aoibhinn Ruanne on Ballarin Bada Bing, Amanda Torrens Vice Chairperson, Clive Johnston Chairman of IPS, Sadhbh O’Connor on Imperial High Tide
Irish Pony Society Spring Show - April 30th Raheen Na Gun, Co. Kilkenny Report by Michele Craik-White
Ned Kelly on Tinnecarrig Milo
Photos by John O’Carroll
Merky, damp weather greeted competitors, judges and stewards for the Irish Pony Society Spring Show held at Raheen Na Gun. This did not dampen the spirits as there was plenty of buzz around the show ground due to the addition of Royal International Horse Show qualifiers for both working hunter ponies and ridden coloured classes. Ger O’Brien and his team at Raheen Na Gun efficiently built tracks and set up two very inviting courses for the riders and were on hand all day adjusting fences. With over 60 classes to enter there was lots to entertain the spectators. Some of the largest classes of the day were the Connemara and mountain and moorland classes with many white manes flowing. Rachel Flynn’s Firey Dipolmat ridden by Aoife Flynn won the Connemara working hunter championship with the Connemara ridden championship being presented to Emily Widger’s Skellorn
Prairie Starlight ridden by Emma Mackey. There was great excitement in ring two where there were two spots available for the Royal International Horse Show in the BSPA coloured ridden section. Mr Clive Johnston picked Tara Kelly’s Dunbeggan Dreamer ridden by her daughter Penny in the pony class and SaraJane Weissenbach’s delightful mare Freya’s Choice won the horse section and stood BSPA champion with Dunbeggan Dreamer taking reserve. The mini ponies and riders put on a beautiful display of riding with the mini show pony championship won by Rachel Lane’s Barkway State Affair ridden by Amber Lane with Emily Widger’s Thistledown Gold Medal ridden by Joe Mackey taking the mini show hunter championship. Encouragingly for the future of breeding in Ireland, there were lots of entries in the youngstock classes with Sharon O’Brien’s
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Bridie taking the in-hand championship. Aoibhinn Ruanne won the intermediate championship riding Helena Hennessy Ruane’s Ballarin Bada Bing with Aoife O’Connor’s Imperial High Tide picking up the show hunter championship for the second year running. The working hunter track was inviting but took plenty of riding and encouraged all riders to concentrate and position their ponies correctly with judges Mrs Mary Carter and Mr Brian Lewis commenting on the standard of riding and the smiles of all the competitors. The novice working hunter championship was presented to Cheryl Cusack’s Killone Dasher and ridden by Conor Cusack with the open working hunter championship won by Melanie Marnane’s Danny’s Pride ridden by Emily Marnane. The performance ring was busy all day with lovely little ponies enjoying the jumps in the smaller classes with riders smiling for the photographer
John O’Carroll who seemed to know each child by name. After a course change in ring three it was time for the much anticipated BSPS RIHS working hunter qualifiers. With Ger O’Brien’s clever course building proving tough but fair. Judges Mrs Paula McCarthy and Miss Amanda Torrens were tasked with judging the highly competitive classes with the following combinations picking up their qualification for Hickstead in July. Evie Kennedy riding Maihem First Edition won the nursery stakes. Ned Kelly managed to get two qualification spots, one on Tinnecarrig Milo in the 133cm and the second in the 143cm section with Rowdown Archer, both owned by his very proud mum, Lucy Kelly. The 153cm qualifying spot went to Mairead Ryan’s Indian Joe ridden by her son James and Lily Nadir picked up the final qualifier by winning the 158cm section on Country Strong and they also stood section champion with Indian Joe in reserve.
Aoibhinn Ruanne and Ballarin Bada Bing
Emma Mackey on Skellorn Prairie Starlight
Lily Nadir on Country Strong
With over 350 entries throughout the day the long-awaited supreme championship took place under the persistent grey skies but compared to other parts of the country had escaped the worst of the rain. With 14 champions in the ring, the judges Miss Joanne Quirke, Mrs Mary Carter, Mr Clive Johnston, Mr Brian Lewis, Mrs Desna Lewis, Mrs Paula McCarthy, Miss Amanda Torrens and Mrs Pat Byrne deliberated and discussed and finally chose their supreme champion to be Helena Hennessy Ruane’s Ballarin Bada Bing who had won the intermediate championship earlier in the day. Aoife O’Connor’s Imperial Tide ridden by Sadhbh O’Connor who had won the show hunter championship earlier that morning was presented with the reserve supreme title.
Ned Kelly and Rowdown Archer
The IPS would like to thank all who supported the show, the Judges, Stewards, Committee and all the new members who have joined this year, the non-members who experienced IPS for the first time and all its loyal members that travel the country supporting shows and we look forward to two great days at the Championship Show which takes place on the 3rd and 4th of August.
Aoife Flynn and Firey Diplomat
Sara-Jane Weissenbach and Freya’s Choice
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MARIO ON TOP OF HIS GAME Area 13B Spring Show Chard Equestrian - Easter Monday, 2022 Report by Beth Simons Photos by Martha Morgans Photography and Fuchsia Photography Addy Fowler and Barkway Mr McGregor Addy Fowler and first ridden gelding, Barkway Mr McGregor [Mario] continued with their brilliant season by standing supreme of show having won the first ridden and mini championship en route to the final championship. The pair made for a charming combination with Mario giving an excellent account of himself whilst Addy clearly enjoyed herself on board, beaming through the presentation of rosettes. 11-year-old Mario is owned by Emma Andrews and is produced from home by Addy’s mother, Alexandra Fowler who is no stranger to showring success herself. “I’ve admired Mario since he was champion at HOYS in 2019 with Emma’s daughter, Georgina Storey. My dad, who never comes to shows, came to BSPS Wales when Mario won in 2021 and we watched Mario’s show together. He said, ‘that’s the one you want’!” Alexandra didn’t know Emma at the time, however, undeterred she contacted mutual friend, Claire Smalley, who subsequently “vouched” for the Fowlers. “When Emma said she would lease him, we were delighted,” said Alexandra. Addy and Mario have gelled superbly and have got off to a flying start together, winning the first two RIHS mini qualifiers of the year at BSPS Area 6 and Area 13A. “Mario is the perfect schoolmaster for Addy to just go in the ring and enjoy.”
Mendip Farmers. The pair are now looking forward to the open working hunter pony classes this summer aiming for the BSPS Summer Championships. The working hunter pony ring was a busy one, with the BSPS winter worker stakes being a popular choice with competitors in the morning. The section tricolour was awarded to 11-year-old Emilia Kangurs and her pony, Bowmont Rusty who won their first red rosette together in the 80cm class with a rhythmic and flowing round. Emilia’s mother, Jo, acquired 15-year-old Rusty for her just a few months ago but they have nevertheless done a handful of shows and are hopeful of an RIHS qualification soon. Kirsty Andrews’ Baseford Black Prince took home two championships – the show pony and intermediates – under Kirsty’s daughter, Ellie Harrington, 13. Prince was formerly ridden in the 148cm show pony and small intermediate show riding type classes by Poppy Carter, before moving to Team Templeton last season to be produced for Alexandra McDowell. “We bought Prince
In reserve supreme was another young competitor: Jemima Windows and her 143cm coloured pony, Warren Minimix [Charlie]. Jemima and Charlie were winners of the mixed height restricted open working hunter pony before going on to clinch the tricolour and later hold their own in the championship against established ‘flat’ ponies and adult riders. Jemima has owned versatile Charlie for three years and enjoys taking part in a range of activites including hunting with the
Molly Simpson and Glencarrig Dubai
for Ellie, who wanted a safe ride into small intermediates after last season,” explained Kirsty. “He has proven himself in the small intermediates and show ponies with Ellie”. Although Kirsty keeps two of Ellie’s ponies in production with Gill Thompson, the mother-and-daughter team produce Prince themselves at home. “We enjoy doing him from home with weekly lessons and help from Mathew Lawrence and Kate Carter,” said Kirsty. Harry Edwards Brady partnered his mother, Emma Edwards’ Dartmoor, Kingstown Moor Blackthorn [Barney] to win the novice Dartmoor, Exmoor or Shetland class. The fouryear-old gelding is by Moortown Crusader and was bred by Liz Cotes in Devon. This was Barney’s first novice class and thus far, Barney had been thrown into the ‘deep end with a handful of RIHS classes stood up to the test and shown plenty of promise, being mannerly and sensible despite his age. “He’s a dear little pony,” said Emma, “he’s had five minutes work and doesn’t bat an eyelid so he’s a proper child’s pony”. Though broken in by
Sophie Curry, Emma and Harry produce Barney themselves from home. However, the novice championship was taken by the winners of the NPS pure novice New Forest and Connemara class, Molly Simpson and Suzy Mackigran’s Glencarrig Dubai [Teddy]. The five-year-old competed in two show last year before making his 2022 season debut a winning one at Area 13B. In reserve was the winner of the novice New Forest and Connemara class, Cashelbay Toby, ridden by his owner, Lucy Thirlby, who is a fulltime PE teacher. The fiveyear-old home-produced Connemara gelding is by Derryveeney Lad and out of Corclough Laura. Lucy bought him as an unbroken three-yearold in the summer of 2020 from Jo Shaw, who had brought him over from Ireland. Toby was subsequently broken over Christmas of 2020 and enjoyed a low-key summer competing in a hand full of unaffiliated shows. He made his season debut a successful one, standing reserve supreme at Area 13A’s winter show earlier this year. Maggie Simons won the open Welsh C and D classes with homebred section C gelding, Marbeth Jimmy Wilde [Brian] before going on to take the BSPS open heritage championship and the NPS Silver Medal championship over
NE W F O R
2 022
Maggie Simons and Marbeth Milwr Bach
Jemima Windows and Warren Minimix
Molly and Teddy. The seven-year-old by Donys Llawen was originally sold to Norway but was bought back by the Simons’ after Owen Griffiths spotted him on a stud visit and took a photo, which he shared with the family. Brian’s journey has not been straightforward as he developed a head-shake after gelding and was unrideable for a period with vets condemning him as untreatable. However, a plea was issued on Facebook for any suggestions, and the
family were inundated. One-by-one they either explored each option and have now found a way to manage Brian’s behaviour. Brian – who is named after Maggie’s great-uncle Breian as he kept vigil over Brian’s expectant dam – will be aimed at flat classes for this year while he continues to develop his skills in his true love, the working hunter pony classes, and ultimate aim, the HOYS and RIHS 143cm working hunter pony tracks.
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BSPS AREA 15
Supreme champions Rowfantina Millionaire ridden by Posy Lindsay and led by Emma Holder
Millionaire On The Money BSPS Area 15a - Arena UK, Grantham - 23rd April 2022 Photos by Equipics | Report by Ami Miller Area 15 enjoyed a brilliant turnout with plenty of quality horses and ponies forward. Taking the overall area supreme was Rowfantina Millionaire. The five-year-old full Welsh Section B gelding was ridden by Posy Lindsay and led by Emma Holder. The pair won their RIHS lead rein show hunter pony class for the second time this season – they later added a third win at the BSPS championships. They then went on to be open mini champions, area mini champions and the icing on the cake for this adorable duo was winning the overall BSPS Area 15a supreme title. Judging this section was Katie Davis, she said: “As soon as the pony entered the ring it said,
‘look at me’. He went with a smile on his face and had the most exceptional manners which is so important for a lead rein. He was so consistent through the class and both championships; I actually don’t think I’ve judged a pony that has gone so well.” Team Holder were on form also winning the tiny tots championship too with Toya Mission and Isabelle Plumer.
going supreme novice at BSPS Area 16, and champion RIHS intermediate at Wiltshire Show. Scott told Showing World: “Dev is a lovely horse who gives the most amazing ride! He really sits in the bridle and takes you forward”. Phoebe also piloted Woodeats Déjà vu [Boo] who is co-owned by Miranda Wallace and Joanne Price to take reserve champion novice pony.
Phoebe Price took home the champion amateur horse title having won the RIHS amateur hack class earlier in the day with Joanne Price’s St Giles Devole [Dev]. The six-year-old, who is produced by Scott Dixon has had a super start to the season,
However, the champion novice pony title went to Vanessa Compton’s Connemara mare, Chilham Night Sky [Vera] ridden by Jo Jack. Vera flew the flag for the native breeds taking the title ahead of the plaited pony section winners. Vanessa bred this six-year-old mare
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which is by Glencarrig Knight and out of Chilham Celestial who Vanessa also had great success on under saddle. This was her first outing after having a lockdown foal. “It’s so nice to have such a straightforward mare,” said Vanessa, adding, “she will have an easy year; we will probably do a few more shows with her then she will enjoy lots of hacking”. It was the lead rein pretty polly winner that took the PP Championship. This was Springbourne Encore [Olaf] with sevenyear-old Isabelle Ellis on board, led by her grandma, Linda Card. It was the second pretty polly lead rein class the pair have won this year. “Isabelle was so keen Granny got her a pony and dug out her lead rein shows. She adores Olaf, at home we go hacking for miles – obviously, Granny walks,” said Linda. She went on to say, “winning the Pretty Polly class was a real thrill. The home-produced classes provide a level playing field for competitors and everyone is so supportive. We are overwhelmed with our success and are truly grateful to Olaf who is just a super star”. Judge Aimee Devane said: “He was a beautiful lead rein pony; very true to type, ridden brilliantly and was a perfect partnership with Granny leading, and he was very mannerly in very windy conditions”. Tori Oakes secured the RIHS mountain and moorland championship aboard her own ten-year-old gelding Skellorn Royal Anniversary [Andy]. She bought this typey gelding straight from his breeder Kerry Wainwright as a weanling having previously
campaigned his sire Skellorn Bronze in the show ring. As well as winning the Welsh sections A and B final at the RIHS last year, Tori explained that Andy is also “a bit of a film star having featured in the Netflix series Free Rein”. Reserve champion was the RIHS small breeds winner, Pricklegate Brown Owl [Lettuce], ridden by Aliya Khan. This Dartmoor gelding is owned by Andrea Baybutt. “It was Lettuce’s first open class and second show ever, so we were over the moon,” Aliya explained. “The plan for this year Is to take it slowly and every rosette is a bonus. Andrea hopes to keep lettuce for her granddaughter Alice to move on to in the future”. The RIHS plaited pony sections had pleasing numbers. Charlotte Elliot Grooby took the reins on Loraine Scott’s Chantilly Galway girl [Dolly], who she produces for the Scott family. The pair won the RIHS intermediate show hunter class and then claimed the intermediate championship. Lorraine’s daughter Jess rode Dolly in the 153cm show hunter pony qualifier class later in the day to finish second, securing their second RIHS qualification of the day on Dolly’s season debut. Jess and Dolly have had great success together including second place at both the RIHS and HOYS. The show pony championship went to the established 148cm winner, Wilderness Early Bird [Birdie] partnered by Mia Donaldson. Birdie is owned by Mia’s mum Nicol Donaldson together with Yvonne Selby of the Archwood stud. The pair are no stranger to the limelight having won many championships including
Lord Domino ridden by Ellie Hirst
Chillham Night Sky ridden by Jo Jack
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victory of the supreme pony title at the RIHS last year. Birdie and Mia also won the small RIHS part-bred Arab class earlier in the day and went on to stand reserve champion to the large part-bred Arab winner Shildons Plan B [Bart], ridden and owned by Ami Miller and produced by Team Bates. This is a new partnership and was the pair’s debut in the ring together after Ami bought the eight-yearold gelding at the end of last year from his breeder, Vicki Rudd. He has previously been successful in both the intermediate and hack classes with the Jinx show team, having taken the supreme title at the BSPS summer championships last year. Team Bates’ success didn’t stop here. Jo Bates then went on to secure the hack championship aboard Ami Miller’s large hack Ballinclare [Annie] gaining their RIHS qualification. This is a relatively new partnership after Ami bought the six-year-old
Skellorn Royal Anniversary ridden by Tori Oakes
mare from Lorraine Homer earlier this year. She has previously had great success in the intermediates with Loraine’s daughter Alice Homer, taking the intermediate championship at the RIHS last year and standing second in the large intermediates at HOYS. Taking the reserve spot was teammate Megan Brookes on her father Jeremy Brooks’ Daldorn Dancing Flame. The pair won the novice hacks before going on to stand reserve champion hack. Katie Dashwood continued the success, winning the BSHA Racehorse to Riding horse class on her reigning Racehorse to Riding Horse HOYS champion Minella Rebellion [Reg]. This is a new class for 2022, the final will be held at the BSHA championship show in September. Lucy Savill from the society said, “the BSHA hope that it encourages riders to take their ex racehorses in the hack, riding horse or hunter classes too”. Katie and Reg were a perfect example of this also winning the RIHS amateur riding horse qualifier and going on to stand reserve champion. Shildons Plan B ridden by Ami Miller
Over in the working hunter pony ring, Ellie Hirst dominated the horse classes. She had three out of three clears and took both the champion and reserve spots. Ellie decided to ride her lightweight winner Lord Domino[Boss] in the championship and Ellie’s friend Ginny Rose jumped aboard her heavyweight winner Noble Gladiator [OB]. Lord Domino owned by Kerry Sumner just pipped them to take the title with Noble Gladiator standing reserve. Ellie said, “the track was big and technical which suited Boss. He has a super step which catches the judge’s eye”. Both horses got the highest jump and confirmation marks in their sections. Ellie’s five-year-old ride, Drombane Classic also jumped a clear round in the novice workers to finish fifth.
18 | Showing World 2022 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk Wildreness Early Bird ridden|byMay Mia Issue Donalson
NORTHERN BSHA Gallery of Winners
From top left clockwise: Anne Leigh’s winning heavyweight and cob champion Bobbi Dazzler ridden by Danielle Heath, Heather Rothwell and her own winning amateur riding horse and champion, Happy Valentines, Katy Green’s Vulcanite, winner of the RIHS open working hunter class, Victoria Prescott and Master Flint, winners of the amateur heavyweights and reserve champion amateur hunter, Camilla Davis’ working hunter champion It’s My Day ridden by Hayden Hankey, Cathrin Roberts’ winning ladies hunter Carnsdale Huntsman ridden by Sarah Chapman, Sharon Cottam’s RIHS maxicob winner Icelander ridden by Robert Walker.
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40 Not Out
for Welsh Show Worsley Gala Silver Medal Show - Kelsall Hill Equestrian Centre - April 18th Report by Sarah Tattersall - Photos by Equinepix
Nicole Wayman’s Starlans Sun-Ray shown by Will Perrins
Easter Monday saw Worsley Gala Medal show return to its normal date after some traumatic years, not just due to the pandemic, but also the sad loss of one of its founders, Christine Ingram in 2020. However, 2022 was the show’s 40th anniversary what a show they had with entries similar to pre-Covid.
(Telynau Stud). This was Scott Gibbons’ impressive mare, Tymor Taylor Swift shown skilfully by Scott’s son, Kyle. They pipped Welsh section C judge Adam Fletcher’s section champion to the post. This was Nicole Wayman’s exciting young stallion Starlans Sun-Ray shown by Will Perrins.
With a full selection of WPCS silver medals on offer, the judges, coming from both the UK and from Holland had their work cut out.
The first section to be judged was the Welsh section As under Helen Myers, whose champion came from the barren mare class, Tryfel Thumbelina, who was a force to be reckoned with whatever her name would imply. She was shown by her owner-breeder, Chris Cobley. The overall reserve went to Vicky Costello’s youngstock champion, the very promising three-year-old colt Idyllic
Both the supreme and reserve had journeyed to the show from Yorkshire. The eventual supreme came from the Welsh section Ds, who were judged by Geraint Thomas
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Brenda Twining’s Pinglewood Golden Locks ridden by Gemma Scott
Gemini, with Ryan Wilson and Gemma Morris’ homebred three-year-old filly, Bordervalley Height of Fashion taking the reserve youngstock. All the way from Holland, Harold Zoet had the task of sorting the section Bs, his youngstock and eventual section champion came from the Janet Mansfield’s Janpete stud, with the yearling filly Janpete Golden Savannah shown by Janet’s daughter Steph. Savannah is out of their foundation dam, Cadlanvalley Venus and by their own young stallion now showing flare in the ridden classes, Cadlanvalley Masterclass. Stephen Howard of the Boston Stud had a busy day, starting with presiding over the Welsh part-breds. He awarded the Welsh part-bred silver medal to paternal siblings, with both champion and reserve sired by the multi-supreme champion Brookvale Celtic Isle. In champion was Liz Hampson’s homebred 2021 RWAS Winter Fair winner, Trindod Celtic-Lord shown by Matthew Everitt, and in reserve was Matthew’s Saltre Celtic Prince who was shown in the championship Michael Cobley. These young colts are only at the start of their careers and sure to be in print for seasons to come. Although primarily a Welsh show, Worsley Gala has sections for both in-hand and ridden mountain and moorland ponies. On this occasion the Fells shone brightest on the day, again under Stephen Howard’s gaze with both the novice and open sections being dominated by one stud in particular: Bybeck. The supreme came in the form of Lauren Nichols’ 13-yearold Bybeck Kingfisher, ridden by Rebecca Penny, whilst the novice champion – also ridden by Rebecca – was young stallion Bybeck Rodney showing much promise. In reserve supreme ridden was the reserve open champion, Brenda Twining’s Pinglewood Golden Locks ridden by Gemma Scott.
Chris Cobley and his own Tryfel Thumbelina
Chris Cobley and his own Tryfel Thumbelina
Scott Gibbons’ Tymor Taylor Swift shown by Kyle Gibbons, along with Scott Gibbons and WPCS Young Ambassador Hannah Atkinson Liz Hampson’s Trindod Celtic Lord shown by Mathew Everitt Lauren Nichols’ Bybeck Kingfisher ridden by Rebecca Penny
Producing a pony from novice to open classes
By Sara Parrott 22 | Showing World | May Issue 2022 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk
Photo by Emmpix
I tend to think of a pony’s career in three stages. We covered preparing a pony from breaking to their first show in the last issue. Following this we have the novice, most often their 4-year-old season, which is all about confidence building, showing the pony different sights, going to shows with different surfaces such as indoor and outdoor arenas, grass and so on. The idea should be to pick out a few well-placed outings, with producing them for the next season as the end goal. We like to finish the four-year-old ponies after three or four outings. If they have a laid-back temperament, a stay away show is also ideal as that ticks off another part of their education so we try to find a nice novice final at a championship show for them to finish the season before being let-down completely. At this stage all our training is done in a snaffle. The second stage for me is the five-year-old year, and this is possibly the hardest stage as we are bringing our ponies from novice to open. We start the year in novice classes, but at home in our schooling we ask more of the ponies, starting to develop self-carriage, working more ‘up’ and ‘into the bridle’ with the poll at the highest point, playing with adjustability of pace and asking them to travel with more power. We’re also starting to play with double bits. I try all of ours in a double bridle to start, using a bradoon with the same mouth piece as the snaffle they like, then a small ported, weymouth. In my experience, they either like doubles or they don’t.
Sara Parrott produces
We often find the smaller ponies don’t have big enough mouths for the doubles or sometimes the riders don’t have the mental maturity to use the two bits independently. If so, my next port of call is a pelham, again starting with the mouth piece – such as jointed – of the bit they like best. There is such a huge range of bits and variations within those that the biggest tip I can give is to keep trying as many as you can until you find one the pony likes. So many adjustments such as a sliding or fixed cheek or a different curb can make a big difference. I think you can generally feel if they like a bit in the first few minutes. It really is a matter of trial and error. Finally, never be afraid to ask for advice. Throughout the second stage, it’s so important to keep reassessing, and making changes. There’s a lot of learning to be done in this stage so ask yourself, does the pony need more work on grass? Does this calmer work? Does this routine work? We discuss all these things on the way home from a show, so if things don’t go right, talk them through, re-asses and re-plan. During this stage or year, we do a mix of open and novice classes, always taking time to take a step back if necessary. Sometimes a sweet novice can come out as a temperamental teenager in its second season, so this could be the year that a pony is shown most frequently in their entire career. When we produce our ponies we like to let them up and down through out the season in work and feed so we might show a five-year-old for three weeks running them give them a month at home to think about it, and come on again. We aim to have them qualified for the big championships or finals but as ever, no plan fits every pony so if the pony isn’t ready, we don’t take them to the RIHS or HOYS and this year or stage is repeated next season. If the first two stages have gone to plan, then the final stage – the six-year-old year – should be the most enjoyable time. Pick your shows; don’t over-show and be sure to give ponies a variety of work, and let them down completely for a couple of months in the winter. That means no rugs, no hard feed and preferably, let them live out. You will find you have produced a young pony that will last for a long time and that you can enjoy!
horses and ponies for the show ring with her partner, Craig Eleanor. Together they have enjoyed countless successes at HOYS and RIHS, from show hacks to mini mountain and moorlands. This issue, she gives us six steps for preparing a novice for the showring.
Photo by Emmpix
MEET THE PRODUCER:
JO JACK
A former long-term head girl of Katie Jerram-Hunnable, recent years have seen Jo Jack set up on her own. But how much do you know about her entry into the showing world?
24 | Showing World | May Issue 2022 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk
Jo and Skaergaardens Delicious Love - Equinational
The daughter of a riding school teacher and equine lecturing mum, Jo Jack started riding from a young age. While she’d always had a keen interest in showing, she juggled it with other disciplines including showjumping. She showed ponies growing up and competed well into her teens. “We never got to HOYS but we were competitive on the county circuit and competed in the qualifiers,” Jo began. “We had some good results – I remember winning at the Great Yorkshire when I was 11 and that was definitely a very special result.” She also started competing side-saddle when she was nine years old. She was taught by Anne Everall, who’s still riding sideways now at the age of 75 after being a multi-time winner of the ladies’ class at the Side Saddle Association National Championships. “She’s been a big part of my life and is a constant inspiration – she even dragged me out hunting side-saddle in 2019!” Jo added.
Hunting with Anne Everall
The Everall family had a large influence on Jo’s showjumping days, too, Anne’s husband Bruce offering Jo the ride on Devlin – “so named because he had the devil in him,” she joked, the pony teaching her many things but stickability being one key lesson. Incidentally, the pony was sold in Jo’s final year on ponies and the ride was ultimately offered to a young William Whittaker, who won the junior Foxhunter final with him, among other titles, at HOYS. It was only at the age of 18 when Jo started working at Katie Jerram-Hunnable’s yard that she really started to specialise in showing, when a fairly snap decision saw her change course from her university studies.
Five years old on Milford Forsythia
‘what an incredible opportunity’. “It felt like a bit of an epiphany. I was reading Pippa Funnell’s autobiography at the time and I realised just how much I wanted to work with horses. Katie was looking for an intermediate rider at the time, too, and I just had to apply. It felt too good to be true but how could I waste such a fantastic opportunity?” Of course, it wasn’t too good to be true, and Jo was based with Katie for 15 years. “At the time, I thought I’d stay until I was out of intermediates – then I’d set up on my own,” she continued. “However, I really felt like part of the family down there and learned so much, and there was always a reason to stay! The Diamond Jubilee or The Queen’s 90th, or we’d backed some promising youngsters and I wanted to see them through their season. Then, when Katie broke her neck, I decided to stay on for a little while again.”
I was reading Pippa Funnell’s autobiography at the time and I realised just how much I wanted to work with horses.
“I always loved languages at school and combined that with my love for showjumping when I took a gap year working on Gilbert Böckmann’s showjumping yard in Germany. When I came home, I started a language degree at Leeds University – but a few months in I saw a groom job advertised with Katie,” Jo explained. “I’d just come back from HOYS and saw Katie win on Owen Boy and take the hunter championship on Rosenbright, too, and I thought
Working at a yard such as Katie’s is a unique experience, and Jo’s undeniably grateful for the opportunities she was given along the way. “It’s the
only way to learn the job properly but I was rewarded with such brilliant opportunities – where else would you be invited to ride HM The Queen’s horse in front of her at Royal Windsor? That’s a big highlight. I rode her four-year-old, Sparkler, in the flat ridden sport horse with her watching. It was incredible, and we came fifth. “I got my first HOYS rides the first year I was at Katie’s, too, in the intermediate show riding type on Catwalk Little Star and Queen of Hearts in the hacks. I might have placed eighth or ninth in the intermediates, but really I was just over the moon to be there. Both were owned by Sue Church, who gave me a little silver candle holder as a gift, saying you should always bring some silverware away from your first HOYS.” Jo left Katie’s at Christmas in 2018, making 2019 her first solo season. She moved back home to live with her parents, and her mum was only too eager to get back to the show ring. “Really, I just spent that year finding my feet, but Stoneleigh that August was a brilliant show that stood out for me,” she continued. “I qualified two horses for HOYS that weekend, for some lovely owners. Peter Jones’ coloured non-native pony, May Day, and
info@showingworldonline.co.uk | May Issue 2022at|HMQ90 Showing | 25 Will Morton and Jo Jack riding Testimony and Tower Bridge - ESWorld Photography
to trim some of her horses,” Jo said. “But we’ve stayed firm friends since. She’s been incredible and a huge support, and she’s bought a lovely four-year-old riding horse by Up With The Lark that I’ll ride next season, who I’m really excited about.” Although her first solo season went largely without a hitch, there were a few reminders of just how tough producing could be. “For starters, my timing was horrendous – what a time to become self-employed,” she said, and despite her extensive experience, there were certainly some challenges. “I remember having a real wobble when I was doing a breaker – Katie and I always did breakers together and that particularly is something where you need to have someone with you who you totally trust.” This season’s been much the same as the last – and Jo’s appetite to take on rides continues to grow as she’s picked up further lovely equines to partner. Former HOYS M&M of the Year Skærgaardens Delicious Love was an obvious highlight. The now nine-year-old, who won at HOYS at just five, is owned by Vanessa Compton. She offered Jo the ride for one of the last RIHS qualifiers of the season. “She was like riding Valegro!” Jo reflected. “I trotted her round the warm-up and Vanessa kept telling me there was a bigger trot in there even when I thought I’d found it. I rode her onto the diagonal, and she just went for it – I couldn’t believe how much this pony could move!” The pair qualified that day and won the final at RIHS, where they were also reserve champion – Jo’s first-ever Royal International win having only ever stood second in the past. They were also supreme at the Connemara Breed Show, an accolade Jo and Vanessa were incredibly proud of. “I picked up the ride on another lovely mare through chance called Comberton Cora – she was owned by local owner and breeder, John Dodson. He brought her along to a clinic and said to have a sit on her and see what I thought. Covid was good for her, through 2020 we took it really slowly, with some dressage and small shows to give her the time that she needed. “Last season she came out and was almost unbeaten in the novices and had so many good results. She was champion riding horse at Royal Lancashire and reserve champion at Cheshire. She was novice small riding horse winner at BSHA National Championships and qualified for HOYS, where we were fifth.”
Retrained racehorse Shootingsta at HOYS 2021 - 1st Class Images
The pair have competed in some dressage, too, and for Jo, this is a vital part of any show horse’s education. She’s been having lessons with international dressage rider Becky Moody since coming home and
thrives on the challenges and structure she gets from her sessions, but also feels the discipline is great for setting up a horse for a successful showing career. “It’s a lovely quiet day out but the horses have to go into the arena by themselves. They need to be brave, look at scary things and hear the bell – plus they get to work in around other horses,” she explained. “There’s also something you’ve got to love about being given a set time to be somewhere, compete then go!” She rightly continued that having your horse working correctly is paramount to showing: “How can a horse be expected to carry themselves – and a judge – around the ring if you haven’t schooled him properly? Your horse should be at a point where a judge can get on and have a really lovely, pleasant ride, but if your horse doesn’t know anything other than leaning and towing you around the ring, that’s never going to happen.” One thing she thinks showing could learn from dressage? Feedback! “It’s useful to have the comments at the end - even if they are critical, just so you know how to improve.” As well a dressage, Jo likes her horses to have a very varied lifestyle. “They all hack out at least three times a week, and I often take them jumping and X-country schooling to challenge them a bit.”
Jo and Skaergaardens Delicious Love - Equinational
Outside of competing, Jo’s actively involved in teaching and clinics, seeing a great amount of value in giving something back to the sport – and finds that this kind of environment is where she thrives. “I’m not the most confident person and I’d describe myself as quite shy,” she said. “However, when I look at someone riding their horse, I know exactly what I’m looking at and I like to find ways to help them improve. If I can send people away from a lesson or a clinic having helped them, it makes them feel great – and that, in turn, makes me feel great. I’m enjoying the teaching more than I ever thought I would and it If you can help people then you absolutely should.”
Priestwood Knight Errant
Quick-fire questions If you weren’t a producer, what would you be? Maybe something with languages – or a journalist
Favourite class? There’s so much to love about all of them, but hunter classes tend to have the best buzz
Kindest thing anyone in the showing world has done for you? I see an awful lot of kindness in the showing world. My first year a lot of people came up to me and said, “you’re doing really well”. Little things like that really boost your confidence
Most expensive purchase of the last 12 months? A dressage saddle – it felt like a real luxury as I usually prioritise showing gear
First HOYS win? I haven’t! That’s the one that keeps me getting up in the dark and cold mornings
How do you spend your evenings/weekends away from horses? Playing with the dogs! I’ve got two puppies with endless energy. Buddy the one-year-old Labrador and Walter the five-month-old Labradoodle. Not forgetting my Westie, 11-year-old Woody!
One thing readers might not know about you? I love to surf! And I can ride a skateboard
Who’s inspired you most? There are so many! Obviously, Katie Jerram-Hunnable. Also, Pippa Funnell, Ruth McMullen (I was a bit starstruck having a lesson with her at Katie’s once). This year, Rachael Blackmore and Hollie Doyle. Really, anybody who’s achieving their goals!
Secret to a happy show day? Take things as they come. Everyone has good and bad days, so just be prepared for anything
Horse you’d love the ride on? I’d kill to sit on View Point – but also Ben Maher’s Explosion W. It’d be amazing to have that feel over a fence
Do you have any showing superstitions? I’ll wear odd socks on show day, count magpies and wear my lucky tie pin (from Mrs Jerram) – in fact, I lost it at the BHSA National Championships and half the were searching for it and I found the pin outside the stable a day. Many people were searching, so a huge thank you if you’re reading this!
Favourite showground? Royal Windsor – just because of the prestige of the show
Royal Maid at Great Yorkshire - RTI Sparkler at Windsor - 5th place and highest placed 4yo - 1st Class Images
NPS Spring Festival Three Counties Showground, Malvern Saturday 23rd of April, 2022 Topping the Welsh section D class to take the first place in the line-up at HOYS was Alex Williams with her own and the Williams family’s homebred mare, Ringside Top Dollar [Topsy]. The Llanarth Prince of Wales daughter made easy work of the big ring, effortlessly covering the ground to be pulled top and staying put. It was Alex’s younger sister, Kate, however, who clinched the highest ride mark on her own Ringside Zorba, but she nevertheless had to settle for a commendable third place. This will be Topsy’s second visit to HOYS as she qualified last season at the NPS championships. Surrey-based nurse, Samantha Fowler was pleased she made the decision to take the day off after all when she won the Connemara qualifier on her own Glencarrig Marble [Mickey]. An unfailing performer, the fifteenyear-old stallion is by Janus out of Coosheen Breeze and is a multiple qualifier for HOYS, RIHS and Olympia. Interestingly, this is the third time that Mickey has qualified for HOYS
at the NPS Spring Festival. Also bagging his third HOYS ticket at Malvern – albeit not at the Spring Festival – was Linda Atkinson’s homebred section C, Danwood Llewellyn [Lewi]. Linda rode the Wyken Rob Roy gelding to win the Welsh section C of the year and overall reserve mountain and moorland titles in 2018 when Lewi was just five and Linda’s daughter, Hannah Atkinson was riding the family’s stallion, Rivervalley Rambo. Linda had subsequently relinquished the reins to Hannah who has gone from strength to strength with Lewi to qualify twice more for HOYS and secure the family’s first ever qualification for the London International Horse Show (formerly Olympia) last season. Hannah, who is the WPCS Young Ambassador this year, was forced to miss the Spring Festival due to a judging appointment at Lampeter Stallion Show, meaning Linda had to get back on Lewi for the first time since HOYS 2018. The pair weren’t in the least bit rusty, and Linda and Lewi performed a beautiful,
28 | Showing World | May Issue 2022 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk
mannerly show to take the highest ride mark and then stand section reserve. Giving a cracking gallop in the championship was Julie Pennell and the Pennell family’s winner of the Fells and Dales class, Nipna Midnight Rambler [Rambo]. The homebred Dales stallion was ridden by his producer, Sarah Parker. By Nipna Invictus, Rambo is the first foal out of Nipna Damask Rose [Rosie] who stood second under Julie’s daughter, Anna Pennell at HOYS. The seven-yearold first turned heads at the BSPS Winter Championships when he stood supreme before going on to take the coveted ridden championship at Windsor in 2021, standing second at HOYS and taking third place at the London International Horse Show last December. He has since matured and looks more beautiful than ever. Sarah was also responsible for the winner of the season’s very first mountain and moorland junior large breeds ticket-holder, Tammy
Alex Williams with her own and the WIlliams family’s Ringside Top Dollar
Topping the Welsh section D class to take the first place in the line-up at HOYS was Alex Williams with her own and the Williams family’s homebred mare, Ringside Top Dollar [Topsy]. The Llanarth Prince of Wales daughter made easy work of the big ring, effortlessly covering the ground to be pulled top and staying put. It was Alex’s younger sister, Kate, however, who clinched the highest ride mark on her own Ringside Zorba, but she nevertheless had to settle for a commendable third place. This will be Topsy’s second visit to HOYS as she qualified last season at the NPS championships. Surrey-based nurse, Samantha Fowler was pleased she made the decision to take the day off after all when she won the Connemara qualifier on her own Glencarrig Marble [Mickey]. An unfailing performer, the fifteen-year-old stallion is by Janus out of Coosheen Breeze and is a multiple qualifier for HOYS, RIHS and Olympia. Interestingly, this is the third time that Mickey has qualified for HOYS at the NPS Spring Festival. Also bagging his third HOYS ticket at Malvern – albeit not at the Spring Festival – was Linda Atkinson’s homebred section C, Danwood Llewellyn [Lewi]. Linda rode the Wyken Rob Roy gelding to win the Welsh section C of the year and overall reserve mountain and moorland titles in 2018 when Lewi was just five and Linda’s daughter, Hannah Atkinson was riding the family’s
Linda Atkinson and her own Danwood Llewellyn
stallion, Rivervalley Rambo. Linda had subsequently relinquished the reins to Hannah who has gone from strength to strength with Lewi to qualify twice more for HOYS and secure the family’s first ever qualification for the London International Horse Show (formerly Olympia) last season. Hannah, who is the WPCS Young Ambassador this year, was forced to miss the Spring Festival due to a judging appointment at Lampeter Stallion Show, meaning Linda had to get back on Lewi for the first time since HOYS 2018. The pair weren’t in the least bit rusty, and Linda and Lewi performed a beautiful, mannerly show to take the highest ride mark and then stand section reserve. Giving a cracking gallop in the championship was Julie Pennell and the Pennell family’s winner of the Fells and Dales class, Nipna Midnight Rambler [Rambo]. The homebred Dales stallion was ridden by his producer, Sarah Parker. By Nipna Invictus, Rambo is the first foal out of Nipna Damask Rose [Rosie] who stood second under Julie’s daughter, Anna Pennell at HOYS. The seven-yearold first turned heads at the BSPS Winter Championships when he stood supreme before going on to take the coveted ridden championship at Windsor in 2021, standing second at HOYS and taking third place at the London International Horse Show last December. He has since matured and looks more beautiful than ever. Sarah was also responsible for the winner of the season’s very first mountain and moorland junior large breeds ticket-holder, Tammy Heathcote’s Eastlands Dunknowe ridden by Chloe Heathcote. Bizarrely, the Connemara gelding by Eastlands Harleybrae also qualified for HOYS last season at Malvern, specifically at the Three Counties Show, under former rider Abbie Gresty who partnered him at HOYS
despite having already been purchased by Tammy at that point. He went on to win the breed semi-final at the BSPS Heritage championships under Sarah for Chloe to take the ride at the final. This season, he has made a sterling start to his campaign having qualified for the juniors at the RIHS under Chloe at the Mid Wales Show and the RIHS open final under Sarah at BSPS Area 6. The first of the junior small breeds tickets was awarded to Diana Leeming’s uber-consistent Welsh section A, Thistledown San Siro [Rocky] under Diana’s daughter, Lucinda, 13. “Lucinda is so thrilled, and we can’t believe it,” said Diana. Rocky and his young riders, Lucinda and her younger brother, William, had an incredible season in 2021, winning the junior small breeds, junior open championship and Pretty Polly home-produced mini championship at the RIHS last season before standing supreme home-produced at the BSPS Summer Championships as well as gaining three placings at HOYS. Rocky has kicked off his 2022 season with aplomb gaining three tickets to the RIHS and now a HOYS ticket for his young riders, and each one on their debut attempts this season, proving that he can step up and down the gears at a minute’s notice. He qualified for the UKP&H junior small breeds with Lucinda and first ridden mountain and moorland with William at UKP&H Spring Classic where he also stood reserve champion junior. He later gained his open breed ticket at North of England Spring Show where Lucinda was the only child in the class. William and Rocky were also supreme of show at Area 1B. To add further credit, Diana fractured her ankle on Boxing Day and was unable to do anything with the ponies for three months. During that time, the children looked after him before and after school and rode him completely unsupervised
info@showingworldonline.co.uk | May 2022 | Showing World 29 Julie Pennell and the Pennell family’s NipnaIssue Midnight Rambler ridden by Sarah |Challinor
whilst Dad learnt the ropes from the children. “Luckily, Rocky was no trouble at all,” said Diana, adding, “The children have had masses of fun through the winter, with my husband taking them to PC. Rocky always behaves impeccably, taking it all in his stride. He’s true to his name – a rock we can always rely on, and who always gives the children so much pleasure. He’s been a tonic for the whole family.” However, the junior championship was clinched by a beaming Harriet Glen riding Helen Hanson’s super Fell gelding, Townend Chieftan [Keith] despite the pair initially being placed second in their junior large breeds class. Six-year-old Keith arrived with the Glenns last season and made an excellent start to his time with the family clinching a HOYS ticket at Stoneleigh Horse Show under Rebecca Penny and standing fifth at the final. Harriet explained that it has taken a while for the two to “click” but they have had lots of fun hunting over the winter to gel. Keith and Harriet qualified for the RIHS junior large breeds at the NCPA North East Show. It was a day of highs and lows for the Pembrokeshire based Owen team. A blowout en route made them two-and-a-half hours late for the show, but mum, Charlotte, had a plan up her sleeve. As they neared the showground, she rang family friend Abi Vaughn to get her daughter, Grace, dressed and walking the course in preparation for when they arrived. “I knew I wouldn’t get myself and Chloe there in time for Sophie to walk it, so as soon as we arrived, I handed Llanarth Windsor over to Grace and she had time for one quick pop before going in.” Luckily, Grace and Windsor
Tammy Heathcote’s Eastlands Dunknowe ridden by Chloe Heathcote were unflappable and jumped clear to win the RIHS 133cm qualifier. With time-pressure alleviated, Sophie had her turn and not to be outdone, jumped a super round to win the RIHS nursery stakes qualifier. However, at this point, disaster stuck with Sophie falling from another pony and a subsequent trip to A&E that night revealed her arm to be broken. With one class left for Windsor, older sister, Chloe who has recently stepped up a class, got back into the saddle to win the junior small breeds under 138cm working hunter pony class. The Owens have owned the section B for five years and have enjoyed considerable success with him qualifying for both as a mountain and moorland and plaited working hunter pony. Novice mountain and moorland working hunter pony champion was the winner of the 143cm Golden Shadow Of Corderry [Gordy] ridden by Millie Price. The nine-year-old gelding is owned by Millie’s mum, Lyndsey Price, and has been with the Price family for three years. Millie
concentrates on the workers with Gordy and told us that she intended to step up to attempt some RIHS classes this season. She later did just that, standing second in the 143cm RIHS working hunter pony class and section reserve champion. Reserve champion was the winner of the 122cm class, section A gelding Haverford Lord Fauntleroy [Rory] ridden by his owner, Maggie Simons. Maggie explained that the family affectionately dub Rory ‘the turkey pony’ as he was swapped between his breeder, Judith Reed, who is whip for the South Pembs hunt and Martin ‘Cuckoo Mill’ as payment for meat for a hunt ‘do’ after Martin had fancied him in the field. Maggie’s great uncle later spotted his potential and offered to take on Rory – who was by this point a three-year-old colt and something of a handful – in return for an older broodmare, a swap Maggie was dubious about until she saw Rory in the flesh. In his first season last year, Rory secured two seconds in HOYS flats in a handful of attempts but this year will be focusing on his
Lyndsey Price’s Golden Shadow Of Corderry ridden by Millie Price
Diana Leeming’s Thistledown San Siro ridden by Lucinda Leeming
Charlotte Owen’s Llanarth Windsor ridden by Grace Vaughn
Lucy Richardson’s Torres ridden by Penny Richardson
Laura Avery and her own Willoway Free Spirit
Mandy Godden’s Moorhall Peter Pan shown by Alan Charlesworth jumping. “He’s tiny being just 11 hands, but he has enough sass for a much bigger horse and often thinks he can take on the world – we adore him”. Maggie and Rory later won the 122cm intermediate mountain and moorland working hunter pony class. Stephen Craddock built a testing course for the RIHS qualifying classes. The eventual mountain and moorland RIHS champion was, however, as cool and as fresh as ever, jumping a superb round. This was Laura Avery’s evergreen New Forest, Willoway Free Spirit [Splodge]. Now twenty, he evidently still loves his job despite being a seasoned campaigner over fences. He has demonstrated his ability and heart on numerous occasions, and made history as the only pony and only stallion to have won the Badminton Mitsubishi Motors Cup. He is also well accustomed to the HOYS arena having secured an enviable 12 qualifications, competing in both the working hunter and flat finals. The exceeding 143cm ticket was also won by a clockwork contender, Bisterne Diva, under owner Steph Peto, who narrowly missed out on the 133cm ticket with Cwmmawr Liberty standing second in her first season. Diva and Steph are former HOYS winners together as well as having numerous RIHS tickets under their belts. Steph was beaten to the 133cm by last year’s RIHS runner up, Abigail Kershaw, riding her own section C, Rushfield Smartie Pants. However, none were more thrilled to have bagged a ticket than the winners of the 122cm class, Chloe Spencer, 9, riding her mum, Fiona Spencer’s Delami Daioni [Princess]. The pair have been somewhat unlucky in their quest to jump around the track at Hickstead. They qualified in 2020 only for the show to be cancelled due to COVID, then jumped seven consecutive clears last season to finish second four times and third a further three times. “Every time I was third, the second pony qualified,” explained Chloe, who’s looking forwards to finally jumping at Hickstead, providing all goes well. Not to be outdone by her older sister, Emily,7, who had a cast removed from her arm just a week before and who is lining up to move onto Princess, scored a hattrick of wins with the darling section A mare. Princess and Emily won the training stakes, and the open and junior 122cm mountain and moorland working hunter pony
classes. “Princess is incredible,” said Fiona, “She’s a one-in-a-million pony – a saint.” Second in the 122cm RIHS qualifier was the reigning RIHS 122cm winner and reserve champion, Elberry Suilen ridden by Lily Richardson. Undeterred, Lilly and her mother Lucy’s section A gelding went on to qualify at NPS Area 4 the following day. Lily had a successful day with her flat ponies, too, standing second in the winter novice mountain and moorland first ridden final on the mini tour-de-force that is Thistledown Van der Vaart [Charles] and winning the winter open first ridden final and standing mini campion on Shetland gelding Briar Snow Fox over little sister Penny with Charles and led by dad, Mark after they clinched the open winter lead rein final. Penny also stood mini champion after winning the first pony of hunter type with Torres and the pair had great fun tackling the lead rein working hunter pony class to stand second led by dad, Mark. Moorhall Peter Pan was as ever small in stature but not in impact. Mandy Godden’s diminutive riding pony stallion was shown by producer Alan Charlesworth to stand champion in the BRP breeding section and take the coveted ‘British Isles’ championship. Peter Pan is no stranger to the limelight having formerly stood supreme riding pony breeding at the NPS summer championships, won the NPS Gold Medal Riding Pony Breeding final, the 2021 Mole Valley final, twice stood youngstock champion at the Royal Welsh, and stood reserve for the Price family supreme on several occasions. He also has a very successful track record at Pembrokeshire County Show where he has stood champion in either the riding pony breeding or part-bred Welsh sections every year since his first appearance as a foal.
Emma Edwards’ Gryngallt Page Too ridden by Harry Edwards Brady
Fiona Spencer’s Delami Daioni ridden by Chloe Spencer
Harry Edwards Brady won the four-year-old class and then went young pony champion with his mother Emma Edwards’ Dartmoor gelding, Kingstownmoor Blackthorn [Barney]. However, he was evidently delighted to be back out on his long-term partner, Gryngallt Page Too [Billy]. Harry and 122cm show hunter pony Billy proved a force to be reckoned with as usual; the pair won their class before going on to stand show pony/ show hunter pony champions. This will be Harry’s last season on Billy who has brought the family tremendous fun with wins at the very highest level including at Windsor and HOYS. Maggie Simons and her own Haverford Lord Fauntleroy
The INSIDE SCOOP with the 2022
HOYS JUDGES
As we all go about qualifying, find out what the judges will be looking for this year in our exclusive feature! 32 | Showing World | May Issue 2022 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk
JOCELYN PRICE • Junior Mountain & Moorland Ridden Pony of the Year (Show) • Mountain & Moorland Working Hunter Pony of the Year (Confirmation) • Ridden Partbred Pony of the Year (Conformation) Jocelyn has been immersed in the equestrian world all her life, having grown up as the eldest child of Mr and Mrs Vivien Eckley of the Cusop stud. Her father bought the renowned riding pony stallion Bwlch Valentino as a two-year-old and Jocelyn used to ride him around the farm as a child. She was extremely successful in the showring in her own right, being unbeaten with Welsh Mountain Pony, Criban Activity under saddle, including winning the Royal Welsh four times consecutively. Jocelyn’s daughters and granddaughters have followed in her footsteps. Jocelyn produced Marianne and Lavinia’s ponies at home, qualifying their ponies and later both their hacks for RIHS and for HOYS. As a child, she led Marianne and section A Readytoken Pandora to win the BSPS championships at Peterborough four times as a riding pony lead rein before representing the riding pony at the Essen Equitana. She then produced grand-daughters Gemma and Lucy’s ponies including Menai Silver Sian and HOYS winner Brynodyn Savannah.
crowned champion show pony at the Royal International, and his dam, Courtway Airs and Graces was shown under saddle by Gemma’s younger sister, Lucy Morris. In fact, he is of a line she started using Criban Activity, who was given to Jocelyn as a wedding gift from her father.
Jocelyn began breeding almost 60 years ago, and as a breeder, has enjoyed tremendous success. In 2019 her homebred colt foal, Courtway Arctic Fox made history at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair when he became the first Part-bred Welsh champion to take the supreme accolade, shown by Jocelyn’s granddaughter, Gemma. His grand-dam, palomino 138cms Courtway Amazing Grace was
Jocelyn describes herself as “a stickler for conformation” and as well as manners, she will be looking for “suitability of pony for rider”. With the mountain and moorland sections, she will also be keeping a keen eye on “breed type” and will be expecting the ponies to “go in the correct way of going” for their breed.
“I have spent my entire life admiring the breed” “I have spent my entire life admiring the Arabian horse”, explained Mary. Mary had an early introduction to the breed as her parents kept Arabs on Horsey Island where the family lived and where Mary spent her childhood. The tiny island is part of the Hamford Water National Nature Reserve and sits off the Essex coast, connected to the mainland by a tidal causeway and surrounded by water for approximately eight hours in every twelve. Arguably the island’s greatest claim to fame is that it was Arthur Ransome’s inspiration for Swallow Island in his children’s novel, Secret Water. “It’s very beautiful,” said Mary, whose
Jocelyn is on the WPCS, BSPS, NPS, New Forest, and the Miniature horse panels and previously judged hacks. She has judged all over the world, from Europe to Australia and America. She’s judged at the Royal Highland, the RIHS and at both Windsor and Olympia twice. She also jokes that she has judged “every county show in England and Wales” and “just about everything [she] can at the Royal Welsh.” It won’t be her first time judging at HOYS either, having already presided over the show ponies at the last Wembly show, the show hunter ponies and the mini mountain and moorland section. Nevertheless, she’s “looking forward” to her fourth appointment.
What will Jocelyn be looking for?
MARY BANCROFT Arabs (Confirmation) brother still keeps some Arabs on the island to this day, but Mary herself stopped keeping her own some time ago. Now her involvement with horses is through her grandchildren, who are active in the Pony Club and the NSEA. Mary has held varied roles within the AHS’s council and has been involved in the breeding, showing, racing and judging of Arabs. She has judged all over the world, but is proudest of having helped set up a training scheme for judges in Iran where there was previously no culture of showing. There is now a vibrant showing scene there.
What will Mary be looking for? Mary, who is “thrilled to have been asked” and “excited” at the prospect, is clear that she will be searching for an animal that’s first and foremost “made to be a sound, durable riding horse with excellent conformation: clean limbs, a good shoulder, and good action. Nevertheless, Mary’s ideal winner will “blend type and conformation,” combining the above attributes with an “Arabian stamp,”. Though Mary will not be looking for any specific type of Arab, she will be looking for a “nice head and well carried tail”.
MICHAELA BOWLING • British Ridden Heavy Horse Championship (Ride) • Ladies’ Side Saddle Horse of the Year (Ride) • Ridden Purebred Arab of the Year (Ride) Michaela has been around horses all her life. “I wasn’t the most confident rider as a child as I spent most of the time on the floor,” said Michaela. However, the family began competing at local riding club shows which led them to join the BSPS and competing in working hunter ponies. Michaela started off in nursery stakes and continued through to intermediate working hunter classes and now competes in the horse working hunter classes. Michaela said: “I have had many great ponies and horses to compete, qualifying for the RIHS and HOYS with many places at the finals, and I have represented the English working hunter pony teams. Horses are a family passion – mainly hunting and jumping. We have also trained a handful of Point to Pointers horses and I have ridden in a few races myself. I have a small ‘claim to fame’ holding the Aintree side saddle high-jump record, clearing 6ft 3ins (1.90m) on Laughing Larry”. The family now mainly breed and produce their own homebred horses to showjump, hunt and show. A few have gone on to new homes being very successful. Michaela does also take in ponies and horses for schooling
“I hope they will enjoy the experience as much as I will.” Although born and raised in the South West of England Richard hails from Carmarthenshire in West Wales, where together with partner Meirion Davies, he breeds Welsh Mountain and Welsh Ponies under the Heniarth prefix. Having worked as a stud groom for several establishments in the UK and North America, he has experience with many breeds and types of ponies, breeding and producing them for the show ring, in-hand, under saddle as well as in harness. Richards judging career commenced back in 1984 when he was selected as the National Pony Society/Lloyds Bank Young Judge of the Year which led to him being appointed to the National Pony Society Riding Pony breeding judging panel in 1986. He currently sits on various panels for the National Pony Society, British Show Pony
and breaking, with the “odd ones” staying to compete. “I really enjoy starting them off and educating the young ones, especially when the owners have bred them,” said Michaela. Michaela has been judging for a few years and considers herself “lucky to have judged at some really prestigious shows. To be invited to judge at the Horse of the Year Show is a true honour and I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to ride judge in three classes this year”.
What will Michaela be looking for? “As I ride judge I want a light, responsive ,uphill and forward ride. I like a ride I can sit into as I hate to feel perched on top. Throughout all three sections, I will be looking out for a horse that is light on its feet, and it must carry itself with forward paces without rushing. I don’t like to see a horse being rushed out of its natural rhythm or a rider doing more work than the horse as it spoils the overall picture. It should look easy and effortless, and I like to see a horse that is happy to be there. I also look for manners and especially in the ladies side saddle, I will be looking for elegance.”
RICHARD MILLER • Mini Show Pony of the Year • Ridden Partbred Pony of the Year (Show) Society, Welsh Pony and Cob Society and the Shetland Pony Stud Book Society. “I have been lucky to travel the World with my judging career,” Richard says, with appointments throughout the UK, Europe, Scandinavia, Australia and South Africa at the highest level as well as officiating finals at the Horse of the Year Show in 2002 and the Royal International Horse Show in 2013. “Nothing gives me more pleasure than to find what I consider to be a star in the making when judging youngstock classes,” Richard explains. “Following their careers through to the pinnacle of their success at the Horse of the Year Show can be very satisfying, appreciating how their bloodlines have shaped them into what they are as mature animals”.
What will Richard be looking for?
“Obviously, the ponies in front of me at HOYS will have been selected as the cream from the classes of 2022 so it will come down to my personal preference on their basic conformation, though above all else I hope that the mini classes present me with a pleasing, safe, happy picture with animals full of “pony” character competing in a relaxed manner for their young riders, as best the atmosphere allows. As ride judge in the Part-bred, class I hope the jockeys use this unique appearance to really pull out all the stops and muster up as much ‘showmanship’ as they’ve learnt to win me over to secure a high mark.” Richard summed up, “One thing both myself and the competitors will have in common on the day is our appreciation at taking part in the greatest ridden show on earth. I hope they will enjoy the experience as much as I will. Good luck!”
Tom Brewster was born and brought up at Bandirran Farm, Ceres in Fife, and grew up with heavy horses very much a part of life. His father, John Brewster, was a very keen Clydesdale breeder and passed on his passion to Tom, teaching him much of what he knows about the Clydesdale breed. John was a Past President of the Clydesdale Horse Society, a post which Tom was also “very honoured to be elected to carry out”. Tom said: “During this time as President, I was involved in meetings with other Heavy Horse societies, where I learned about the breed characteristics of each draught breed and I have been lucky enough to be invited to judge the other breeds, as well as the Clydesdale. This led to being asked to judge Heavy Horses internationally in the USA, Canada and in Europe, as well as, in the UK”. Tom got involved in showing when his father
TOM BREWSTER Ridden Heavy Horse of the Year (Conformation) bought him his first set of harness – a single set. Tom said: “I had driven horses on the farm, as a youngster and fell in love with this part of the heavy horse breed. I was fortunate enough to turn out both in-hand and driving very successfully, winning Championships at all the top shows in the country, in multi breed classes. I admit I was never a good rider of heavy horses but did ride the mares, while leading one or two mares, from the far away fields, when the travelling stallion came to carry out breeding services, once a week”.
What will Tom be looking for?
“One thing I was told when I was young, was that whatever a horse should be asked to do, it should be fit and able to carry out the chore, whatever this was. With that in mind when judging, that is what I am looking for. A horse that is built properly, keeping in mind the breed characteristics of each breed, and turned out fit and well and able to carry out the task it is asked to do. I was honoured to be asked to judge the British Ridden Heavy Horse Championship at the Horse of Year Show 2022 and will do so to the best of my ability”.
NANCY GRAYLEN • Hack of the Year (Ride/Show) • Riding Horse of the Year (Ride)
Essex-based Nancy Graylen was taught to ride by a List 1 dressage judge, and so was taught the basics well. Her first show pony was a 138cm Welsh section C which her parents had initially bought as a jumping pony. However, after a year of show jumping, a visit from a physiotherapist to get his back checked resulted in a shift of direction. “The physio who came out asked about his breeding,” said Nancy. “I was curious why she asked, but she explained that he had excellent conformation, was well bred and recommended I show him. At that point I took an interest in showing, and started competing in M&M WHP classes. In 1992, Nancy considers herself privileged to have one of Margaret Johnson’s Queensdale ponies on loan to compete in the open 148cm show pony classes. A few years later, in 1996, she competed at Olympia on June Yeats’ Exmoor pony, Moonman. Nancy said: “By then, I truly had the showing bug. However, I still enjoyed the thrill of jumping so I bought an intermediate working hunter pony from Paul Brightwell. Owning a Show Hack was a dream that came true in 2001. After, successfully competing him for a few years, I was approached by Jill Miller to show her heavyweight cob, Killarney.” The challenge that appealed to Nancy was to begin judging. She explained: “Having produced horses at the highest level of showing, I could appreciate the knowledge judges need to perform their roles, and as someone who likes to learn new things, I was drawn to become a judge. “My first judging assessment was for Ponies Association (UK). I had always enjoyed competing at their summer Championship show at Peterborough, so it was fitting that I started my judging career with them.
“In 2004 I was accepted onto the British Show Hack, Cob & Riding Horse Association (BSHC&RHA) panel to be a ride-only judge. At the time, the rules permitted judging RIHS and HOYS qualifiers alongside a senior conformation judge. The rules then changed so ride-only judges weren’t allowed to judge RIHS and HOYS, which left me wondering what I could judge. “It transpired I could judge Novices, and I was in my element as I love backing and schooling horses and have done since I was a teenager, when Rory Gilsenan used to send ponies and horses to me from Ireland for me to school. “As a judge, giving a young horse its first ride delights me. I strive to make it a great experience for the horse as well as building its confidence. “I was also a ride judge for BSPS for whom I enjoyed judging the part-bred Arab finals at RIHS in 2017. When the BSHC&RHA became the British Show Horse Association (BSHA), there were some rule changes which meant I had to pass the full assessment to become a full judge rather than ride-only, allowing me to be appointed a HOYS judge, and this year I have the privilege of judging two classes at HOYS: the hacks, and the riding horses”. What will Nancy be looking for? “Although they are different types, I expect them all to be in self carriage, carrying me forward by using a good strong active hind leg. I don’t like horses being heavy in my hand. Another tip: I’m only 5ft, so please make sure there are plenty of holes in your stirrup leathers, as I don’t want to put twists in!”
TWEETIE NIMMO • Ridden Mountain and Moorland Pony of the Year (Ride)
Tweetie has had a life-long and broad involvement in horses, and has been breeding Welsh section B and part-bred ponies for approximately 45 years. When she married in 1979, she registered the prefix ‘Duntarvie’ which she has continued to use. The ponies Duntarvie have gained notable success for Tweetie over the years. Highlights include wins at the Royal Welsh show, with Duntarvie Catamount standing champion part-bred Welsh three times, and Duntarvie Catburglar later took the same accolade. Both ponies also qualified for the Cuddy supreme in-hand final – now the Price Family Supreme – at HOYS. Having a broad interest in horses and ponies, she is on the WPCS, NPS, BSPS, BSHA, SHB GB and CPS panels, and has been judging for about 40 years. Tweetie has judged many of our biggest shows across the country, including Olympia twice, and the Royal Welsh Agricultural show four times. She’s also judged all over the world, from
Australia and South Africa to America and several European countries. Although we are all familiar with seeing Tweetie at the HOYS ring in her official capacity with the NPS, this will be the first time that Tweetie has the honour of presiding over the classes.
What will Tweetie be looking for? Tweetie asserts that although she keeps Welsh ponies, her interest in native ponies goes beyond that, and she “likes all native breeds”. Consequently, she is completely “open minded”, and will want a pony to catch her eye. As it’s a short time allocated for each show, Tweetie wants to see “riders using all of the limited space available to show off their pony” as well as they can. She will be looking for an “accurate, well-executed show that is mannerly with the pony going on the correct bend”. Finally, for Tweetie, each pony’s way of going should be “ground-covering in keeping with the breed’ description”.
SUE HELEN SHUTTLEWORTH Coloured Horse and Pony of the Year (Ride/ show) Sue-Helen, or Susie, first found her love of coloured horses and ponies when she began riding a traditional stallion for her then husband, farrier Andrew Shuttleworth. By now she is, undoubtedly for competitors, one of the most formidable opponents when riding a coloured! Susie has enjoyed countless successes including standing champion coloured at many of the big county shows and great wins at Windsor, the RIHS and at HOYS. She also has a keen eye for a cracking youngster, and many of her graduates have gone on to do great things in the showing world for their new owners and riders.
Susie hopes to complete her Coaching Certificate this year and teaches weekly clinics around the UK from grass roots level up. She is on the CHAPS TGCA TSR and AHS panels and has been for a number of years. To date, she has had several exciting appointments including at Windsor, Blair and the Arab Horse National Championships. Nevertheless, her forthcoming appointment at HOYS will be a highlight. “I was honoured to have been asked to judge the CHAPS UK Coloured Horse and Pony of the Year Final at HOYS. After so many years of breeding, producing and exhibiting coloureds, I feel it will be the pinnacle of my career,” said Susie.
What will Susie be looking for? Susie said: “I will be looking for a great example of its type. I’ll be asking myself, if the animal was a solid colour, would it be a good, flashy contender in its hunter, show cob or traditional class, for example? I also love a good ‘goer’ with manners, who is supple and light down the rein. Heavy rides that anticipate or cannot bend in the middle are not my favourites! Ponies should also give a forward flowing show. Above all I would like to see a combination that look both smiley and happy to be in that magical ring that we are all so lucky to be in!”
Keep an eye out for our next issue of Showing World where we will be speaking to more HOYS judges! 36 | Showing World | May Issue 2022 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk
TRIED AND TESTED Over the past few months, Showing World have been putting some great products to the test. Here are some of our favourites…
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Masta Fieldmasta 100g lightweight combo turnout in burgundy Tried and tested by Beth Simons
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Charles Owen Halo Hat Tried and tested by Samantha Osborne
Harry Hall’s Masta brand is synonymous with quality rug choices, and as the owner of some thug-like natives who make light sport of trashing clothing, I was thrilled to receive one of these to try out, and not only because the burgundy and navy looks smart! So far, Mr Fisher has escaped, broken a fence, tried to cover his companion and generally been a menace in his, but the rug is still 100% intact and with a wash, would look like new thanks to the tough 600 denier fabric and it’s reinforced 1200 ripstop sections. Given his field-hopping ways, there’s also no doubt that the tri-vent shoulder gusset allows him plenty of freedom of movement and having lived in it for almost two months, there’s no sign of rubbed shoulders. Nor is there any damage to his coat elsewhere, something I’m attributing to the super-light weight and the softness of the lining. There’s also no doubt that it’s comfortable, and though he probably doesn’t need extra memory foam padding around his withers I do think it’s a brilliant addition for finer horses and console myself that if he falls… According to the Harry Hall website, “the clever dome neck™ of the Fieldmasta helps to prevent mane loss. It takes pressure off the mane and increases air circulation to prevent the hair follicles from becoming starved of oxygen and consequently falling out”. This is something every native enthusiast around the country worries about and I am no exception, but with a serial ‘itcher’ I brave keeping his neck covered. I loved the dome neck. It’s done exactly as stated and has loads of room for chunkier necks. Incidentally, it also has a strap on the underside of the tail cover, cleverly reducing the amount of damage he can do to it, too. The Fieldmasta combo I tried retails at £159 or £11.30 for Harry Hall One Club members and I’ll absolutely be purchasing more as and when others I’m showing need one. Overall, I can’t recommend this rug highly enough.
Website: harryhall.com/fieldmasta Instagram: @masta_horse
I have always chosen Charles Owen for the show ring from the Showjumper XP to the Beagler. The Fian is a popular choice for many show riders. Apart from being the most important piece of safety equipment we have, we are spoilt for choice with the range of styles available. The Charles Owen Halo has a unique hidden 360 degree ventilation under the ring, making it ideal for those sunny show days. The internal headband is also washable. The wide peak allows for maximum vision - a desirable feature for working hunter riders. You can customise the hat to have a black or cream leather harness too. Personalisation is also available when ordering online. I tend to get very warm when riding and so I couldn’t wait to try out this hat with the ventilated halo. I chose matt navy with rose gold halo, as most of my equestrian clothing is navy and rose gold. I enjoyed using the accessible customisation feature on the website. I found that I had much better visibility when wearing this hat. Whether selecting a stand out from the crowd personalised design for yourself or a whole team, or selecting a hat for day to day use on the yard that you can trust in, the Halo is the hat for you! Prices vary from £320-£44 Website: charlesowen.com Instagram: @charlesowenhelmets
3 Bibnets magnetic show number Tried and tested by Samantha Osborne The Showing Bibnet numbers are reusable and come with a packet of black magnetic numbers which stay secure when riding in all weathers. You can compose any number combination you wish.The protective sleeve with reinforced gold rivets keeps numbers dry and clean. Furthermore, this is a Covid and eco friendly solution to back numbers at events. At just £22, this is an affordable but highly practical item for every show rider. “I was concerned that the numbers would slip but I was proved wrong as they stayed in position as I worked in and rode in two classes. At one event, it was raining heavily. My friend’s number fell apart as soon as it got wet and so I allowed her to borrow my Bibnets number. With a quick change of magnetic numbers, she looked tidy and ready for the ring again. I dread to think how much paper is wasted every year on back numbers. This product is an easy solution to this problem.” Website: bibnet.co.uk Instagram: @bibnets_
4 Supreme Products Lycra Body Wrap Tried and tested by Samantha Osborne Made from the highest-grade Italian Lycra mix, the Lycra Body Wrap is a superb garment for laying the coat flat and adding condition and shine, with the versatility of adding a hood if required. It can be used under outdoor and indoor rugs to protect the coat. It will also protect the chest, withers and shoulders from rug rubs. This garment can be used whilst travelling. It should be close fitting, but not tight. It has a 12” underbelly strap and leg straps to hold it securely and comfortably in place. Garments are based on riding pony/horse types and are sized to fit up to and including a hand size, therefore a 12.2hh pony would be fitted with a 12.2hh garment. So what did I think? I have used Supreme Products for many years and I always find myself coming back to the rugs. I clip horses throughout winter and like to use the lycra body wrap to keep the coat flat and glossy. I also put this rug under my fleece travel rug for additional warmth when boxing to winter shows. I would advise to size up for natives and cobs. I selected a 15.2hh size for Irish Draught mare, Leyward Diamond Jubilee, and it fits comfortably and her coat always stays flat and clean during travelling. Her dapples and shiny coat are always complemented at competitions. I used the same wrap on my 13hh Highland and it fitted him perfectly. Website: supremeproducts.co.uk Instagram: supremeproductshorse
5 Goodbye Flys Tried and tested by Samantha Osborne These new organic grooming products are an alternative to fly repellents. They nurture and protect whilst preserving and maintaining your horse’s skin and coat condition.
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Champion Equestrian Body Protectors Tried and tested by Samantha Osborne Champion Equestrian have created a unisex, flexible, segmented style body protector. With heavy duty YKK zips and military grade outer mesh, the design is robust but stylish for working hunter classes. The ultra-lightweight foam and cool feel titanium coloured inner lining make it an ideal choice for summer shows. With cutting edge comfort and flexibility (achieved through revolutionary SegTek construction) plus channeled airflow hole heat release system, you remain cool when riding. Slip it on, zip it up and fit for ease of use! I selected the gun metal grey body protector as I really liked the unique colour. When the Champion representative fitted my body protector and explained how the different features worked, I knew I had made the right choice - not only for safety but for comfort too. I often feel restricted, and I fidget when wearing a body protector; however, in the Champion body protector, I felt like I could move freely. The back length was perfect for me and didn’t catch on the back of my saddle, which is a previous problem I have experienced. I think the Champion body protector is a fantastic choice for those competing in working hunter pony classes in 2022. It is stylish, sensibly priced and available in a wide range of sizes for adults and children. Website: Championhub.com Instagram: @championequestrian
The Show Shine and Goodbye Flys Shampoo helps protect your horse from fly attacks. The water-based product is made with 100% organically grown plant extract oils. All ingredients are bought from suppliers that are certified by Ecocert -one of the largest stringent certifying bodies. Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts, obtained through expression or steam distillation of flowers, bark, leaves, fruits and roots. All ingredients are compliant with FEI rules. The product has a 12 month shelf life. I got the Grooming Box Deal, which contains 1 litre of Show Shine and 1 litre of shampoo plus a bucket, face applicator and microfibre cloth, and I keep it in my horsebox for use at the shows as well as part of my day-to-day grooming routine. My verdict? The leaflet that came with the set was really helpful and explained how to use the products. I built up the Show Shine for 7 days, as advised, and followed it up with a hot bath using the shampoo. Both horses I used it on are clipped and rugged. I was really happy with the shine it provided. It is important to me to source organic and natural ingredients where possible. My Highland pony can get really itchy and spoils his mane if I don’t keep it clean. The shampoo removes flaky skin and promotes hair regrowth. This detergent free fly barrier will be perfect for him in the warmer months. I think these products would be ideal for everyone’s lorry kit, to use on show days to keep horse flies and midges away. They smell really nice too!” Website - goodbyeflys.com Instagram - @goodbyeflys
7 Vortex Equestrian Windsor Competition Leggings Tried and tested by Beth Simons I’ll be honest, I was not sure about competition leggings for showing, but I was pleasantly surprised by the Windsor Competition Legging from Vortex, retailing at £54.99. As they’re designed to be a competition legging, I wore them to compete, and any fears I had about how they would look were instantly alleviated. With the rest of my gear on, I looked no different than if I was wearing traditional breeches. I did feel different though: these leggings are super comfy. They’re super-flexible without losing their shape, and though I loved the addition of the belt loops and wore one as a precaution, I didn’t need it; the fabric didn’t lose shape and the high waist kept my shirt, tie and belly neatly tucked-in, something I am pedantic about. Having finished competing, I decided not to change out of them, preferring instead to keep them on, and I later found myself pulling them from the airing cupboard for my riding lesson and a day in the office which I think speaks volumes about their comfort! The leggings also have a full silicone seat to keep you secure in the saddle. Having barely jumped – and certainly not competitively – for 15 years, it was a test to take out a novice worker, but again, the leggings did as they should, and I felt secure throughout. These leggings are also lightweight and breathable so they’ll probably have a rest during the colder months, but through the summer season or for shows such as HOYS or the LIHS when it gets hot in the arena, I know they will be a winner. I’m sold! Website: vortexequestrian.com Instagram: @vortexeq
Find out what we can offer your brand by contacting us at: beth.simons@showingworldonline.co.uk
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HY Sport Active Riding Tights Tried and tested by Beth Simons When it comes to support, these leggings are excellent. They have a high waist which kept my belly in check and my back supported, a ‘non-negotiable’ on account of old injuries to it. Due to the stretchy, technical material, they also do not move whilst riding, something my instructor noted during my lesson when we compared where they sat before and after I jumped, yet they do not feel restrictive in any way. I also love the full silicone seat; it’s very subtle to the eye but very effective! The branding is also super-subtle, something that appealed to me (the less attention on my thighs the better) and for styling I also like that it has belt loops though I haven’t needed one at all for keeping them in place. Lastly, the phone pocket is handy but secure. All in all, a great legging that I have recommended already to friends. Website: hy-equestrian.com Instagram: @hyequestrian
9 Lincoln Glycerine Gel Soap Tried and tested by Beth Simons I’m going to be honest and say I’m not one for diligently stripping and cleaning my tack before each show. So, this product was genius. It’s hung in my tack locker on the bridle hook thanks to the handy hook lid and it’s so quick and easy to apply. I used a soft mitt to apply and my tack looked great in a jiffy. Unlike some soaps, it didn’t leave my bridle tacky and dull. Neither did it leave any greasy residue as you might expect given the formula’s nourish properties. I’ve used it on my boots, too, as we all know that however clean our boots are in the lorry wardrobe, they’re dusty by the time we put them on. The gel was superb at giving them a ‘once-over’, again without stickiness or residue. At £6.50, it’s worth every penny.
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Website: lincolnhorsecare.com Instagram: @lincolnhorsecare
Lincoln Hoof Oil Spray Tried and tested by Beth Simons Excuse the pun, but this product does exactly as it says on the tin. It does dry instantly, it is easy to use, and it is mess and fuss free. There’s no danger of spilling the product and it takes seconds to use. If you’re after a black hoof paint, it’s not for you, but if a clear, natural sheen is what you’re after, you won’t be disappointed, especially as it doesn’t turn white socks yellow as so many hoof oils can. If you do want to touch up a white sock with chalk afterwards, you can do so without danger of dropped product sticking to the foot, as the spray really will have dried instantly. Again, at £8.50, I’d buy again and again for ease of use, let alone the finish! Website: lincolnhorsecare.com Instagram: @lincolnhorsecare
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MP Gloss Plaiting Gel Tried and tested by Olivia Minihane and Scott Dixon Olivia: “I really liked this product. The plaiting is lightweight, but still gave you a good grip of the mane without being thick and tacky or leaving a horrible residue on the mane”. Scott: “MP Gloss Plaiting Gel has to be one of the best products I have ever used! Most plaiting gels when applied are so slippery and you cannot get a grip of the mane meaning. Only when you are able to grip it and get the tension down the plait will you get a crisp perfect plait. When I use the plaiting gel, I press a line of the gel down the neckline over the parted mane. This means I can work it evenly from the crest line down to the bottom of the piece of separated mane, making sure that I have all stray hairs! Another reason I really love this product is because it does not dry out into a white dusty appearance that most gels do. The MP Gloss plaiting gel keeps the wet, fresh look that all professionals strive for. I definitely recommend it!” Website: mpgloss.co.uk Instagram: @mpglossproductsuk
MEET OUR
COVER STAR Bea Bailye-Hawkins, 11, and her uber versatile Precious Gem [Star] have been enjoying a superb start to the 2022 season. So far, Bea and 15-year-old Star have stood champion at the NCPA Notts/Lincs having topped both the Nursery Stakes and open 133cm working hunter pony classes. They have also won an impressive three RIHS 133cm working hunter pony classes, including at BSPS Areas 6 and 17 and after jumping clear round a testing course at the BSPS Championships! At the BSPS winter championships, their luck didn’t end with winning the RIHS class, as they also won the 133cm Gold Cup by an impressive 12 marks meaning that they did not need to jump the joker fence, but did so anyway! They are no strangers to success, being the only combination to ever win the nursery stakes and 133cm finals at RIHS in the same year – 2021, and won the Le Mieux la Liga award for consistency in HOYS classes. Bea keeps her four ponies in work herself including before and after school and takes part in an array of activities with them including hunting, PC, show jumping and most recently, BE. Consequently, Bea and Star will be competing in the NSEA finals of the Eventers Challenge and the 80 and 90cm show jumping at Hickstead at the end of the month.
42 | Showing World | May Issue 2022 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk
Samantha Taylor and Bronheulog Gold Dust
Gold Dust Proves His Worth BSPS Winter Championships April 30 – May 2 Arena UK, Grantham, Report by Beth Simons - Photos by Equinational Chrissy Knipe and her sister, Rebecca Abba’s Bronheulog God Dust [Casper] proved just as brilliant as his namesake when he clinched the restricted supreme championship under Chrissy’s daughter, Samantha – Sammi – Taylor, 11. Nine-year-old Casper was bred by Mandy and Vicky Andrews and Chrissy and Rebecca purchased him during lockdown from Mark Reeves and Steven Hulston. Interestingly, Casper and Sammi were restricted show hunter pony champion at the 2021 BSPS winter championships and gained his RIHS ticket at BSPS Area 1A, a feat he has also repeated this year. In 2021, he went on to claim his HOYS ticket and stand champion at the Royal Highland show, and the team are hopeful that he will soon clinch his HOYS qualification for this year. This is Sammi’s last season in the class which will certainly be a wrench; “Sammi adores him and loves hacking,” said Rebecca, adding, “He’s such a good boy; there’s not many like him.” Taking the reserve restricted show hunter pony was Kate Smith’s five-year-old Tandridge Debutante [Evie] and Kate’s daughter, Livie Smith. Livie and Evie won both the novice and restricted 143cm show hunter pony classes
before standing restricted reserve champion show hunter pony and going one better in the novice championship to stand novice show hunter pony champion. Kate and Evie’s tricolour was one of a clutch of championship rosettes returning home with the Jinks Team. “We had an incredible champs,” said Adam, adding, “We took ten novice ponies all of them exceeded our expectations”. The restricted show pony title was secured by Oscar Konenchy riding David Jinks and Adam Forster’s own 138cm Hightopps Someone Smart [Snowgie] who had earlier won the restricted part bred and the restricted show pony classes. Adam explained that he had always wanted a dun show pony, and so when he spotted him on Facebook during lockdown, he purchased him over the phone. David was already out in the lorry, and so went straight to get him. It was a delighted Oscar’s first evening performance. His little sister, Mila, was not to be outdone and rode Brideswood Prince Regent [Reggie] to win the novice and restricted lead rein classes and novice mini championship led by Adam. However, it was Vicki Rudd’s homebred novice 148cm show pony, Shildons Royal
Scoundrel [Hector] and Charlotte Caulfield who took claimed the team’s accolade: the novice supreme. The pair won both the novice 148cm and the part bred classes and the novice show pony championship en route to the supreme. Five-year-old Hector was broken over the winter, so Charlotte and Hector are a new combination and had been out four times prior to the championships, making every appearance a winning one. “From the moment I first sat on him, I knew he would be special,” said Adam. “He feels special and looks special. He has a real ‘look at me’ attitude but still loves to work; he loves himself but in the right ways. He was born to be a supreme pony.” Interestingly, Hector is a full brother to Shildons Plan B who was supreme champion at the 2021 BSPS summer championships under Reise Shakespeare. Charlotte also claimed the winter heritage restricted championship with Dartmoor stallion Newoak Bobby James who is on loan to the Caulfield’s from Jacky and Joyce Newbury. “He’s a real fun pony to have around and loves to show off to everyone who’s watching; he’s a perfect showman who has a ‘look at me’ attitude,” said Louise. Reserve winter heritage
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Charlotte Caulfield and Shildons Royal Scoundrel
restricted champion, Rachel Turner and her own winner of the New Forest and Connemara class, Ravenstone Fudge Ii. Winter heritage novice champion was Helen Hanson’s Waterside Blackjack [Jacko] ridden by Georgia Hanson. Jacko is a six-year-old Dales stallion, bred by the Heap family. He was spotted initially 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 rode for the Starkie’s and always loved Jacko so when she was given the chance to buy him from his new owner, she snapped him up,” explained Georgia’s mum, Helen Hanson. She added, “Jacko has had a fab start by all concerned and we can’t wait to see what the 2022 season brings!” Reserve was Aliya Khan riding Claire Connor’s charming Shetland stallion, Latijn V.d. Helling [Latz], whom Claire imported from Lap family’s Helling Stud in the Netherlands when he was a two-year-old. Now five years old, Latz is by three-times National Champion of Honour, Caz V. Stal Nieuwemoed and out of 1st Premium Evaluated mare Rylanda V.D. Helling. “I imported in December 2019 having flown over to the watch the young stallion evaluations in the hope of purchasing a future stallion for the stud. We used Latz a breeding stallion as a three-yearold and have an outstanding daughter of his retained in the stud,” said Claire. Aliya leased Latz from Claire in January 2022 and Aliya and her mother have since broken him in herself. “He’s taken to the job like a duck to water. He’s the sweetest, kindest and most obliging pony and always gives you absolutely everything he’s got,” said Claire. Despite being at only his third show, Latz was also second in his RIHS class. Nevertheless, the team’s focus will be novice classes this season and the RIHS, HOYS and LIHS campaign-trail in 2023. ”He’ll return home
at a later date to commence further stud duties if I can convince Aliya to part with him again,” laughed Claire. Aliya also won the heritage novice 122cm working hunter pony with Leah Cassel’s Pumphill Rasputin. Victoria Neachell, 9, claimed the RIHS heritage lead rein tricolour having won both classes in the section with Siwan Ward’s seven-year-old Welsh section A mare, Brynrodyn Danielle [Doris], who is produced by Jill and Lucy Rushton. She won the lead rein class led by Rebecca Penny before winning the first ridden class. Doris had a great season in 2021 when she qualified for RIHS and finished sixth at HOYS. Doris and Victoria stood champion over the second placed lead, Roy Millard’s Thistledown Vodka Soda ridden by MiaBella Long, 5, and led by Shar Linney. Like Victoria, Mia-Bella had a super weekend as she also won the Burghley sports pony lead rein class on Maudrid Caradog, who is home-produced by mum, Laura Jayne Millard.
Livie Smith and Tandridge Debutante
Poppy claimed the championship having initially stood second to Harriet and Shirley Dennison’s Manhatten in the novice show riding type class. Therefore, it was actually Glen Allen who rode Briarhill Buddy Bolden in the novice championship while Harriet rode Manhatten. Harriet also won the RIHS 153cm working hunter pony class with Shirley Dennison’s Deerpairc Legacy and the pair went on to stand reserve to Ruby Ward riding Kelly Ward’s Noble Roman. The Brash family had reason to celebrate when their HOYS 2021 junior mountain and moorland champion Wellbank Gabrielle [Harry] won the restricted 122cm mountain and moorland
Poppy Carter and Danni Radford’s homebred Ladies Man took the restricted intermediate championship having won the restricted intermediate show riding type class. The six-year-old is produced at home by Danni. Poppy, who started riding him last season, has already steered him to secure and RIHS ticket this year and will be aiming for a HOYS qualification soon. In reserve champion was Harriet Dennison riding Bridget Edmonson’s intermediate show hunter type Briahill Buddy Bolden. This young horse is having a cracking first season, having already qualified for the RIHS and stood champion intermediate at North of England Spring Show. The exact same horses also stood champion and reserve novice intermediates. However,
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Georgia Hanson and Waterside Blackjack
Aliya Kahn and Latijn V.d. Helling
working hunter pony class and stood section champion under Lexi Brash. Interestingly, Lilly Walker, who was reserve champion junior at HOYS last year with Amilas Cliquot also had her share of the spoils, albeit with a different pony. She partnered her mother, Samantha Walker’s Melau Aramis [Teddy] to win the RIHS junior small breeds is with Lauren. The six-year-old Welsh section B is produced by Lauren Brill and Lauren rode him last year to win the coveted NPS Picton final. She also rode him to win his RIHS open qualifier at BSPS Area 4A. “We are very excited about his future,” said Samantha. Lara-Rae Jones, 7, made her debut in the tiny tots working hunter pony classes a winning one with Milo IX. 15-year-old Milo is on loan to Lara’s mum, Michaela Jones. “Milo is one in a million, we are very lucky to have him,” said Michaela. Michaela also produced the Richardson family’s Barrdene Romeo to win the RIHS first ridden class and mini champion under Lilly Richardson. Lilly and ten-year-old Romeo are no strangers to success, having won at HOYS in 2021. In reserve to Lilly and Romeo were the winners of the lead rein class, Harriet White Walsh with Anna White’s
Poppy Carter and Ladies Man
Addy Fowler and Barkway Mr McGregor
Chaseford Actor, led by producer Julie Templeton. Harriet was stepping back into Actor’s saddle, as officially, he is now her little sister, Matilda’s ride, but Matilda was at a party and couldn’t make the championships. She will, however, be taking the ride at the RIHS. Not to be left out of the spoils was Lilly Richardson’s little sister Penny won the second tiny tots working hunter pony class with Elberry Suilen and the tiny tots first ridden with the evergreen Briar Snowman. Addy Fowler and 2019 HOYS champion Barkway Mr McGregor [Mario] once again gave an excellent account of themselves to take the restricted mini championship. 11-year-old Mario is on lease to Addy’s mum, Alexandra Fowler by his owner, Emma Andrews after Alexandra spotted him at HOYS with Emma’s daughter, Georgina Storey. Prior to the BSPS championships, Addy and Mario had already won two RIHS first ridden qualifiers at BSPS Area 6 and Area 13A, and they took supreme at BSPS Area 13B. In reserve was the second placed first ridden pony, Emma O’Brien’s Sandboro Sugar Tot ridden by Emelia O’Brien.
Lara Rae Jones and Milo XI
Alabama Comeback In reserve for the novice show hunter pony title was the winner of the 153cm class, Ayrshire-based Susy Edwards riding David Edwards’ Alabama [Albie], who is produced by Caitlin Galbraith. The five-year-old, who is by the dressage stallion Hero, and out of a Connemara mare, is making a fine comeback after suffering a stress fracture. suffered a stress fracture last year and needed six months out of work to recover. Albie was bought as a three-year-old from Danielle Heath in 2020 before being broken in and campaigned in a few novice shows in early 2021. However, he sadly went slightly unsound. Later investigations discovered that he had a stress fracture to his off-fore cannon bone. “It was the size of a matchstick,” explained Susy. “It was a good prognosis as bones heal better than tendons or ligaments but this meant that he would be off for the entire summer, missing any chance to gain experience”. He initially had three months of box rest followed by three months of living out to strengthen it. “He came back into work in October 21 and has – touch wood – never never missed a beat since”. The team plan to keep him as a novice again this season have attended a handful of shows successfully so far this year, mainly in Scotland where he was novice champion at the BSPS Scotland Winter & Spring Show.
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Gerogia Darlington and Jara
WORKING FOR GOLD! by Summer Williams
The Gold Cup did not disappoint! Kicking off the day were cover stars Bea Bailye-Hawkins and Precious Gem [Star] who lead throughout the 133cm competition on a 75.19% and an 88/100 mark in the worker phase. After jumping a clear in the show jumping Bea and Star took the 133cm title. They won their third RIHS 133cm class the following day and also took a ticket on her new ride, former HOYS 143cm mountain and moorland working hunter pony of the year, Woodfield Jovial Joker. New to the open 143cm circuit, Lilly Rodgers and Hannah Rodgers’ Dernahatten Sally [Mel] took the 143cm title and later Gold Cup reserve champion, their first championship. Lilly has only ever completed the Gold cup once, and that was in the nursery stakes where she didn’t qualify for the evening jumping, so the full Gold Cup was a first for both Lilly and Mel. Lilly said: “The most testing phase for us was the dressage as it is not our strong point; I’ve really had to work hard with Mel to improve her flatwork since we bought her, but it paid off”. After the dressage phase, Lilly and Mel were fifth out of thirteen. The evening show jumping runs in reverse order from eight to first place, putting huge pressure on the top few to jump clear to hold their own or move up in the absence of later clears. This year, time faults seemed the main deterrent to success. Lilly came out of the worker phase having won, leaving her lying second overall and second-to-last to jump. With only one mark between her and the win, the pressure was on! “I felt the pressure to jump a clear as the marks were so close, it was a last-minute decision to jump the joker based on how Mel felt throughout the course... you don’t know who will risk jumping the joker or not! My dad told me to just go for a clear, so he was shocked when he saw me aim for the joker,” said Lilly. The 153cm winner was Izzy Collier and former RIHS mountain and moorland working hunter pony winner, Lisnadrishna TicTac who has enjoyed a superb spring, already having bagged a ticket to the RIHS. Second was Ruby Ward on seven-year-old Woodfield Hazy. Ruby is a regular rider on the worker circuit riding multiple ponies to placings in 143cm, 153cm and intermediate ranks. She also won the 143cm Hunt RIHS qualifier and qualified for the Gold Cup final at Burghley aboard Noble Ronan. Despite show jumping to a top level alongside the workers, Ruby felt the most testing phase of the Gold Cup was in fact the show jumping. This year’s placings were certainly influenced by the show jumping competition after several
competitors received costly time faults, ultimately, preventing the qualification for Burghley this September! The intermediate Gold Cup was the last class. Georgia Darlington was crowned the winner with eight-year-old Jara after winning the worker phase and then jumping the only clear in the intermediate section. Jara then stood Gold Cup champion. Georgia had an excellent weekend, consistently in the ribbons just months after surgery. “I ruptured ligaments in my ankle being bucked off a youngster out hunting the week after HOYS and had surgery in February,” explained Georgia. She made her comeback a few weeks ago at BSPS Area 7, where she and Jara won and qualified for RIHS. Georgia also topped the novice mountain and moorland working hunter pony championship with Joan Hayden’s winner of the exceeding 143cm class, Connemara gelding, Shana Rebel.
Other Highlights The huge RIHS Hunt class was a testing course with clears you could count on two hands throughout all sections. With two tickets being presented in each class, it was a testing day! Ruby Ward won the 143cm class with Noble Ronan and the section championship whilst the reserve went to Harriet Dennison riding Shirley Dennison’s Deerpairc Legacy. Pearl Morris, 10, and her eight-year-old 133cm show hunter pony, Quinton Gold Crusader exceeded all expectations, winning their winter worker stakes class and standing reserve
champion before also winning their RIHS Pretty Polly home-produced show hunter pony class and the highest placed winter novice champion having qualified at BSPS 2A Spring show. Pearl’s mum, Mel explained that this is their first season competing as BSPS members. “We genuinely came along to learn and enjoy the show with zero expectations, so to win on the flat and in the workers with a novice pony and rider was unexpected, but this pony has been so consistent already for us and never puts a foot wrong,” said Mel, adding, “we’re delighted!” Sydney Head was also overjoyed to take the RIHS mountain and moorland working hunter pony not exceeding 143cm class with her own Menai The Curator [Bailey]. Seven-yearold Bailey had never jumped a track until last season, explained Sydney. “I never thought we would get to RIHS as a worker, so it means the world to us,” said Sydney. They will now be aiming for a HOYS qualification, too. The RIHS mountain and moorland working hunter pony championship was taken by the winners of the exceeding 143cm class, Harrison Taylor riding Lucinda Kelly’s Killaneen Boy. The nine-year-old Connemara stallion has already enjoyed a hugely successful career in Ireland, winning at Dublin Horse Show amongst others. He has joined Harrison’s yard for the season. Harrison also produced Angela Reeves’ show pony Shildons Royal Affair to book a return ticket to the RIHS by winning the 148cm show pony class and section reserve under Leila Reeves.
Pearl Morris and Quinton Gold Crusader
WINDSOR HORSE SHOW FULL SHOW REPORT INSIDE
ROYAL WINDSOR HORSE SHOW 12th - 15th May
Report by: Beth Simons and Ami Miller Photos by 1st Class Images
The Ponies: Leia Lands Royal Hattrick The Queen’s Highland pony mare, Balmoral Leia was crowned overall mountain and moorland accolade on day two of Royal Windsor Horse Show by judge, David Puttock. Five-year-old Leia won her breed class and championship en route to the supreme title. She is by Balmoral Lord, whom producer Lizzie Briant explained sadly died of grass sickness, and she’s out of Balmoral Melody who was successfully shown under saddle by Lizzie, including at Royal Windsor. Lizzie showed the true-to-type, feminine Leia to win the breed championship, but Henry Hird took over showing for the overall mountain and moorland championship. Incidentally Henry also lifted the same last year, albeit with
Chloe Chubb and Shilstone Rocks North Westerly
Vanessa Compton’s exquisite Connemara mare, Skaelgaardens Delicious Love. The Queen was ringside to watch Leia win the breed championship and to witness her land the overall championship, much to the crowd’s delight. This was the third win of the show and third win with a home-bred for the Queen, with Katie Jerram-Hunnable’s team having already produced Daydream III and Sunbeam to win their classes yesterday. In reserve for the overall mountain and moorland accolade and overall Welsh breeds champion was Mark and Liz Kilbey’s Springbourne Capricorn. The plucky Welsh section A is leased from the Singles stud in Holland. Since joining the Kilbeys at their Idyllic stud at the end of 2018, Capricorn has enjoyed countelss successes, including an impressive four reserve championships in Cuddy/ Price Family supreme final qualifiers. “He’s always the bridesmaid,” joked handler Mark Kilbey, “but we’re delighted with him”. Now 11 years old, the Cascob Red Kite son is also producing pleasing stock who are showring winners in their own right. First reserve was Lynda Calcutt’s 15-year-old evergreen Shilstone Rocks North Westerly. The Dartmoor stallion was shown by Chloe Chubb, who we are more used to seeing in the saddle having formerly ridden Windy to three HOYS Dartmoor Pony of the Year titles as well as Best of Breed at Olympia. Windy has also been shown
in hand successfully in the past, qualifying for the Cuddy final in 2015 and 2017. Lynda and Chloe explained that as Windy had been busy covering, they were unsure whether or not to show him. “It was intended that he’d do some Cuddy qualifiers again after he retired from the ridden,” said Chloe, “But then COVID came and it never happened. I’d never done the in-hand classes at Windsor, so messaged Lynda to ask if we could enter Windy. I thought it would at least be a nice day out!” In fact, it proved to be just that and more, with Chloe explaining she “felt quite emotional” to be reunited with her old friend. Christy Seaman enjoyed a winning Windsor. Her quality three-year-old filly, Griseburn Orla took the Dales breed championship handled by Philip Ward Burton, who meets Christy and Orla at shows. Christy was delighted, and explained that she purchased Orla from breeders Helen and Andrew Horn. She initially viewd a different filly, but was struck by Orla and eventually persuaded the Horns to part with her. Orla will be backed but Christy intends to breed from her before she debuts in the showring under saddle. April Gilmartin stood champion Welsh section B inhand with her own Janpete Class Act but the icing on the cake for April came the following day when she stood reserve champion mountain and moorland ridden and took the second LIHS ticket riding Welsh section C stallion, Gems
Mark Kilbey and Springbourne Capricorn
Malt Whiskey [Malty]. Malty was bred by the late Richard Deptford. April found him on Facebook a two-year-old colt, and bought him unseen. He is home produced by April and her mother, Kathy. The pair secured their first major ticket on their debut visit to the BSPS Heritage championships in 2019 where they were novice champions and later secured qualification to Olympia. Last season, they continued with an excellent run of form, qualifying for the RIHS, HOYS and the LIHS. However, Felicity Thompson’s homebred stallion, Salcombe Starehole Bay [Cecil] proved small is mighty to take the coveted mountain and moorland ridden tricolour and the first of two London International Horse Show tickets. He was ridden by his producer, Katy Marriott Payne. The charming eight-year-old stallion had been used at stud prior to being sent to Katy during 2020’s summer lockdown. Last season, the pair enjoyed a magical season, standing supreme mountain and moorland at the RIHS, reserve and Dartmoor Best of Breed at the London International Horse Show, and second at HOYS to Sarah Weston’s Westown Wild Fire, who was second in the class at Windsor. However, it almost didn’t happen as Katy was undecided whether to show him at Windsor. She was persuaded to do so by Felicity, only for Felicity to be unable to attend at the eleventh hour. In the mountain and moorland workers, seasoned ponies clinched the top spots, and all four winners had already qualified for the RIHS. Gemma Pallett’s super-versatile section C mare, Dycott Sparkling Lady took the championship. At just five-years old and in her first season, this mare is proving a tour de force. Gemma explained that “this time last year, she had never left the ground”. She was bred by super-proud George Mitchell and Clare Granger. “I’ve already put my name on another one,” said Gemma, adding, “if it’s a fraction of what Sparkles is then that would be nice! She is completely and utterly a one-off, a freak! I am still on cloud nine and think I will be for a while; what a mare and what a day!” Most unusual is that the reserve was also a Dycott-bred pony: section D Dycott Welsh King, the winner of the exceeding 143cm under Ross Keys. Having not enjoyed much luck at Windsor in the past, Ross and partner Anna Chaplin had not competed King there for three years, choosing to show in-hand instead.
Philip Ward Burton and Griseburn Orla
“But it has always been Ross’ dream to have a win as it’s an honour to compete there at such a prestigious show,” said Anna. “That morning Ross said he would be happy to get round clear as we knew it would be one of the toughest tracks”. When a few excellent ponies jumped clear, again Ross felt the win had eluded him, but “what a moment,” said Anna. “We are so grateful to Angela Thomas who loans King to us; she is incredibly supportive and has given us so many opportunities with this pony. To
I am still on cloud nine and think I will be for a while finish off standing reserve champion to Gemma was just wonderful and we are thrilled for Claire and George”. Also joining them in the championship having won the 122cm were Sue Kernan’s Lledrith Nemesis ridden by Samantha Roberts, and the 143cm winner Karen Raine’s Carrownurlaur Johnny ridden by Mia Raine. Mila Konenchy rode Brideswood Prince Regent [Reggie] to win the lead rein class and stand
mini championship led by Adam Forster. Reggie is owned by Adam and partner David Jinks. Despite being a six-year-old, Reggie is still in his first season as he was initially used as a stallion and was only gelded last November. He has nevertheless hit the ground running having won at Area 1B and stood novice mini champion at the BSPS championships. The mini reserve was awarded to Anya Dewey Clarke riding Anna Clarke’s Barkway Take That. Heidi Cooper rode her mother, Rachel Cowen’s Thurston House Sundance to claim her first Windsor win in the first ridden class. Rachel explained that they purchased the seventeenyear-old three years ago, and since then, he has been a super pony for Heidi, doing anything asked of him from hacking to jumping and fancy dress, regularly donning fairy wings and unicorn browbands! “You name it, he does it,” laughed Rachel. Senior showing steward Philip Judge took a break from official duties to watch his son, Harry Judge, 7, top the lead rein hunter pony on his Windsor debut, with Thistledown Snowfall. The pair were led by Kevin Cousins, who produces the Welsh section A with partner Christina Gillet. Philip and wife Claire purchased Snowfall directly from breeder Sandy Anderson. “I’ve been friends with Sandy for years and he was always teasing me that we never had one of his,” said Philip, “so now we do! To watch my son win that class was phenomenal. It really was such a strong class, great competition
April Gilmartin and Janpete Class Act
Katy Marriot Payne and Salcombe Starehole Bay
Gemma Pallett and Dycott Sparkling Lady
with lovely ponies so I was incredibly proud of them both and the whole team.” Chief showing steward, Seb Garner also enjoyed a ‘proud-dad’ moment when his daughter, Kinvara Garner stood top in the intermediate show hunter type class with Steve Pitt and Vicky Smith’s 10-year-old Despicable Me on his debut in the class. Steve bought Victoria the horse as a surprise present, explained Kinvara, who has been working for the couple for about 12 months. “They asked me if I would have the pleasure of riding him in the intermediates, so I jumped at the chance. I ride him every day at home; I take him for a good gallop round the fields most days. He is an absolute joy to ride and I loved every minute of riding him.” Kinvara’s cousin, India Till won the novice show pony championship with Harry Edwards Brady and Gryngallt Page Too
Ross Keys and Dycott Welsh King
| Showing World Prince | MayRegent Issue and 2022 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk Mila50Konechny, Brideswood Adam Forster
Heidi Cooper and Thurston House Sundance
her mother, Henrietta Till’s 148cm Rotherwood Fancy That [Frederick] for the second time. Bred by Liz Mansfield Parnell, five-year-old Fredrick made his showring debut at Windsor last season before being turned away and returning to the ring this spring. However, it was the winners of the 128cm class that topped the open show pony championship. This was Michelle Baxter-Davies’ 11-year-old Roxairs Aphrodite [Luna] ridden by Poppy Baxter-Davies. Luna is produced by Lucy Glover, who also produced the winning 148 cm show pony, Carmens Novello, ridden by Isabella O’Donnell. Reserve show pony was second placed 128cm, Harry Edwards Brady riding his mum, Emma Edwards’ Rowden Holly Go Lightly, Harry had his moment at the top of he line the following day when he won the 122cm show hunter pony class with his favourite pony, Emma’s inimitable Gryngallt Page Too [Billy]. Former HOYS winners, Billy and Harry are in their final season together as Harry will be out of class at its end and Billy will be retired. Bred by Lesley Hillard, Billy has had a superb career including a former win at HOYS and championship at Windsor under Libby Grota while Harry was still too young. “Billy is one in a million,” said Emma, “he will never
leave us.” Billy and Harry went on to stand reserve champion show hunter pony behind the winners of the 143cm class, Charlotte Caulfield riding her mother, Louise Caulfield’s Romanno Spot of Distinction, produced by Adam Forster and David Jinks. The six-yearold is bred in the purple, being out of HOYS show hunter pony of the year and HOYS supreme, Chiddock Spot On. The mini mountain and moorland classes were enormous, with children, leaders, ponies and officials doing well to keep smiling and putting a best foot forwards in Saturday afternoon’s heat. After winning a mammoth first ridden class, Diana Hannam’s Newoak Gold Edition and William Parkin took the tricolour on their second appearance since HOYS 2021. By Shilstone Rocks Day of Fury, the 12-year-old is out of Newoak First Edition and has been owned by Diana since a twoyear-old, meaning she and William have grown together. She is currently home produced by the family with producer Emma Holder helping at shows as they are clients. “She is a fabulous pony,” said Emma, “a true child’s pony and she performed to perfection; she really is a pony in a million. William has also gone from strength to strength, and he rode well beyond his years like a true showman!”
Charlie Chadwick led Charlene Mennie’s Tiffwyl Moselle [Jimmy] to win the mountain and moorland lead rein class and reserve champion, ridden by Violet Mennie. Bred by Tony Tilly, the five-year-old is by Brynrodyn Sion out of Tiffwyl Mimosa. He is now produced by Terri Guyett. Despite having taught Violet since she was three and Charlene keeping liveries with Terri, she was initially reluctant to take on producing a lead rein for her as she’s no longer producing fulltime. However, on the premise that Charlie Chadwick would lead the pair at shows, Jimmy arrived with her just two weeks before the show. “There’s still a lot more to improve on yet,” said Terri, meaning Jimmy and Violet surely have an exciting future. Terri also tasted success with coloured colt, Greateaves Giovanni. He is usually shown by his co-owner, Terri’s partner Belcher Lee Harrington, but Windsor was Terri’s turn! The pair purchased the two-year-old unseen from a photograph at 10 months. He is lightly but successfully shown being youngstock champion at the UK Nationals and supreme part-bred of the year at the TGCA championships last season, and champion coloured at the Thompson House Equine Vets show, his Windsor warm-up.
Vioet Mennie and Tiffwyl Moselle led by Charlie Chadwick
William Parkin and Newoak Gold Edition
Charlotte Caulfield and Romanno Spot of Distinction Harry Judge, Thistledown Snowfall and Kevin Cousins with jujudges Pat Pattinson and Jo Dean
India Till and Rotherwood Fancy That
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The Horses: Established and new partnerships came to the fore and hunter breaks record Jayne Ross and Bloomfield Greystones
Robert Walker and View Point
One of the earliest championships of the 4-day Royal Windsor Horse Show – the hunters – was sure to get the crowds going with some pretty impressive gallops in front of the Castle Arena’s grandstand. Robert Walker made history taking the prestigious title for the fourth consecutive year riding Jills Day’s lightweight hunter Viewpoint [Sean]. Rob said, “When we were champion at Windsor last year we found out that we were only one of two or three to have acquired that title three times, but we were told that no one had won it four times… so we thought that’s something to aim for and now here we are!” Rob has had Sean on his yard since a foal. Together they have been champion at HOYS three times and also took the 2021 HOYS supreme title, so this is another accolade to add to their list. Jayne Ross took the reserve spot after winning the middleweight section on Sam Powell’s Bloomfield Greystones, pipping Rob to the post on Jill Day’s Greenhall Treasure Island. Team Walker and Team Ross dominated this championship with Jayne also winning the heavyweight section on Rose Bailey’s Twinshock Warrior and standing second on Wall Street II in the lightweights. Second place in the heavyweights went to Claire Oliver aboard the Lovicks’ Isle Bright. Claire also had a very special win in the small hunter class, after being second in this section three times. Claire said she was “over the moon” to take the title on Shanbally Legacy
[Lego]. It was Lego’s owner Susan Granger’s first Windsor win too, which made the day extra special. Claire went on to say, “Robert [Oliver] always knew he was special and described him as a scaled down middleweight hunter, true to type with plenty of limb and a leg in each corner.” Both champion and reserve amateur hunters were sired by Crosstown Dancer. Amy Cook and her own ten-year-old Mr Darcy Dancer put a best foot forward to clinch the amateur middle and heavyweight class. They were, however, pipped to the championship by Camilla Stowell Davies and Glenkeeran Dance In The Deep [Fintan]. Camilla bought Fintan as a four-year-old from his breeder Maria Melvin after he was both four-year-old hunter and lightweight hunter champion at the Dublin Horse Show. Camilla and Fintan have enjoyed huge success, having stood second at HOYS and champion amateur at the RIHS. Jo Baker’s winning maxi-cob Chantilly Sandman took the cob tricolour under Jayne Ross. The twelve-year-old gelding has been produced by Jayne for several years, previously having great success in the heavyweight classes, but this is his first season as a maxi. During the winter, he competes in dressage and qualified for the regionals this year. “He went absolutely amazing today,” said Jane of the “yard favourite.” She went on to say, “This is a great result for the maxi cob in general as the
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championship usually goes to the lightweight or heavyweight.” Vicky Smith stood reserve champion cob astride Alan Marnie’s winning lightweight Toberpatrick Boss [Baxter]. The eight-year-old gelding joined the team last spring and was third at HOYS with Martin Skelton as Vicky was riding her more established ride, Bling Cosby, who won the same title at Windsor with Vicky last year. “We decided to give Baxter a chance this year; he’s young and hasn’t been to Windsor before and it paid off.” Vicky was also second in both the coloured cob and heavyweight cob classes with Hayley Sankey’s Borace For Short. Amy Cook and Mr Darcy Dancer
Also, in the championship were the winners of the heavyweights, Lynn Russel and Starfall and the winners of the novice cob class, Will Morton riding Nina Armstrong Finlay’s Indigo Marvel,. Will secured two more championship rides, taking reserve intermediate with Jane O’Keeffe’s D’Amascus and champion part bred with Paul and Frances Atkinson’s Rosemore Midnight Rendesvouz . The final contender for the cob championship was the winner of the amateur class, Isabella Mears with Guy Mears’ Brookdale Limited Edition [Archie]. It was Archie’s third Windsor win, having won the maxi class twice. “Archie is my horse of a lifetime, and he felt better than ever,” said Isabella. This was the beginning of a magical week for Isabella, Guy and Danielle Heath who produces the Mears’ team of horses. Reining hack and intermediate of the year, Forgeland Hyde Park [Will] secured both championships over the weekend, the former under Danielle and the latter under Isabella. This
was the second consecutive year the 11-yearold Gelding by Kilvington Scoundrel gained the Hack Championship title. Guy Mears purchased Will last August and he gave Isabella her first HOYS win and championship last October. “We had admired him from a far for a while,” said Danielle, “this is our first full season with him and the first big show of the year, so it was nice to get it in the bag.” When the team didn’t think the weekend could get any better, Times Square III [Monkey] and Danielle repeated their 2019 victory taking riding horse championship. The pair had won the novice class to take the 2019 championship, and this year they stepped it up and won the open small class en route to the overall title. This gave the team their third championship of the show. “To come with three horses and have four wins and three championships is more than I could have ever imagined,” said an elated Isabella, “And to do it on the platinum jubilee makes it even more special; it’s not sunk in.”
Camilla Stowell Davies and Glenkeernan Dance In The Deep
Jayne Ross and Chantilly Sandman
Vicky Smith and Toberpatrick Boss
Standing reserve champion hack was Joanne Price’s amateur winner, St Giles Devole. The six-year-old was ridden by Phoebe Price, the youngest rider in this prestigious championship at just 22. The pair are produced by Scott Dixon. “Phoebe’s worked so hard; she’s at university full time so she has evening lessons. She’s turned into a real show-woman; I think she will be one of the ‘big’ riders to come.” Also, in this prestigious hack championship was the open small hack winner, Nikki Falconbridge’s Boston Black Tie under Helen Baker. One of three in the championship by Kilvington Scoundrel, the five-year-old is out of B. Beaudicca and was bred by Stephen Howard, who raced his maternal grandmother. Also forward was Jayne Ross aboard the eight-year-old Whalton Reprise after taking second place in the small hacks. Second in the large hacks was Ami Miller’s Ballinclare ridden by producer by Jo Bates. The six-year-old was also Jo’s second in the championship having won the novice class on Daldorn Dancing Flame earlier in the day. His owner Megan Brookes took the reins for the championship. Jo said, “I couldn’t be
prouder of how both of the performed in the atmosphere; in a word they were brilliant.” Team Bates also took the ROR ridden show horse championship. The Reining HOYS champions, Katie Dashwood and Minella Rebellion [Reg] continued their incredible run of luck and looked on fine form once again. Formerly trained by Nicky Henderson, his racing career fell short of expectations, but he has gone from strength to strength since acquired by Katie. In reserve was Sarah Gwilliam riding Sar Cassidy-Hill’s Imperial Ruby. The pair won the Tattershalls ROR qualifier for former flat horses before going on to retain last year’s reserve title. Standing reserve to Times Square III in a superb riding horse championship was Vicky Smith riding Miranda Wallace’s second placed large riding horse Assagart Vision [Ruby]. Ruby shone in the Castle Arena clinching the reserve spot with a strong gallop. The winner of the large riding horse was Lisha Leeman’s homebred reigning HOYS champion Kellythorpes Obsession [BamBam] under Frazer Atherden. “We were all over the moon
Will Morton and Indigo Marvel
to have a fantastic win with BamBam on his first show of the season. It was a real joy to have him back out; he’s a huge character and loves the attention,” said Lisha. It was Jayne Ross that won the novice riding horse class aboard seven-year-old King of Clubs, and the final winner forward for the tricolour was Heather Cure’s Happy Valentine [Harley]. This was the second year the home-produced amateur has won the title. Heather said, “finding time around a full-time job and three children is hard but when you get results like this and you can take all the credit yourself there is no feeling like it.” Heather’s husband Ian bought Happy Valentine as a Valentines present five years ago and he completed the love story by attending the couple’s wedding last month. “We couldn’t not have him there; he’s part of the family, he fits in with our family life perfectly. I just drag him out of the field to attend the shows that I enjoy.” The coloured ridden classes were extremely strong with several past winners returning for another shot at goal. Jane Ross and former Great Yorkshire champion and RIHS and Hickstead Derby supreme coloured, KBF
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Lynn Russel and Starfall Crescendo [Daphne] were a picture of elegance to repeat last year’s accolade and take home the reserve championship for breeder Michael Cook and co-owner Tony Reynolds. They were pipped to the post in both class and championship by Vicky Smith and Alan Marnie’s Bart. This was Vicky’s fourth championship ride of the show! Despite being the reining RIHS coloured supreme and a thrice HOYS winner, 11-year-old Bart had previously had a run of four seconds at Windsor.
Danielle Heath and Times Square III
Isabella Mears with Brookdale Limited Edition “He broke his duck,” said a delighted Alan, “but I do think he is looking better than ever this year; he’s so fit from doing more jumping.” Nevertheless, Alan admitted that he was surprised to have won considering his previous run of luck at the show and especially after his win in the show’s very first class, the working show horse. This was Vicky’s first attempt at jumping at Windsor despite her history of mixing eventing with showing, and it’s Bart’s first season in the working show horse classes. Although, he too has a history in fences, having evented successfully before Vicky and Alan acquired him for showing. In second to Vicky was full-time physiotherapist Emily Proud with her own Irish-bred HSF Lobo Royale. Emily has owned the Cardento Royale six-yearold since he was three and backed him herself. They recently scooped the amateur supreme at the Wiltshire spring show having won the working show horse, but Emily told us that despite his showring success, Lobo is destined for a career in eventing. Alice Homer landed three wins and two championships. Firstly, Alice and her grandfather, David Tatlow’s Little Joe won
54 | Showing World | May Issue 2022 |and info@showingworldonline.co.uk Katie Dashwood Minella Rebellion
Isabella Mears with Forgelands Hyde Park the heavyweight working hunter class before going on to stand champion. The nine-year-old KEC Maximum Joe gelding has been with the family for two years. “He is my absolute favourite on the yard,” said Alice. “He has his little quirks but gets away with murder with me at home.” Last season, the pair jumped clear around the RIHS and HOYS tracks and won the same class at Windsor but stood reserve champion to Cheryl Farrow’s late Bloomfield Incognito. “Cheryl has just lost him and is a great friend to us and came to Windsor to support us, so it was nice to win that for her.” In second place and reserve champion was Ellie Hirst and Noble Gladiator. Ellie and Noble Gladiator recently won their RIHS heavyweight class at Area 15A. Ella Dalton made her debut in the horse worker classes a successful one, winning the lightweight working hunter on her Esme Humpston’s Scarlet Ribbons. Liz Prowting’s novice lightweight Bloomfield President provided Alice, 20 with her second championship: the novice hunter title. The five-year-old Emperor Augustus has already been turning heads in the showring, having won Dublin Horse Show as a two-year-old and later the
Phoebe Price and Giles St Devole
Heather Rothwell and Happy Valentines
four-year-olds at Windsor last season before returning to Ireland. He then rejoined the team after he was purchased by Liz at the beginning of the season from his breeder Daphne Tierney. “He honestly is the real deal,” said Alice, adding, “he is nothing but a lightweight with quality, substance and temperament. He is an angel; No ear plugs, work, or anything!” Alice’s third win came from another of Liz Prowting’s: Bloomfield Eloquence. The Watermill Swatch eight-year-old won the ladies hunter. In second place and reserve champion working hunter was Ellie Hirst and Noble Gladiator, whilst reserve novice hunter was awarded to the second placed heavyweight hunter, Dr Willie Reardon’s Churchill IV ridden by Claire Oliver.
Frazer Atherden and Kellythorpes Obsession Jayne Ross and KBF Crescendo
Vicky Smith and Bart
Alice Homer with Bloomfield Eloquence
Will Morton and D’Aamascus
Alice Homer with Bloomfield President
Special Mention A special mention to our veterinary contributor, Lucy Penrose and her own middleweight hunter Palindromic [Mowgli], who retired at Windsor. 18-yearold Palindromic has been a special horse for Cheshire-based vet, Lucy. He is home-produced by Lucy, his excellent temperament allowing her to fit in caring for him alongside her work commitments and being mum to Lilly, 3. He has turned his hoof to every discipline under Lucy’s ownership, enjoying the hunt field, successfully competing in dressage, and popping the odd showjump when they’re both feeling brave! The pair have enjoyed numerous successes, competing at HOYS in the Search for a Star hunter ranks and qualifying for the RIHS six years in the amateur and open lightweights initially and later in the middleweight equivalents. “He’s a very special boy,” said Lucy. “He’s been placed every year we have been! Not in every class but at least once a visit!” The oldest in the class, Palindromic finished a credible fourth in a twentystrong middle and heavyweight amateur class at Windsor and will now enjoy retirement with Lucy.
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The Lowdown from the Working Hunter Ponies: by Summer Williams Wow! What an amazing and unpredictable show! They jumped to a 19/20 jump mark, two above The Lisa Kelly course proved twisty and needed second placed Bea Bailye-Hawkins and Precious a quick-thinking rider. Gem. It was an early start in the Frogmore Arena for the Nursery Stakes, won by Noble Peppermint and newcomer to the worker scene, Elsie Lynch with 18/20 for jump, and a whopping 10/10 for show! Second was taken by Ella Kay and Ormond Lucy Locket with the highest jump mark of 19/20. New partnership Florence Legg and Cottown Little Rupert were crowned 133cm winners.
143cm winners and eventual champions were Noble Ronan and Ruby Ward, who jumped a stonking clear for 20/20, gave their all for a 9/10 show mark and held an extra six marks on second placed Harriet Thompson aboard Fraggle. After a tie of 91 between Ruby Ward riding Woodfield Hazy and Courtney Baldwin piloting Quaralia, Courtney was pulled forward to win
the 153cm class on her Windsor debut. “The win means everything! After having a rocky start, my pony being injured last year and it being my last year in the 153cm plaited workers it was like a dream come true! I’m just so proud of how Flo’s come on after buying her as an unbroken 3-yearold; and the atmosphere was amazing.” William Pittendrigh topped intermediate section aboard Silver Lough [Scully], with whom Will was placed second earlier in the week in the lightweight horse workers. Scully and Will went on to take section reserve behind fellow England teammate Ruby.
L-R Ruby Ward and Noble Roman, William Pittendirigh and SIlver Lough, Elsie Lynch and Noble Peppermint, Florence Legg and Cottown Little Rupert, and Courtney Baldwin with Quaralia
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56 | Showing World | May Issue 2022 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk
SEIB Search for a Star &
Racehorse to Riding Horse 2022 kicks off at Vale View Equestrian
Herbie ridden by Alex Windross
Kavanaghs General Custer ridden by Tara Hunt
Woodhouse Supreme ridden by Rachel Motley
SEIB Search for a Star 2022 - Vale View Equestrian Centre, April 24, 2022 Report by Jenny Viner Photos SMR Photography Nearly 200 competitors descended on Vale View Equestrian for the first Search for a Star [SFAS] qualifier of 2022. Samantha De Caprio and Search for a Star steward, Helen Dunwell were welcomed to the judging team for the first time. Nicola Taylor joined senior judge, Richard Ramsay, for a full day as a SFAS judge. John Foster, Craig McLelland and Rebecca Court returned as stewards and Reece Bentley excelled in his first day stewarding for the team. There were strong entries in both the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and Your Horse Live (YHL) Search for a Star qualifying classes at Vale View Equestrian Centre. The day marked a high starting point for the brand-new Pony Club Search for a Star competition in its first Your Horse Live qualifying classes alongside the first running of in-hand Search for a Star series. The first class, Working Pony went to Natalie Pastor and her homebred six-year-old New Forest gelding, Langorra Ginger Port [Larry]. Qualifying for HOYS was only the start of the day for Natalie as the pair went on to take second place in the Search for a Star Mountain and Moorland class later in the day and earn a ticket to the Your Horse Live final. Langorra Ginger Port was bred by Natalie out of her New Forest working hunter pony mare, Portmore Lil. Natalie said: “It was always the plan to breed from our lovely mare. We bred two foals from her while I was away at uni,
Dewis Mate ridden by Jenni Savolainen
the other one went to Ireland and I kept Larry. I backed him and have produced him myself.” Larry is by Woodrow Portman who competed at HOYS in flat and working hunter pony finals. These successes rounded off a brilliant weekend for Natalie and Larry after a win and going champion at the NPS Festival the previous day. An ex-showjumping mare took the working horse class in style. Sarah Mather rode her mother, Dawn Mather’s mare Candle Line [Candy] to the win. Dawn bought Candy two years ago from Nickette Finlan, who had given up riding due to a heart condition. Covid meant the pair have just competed in local shows. Sarah said: “Nickette jumped Candy in 110 and 115 classes, she will be delighted to hear about this win after Candy’s change of career! This is our first qualifying show we have taken part in, so I’m thrilled to have won. The judge gave some very helpful comments about my saddle and how we could show her shoulder off better”. A well-attended hunter qualifier meant that the class was split into two groups with the six top horses coming back for the final judging. Rachel Bond and her own Bowland Shooting Star took the top spot. This pair took fifth place in the SFAS hunter qualifier at Richmond Equestrian Centre last year. Rachel said: “It is great to have come back and gone so well! I’ve owned him since he was a three-year-old and produced him right
Lord Nacally ridden by Tracey Bray
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from the start. I work for the emergency services and so it is a real family effort to get to shows. Julie Cornthwaite bred Shooting Star and gives me lessons, although my mum is a great trainer, too. I was lucky enough to go to HOYS with my Dartmoor mountain and moorland pony in 2011 and I can’t wait to go back.” The runner up in the hunter class was Tracey Bray and her own, 15-year-old Lord Nacally. Jenni Savolainen and Dewi’s Mate won a competitive riding horse and hack class. Exracehorse, Dewi’s Mate and Jenni have competed in RoR dressage competitions, taking third place in the Novice final at Aintree in 2021. Jenni said: “I had never done showing before when I first had Dewi on loan three-years-ago. His old owner subsequently gifted him to me for my 40th birthday and we have learned together. I am absolutely delighted that we are off to HOYS now. We will carry on with the showing and dressage, our other goal being to move up to the elementary dressage championships.” In runner up spot in the riding horse hack class was cardiology nurse Alex Windross and her own Herbie, whom she has owned since a four-year-old. “It was a choice of Herbie or a new kitchen. Herbie won,” said Alex, adding, “I first went to HOYS about fifteen-yearsago on a girls shopping trip. I loved the whole weekend but never even dreamed I would get to ride there”.
Bowland Shooting Star and Rachel Bond
Unique ridden by Hannah Johnson
Valentine Jak ridden by Marina Greenway
Candle Line ridden by Sarah Mather The cob and maxi-cob SFAS saw Tara Hunt and Kavanaghs General Custer take first place. Tara joked: “I always wanted my daughter to get to HOYS and now it’s me that has done it!” Tara purchased Custer for her daughter, Charlie Lillico, who has since given up riding. The pair have also qualified for RIHS in the open and amateur cobs and plan to do a few agricultural shows and some dressage in the run up to HOYS. In second in the cobs was Hannah Jonson riding Linda Penfold’s B Unique. Experience reigned in the Racehorse to Riding Horse qualifier, with former finalists heading the class. A total of 23 thoroughbreds came forward for judges Ali Tate and Lesley Whitehall. First place was awarded to Sarah Hartland’s Mumford ridden by Claire Oliver. “This is our first outing together and we are simply delighted to have qualified!” said Claire. “Mumford is calm, kind and mannerly, you can’t fault him.” Mumford previously qualified for the Racehorse to Riding Horse HOYS finals in 2019 and 2020 with his former rider, Collette McGoldrick, taking fourth and third place respectively. Claire continued: “Collette has done a great job with this exceptional horse, we are also planning on competing in some open riding horse classes.” Mumford’s owner, Sarah Hartland, who bought Mumford on Horsequest last autumn. Sarah also owns the 2008 Racehorse to Riding Horse champion Another Man – now 28 and happily retired – who was also ridden to victory by Claire. In second was Donna Bamonte’s nineteen-yearold, Valentine Jak, earning his 7th ticket for the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse final at HOYS
Langorra Ginger Port ridden by Natalie Pastor
under Marina Greenway. Incidentally, Marina rode Jak to qualify for the SFAS open veteran final at Your Horse Live where they were reserve champion. The final HOYS qualifying SFAS class of the day was the Traditional Gypsy Cob qualifier. Rachael Motley and her piebald gelding, Woodhouse Supreme [Billy] took first place. Billy has been owned by Rachael for six years. Laura Cox and her own Colour of Money took second. Laura said: “We have done a bit of showing, but this is the best! I’ve owned Colour of Money since he was 10 months old. I rescued him and paid £50 for him. None of us thought he would survive he was so poorly as a foal. He is now nine years old.” Your Horse Live will host the Search for a Star finals for The Pony Club classes, mountain and moorlands, in-hand, part-bred traditionals and the open veteran finals. A thrilled Donna Hoe won the in-hand veteran class with her sister, Gemma Hoe’s 26-year-old, Midnight’s Magic [Larry]. Gemma bought Larry in 2009 to showjump and the pair competed up to 1.20 classes with great success before the youngest Hoe sister, Samantha took Larry showing. With Samantha, Larry qualified for Olympia and the Royal International Horse show several times. Donna said: “He is such a true family horse, the only reason he went showing with Sam was as her horse Thomas fractured his shoulder so she borrowed him. The first time they went to Olympia was in 2017 just after our dad died, Larry really kept us all going. He has been pottering about lately, he has such a character and goes round letting the other horses out of
their stables. We have had such an emotional time, our sister-in-law died recently so this win is absolutely for Auntie Tina.” Fliss Martin and her Connemara, Kilmurray Fionn won a strong mountain and moorland class. This pair moved on from a disappointing result in the working pony class earlier in the day when Kilmurray Fionn spooked. Fliss said: “The first class today definitely helped settle him. I asked the judge for feedback and their suggestions on encouraging him to be more forward definitely helped. I’ve owned him for three years. I bought Kilmurray Fionn to jump and go to one day events as well. We qualified for the British Connemara Eventing Championships last year but didn’t actually go to the finals. I’d love to qualify him for the Royal International amateur heritage championships too.” Sixteen-year-old Catherine Chalkley took the partbred traditional YHL qualifying class at Vale View with her own, Bradwell Dun Deal [Rollo]. Catherine has owned the striking dun for four years said: “Originally Rollo was going to be my mum’s horse, but then I kept growing taller. I’ve only really been riding for two years and we have done STARS and British Dressage classes too. I am doing my GCSE’s this year and probably should be at home revising!” The first ever SFAS Pony Club lead rein class was won by Worcestershire Hunt branch member, Charlotte Knight, 5, riding her mother Jamie Clarke’s Dartmoor, Collstone Caventina [Dixie]. Jamie bought Dixie, last August for Charlotte. Jamie said: “Charlotte goes to Pony Club each week, she and Dixie take part in rallies and hound
info@showingworldonline.co.uk | May Issue 2022 | Showing World | 59 Mumford ridden by Claire Oliver
Colour of Money ridden by Laura Cox exercise. We are delighted this series is on as it provides a great learning opportunity and we can take it slowly and get it right.” In the Pony Club first ridden class, five ponies came forward and the class was won by, Emily Elliott, 8, and Connie Elliott’s Welsh section B, Larchgrove Isabella [Issy]. Emily and Issy are members of the Rufford branch of the Pony Club. Connie said: “Emily and Issy love being out, they compete in all pony club activities from hunter trials to showjumping to dressage. They have done some local showing and are really looking forward to Pony Club camp which takes place at Southwell Racecourse. They will get to have a good canter on the track!” Malton College student, Jessica Ross won the Pony Club open SFAS class riding her Connemara, Rooan De Goariva. Jessica said: “He is such a great pony, we have owned him for the past fouryears and he is brilliant at everything we have had a go at.” The pair compete in side saddle classes and Jessica won the Side Saddle Newcomers Rider of the Year award in 2021. They also compete at 90cm unaffiliated eventing and are planning to take part in some working hunter pony classes. Finn Williamson and Kirsty Spencer’s Port Lou Lou won the in-hand plaited horse YHL qualifying class. Finn said: “This was our first Search for a Star outing. We will go to two more SFAS qualifiers for the ridden class this year.” Finn is also planning to go to Equifest with Port Lou Lou this year. Dales gelding, Fulford Mickey won in the in-hand mountain and moorland class with physics teacher Georgie Lewis-Roberts. Georgie said:
Making histoy, the PC winners smile for the camera “This was our first time out at Search for a Star, we thought we’d go along and learn and find out more about the series, and we have only gone and won! The thing that stood out for me was quite how nice everyone at the show was. I was flustered getting my number and the secretary was so kind and helpful. I bought Mickey two years ago from his breeder. We had an old Fell stallion that was coming to the end of his showing career and I was really keen on having a Dales so I bought Mickey. We also competed in the ridden mountain and moorland class this morning and would love to qualify in this class too.” Georgie is hoping to take Mickey to Equifest and Showfest ahead of the YHL finals.
dressage tests. Last September, we thought we were going to lose him as he was on box rest and we took it very slowly. He was back in full work by January this year and it is lovely to have him back out doing what he loves”.
The in-hand traditional and native class was won by Neil Jordan and Clickham Junior [Ted], owned by Neil’s wife, Nicola Jordan. Nicola said: “We are over the moon with Ted. Originally we were coming to SFAS with our other traditional cob for the ridden class, but the lady that rides him for us had Covid so we didn’t bring him and just Ted came for the outing. Ted can be nervous indoors and so we will just do the in-hand class with him this year and take it steady and then maybe aim for the ridden traditional SFAS class next year.”
The open veteran was the final class of the day. Horses that had formerly had success at HOYS came forward for judging, including former SFAS HOYS Champion, Rustic Midnight Moonshine ridden by Nicola Wilkes and Racehorse to Riding Horse 2014 HOYS finalists, Ingleby Hill and Shelley Heywood. The class was eventually won by another former HOYS and YHL SFAS finalist, ex-racehorse Redbackcappuccino and her owner, Katherine Jones. Katherine said: “I was really chuffed with her in this class. The judge gave me some lovely feedback and said that she went forward beautifully for her. As we also compete in dressage at medium level it is great that she can adapt for both jobs. Going to HOYS in 2019 for the riding horse hack SFAS final was an amazing experience as was taking part in the open veteran final at YHL last year. This time we will be aiming to do better! We will also be going to more Racehorse to Riding Horse qualifiers this year to try to get to HOYS again.”
Gemma Viles and her own Peter Pan [Harvey] won the in-hand plaited pony class at Vale View. This was the first SFAS qualifier that the pair have competed in. Gemma has owned Harvey for the last 18 years. She said: “We are really looking forward to YHL! He’s a very special pony and loves to be out competing. I bought Harvey from Endon Riding School where I used to ride, we compete in Veteran Horse Society classes, mainly in-hand and we do some ridden classes - and a few local
SEIB’s Marketing Manager, Nicolina MacKenzie said: “Search for a Star is providing more opportunities than ever this year. I am thrilled by how well this qualifier has gone. The first ever Pony Club showing classes were just great and it was wonderful to get the in-hand Search for a Star series under way too. I can’t fault our many competitors today, they have been enthusiastic, respectful to each other and entered into the real Search for a Star spirit. I am so proud of both
Midnights Magic shown by Donna Hoe
60 | Showing World | May Issue 2022 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk Bradwell Dun Deal ridden by Catherine Chalkey
Kilmurray Fionn ridden by Fliss Martin
Larchgrove Isabella ridden by Emily Elliott the competitors and the team who made the whole day happy and inspirational for everyone involved”.
Fulford Mickey shown by Georgie Lewis Roberts Redback Cappucino and Katherine Jones
Peter Pan shown by Gemma Viles
For all Search for a Star and Racehorse to Riding Horse information and to enter, please see www. seib.co.uk/competitions.
Further qualifying competitions 2022: • 22nd May 2022 at Bury Farm Equestrian Village, Buckinghamshire • 11th & 12th June 2022 at Netherton Equestrian Centre, Perthshire, PH2 9NE, Perth, Scotland. • NEW – 25th June 2022 at Laurel View Equestrian Centre Limited, Ballyclare, N.I.
Rooan De Goariva ridden by Jessica Ross
• 23rd & 24th July 2022 during SEIB Trailblazers Championships at Stoneleigh Park, • 15th July 2022 at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships at Hartpury College, (RDA Riders Only) • 7th August 2022 at Science Supplements Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre, Rugby • 13th August 2022 NAF Five Star International Horse Trials, Hartpury College, (SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse only) • 14th August 2022 at “ShowFest”, Three Counties Showground, Malvern • 4th September 2022 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, Burghley House (SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse only) Collstone Cavetina ridden by Charlotte Knight
Clickham Junior shown by Neil Jordan
info@showingworldonline.co.uk | May Issue 2022 | Showing World | 61 Port Lou Lou shown by Finn Williamson
Miranda Wallace’s Assagart Vision ridden by Vicky Smith
Notes from a show producer...
VICKY SMITH
62 | Showing World | May Issue 2022 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk
Vicky and Bart at Windsor 2022
Give thanks I can’t quite believe that we are already in May! April and the beginning of the season passed in a whirlwind; we managed to attend four shows, yet it felt like we were already in the thick of it! I feel that spring shows have been well attended and organised as well as ever by all our stalwart show secretaries, who year after year, provide us with well-run shows and opportunities to compete. Please have a thought from them before complaining, especially on social media; most of them do this alongside a full-time job and have their own horses – and often children – to juggle. A ‘thank you’ in the office at the end of the day goes a long way.
Proper Preparation Unsurprisingly, some shows have found their entries lower than normal, presumably due to the increase in living costs – feed, equipment, and fuel – all of which are bound to have an effect. We run all our horses at one spring show, but ensure they are really well prepared in their fitness, coat and way of going beforehand. Putting this work in ensured they all secured a RIHS ticket on their seasonal debut. Afterwards, they were able to enjoy the good weather and spring grass, and only a few needed another run before Royal Windsor Horse Show. Our horses are prepared for larger shows with a large variety in their routines. Hacking amongst farm traffic, schooling out on the fields and riding in an arena full of Great Danes is standard for us at Bridge Farm, as well as farm rides and jumping. It’s always worth trying to box up to a different venue if you feel your horse is a little sensitive. Afterall, shows like Windsor are an expensive day out so you must make sure you are prepared!
The importance of training
Royal Windsor
My own preparation was disturbed by the arrival of Covid- 19. Having spent two years avoiding it, it was a sharp reminder it is still very present. I hope everyone is staying safe and those that have been unlucky to catch it recover quickly! I’m grateful to have an amazing team of staff and friends that have kept the show on the road here. Our groom, Poppy Carter, has stepped up to go above and beyond in her duties and years, and we are grateful. With a staffing shortage in the industry, it is vital we look after our staff whilst encouraging more young people into the industry. I have had several young people for work experience or training over the spring holidays, some from the local college and others that are keen to learn. I have loved educating them on the way we do things so I urge any young people who are keen to learn to contact a local professional as I’m sure they would be keen for some help in return for sharing some knowledge.
From a competitor’s point of view, it was slightly disappointing to have no stabling on site again this year. Luckily, we secured local stabling but shuttling to and fro with a big lorry added extra stress for us and the horses!
Training is a passion of mine - I imagine it’s still inside me from my 12 years as a school-teacher! This March, Mum and I held a three-day residential training camp under the BSHA Accredited Trainers Scheme umbrella, at Somerford Park in Cheshire. We had a different trainer in attendance each day and had the most amazing feedback. Each of the 30 combinations made excellent progress, and the camaraderie and friendships formed were amazing. All of the participants paid a deposit for us to run again! It’s now time for our societies to take ownership of training and education. I believe the standard of riding will only be maintained and improved if we do something about it. Clinics are great, but we need to educate people on more than just way of going. I also offered education on tack and turnout, and it was great that Topspec Horse Feeds came with their weigh bridge and created individual diet plans for each horse. As always “fat horses” are under fire and moving forwards I feel the societies need to educate riders about not only feed, but also fitness regimes for show horses. For me there are too many posts on social media of horses back in from winter holidays trotting round the school in a gadget or heading to a show. Gone are the days when people read books for education. They watch videos and posts on social media so let’s make them educational ones. For me, it’s down to the professionals to lead the way and the societies to educate.
Nevertheless, it really is a special show, and we are all privileged to be able to ride in such a location. I always tell people to remember to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy riding your horse, there really is no other show like it! I had a superb show and enjoyed every minute of my time in the ring. The week started well with Bart jumping clear and winning the working show horse class on our debut together in the class. Lots of people might not realise that Bart was evented before he came to me. He really is such a wonderful, versatile horse. After four seconds in the coloureds at Windsor, he also finally managed to win and went on to take champion. That was incredibly special. My own and Alan’s Toberpatrick Boss won the lightweight cobs. He won in Dublin at five and came over to Robert Walker’s yard. When Alan saw him, he fell in love with him and is really coming into his own. I was also thrilled for my clients, with two seconds for the Sankey family’s Borace For Short and a second and reserve champion for Miranda Wallace’s large riding horse, Assgarts Vision. She really rose to the occasion in the championship and felt incredible. Now that we’re home, spring is busy as ever at Bridge Farm, especially with eight Great Dane puppies. It has been disappointing to see some negative comments on social media regarding some winners. It’s extremely hard work producing horses to that level, and ill-judged comments are disheartening. Please remember that we should support each other, display sportsmanship, and at the very least, be kind and considerate of each other’s feelings. Let’s hope the sun continues to shine and you all have fun at the shows.
- V.
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Midland WPCA Spring Show Solihull Riding Club, March 20th Report by Heather Abrahall - Photos by Equinepix Lynn Wilson’s Walseker Roca Roja shown by Colin Tibbey
Roca Roja Rocks his way to Supreme After a successful 2021 season, Lynn Wilson’s Welsh section B colt, Walseker Roca Roja renewed his showing campaign by taking supreme of show. By Paddock Rio and out of Westaire Chantilly Lace, he was shown by his producer Colin Tibbey and continued his winning ways taking the three-year-old section B colt class before standing section B youngstock champion, overall section B champion, supreme youngstock and finally the top honours of supreme Welsh in hand. Taking both the Welsh section C WPCS bronze medal championship and reserve supreme Welsh in hand was Hannah Broome and Thomas Davis’ stallion, Llanmorlais Reagan, who is by Kylebeck Crespo out of Synod Sweet Chantel. Meanwhile, his yearling colt son, Pontardawe Johnny B Goode out of Gwenllan Aur, owned and bred by Thomas Davis, stood reserve overall section C to him after taking the section C youngstock championship. Scott Gibbon’s homebred yearling filly, Tymor Truly Scrumptious by Tymor Topgun out of Tymor Taylor Swift, made her debut for the season a successful one, winning a bronze medal for her owner Scott’s birthday, and later taking the reserve supreme youngstock championship. The WPCS bronze medal and Welsh section
A honours went to Charlotte Kilbey with her own 10-year-old mare, Idyllic Serenity by Lacy Buzbee out of Delami Misdemeanour, bred by her parents, Mark and Liz Kilbey. The unshown mare on her debut pipped Sandy Anderson’s homebred section A youngstock champion, Thistledown Red Wine, to the title. The threeyear-old filly by Thistledown Snowstorm out of Thistledown Scarlet Lady, shown by Liesl Mead was also on her showing debut of the season. In the part-bred Welsh championship, it was the winner of the seven-strong two or threeyear-old class that eventually came out on top. This was Liz Hampson’s homebred, Trindod Celtic-Lord, shown by Adrian Chapman. The two-year-old colt is by Adrian Chapman and Matthew Everitt’s Brookvale Celtic-Isle and out of Telynau Capri, both bronze and silver medallists themselves, it seems he is on his way to following in their footsteps. Taking the reserve spot went to Richard Burge with his own striking Tobiano stallion, Moorfarm Bandsman, by the part-bred Arab stallion, Tiny Bit Famous, out of section B mare, Hilin Buddug. Welsh gelding champion went to Dan Adams with Moelview Moonriver, who is by Moelview Prince Charming out of Moelview Moonshine owned by Paula Jones. Reserve gelding and
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overall MWPCA members in hand champion went to ‘little’ Dean Smith with his parents’ section A, Hope Madoc. The eight-year-old gelding by Heniarth Beaudacious out of Hope Brenhines, was only gelded in December after being purchased from Mark and Liz Kilbey of the Idyllic stud and has proved his temperament is second to none behaving impeccably for his young handler. Claire Omar’s coloured part-bred Welsh, Alnebury Frederico by Lendalls Prince George out of RJT Pretty Polly, stood Sarum stud youngstock gelding champion and later coloured winner and mixed in hand champion, shown by Tom Blinstone. Cameron Sage displayed his best handling skills to take the young handler champion title after winning the 12-18 class with his section A mare, Plasderw Waterlily. Cameron just pipped nine-year-old Caitlin Evans-Simpson to the spot, who stood reserve with her mother Claire’s Heniarth Brando after already winning the open first ridden class earlier that day. Tia Edmead finished the in-hand ring taking both the unaffiliated Welsh gelding championship and Welsh amateur/homeproduced championship with her own Locksbit Casworan, who is by Royal Welsh ridden champion, Eyarth Braveheart and out of
Locksbit Whispering Primrose. Standing ridden supreme was novice champion Otto of Craignetherty, by Apollo of Sunnyneuk out of Foxy Lady of Craignetherty. The five-yearold highland, in his first season, was broken by owner rider, Chloe Carter and went to Lauren Brill two months ago when Chloe started working for Lauren. The pair plan to continue the year in novices before hopefully stepping up to opens next year says producer Lauren. Kate Williams’ pure novice winner, Ringside Fields of Gold, took the reserve novice champion spot. The homebred mare by Swannhill Golden Rocket out of Gwernfythan Melody was on her ridden debut and has not been shown since her supreme of show honours at South Western Association of the WPCS as a foal. Sarah Pinfield’s Earnwell Elwyn, by Carrock Jack Daniels out of Earnwell Jade, took the open tricolour before later standing reserve supreme ridden, a personal achievement for local rider Sarah who has always tried to best the Welsh pony competitors at the Welsh show and had not done so until today. Standing reserve to Elwyn and Sarah was Trevallion Apollo ridden by Lisa Barsoum-Allen. The stallion by Trevallion Connan out of Trevallion Golden Girls is owned by breeder Sonia Smith and is in his first open season. Leading reins dominated in the mini supreme with open lead rein winner, Thistledown El Paso, owned by Heather Hiscox and ridden by daughter Emily standing champion, and novice lead rein winner Springbourne Encore, owned by Linda Card and ridden by her granddaughter Isabelle Ellis, took the reserve spot.
Charlotte Kilbey and hew own Idyllic Serenity
Chloe Carter riding her own Otto of Craignetherty
Cameron Sage with his own Plasderw Waterlily
Kate Williams and her own Ringside Fields of Gold ‘Little’ Dean Smith and Hope Madoc
Heather Hiscox’s Thistledown El Paso ridden by Emily Hiscox Sonia Smith’s Trevallion Apollo ridden by Lisa Barsoum-Allen
MWPCA members ridden champion went to Leanne Holford with her own Abergavenny Ancelotti, with Elizabeth Willets and Cascob Locomation in reserve.
Liz Hampson’s Trindod Celtic-Lord shown by Adrian Chapman
Claire Evans-Simpson’s Heniarth Brando handled by Caitlin Evans-Simpson
Sarum and mixed inhand champ
Sandy Anderson’s Thistledown Red Wine shown by Liesel Mead
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Thomas Davis with his own and Hannah Broome’s Llanmorlais Raegan
Thomas Davies and his own Pontardawe Johnny B Goode
Stephen Hulston, Mark Reeves, Frances and Rupert Thornley Taylor’ Twelfth Night
A Spectacular Show! NCPA Spring Spectacular - Warren Farm Equestrian Centre, Liverpool Report by Tamsyn Bell Heather - Photos by Real Time Imaging With a whopping twenty-two golden tickets on offer, it is not surprising that the NCPA Spring Spectacular was just that- spectacular! The weather was suitably kind and competitors were graced with a dry and bright day, and class entry numbers were high. The biggest class of the day was the 60cm BSPS Winter Worker stakes with a total of twenty-three entries. This was won by Amy Bannister- Bell riding her own Llaneilian Golden Ticket. It wasn’t plain sailing for the Raine family and lorry key issues almost meant them not making it to the show. Luckily, thanks to friends, three of their six entered ponies made it in time and had a successful day. They took the open (restricted) championship with Carrownurlaur Johnny owned by Karen Raine and ridden by Rebecca Raine after winning the BSPS Winter Open 143cm working hunter pony class and the 100cm BSPS Winter Worker Stakes. Johnny, a ten-year-old Connemara, and Rebecca have already qualified for the RIHS this year in both the plaited and mountain and moorland working hunter pony sections having bagged an early ticket for the mountain and moorland final at the NPS Autumn Festival last year, and a qualification for the plaited final at BSPS Area 17. They also won the 100cm working hunter class. Rebecca had a win with her novice 153cm Country Rebel, and Courtney Bouldwin,
who works for the team, had a creditable third in the 80cm with their novice intermediate, Country Havana. In reserve was the winner of the nursery stakes class and second placed in the 133 Open workers, Precious Gem owned by Rachel Bailye and ridden by Beatrice Bailye-Hawkins. No strangers to success, the won the 2021 RIHS nursery stakes final and were seventh at HOYS last autumn and won their 133cm RIHS qualifying classes at both BSPS Areas 6 and 17. The NCPA junior mountain and moorland large breeds was won by Llanidan Dunkirk owned by Katie Nuttall and ridden by Ella Hodgkinson. The equivalent small breeds class was won by Carla Iddon’s Dartmoor Pumphill Pantheon [Theo] under Molly Millard. The duo also won the NPS open first ridden which was another strong class. Molly, 8, and 14-year-old Theo have progressed through the ranks from local riding club level. Last year they finished their season with a win at STARS Champions of Champions in the small breed final. Sue- Helen Shuttleworth, who coaches Molly as part of the STARS program described Molly as “a definite star of the future”. Molly is looking forward to this season with a hope of qualifying for the RIHS PP class and the HOYS junior small breeds class. Mum Carla says Molly works really hard listening to everything she is told. Carla said: “It’s
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a bit scary seeing her in the ring cantering round with all the big ponies, but Theo is a diamond and looks after her so well”. The family are home produced and can often be seen at training sessions. They recently attended the NCPA training day with Julie Templeton on Westown Skylark, Molly’s pony for next season. It was a fantastic morning for Mark Robert Reeves and Steven Hulston of the Cuddington stud showing their home bred two-year-old colt, Cuddington Twelfth Night who is co-owned by Frances and Rupert Thornley Taylor. On his first venture away from home, the young colt showed himself well to head the NPS small breeds youngstock class and then stand overall NPS Silver medal Champion. The reserve went to the winner of the adult large breeds class, Llanwyn Mr Gatsby and Joel Duxbury. The NCPA registered mountain and moorland in-hand was won by Paul and Jane Steeples’ Fell mare Greenholme Kate exhibited by Tammy BellHeather. Greenholme Kate had a very successful day taking the overall NPS Silver Medal ridden championship, continuing their run of unbeaten championships this season. Hayley Reynolds took the reserve NPS Silver Medal champion with Ringside Game Keeper [Mav], owned by Danielle Heathcote. Winning the
huge NPS pure novice large breeds class, the fiveyear-old Welsh section C stallion took everything in his stride. Hayley, who has previously ridden for Danielle, only saw him once when clipping him before they made their debut at BSPS 2A and stood champion novice mountain and moorland. “Nothing seems to bother him. For a Welsh baby I’m shocked how level-headed he is,” said Hayley. The pair will be working their way towards the opens if all goes well as Children’s Social Worker, Hayley, makes the most of her maternity leave by hopefully enjoying lots of shows. Hayley juggles caring for her two children – the youngest being just eight months old – with keeping her ponies up and running and showing her home bred Pugs at championship level. Clearly a well-matched pair, Hayley and Mav also went novice mountain and moorland champion the following weekend at BSPS 2B, continuing their winning streak. With so many large classes, darkness began to fall for the conclusion of the BSPS Heritage classes. In reserve was the winner of the open (restricted) Welsh sections C and D class, Brynithon Grandslam. Owned by Nikita Nutall and ridden by Joe Shaw, the Welsh section D ventured out for their season debut. In their second season together, Joe explained: “Last year, we were getting to know each other but we are a lot more ‘together’ this year and will be doing some HOYS classes”. The bold-moving con suits a big ring
Sadie Hobson-Brown’s KBF Stanton Park ridden Ruby Hobson-Brown
Rachel Bailye’s Precious Gem ridden by Beatrice Bailye-Hawkins
and will be with Joe for the foreseeable future as his owner Nikita no longer rides and has entrusted him to Joe with high hopes for this year. The champion spot was taken by Joe Watson and Rob McIvor’s five-year-old Dales, Griseburn Major. Bought from the field as a three-year-old from breeders Helen and Andrew Horn, the gentle stallion has already had success in the show ring with several championships last year and earlier in the season standing novice champion at NCPA Lancashire and BSPS Area 1b. Rob and Joe – the RJ Show Team – are Lancashire based and have a full yard with 15 ponies in total, eight of which are in work. The couple run a tight ship together producing a string of Welsh, mountain and moorlands and coloureds. As Joe works for Marks and Spencer by day, Rob holds the fort on the yard and is described by Joe as the “organ grinder”, allowing Joe to fit riding around work. In the show pony section, Harvest Moon owned by Susan Burgess and ridden by Grace Sidebotham had a successful day taking the BSPS novice show pony championship. The pair also won the BSPS restricted ridden part bred pony and were third in the NCPA registered ridden. Producers Jack and Harry Moore had a successful day with six classes, six wins and two reserve championships. The reserve champion show pony and winner of the BSPS mixed height open
(restricted) show pony class was KBF Stanton Park newly owned by Sadie Hobson-Brown and ridden Ruby Hobson-Brown, this being their first show together. The Devonald family, who are new members to Moore’s Show Team, took the reserve champion spot in the show hunter pony section with Raemoir Masterclass owned by Charlotte Devonald and ridden by Harriet Devonald. The champion show hunter pony spot went to the mixed height open(restricted) winner, Isley Walton Gold owned by Vanessa Anders and ridden by Sofia Anders. Donna Tilbury’s novice mountain and moorland lead rein, Nynwoods Fashionable [Flash], made a successful debut under Donna’s daughter, Esther Tilbury. The pair were second in the BSPS novice mountain and moorland lead rein before winning the open class and standing section champion. Donna bought Flash directly from his breeder, Terry Wall in November 2021. “He was my 40th birthday present to myself! He was unbroken and had been castrated just a month beforehand,” said Donna. “I’ve broken him myself at home; he’s super sweet with a fabulous brain, which makes him extremely trainable and a complete pleasure to have around. Flash is a very apt name for a cutey who moves and has all the bling!” Flash is produced and led by Carl Owen. “We feel very excited for this little fella’s future and feel extremely lucky that he’s ours,” said Donna.
Vanessa Anders’ Isley Walton Gold ridden by Sofia Anders
Paul and Jane Steeples’ Greenholme Kate Donna Tilbury’s Nynwoods Fashionable ridden info@showingworldonline.co.uk | May Bell Issue 2022 | Showing World | 67 ridden by Tamsyn Heather by Esther Tilbury and led by Carl Owen
NORTH OF ENGLAND SPRING SHOW
Greenhall Treasure Island ridden by Robert Walker
APRIL 9TH AND 10TH - Warren Farm, Formby Report by Beth Simons - Photos by Real Time Imaging Mia Geddes was overjoyed to claim her first ever RIHS ticket with her own Welsh section C gelding, Glebedale Dick Dastardly. The pair won the Pretty Polly home-produced mountain and moorland class. Dick joined the Geddes not long before COVID hit, and the Geddes used the time to get to know him. Last season was Mia and Dick’s first season attempting RIHS and HOYS qualifiers. “We went to lots of shows and were placed every time having every colour rosette but the red one,” laughed Mia’s mum, Lisa. Lisa explained: “Mia has struggled with her mental health since the pandemic, and it’s been tough for her to the point she even didn’t know if she wanted to ride anymore. When the season hit, we looked at shows and her sparkle came back. At our second show of the season, she bagged a RIHS ticket, and I couldn’t be prouder for more reasons that one!” Mia and Dick very nearly claimed a second ticket in the UKP&H junior large breeds, but were pipped to the post by Darcy Robinson riding Liam Priestley’s Connemara gelding, Robe Robin Hood on their debut attempt. The ten-year-old is also RIHS bound in the open breed class with Liam, who explained that this is Robin’s first open season. “I am over the moon with them
both,” said Liam, adding, “We are very excited about his future.”
and being placed in the top ten at the London International Horse Show.
The reserve championship in the UKP&H mountain and moorland section was the winners of the junior small breeds class, Matilda Holmes riding Zoe Holmes’ Coffeepot Champagne Charlie, whilst the tricolour was secured by the winner of the intermediate class, Harrison Taylor riding Joy Rooney’s Banksgate Oh Boy. Last season, the sevenyear-old Fell pony stallion by Banksgate Johnny Doran was ridden by Horse and Hound’s showing editor Alex Robinson to qualify for RIHS and HOYS before being sold at the end of last season and moving to Harrison’s yard.
Davinia Johnson’s consistent and versatile Exmoor pony Stowbrook Red Kite almost clinched two RIHS tickets, standing second in the UKP&H amateur class but topping the open Dartmoor, Exmoor and Shetland class.
Kerry Wainwright’s Skellorn DeJa Vu [Dan] secured Harrison’s second ticket of the day winning the open New Forest and Connemara breed class. Dan is sired by Kerry’s uber successful HOYS ridden and in-hand and Olympia finalist, Skellorn Harrison and is out of Dominique Donna, a mare that was gifted to Kerry by Charlotte Brinkley. The 11-year-old had a superb 2021 season, winning the Connemara of the Year title at HOYS as well as qualifying for the Price family supreme at HOYS, the RIHS
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Emma Burrow’s team had a successful day with a host of placings. Emma herself won the Welsh sections C and D class with Juliet Tully’s Arawa Sirocco to pick up his RIHS ticket on his debut attempt, whilst her ward, Ann Rigby’s Dykes Blue Moon won the novice small breeds under Milly Philipson. The champion in the RIHS mountain and moorland section came from the Highland, Fell and Dales class, Lynda Johnson’s Finglands Braveheart ridden by Vikki Smith, who also won the novice large breeds class with Rachael Wilson’s Carlowrie Mikado. Amy Riley was delighted to secure not only two classes, but two championships with her own Optimus Prime, winner of the amateur hunter and coloured horse championship for the second year consecutively. The nine-year-old
coloured gelding was bred by Sally Carpenter and Amy has owned him for five years. Despite this, he only had his first open season last year as it took a long time to fill his 18hh frame before COVID added further delay. As well as taking the champion coloured rosette at North of England Spring Show, the pair also secured the £1000 Amateur Supreme final at North of England Summer Show, a sixth place in the coloured non-native horse and a second amateur middleweight class at RIHS, and a sixth at HOYS in his coloured class. “We are based at Warren Farm so we were on home ground and he absolutely loves the large grass ring,” said Amy. The reserve amateur hunter spot was secured by the winner of the lightweight amateur class Camilla Stowell Davies and her own Glenkeeran Dance In The Deep [Fintan]. He was bred by Maria Melvin, is by Crosstown Dancer and out of Thoroughbred mare, Glenkeeran in the Deep. Camilla bought him as a four-year-old from Maria after he was the four-year-old hunter champion and lightweight hunter champion at the Dublin Horse Show. “I’m not usually very lucky… but the day I bought Fintan I was the luckiest girl ever,” said Camilla. Since then, the pair have enjoyed some fabulous results, being second at HOYS, champion amateur at the RIHS, and supreme at the SHB(GB) National Hunter Championship Show. This was the pair’s second show of the season. They got off to a great start the previous weekend at the SHB North West Spring Show where they won the open lightweights. Coincidentally, North of England Spring Show was where Camilla and Fintan secured their first ever win and championship together on English turf, meaning it “will always be a special show to both of us”. The hunter championship was dominated by Team Walker, who fielded a strong field as ever for the show to win all three of the weight classes with Jill Day’s horses. Their champion
Briarhill Buddy Bolden ridden by Harriet Dennison came in the form of Greenhall Treasure Island [Larry], winner of the middleweight class. The six-year-old by Island Commander was bred by Derrie Rothman was already turning heads as a youngster, standing young horse supreme at Royal Dublin 2018 and took the reserve supreme at the Great Yorkshire show as a three-year-old. In reserve was the winner of the lightweight class, MHS Morning Master, who is also a former Royal Dublin champion as a youngster as well as former HOYS contender. Their final winner in the open weight classes was Mr Tea. Of course, Team Walker’s influence did not stop at the hunter section. Sarah Walker partnered Lisa Davey’s 2021 cob of the year Red Butler to the cob championship much to Lisa’s evident delight. “I don’t see him very often and was amazed by how much he’s matured over the
Optimus Prime ridden by Amy Riley winter which has been helped by his hunting and varied life I think. He was a joy to watch! I take no credit, Sarah adores him they have a fabulous partnership he has total trust in her,” said Lisa, who naturally hopes for his continued success. “I’d love for him to emulate his success of last year, but he owes me absolutely nothing and is truly my horse of a lifetime.” In reserve for the open cob title was our own columnist, Vicky Smith who won the heavyweight cob class on a new addition to her yard, Hayley Sankey’s Boraceforshort, pipping to the post 2021 HOYS winner Bobbi Dazzler who was champion cob the preceding week at SHB (NW) under Danielle Heath. Vicky also won the large riding horse class with Miranda Wallace’s Assagart Vision, also a new ride for Vicky on their debut appearance. “Both of these
Assagarts Vision ridden by Vicky Smith
Thistledown Anita ridden by EstherTilbury and led by Carl Owen
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Woodview Lola ridden by Lilly-Mae Howard and led by Emma Shepherd
Thistledown Sea Mariner ridden by Katie Parker horses are now aimed for Royal Windsor,” said Vicky who was extremely pleased with her new wards. A ‘Woodview pony’ won both the RIHS lead rein and first ridden classes. Woodview Ianthe under Milly Binks won the first ridden class and the championship, and Emma Shepherd’s Woodview Iola won the lead rein class under Emma’s daughter Lilly-Mae Howard, 5, to claim her first of three tickets. “We tried her late at night in the pouring rain,” said Emma. “Nothing bothered her so we knew we had to buy her; she’s a real poppet”. Emma and Lilly-Mae produce the ponies from home and this was their season debut. Dartmoor gelding, Treworgan Cloudbreak provided the team with a further two tickets in the mountain and moorland lead rein and the Pretty Polly home-produced lead rein mountain and moorland. Emma Harker and Jenny Harker’s Rotherwood Fantasia are a new combination getting off to a flying start. They won the 148cm show pony class and stood second in the part-breds before going on to gain her ticket with a win the following week at BSPS Area 1B. Jenny’s Penwind Charlie won the mixed height novice show hunter pony under her daughter, Victoria. “He’s a real show man and performs well beyond his years,” said Jenny. He also picked up his first ever RIHS ticket at BSPS Area 1B. However, the championship went to the winners of the 138cm
Brookdale Limited Edition ridden by Isabella Mears
Helen Davies’ Landemann Bird Of Paradise ridden by Cate Kerr and produced by Team Ahern. It was a Team Jinks representative in reserve, being 128cm Romanno Rosebud ridden by Lily Varley. The show hunter pony tricolour was awarded to Edinburgh based Lesely Parker’s 133cm Thistledown Sea Mariner [Mario] ridden by her daughter Katie. The Parkers bought Mario after last year but decided that he should continue to be produced by Sharn Linney. Katie, 11, and Mario had picked up their RIHS ticket a few weeks previous at Onley. In reserve were the 2021 champions, Nick Brookes’ 153cm Merrycorner Mister Bui and Zara Brookes. No stranger to success, Merrycorner Mister Bui was champion show hunter pony at RIHS in 2018 before the repeating the feat with Zara in 2021. Nick Brookes’ Parkgate Royal Visit William also won the small hack class and hack championship under producer Robert Walker. Donna Tilbury’s Thistledown Anita qualified for the RIHS in the lead rein hunter pony class ridden by Esther Tilbury, 7, and led by Carl Owen. This was their second outing this season having missed out by one place at BSPS Area 17. They will be contesting HOYS qualifiers later this year and Donna hopes “for that lucky ticket after marginally missing it a handful of times last season”.
Rebecca Anders and Prestwood Royal Appointment [Wills] secured Rebecca’s first ever RIHS ticket in the amateur riding horse class. Wills has been on loan with Rebecca from Emily Whalley since November and “is a pleasure to have” according to Rebecca as “he’s always happy and loves his work”. They actually stood second to the eventual amateur champions, Anna White with her own Firecrest C. Anna recently made a comeback to the ring after a five-year break raising her young daughters, Harriet and Matilda. In reserve was Isabella Mears riding her father guy’s winner of the amateur cobs and the open maxi cobs Brookdale Limited Edition who is produced by Danielle Heath. Harriet Dennison had an excellent run in the intermediate classes with three novice horses in their first season, winning the novice show riding type on Manhatten who is co-owned by Harriet’s mum Shirley Dennison and his producer, Rachael Helliwell. Harriet said: “We are excited for the rest of the season with him and hope to do some opens with him in the future”. Harriet also won the RIHS large intermediate show riding type on on Phillipa Hughes’ Carnival Dream, again produced by Racheal and she is owned by Phillipa Hughes, she came reserve champion. Bridget Edmonson’s Briarhill Buddy Bolden gave Harriet her third win and the championship. Meg Edmonson will also be competing him in some small hunter classes this year.
Red Butler ridden by Sarah Walker
Overall supreme champions, Towergate First Impression and Tabitha Hughes
A BRILLIANT
FIRST IMPRESSION BSPS Area 17 Highlights Report by Beth Simons Images supplied by Emmpix and Ellena Thomas Miranda Hughes’ Towergate First Impression [Cracker] enjoyed a superb weekend of showing under Miranda’s daughter, Tabitha Hughes, 10, culminating in them taking the overall supreme championship. Tabitha and Cracker won the RIHS first ridden and mini championship en route to the supreme having already secured their Pretty Polly and open first ridden qualifications at BSPS Area 6 the previous day. Miranda has owned the 11-year-old section A for five years. Last season, they enjoyed considerable success, finishing second and seventh in the Pretty Polly and open mountain and moorland first ridden classes respectively at the RIHS. They also stood mini supreme at the Heritage championships having won the cradle stakes. Nevertheless, Miranda explained that “Tabitha is desperate to get to HOYS on Cracker, but she doesn’t mind whether that’s as a first ridden or a junior working hunter!” Tabitha also hopes to compete successfully at the RIHS this year and hopes to step up to jump the open mountain and moorland working hunter pony tracks. “He’s her very special, favourite pony,” said Miranda, “she adores him”. Show hunter pony lead rein, Greendown Ruby, delighted her connections when she took the Area Supreme Championship led by her owner Kate Unwin, and ridden by Kate’s daughter, Mary, 5. “We bought Ruby last June having responded to a comment on a Facebook post,” said Kate. Since purchasing Ruby, Mary has been having lessons with local producer, Lauren Brill. This is the home-produced team’s first season competing in affiliated classes. Kate said, “We did some local riding club showing last summer and had lots of fun and success, so we decided to try affiliated classes.” Living just seven minutes form Onley, they ventured to Area 6 to compete in their first affiliated show. Despite being unplaced, they were undeterred and returned the following day to Area 17’s show. “To our utter amazement after being pulled top, we finished second.” They later went on to win the ‘Best of the Best’ award and Area 17 supreme championship.
hunter pony class just missing out on their RIHS ticket. 13-year-old Floys was competed successfully by Ella Hayes and qualified for both HOYS and RIHS before joining Lilly’s team. The pair got off to a flying start together last season, jumping clear at HOYS to finish third. They have already qualified for the 2022 Burghley Gold Cup and have also won three consecutive BE events, finishing on their dressage scores with the best being a 21, Lilly explained. She added: “This season I am aiming for HOYS and the RIHS and I would love to do the BSPS Inter Country working hunter pony competition as I’ve never done the teams before”. The show pony tricolour was awarded to Lola Carabine riding Jenny Harker’s winner of the 128cm show pony class, Ardenhall Blenheim. Jenny has owned the 13-year-old gelding for seven years. He was initially ridden by Jenny’s youngest daughter, Emma. The pair enjoyed tremendous success, including standing second at both HOYS and the RIHS. Jenny said that they “could never come to sell him,” and so it was decided that Lola Carabine should take over the reins from Emma. Last season was Lola’s first with him and the pair finished fourth at RIHS and third at HOYS. “He’s one of the most consistent 128cm ponies on the circuit and is an absolute showman. He’s your ideal 12.2 to take children from first ridden as he’s like clockwork; he always goes out and performs,” said Jenny. Reserve champion show pony was Hallie Kerry-Oates riding Charlotte Laurens’ winner of the 148cm show pony class, Bankswood Jacaranda. The remaining open show pony class, the 138cm, was won by Maria Rogers’ Wycroft Forget-Me-Not ridden by Ruby Rogers.
Winning the show hunter pony lead rein class was the uber consistent Thistledown Lawman [Max] under Harriet Walsh-White on their debut together. The pair were led by his producer of several seasons, Julie Templeton. The former BSPS supreme mini and HOYS finalist is now owned by Anna White and Sarah Walsh. Anna and Sarah bought the nineyear-old gelding last season with the intention that Harriet would take over the ride after Hattie Mustoe’s final ride on him at HOYS. Barrister, Anna explained that whilst she and Sarah have had many different kinds of horses over the years, they felt that producing a lead rein was “a specialist job”. She added, laughing, “Besides, the children listen to Julie; they don’t listen to us!” Last season, seven-year-old Harriet excelled herself to qualify both her show hunter pony lead rein, Littlebriars Horatio and her show pony lead rein, Chaseford Actor for HOYS within 48 hours. This season, as Harriet moves on to Max, her little sister, Matilda, 5, will take over Actor’s reins. Anna explained that it was also a special day for the family because as Harriet was making a successful debut in the ring, Sarah received her hunt buttons with the Holcombe Hunt. Reserve Area 17 supreme champion was awarded to Lilly Brennan and Carnsdale Tickled Pink [Floyd]. The pair were second in the 143cm working Area supreme, Greendown Ruby ridden by Mary Unwin
Van der Vaart Victorious UK Ponies and Horses Spring Classic Show
Photos by Spidge Photography - Onley Grounds, Warwickshire, 19-20 March 2022
Penny Richarson riding Thistledown Van der Vaart led by Mark Richardson
Lucy Richardson’s five times HOYS mini mountain and moorland champion, Thistledown Van der Vaart [Charles] proved his might once again by standing supreme of show. He was ridden by Lucy’s youngest daughter, Penny Richardson. Penny and Charles won the open mountain and moorland lead rein class, led by Penny’s father, Mark, before going on to take the mini championship and overall supreme. Charles (Maestir Valient x Thistledown Valencia) also won the open first ridden with Lucy’s eldest daughter, Lilly. It’s intended that Lilly will continue to contest the first ridden classes with Charles this year whilst Penny continues to enjoy showing him on the lead. Charles was formerly produced by Sharn Linney but he will be produced from home by the Richardsons for this season. Lucy said: “We will always be grateful for everything Sharn has done for us and Charles. Having been champion at HOYS five times and winning the RIHS last year, he had nothing to prove so we just want to enjoy him”. She added, “Charles is one in a million, a character, a true child’s pony and a pleasure to
do; he loves hacking at home and getting very muddy in the field”. The family also enjoyed considerable success with their other ponies at UKP&H. Penny and the ever-charming Briar Snowman won the concours class in the evening, beating big sister Lilly and her section A, Elberry Suilen into second, only for Lilly and Suilen to go on to win the junior 122cm mountain and moorland working hunter pony class the following morning. Both sisters also won on Torres, with Penny wining the tiny tots show hunter pony and Lilly winning the first pony of hunter type. Holly Levett’s charming Connemara gelding, Culmore Silver, clinched the reserve supreme spot under his new rider, Charlotte Tuck. The 11-year-old Currachmore Cashel was bred by the Kildore family and was formerly owned and ridden by Sarah Parker. Sarah and Silver had notched an enviable tally of results in flat classes at the highest level before embarking on a workers career with yet more RIHS and HOYS qualifications, and wins including at Royal Windsor and a tricolour last year at Cheshire
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County show. At UKP&H Silver again proved his versatility by winning his 75cm training stakes and qualify for the RIHS in the UKP&H intermediate young riders’ class before taking both section championships and the working hunter pony supreme. The pair have since gone on to claim their RIHS ticket in the 143cm class at Area 14 and their open Connemara and New Forest class ticket at area 15, meaning they’ve earned three tickets within one month. Mandy Burchell Small’s Rowfantina Orlando Bloom took the first RIHS junior small breeds mountain and moorland class and junior championship on offer. The six-year-old Welsh section A was ridden by Mandy’s grandson, James Burchell, 9. Orlando Bloom is sired by Mandy’s former open ridden and stud stallion, Broekland Allessandro, who has gone on to have a successful career as a first ridden pony since being gelded. He is also a grandson of Rowfantina Old Fashioned, who was ridden by James’ uncle, Owen Small, to win at HOYS. The junior large breeds ridden class was won by Paul Davis’ Nipna Lavender Lady, ridden by
Holly Levett’s Culmore Silver ridden by Charlotte Tuck Imogen Davis. Lavender and Imogen also went on to take the reserve junior mountain and moorland spot. A Welsh section A also topped the second RIHS junior small breeds class. This time, it was Diana Leeming’s Thistledown San Siro under Diana’s daughter, Lucinda Leeming, 13. Lucinda and San Siro are familiar faces in the class, and won the UKP&H junior small breeds final at the RIHS in 2021. They were also the highest placed section A and junior award winners in the open Welsh sections A and B class, allowing Lucinda to graduate to the open junior championship, which she won. He also won the 2021 Pretty
Sandy Wooderson and Madeline Haynes’ Badleybridge Ab Fab ridden by Jennifer Frost and led by Chrsitina Gillet Polly home-produced first ridden and was Pretty Polly mini mountain and moorland champion under Lucinda’s younger brother, William, 10. William was not to be outdone by his big sister at the UKP&H Spring Classic, and stood top of the RIHS mountain and moorland first ridden. They were, however, beaten to the RIHS mountain and moorland mini championship by mother-daughter duo Sandy Wooderson and Madeline Haynes’ homebred Exmoor mare, Badleybridge Ab Fab [Molly]. Molly won the RIHS lead rein class under Jennifer Frost and led by Chrsitina Gillet. Our own Showing World columnist, Vicky Smith,
Karren Burrows’ Redwood Surprise ridden by Sophie Curry made her season debut a winning one. She rode her partner, Alan Marnie’s Toberpatrick Boss [Baxter] to the RIHS cob championship. Alan fell in love with the eight-year-old lightweight cob when he saw him advertised by fellow producer, Robert Walker. He enjoyed a light but successful season last year, winning the novice cob class at Dublin, stood champion at BSHA Spring show, and bagging a HOYS ticket on his first attempt at the Great Yorkshire Show. South Wales based producer, Sophie Curry, won both the novice and RIHS lightweight hunter class with Karren Burrows’ Redwood Surprise [Woody]. It was Sophie and Woody’s debut
Imogen Trice and her own and Vicky Trice’s Ballinameesda
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Anna White and her own Firecrest C
Ami Miller and her own Awesome II
since he was purchased from Jill Day. “We can’t thank Christine Davies enough for pointing us in his direction,” said Sophie. She also produced Beverley Moore’s homebred Baylew Tiger Lily to win the novice intermediates under MeganMay Davies. Sophie also rode the Tiger Attack daughter to make her hack debut a winning one. However, the hack tricolour was secured by Jayne Ross, who scored a hattrick of championships at the show. She partnered Linda Upton’s former BSPS Winter novice supreme, RIHS and HOYS placed, Whalton Reprise to the hack championship as well as Rose Bailey’s former RIHS champion and HOYS supreme, Twinshock Warrior to the heavyweight hunter class and the hunter championship. Jayne also produced Ballinameesda [Heidi] to win the small riding horse class and riding horse championship under Imogen Trice. Heidi was bred by Jane Bradbury and is owned by Imogen and her mother, Vicky Trice. She enjoyed a fantastic novice season last year, being placed at both RIHS and HOYS. “She gives the most fantastic ride and is a lovely horse to have around,” said Imogen. She added, “I only live twenty minutes away which means I get to ride regularly”. Heidi will also compete in large intermediate show riding type classes under Imogen’s younger sister, Lydia Trice. Anna White won the small riding horse class and riding horse championship with her own and partner Sarah Walsh’s Firecrest C. It was a particularly special win as Anna has had a five-year break from the ring while Anna and Sarah concentrated on motherhood and their daughters Harriet and Matilda’s showing
campaigns. Ami Miller and her own Awesome II [Paddy] won the RIHS coloured non-native horse class and coloured championship on their debut in the class. “He absolutely loves being in the ring and is such a pleasure to ride,” said Ami. Paddy is produced by Jo Bates, who also piloted Ami’s new hack, Shildons Plan B [Bart] to second place in the small hack class and the reserve spot in the hack championship. “We are really enjoying building a partnership with him,” said Ami, and “we are very much looking forward to the season ahead with him”. Fellow Team Bates member, Katie Dashwood, also made a winning return to the showring with her own TB gelding, Minella Rebellion [Reg]. Former racehorse Reg was previously trained by Nicky Henderson but only truly found form when he made a career-switch to the showring. Last season, the pair won the supreme championship at the Jockey Club’s RoR championships in Aintree before going on to land the SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse of the Year title at HOYS. Earlier this year they were also presented the RoR Elite Supreme Show Series Champion at the historic Jockey Club Rooms. Ross Keys and former RIHS winner, Dycott Welsh King booked their return ticket in the exceeding 143cm mountain and moorland working hunter pony class before going on to stand reserve champion mountain and moorland working hunter pony. Taking the championship was Vicki Casey riding her own reigning RIHS mountain and moorland working hunter pony champion and former ridden Connemara of the year, Frederiksminde Volcano
Lorraine Holland’s Tyngwndwn Chanele ridden by Georgia Love
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Katie Dashwood and her own Minella Rebellion [Barney]. “He leaves me speechless,” said Vicki, “I never expected a win first time out!” Lorraine Holland’s Tyngwndwn Chanele [Diva] won and qualified for the 133cm mountain and moorland working hunter qualifier for the RIHS under Georgia Love. Lorraine said: “I have owned Diva for five years; she is my ‘play pony’ and we’ve had great fun doing adult camps, beach rides, sponsored rides and dressage. Diva contested a few ‘worker’ shows some years ago with Ellie, my daughter. However, due to COVID hasn’t been out for some time. I felt Diva was missing jumping so asked Georgia Love if she would consider jumping her for me. We never expected her to qualify at her first attempt of the season!” The show coincided with Lorraine’s fiftieth birthday party, so she was unable to watch. “I couldn’t believe it when I heard the news. I can’t wait to watch her at Hickstead; I feel so lucky to own such a versatile and talented pony,” said Lorraine. Georgie Lewis Roberts was delighted to take the supreme in-hand title with her own Fulford Micky. The five-year-old Dales qualified in-hand for the NPS Silver Medal and British Isles championship finals en route to the supreme. Micky is by Carrock Glen out of Fulford Faye. Georgie and Micky were also supreme in-hand champions at NPS Area 13. Georgie is enjoying showing Micky in-hand whilst slowly bringing him on under saddle. “We’re giving him time; he’s done a bit of everything to give a rounded education with workers, show jumping, hunting and a bit of dressage,” said Georgie, adding, “I love showing him in hand, but I do have to run quite fast”.
Georgie Lewis Roberts and her own Fulford Mickey
HSF Lobo Royale ridden by Emily Proud
Report by Beth Simons Photos by 1st Class Images
WILTSHIRE SPRING SHOW Full-time physiotherapist Emily Proud was more than proud to have clinched the £500 Kellythorpe Stud Amateur Supreme with her own HSF Lobo Royale, having won the working and local show horse classes en route to the supreme. Lobo was bred in Ireland by Owen and Cora Horan, and he is by their young stallion Cardento Royale. Emily has owned the six-year-old since he was three and backed him herself. “He’s a very cheeky character, so it’s been a lot of hard work getting to this point,” said Emily. “Moments like this make it all worthwhile. I was so proud of Lobo pulling off a beautiful individual show in the Amateur Supreme, with a smile on his face. I’d never asked him to do anything like that before”. Lobo is destined, however, for a career in eventing. Emily joked: “My trainers, Dani Evans and Alice Peternell can’t understand my obsession with showing, but I’m hoping the glorious sash and videos from the weekend will help explain it”. Emily’s luck didn’t end there. She also rode Sue Phillips’ Randalstown Time Piece [Timmy] to win both the in the coloured native/ cob/ traditional and restricted show horse classes on his showring debut. “It’s hard work juggling it all; I’m just so lucky to be riding such marvellous horses.” The amateur lightweight class and amateur hunter champion went to a second classy grey: Lucy Hopkins’ 2021 SEIB SFAS champion, Chilly Breeze [Matty]. Lucy purchased Irish bred Matty from her and husband Derek’s good friends, Rowand and Lydia Cope. Lucy explained that she
bought Matty predominantly to be a hunter. Derek hunted hounds from on board him a couple of times and Lucy also enjoyed a few days hunting on him before he spent lockdown on holiday, when he matured and grew. Lucy took dressage lessons on him with Theresa Szostek before trying a hand at showing. “I’ve always loved showing,” said Lucy, adding “we suddenly thought we could try showing him and see what happens; he’s just got better and better”.
classes under Imogen’s younger sister, Lydia Trice. Heidi was just one of a string of horses successful at Wiltshire from Jayne Ross’ yard. Fellow team member, Charlotte Clark steered last season’s Royal Windsor novice champion to secure the lightweight and ladies hunter classes before going on to be section reserve. Not to be outdone, Jayne herself also scored a hattrick of her own, heading three classes. She won the RIHS middleweight hunter class riding Tilly and Sam Powell’s Bloomfield Greystones, and won both the RIHS cob tricolour with Hayley Hyde Andrews’ lightweight, Bombadier, and the novice cob class Lisette Roberts’ Randalstown Aristocrat.
The amateur RIHS horse tricolour was awarded to the winners of the riding horse class, Imogen Trice riding her own Ballinameesda [Heidi]. It was Heidi and Imogen’s second championship in as many weeks, as the pair won the small riding horse class and riding horse championship at UKP&H to Ballinameesda ridden by secure their open riding horse Imogen Trice classes. Heidi was bred by Jane Bradbury and is co-owned by Imogen and her mother, Vicky Trice. She enjoyed a fantastic novice season last year, being placed at both RIHS and HOYS. “She gives the most fantastic ride and is a lovely horse to have around,” said Imogen. She added, “I only live twenty minutes away which means I get to ride regularly”. Heidi will also compete in large intermediate show riding type
The novice championship was secured by Dr Willie Reardon’s novice middleweight/ heavyweight, Churchill, under Claire Oliver. Incidentally, Claire also rode Ros Croft’s Evening Flight to head the novice lightweights. However, her star of the day was Susan Granger’s Shanbally Legacy [Lego], who impressed judges to take the RIHS small hunter ticket en route to the overall supreme of show title. Angela Tucker was ecstatic to see her own Patrick’s Choice win the heavyweight hunter class under south-Wales producer, Sophie Curry, and secure Angela’s first RIHS ticket. Angela bought him in December last year and he arrived at Sophie’s in late January. “He is an absolute dude, who is adored by everyone on the yard,” said Sophie, “Angela hacks him out around the fields and forests here; he’s a gentle giant and just a pleasure to do in all ways”. A last-minute team effort paid off for west Wales based Rose Sinclair James. Rose and her own Cloneyhea Clancy secured their RIHS ladies hunter ticket despite spending over an hour sat on the M4’s hard shoulder, waiting for recovery. Rose and her mother Kay were forced to take the unscheduled break on the way to the show after a blowout. “After the blow out, a great big STOP sign came on in the lorry with a lit up image of a battery as the alternator was failing. So stress levels were pretty high,” said Kay. To add to the stress levels, they had left home intending to plait Clancy once they got to the show. Luckily, Rose had alerted her friend, Jimmy Hooker who was already at the show. Rose said: “Jimmy was waiting for us
when we arrived armed with needle and thread”. Jimmy’s willingness to plait left Kay and Rose able to rush to get Clancy ring ready. “It was a huge team effort getting him in on time so I’m thrilled to have got our ticket as a result,” said Rose. Kay said: “I will never leave in plenty of time to plait when we get there again. Needless to say, working in was a quick trot to the ring!” Luckily, Rose and Clancy are an established duo, with Clancy winning an enviable two ladies horse qualifiers for HOYS last season. He won the first at Stoneleigh under Faye Ludlow as Rose was recovering from two broken elbows, and the second with Rose after her return to the ring at the BSPS Summer championships. They went on to be 6th at the final, much to Rose’s delight.
Dilcock-Thomas. Rachael’s daughter, Annie, won the UKP&H mountain and moorland junior large breeds class with Wyken Sweet Silhouette [LouLou]. LouLou is out of Bwllfa Seren, and is by prolific stockgetter, Wyken Rob Roy. Rachael bought Loulou from Vicky Harris in late October last year. “It was a big step up for Annie from her section A, Ysselhofs Hallmark, but one that has been so rewarding,” said Rachael. Annie and Rachael have spent the winter getting to know each other, training with producer Vicky Hesford and with BD Wales dressage coaches. “Annie was so happy to qualify for RIHS that she cried,” said Rachael. “The icing on the cake was winning the championship and doing a lap of honour all on her own”.
As well as thoroughly enjoying “a lovely show”, Lucy Richardson told us that the family also made their first trip to the Wiltshire show a winning one. Lucy’s eldest daughter, Lilly won a strong UKP&H mountain and moorland junior small breeds class riding Shetland gelding, Briar Snow Fox. Having enjoyed prolific success with the seven-year-old gelding’s half-brother, Briar Snow Man, the Richardsons ran him last season for his previous owner, Joanne Howells Bevan. Sisters Lilly and Penny qualified him for three classes – the mountain and moorland lead rein, first ridden and open Dartmoor, Exmoor and Shetland classes - at HOYS last season. The family subsequently purchased him shortly afterwards from Joanne.
Taking reserve champion UKP&H RIHS qualifying classes was the winner of the intermediate class, Chloe Brown riding Katie Reynolds’ Pwllmelin Isobella [Bella]. Seven-year-old section C Bella was bred by Graham Moffat and has been ridden since late 2020 by Chloe. “This is my second season in the show ring having taken the opportunity to show in 2021 alongside eventing my own horse,” said Chloe. Chloe and Bella got off to a flying start last season with some excellent results including winning the Black Country Saddles Welsh sections C and D final at the NPS Summer Championships.
Also celebrating mothers day with a trip to Wiltshire and an RIHS ticket was Rachael
Meilliver Willy Woka ridden by Lisa Young
The final class in the section, the amateurs, was secured by Lisa Young riding her own Fell gelding, Melliver Willy Wonka. Lisa and her mother, Kathy Rose purchased seven-year-old Willy as a yearling for £200 from a good friend of theirs who is a Wyken Sweet Silhouette ridden by Annie Dilcock-Thomas
Whixall’s Candy Boy ridden by Kieran Baslington
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Rotherwood Fancy That ridden by India Till
Howetown Mantovani ridden by Megan May Davies
St Giles Devole ridden by Phoebe Price dealer. “He is the most kind hearted boy anyone will ever meet; he’s ridden by all ages and loves a good cuddle,” said Lisa. The pair also won their novice working hunter pony class and topped the novice mountain and moorland working hunter pony championship. Lisa, who is mum to four-year-old Louie and five-month-old Brody explained that motherhood had prevented her from jumping for the past two years. “I hadn’t jumped in about two years and Willy hadn’t seen a jump in about six months, but I put my ‘big girl pants’ on and he flew round a fab course.” Lisa and Willy have made a flying start to the season, winning their NPS open winter qualifier, taking the section championship and the NPS Silver Medal championship at East Soley in early March. Wiltshire was their second show of the season and first ever attempt at RIHS qualification. “I couldn’t do any of it without my mum, but fingers crossed now we can keep up the good work for our next show,” said Lisa. Jeannie Barton’s Whixall’s Candy Boy [Sligo] jumped his way to the RIHS working hunter championship under Kieran Baslington. The seven-year-old was originally purchased at three from the Cavan sales by Jeannie’s husband, Don, who sadly passed away in February. Kieran subsequently broke him in, and he has stayed with Kieran ever since. Last season was his first competing in the working hunter classes. Kieran
explained that he jumped a handful of novice classes before aiming straight for open classes. Sligo managed the step up and jumped clear around the two HOYS qualifiers he entered at the end of last season. “He’s been hunting all winter, as a proper working hunter should,” said Kieran. The hunting must have paid dividends as he qualified on his season debut at Wiltshire. “He’s a saint of a horse and is never any bother at all”. Megan May Davies was delighted to pick up her small intermediate show riding type ticket riding Howetown Mantovani [Thomas]. The Kilvington Scoundrel son was purchased from Beverly Moore during the 2020 lockdown. Last season, he took Megan straight into intermediate classes successfully despite her being only 15 at the time. They qualified for RIHS as both intermediate and large part-breds and also won the NPS Kellythorpes intermediate championship. “Thomas is such a big part of the yard; he has a huge character and never fails to put a smile on my face – I absolutely adore him,” said Megan, who is helped by her mother, Christine Davies and local producer, Sophie Curry. However, taking the intermediate championship was Pheobe Price riding her mother, Joanne Price’s winner of the large intermediate show riding type, St Giles Devole. Six-year-old Dev is destined for both intermediate show riding type and hack classes. He has had a super start to his
season, being supreme novice at BSPS Area 16, reserve champion RIHS intermediates at BSPS Area 17 before going one better at Wiltshire. Phoebe was also presented with the Wiltshire Show Rising Star rider award, kindly sponsored by the Leeman family. “I’m so pleased Phoebe was given this as she really has worked so hard in between her university commitments,” said Scott Dixon, who produces the Price family’s horses. “Phoebe and Dev’s show was quite spectacular in the class and was even given a round of applause. We are very excited for the season ahead, and I have high hopes for Phoebe’s future in the horse classes”. Partbred champion was Henrietta Till’s Rotherwood Fancy That [Frederick] under Henrietta’s daughter, India. Bred by Liz Mansfield Parnell, five-year-old Frederick is by Treworgan Dare to Peep and is out of Rotherwood Flight of Fancy, who sadly passed away last year. He made his showring debut at Windsor last season where he won his novice show pony class and stood champion. He was subsequently put away to mature. “He was broken late and we think he’s quite special so as he was still a real baby, we gave him time out to chill and grow stronger,” said Henrietta. He is produced on the family’s behalf by Nicky Smith. After Wiltshire, Frederick later went on to win his RIHS 148cm show pony class and stand champion at Area 13A.
Kenny’s Comeback Kirsty Lockhart was delighted to finally see her own Ecclesbourne Discovery Bay [Kenny] make a comeback from injury under Kirsty’s younger sister, Milly. The Turberry Top Cat gelding is out of HOYS hack, Stanley Grange Eclipse, and was bred by Sarah and Jane Carey. Kenny accompanied his mother when she competed in the Cuddy supreme in-hand final at HOYS before going on to enjoy a flawless in-hand record with Sarah as a yearling and two-year-old. Kirsty and her mother, Lynda purchased Kenny as a four-year-old after Lynda, saw a picture of him posted on social media. Kirsty and Milly are no strangers to success, winning the part bred final at HOYS 2021 with
Caron Scudamore’s 148cm show pony mare, Absolutely Classic, in her first open season. However, their journey to success with Kenny has not been straightforward. During their first season together in 2020, lockdown prevented him from being shown until the BSPS summer championships, where he won his novice show pony class and stood novice show pony champion under Milly. He then went on to the 2021 BSPS winter championships where he also won and secured his RIHS ticket on his first attempt. However, just two weeks later a field injury rendered Kenny needing six months of box-rest. “We gave him longer than the vets suggested, as we wanted to make sure long term he was fully recovered,” said Kirsty. The sisters
brought him back into work over the winter and made a return to the ring at Wiltshire. The team have also had to have a minor shift in direction for Kenny as he’s grown since he was last shown so he now won’t be shown as a 138cm show pony, but as a part bred instead.
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Assess, Train, Improve This issue, Justine Armstrong Small stresses the importance of reflection and assessment in our quest to improve performance in working hunter classes. “Now that we are well into the season, those with new combinations are finding out a bit more about their ponies or horses and which buttons to press. It’s good to assess how training and competitions are going and reflecting on whether you are getting the results you are expecting. We always need to ask are we entering the right classes for our animals? This depends on the experience of the pony and the rider combination and continual assessment of how the jumping rounds are going. If the confidence is building, things are going to plan and we’re jumping clear rounds, then we can start to look at stepping up to the next level whether that’s from novice to open classes or from the opens to the qualifiers. On the other hand, if the start of the season hasn’t really gone to plan, then we need to work towards rectifying the issues. Has the pony lost confidence? Are the fences too big for the current level of training? Are there certain fences, such as water trays, walls, or fillers that are causing problems? Has the pony become careless?
When a loss of confidence in either the pony or rider is the problem, then we may need to think about dropping down a level in competition. The training stakes and new winter worker stakes classes are very useful as they are categorised by the height of the fences and not according to the pony’s winnings so can be used for both open and novice combinations. Also, it’s a good idea to try mixing open classes with RIHS or HOYS qualifiers. The open classes are generally less technical and lower in height, too, than the qualifiers, so can keep ponies sweet and feeling confident by allowing them a mixture of easier courses with the more technical. Of course, always keep up the lessons with a trainer as it really does help to have another set of eyes monitoring progress. We often get carried away with the jumping phase and neglect the show and conformation sections which make up the rest of the marks. You’re show makes up 10 marks so whilst it is a relatively small number allocated, the difference between a mark of 7 and a mark of 9 can make all the difference in the final placings. So, make sure your ponies and obedient and level in all their paces and transitions, too. Judges have to really use their marks in this section so
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little errors such as not halting properly or cutting corners and not using the ring can be very costly. Equally, with the conformation phase, stand your pony up correctly. Take your time when walking away to go far enough and run straight towards the judge. Remember, every mark counts and sometime little tweaks can make the difference between winning or not, so take your time to assess, train and improve each aspect of the class not just the jumping phase. Good luck!”
Justine has had a good spring season, most recently qualifying Elain Norris’ lightweight working hunter Jabs Manhattan for the RIHS at South Suffolk, and riding Sophie Hartwell’s 143cm Connemara, Whiteley Village Viscount to win at Area 15 A. (Photo: Equi Pics)
LAP OF HONOUR
Wow! Our readers really have been taking the showring by storm! Each issue we will be celebrating your individual successes. When we decided to open the feature, we were inundated with wonderful submissions. In fact, we couldn’t fit you all in! If you sent us your details and weren’t included this time, make sure that you all keep us up to date on your successes from now on and we’ll try our best to slot you in our next issue. 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 | May Issue 2022 | Showing World | 79
Grace Mc Donagh and Banks Timber Grace Mc Donagh and her fiancé Jo Burke’s Banks Timber made a superb start to their partnership by taking both the Connemara and mixed mountain and moorland classes before going on to stand section champions and later supreme champions at the Tipperary Area Irish Pony Society. It was Timber’s first time back in the ring show with Grace taking the reins, a super first day out together winning both the Connemara class and the mixed m&m class then winning their section championship and going on to take the overall Supreme Championship of the show. It was Tim’s first time out after returning from Sandra Burton in late 2020 as COVID had halted shows and their plans for the HOYS and Olympia finalist. Since returning, he had been covering at home. “We started working Tim in preparation for the stallion parades and I convinced Grace to get him back out in the ridden classes,” explained Joe. “After their first day out together, she is hooked! He just loves being out and is such a pleasure to take to a show so fingers crossed he’ll have a busy summer ahead.”
Chloe Chan with Corries Jak in a Box and Monarch of the Glen Chloe Chan, 13, 133cm Corries JacK in a Box and 19-year-old 143cm legend, Monarch Of the Glen are looking forward to an exciting and fun summer. The season started in March when Chloe and Glen hit the ground running with a 20/20 jump mark at BSPS Area 6, winning their first RIHS qualifier together. Chloe’s got clear goals for her 2022 season. She thoroughly enjoys working hunter pony classes, and is hoping to compete at HOYS, RIHS and Burghley in both the 133cm and 143cm sections. With the British Eventing season under way and having Glen, an eventing superstar, the pair have also been busy competing at BE90, successfully completing Oxstalls BE90 under 18s to finishing third, which they were thrilled about. They went onto Solihull BE90 to finish with a double clear and a 30 dressage score placing them eighth.
Brogan DouglasJones and Carrwood Valentine Brogan Douglas-Jones and her loan pony Carrwood Valentine [Val] qualified for the open mountain and moorland first ridden final at the RIHS on their first attempt. Brogan’s mum, Gabby Buckley told us that they had had Val on loan from owners Barbara and Gabi Stirton for exactly twelve months to the day of qualification, and rightly considered that “to be a lucky sign”. She also explained that it had taken Brogan and Val six months to really get to know each other. However, the hard work Brogan put in at that point certainly seems to be paying now as she went on to qualify for the Pretty Polly home-produced heritage final a week later at the Cheshire Premiere show. “Val is a truly lovely boy; we are very lucky to be able to have him. Here is to many more successful years for this lovely little duo,” said Gabby.
Chloe has been trained and mentored since her first forays into the workers by Niki Horsely Gibbons who describes Chloe as “absolute joy”. She explained that Chloe is “very hardworking and always arrives for lessons bright, happy, and always strives to be better and improve. We study previous videos, work through the tweaks in the lessons and prepare exercises accordingly for the following week for her to practice. Chloe has two super ponies, both of which were not without their challenges in the beginning, and with quiet patience, dedication, and a very supportive mum, she is doing a very beautiful job of continuing their first class education. They are already having a super successful start to the season, and I am in no doubt with the continued hard work, they will enjoy the rest of the year and the challenges that each show brings”. Chloe, who is proud to be sponsored by Treehouse Sporting Colours and Salute Equestrian, and her mum, Sarah, are really looking forward to the season ahead and are very lucky and honoured to have such special ponies. Tiggystrust.com #ridefortiggy
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Scarlett Marshall and Greenholme Knight Scarlett and six-year-old Fell stallion, Greenholme Knight have qualified for the UKP&H intermediate mountain and moorland class at the RIHS. Knight, who is by Greenholme Warrior, is owned and produced by Terry Clynes and CIaran Kelly by Greenholme Warrior. Scarlett and Knight had had a few seconds and even a reserve champion at North East Derbyshire spring show before finally going one better to secure their ticket. Scarlett’s mum, Keeley explained that she meets Knight at shows “and loves having the ride on him and is very much looking forward to the final!” The following day at Area 4B, Knight also qualified for the open breed class and stood champion ridden by Terry.
Ellie Just and Stop Talking Ellie Just and her mother, Sarah Harpers, middleweight hunter Stop Talking [Duster] are a new combination making their mark with an early RIHS qualification and hunter championship at NPS Area 14. “Until January this year, Duster’s career had been strictly hunting as a master’s horse up in Yorkshire with the Bedale, but his owner was retiring and he was advertised for sale on Facebook with a short video. His movement caught my eye. He was hunting fit so very lean but he looked a lovely stamp,” explained Sarah. Duster is being produced by Essex based producer Will Morton, who won the novice class on him earlier the same day.
Edward Young and Collette McGoldrick’s team of riders have been busy bagging results this spring. At BSPS Area 5, Ann Mckay’s Barkway Blue Moon and Maisie Kerry-Oates claimed their RIHS first ridden ticket, the mini championship and supreme at BSPS Area 5. Angela Hunt’s SKS First Waltz won the intermediate show hunter class and stood champion under Jess Hunt. He later went on to win the RIHS amateur small hunter with Angela herself at Area 2A, where she also won the amateur cob class with her own Aughnacliffe High Peak, and Mrs V Stanton’s Donner Tan won the RIHS small riding horse class and section championship under Edward Young. 148cm show pony Bankswood Jacaranda was reserve show pony at Area 17 under Hallie Kerry-Oates whilst Cate Mitchell and Jacket’s Guinevere claimed their 138cm show pony class and championship at Area 6 and stood RIHS show pony section champions at the BSPS winter championships.
Esther Tilbury with Thistledown Anita and Nynwoods Fashionable Donna Tilbury’s lead rein hunter pony, Thistledown Anita, has qualified for the RIHS at the North of England Spring show on her second time out this season having already stood a close second place at BSPS Area 17. She was ridden by Donna’s daughter, Esther Tilbury and was led by her producer, Carl Owen. The team will be contesting the HOYS qualifiers later in the season and are feeling excited and hopeful for that golden HOYS ticket after marginally missing it a handful of times last season. Esther has also been competing on Donna’s novice mountain and moorland lead rein, Nynwoods Fashionable [Flash], whom Donna bought directly from his breeder, Terry Wall in November 2021. “He was my 40th birthday present to myself! He was unbroken and had been castrated just a month beforehand,” said Donna. “I’ve broken him myself at home; he’s super sweet with a fabulous brain, which makes him extremely trainable and a complete pleasure to have around. Flash is a very apt name for a cutey who moves and has all the bling!” Flash is also produced and led by Carl Owen. They had a super debut at the NCPA Spring Spectacular, being second in the BSPS novice mountain and moorland lead rein before winning the open class and standing section champion. Has since been thrown in at the deep end and contended two large RIHS qualifying classes where he stood a very respectable fourth place with fabulous comments from judges. “We feel very excited for this little fella’s future and feel extremely lucky that he’s ours,” said Donna.
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Esme Atkinson and Weydown Royal Consort Esme Atkinson and her mum, Jemma Atkinson’s Welsh section B, Weydown Royal Consort [Marv] are a new combination this year. He is produced by Katy Marriott-Payne who spotted Marv at a show last year and thought he’d be perfect for nine-year-old Esme. Katy messaged his owner asking if Jemma could have first refusal on him if they decided to part with him. “Luckily, that time came in January. When we tried him, there was an immediate connection; they were perfect for each other,” said Jemma. They tried a handful of early qualifiers where the little duo consistently stood in the top. Their luck changed at the BSPS championships. Jemma said: “When it was time for BSPS Champs, they were on top form and looked an absolute picture. As soon as they entered the class, they meant business and executed a beautiful show to gain their RI ticket. In the championship they pulled it out of the bag, pinging round to claim the mini championship. I’ll never forget the smile on Esme’s face, it was her first RIHS ticket with him and first ever big championship. We’ll remember it forever”.
Niamh Evans and Thistledown Gaucho Thistledown Gaucho (Romeo) is a sevenyear-old Welsh section B by Thistledown Arctic Sun, owned by Myscha Dene. Myscha had first seen Romeo with his previous owner Sharon Wilson a few years prior when he had just been broken in by Sam Roberts. “I loved him then and felt sure he would be very special, however my daughter was only in lead rein at the time, so it certainly wasn’t the time for a junior/ open pony,” said Myscha. He went on to Ruth Williams and her daughters in South Wales, where he had a varied education and life, something Myscha attributes his level-headed and easy-going disposition to. He was prematurely outgrown by Ruth’s girls and they sadly lost two seasons due to COVID. Myscha arranged to view him prior to him going onto the open market and made the decision very quickly that he would join her team. “Our ten-year-old daughter, Phoenix was able to pop on and do absolutely everything with him; it is of the utmost importance to us that ponies are not only correct in conformation and way of going, but also have a good brain. However, Phoenix still appeared quite small on him, therefore we asked Niamh Evans, 12 to pilot him for us for the season, giving him some further mileage for Phoenix to take up the reins in the 2023 season”. Niamh and Romeo had a successful day at the WPCS Glamorgan show as a novice ridden B, but the following day, Myscha went ahead and stripped him back as a show hunter pony, just 24hours before entering a strong 133cm show hunter pony RIHS qualifier. “With no expectations from us whatsoever, he gave a beautiful show far beyond his years of experience and took the RIHS ticket on his first attempt. This was also a first RIHS ticket for our borrowed jockey Niamh, who has listened to every instruction we have given her to develop the combination”.
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Team Moore’s new combinations Team Moore have had an excellent start to the season including with some exciting new combinations. Harry and Jack’s grandparents, Chris and Doug Kirby’s Tullabeg Riley won at his first attempt in the RIHS small hunters at NCPA Lancashire. He’s going to be aimed at a few RIHS and HOYS intermediate hunter qualifiers. “It’s lovely to have my Nan and Grandad owning a show horse with us after years of them coming to shows and helping us,” said Harry, adding, “it’s nice for them to finally get some success of their own.” SCT Master of the Hounds will also contest intermediate hunter classes this year after his owner Jemma Ellison handed the reins to Georgie Moore, who is newly turned 18, whilst Jemma concentrates on her new job. The pair have already qualified for RIHS at BSPS Area 4A where they also took reserve champion. They also picked up their small hunter qualification at SHB NW on their debut attempt in the horse classes. Also making their first outing count, Cockney Ruby took the RI small intermediate show riding type and champion at BSPS Area 4A. Another new face at Team Moore, Cockney Ruby was bred by Craig Eleanor and was produced by Steve Pitt for Martin Wood. Rommano Anais Anais and Rachel Morgans made their debut at BSPS Area 5 picking up their RIHS ticket and taking reserve champion large riding horse. Rachel last competed twenty years ago, so she was very pleased to continue where she left off from in her pony days.
Isabella Worthington and Dolphins Lawyer Isabella Worthington was pleased to be out showing having not been home from university since Christmas until just a week prior, especially as Dolphins Lawyer [Raffi] had not been to a show since RIHS last year where he gained a credible third in the small amateur riding horse class in his first novice season. However, she needn’t have been concerned as the pair won their first class, the amateur riding horse class to qualify for the RIHS. “Having no expectations in the championship where there were really lovely established horses, I was shocked to go amateur champion, especially as this was the first time Raffi had been ridden by a gentleman judge”.
Have you been out competing recently? Get in touch at beth@showingworldonline.co.uk
and let us know!
Later that day, they won the Pretty Polly intermediate class, meaning they took home two RIHS tickets. “It was fantastic and a real bonus for my mum as she keeps the horses going whilst I’m at university and now doesn’t have to choose a show where we can meet half way on a weekend,” said Isabella, adding, “I think she is secretly enjoying having Raffi to herself as recently she has been on an eventing camp with him at Somerford Park and he’s showing real promise jumping so we hope to contend some working show horse classes when I’m home from Cirencester in the summer”.
Scarlett Williams and Roving Pedlar Scarlett Williams, 14, had an unforgettable Easter holiday winning two RIHS tickets riding Emma Parkinson’s 153cm Roving Pedlar [Ollie]. Scarlett and Ollie are a new combination starting out in the bigger classes this year. Scarlett said: “I went in to the 2022 season with only a few aims in mind, I wanted to qualify for the RIHS on a win, jump a senior newcomer with British Showjumping,” and, like all budding young jockeys, “to win a sash!” After competing at both BSPS Area 15 and BSPS Area 7 and missed out on both 153cm tickets so changed strategies. Scarlett explained: “Ollie is a completely different ride to what I’m used to; at only 153cm he rides long and horse-like. After taking him BS, we felt that the bigger the fences, the more he dug deep and helped me out. Our logic proved correct after we decided to jump the intermediate RIHS qualifier at BSPS Area 16 where we went on to win followed on by a reserve champion sash! A ticket won and a sash won! My 2022 goals achieved!” “Having collected our first intermediate ticket, we are still in need to jump one more, but decided to step back down to 153cm workers in hope of collecting a second ticket which we achieved at BSPS Area 5. “I owe it all to Ollie and the team. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be jumping at the RIHS in the intermediated and the 153 cm class! In the few months I have had him, Ollie he has taught me lots; I can’t thank Emma Parkinson enough for allowing me the ride..”
Gracie Brookes and Weydown Montague Gracie Brookes, 10, has qualified her mother, Leanne Brookes’ five-year-old Welsh section B, Weydown Montague for the RIHS in the junior mountain and moorland small breeds class at the NCPA Lancashire. This was their first attempt at qualification, so Leanne and Gracie are undeniably excited for the rest of the season. Montague is produced on their behalf by Team Ahern.
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BREEDER’S
The Netherlands-based Ardal stud are showing their homebred yearling filly, Ardal Ariana this year. She won her class at the Premium Stallion and Youngstock show organised by the Dutch WPCV under UK judge Wynn Jones of the Nerwyn stud. Ariana is by Brynrodyn Barwn (now residing at the Llanarth stud) and out of our young mare Ardal Adele (Thistledown Van-Nistelroy x Sunwillow Aphrodite). The stud expected five foals this spring and so far have a welcomed four fillies and are awaiting their last arrival as we go to print. A few of the foals are sired by Ardal Avicii, who has been sold to the Cadlanvalley stud where he is succesfully persuing his ridden career and following in his father, Hokehorst Example’s footsteps.
The Cadlanvalley stud have as ever been fielding a strong team. At Lampeter Stallion Show, the family Davies and Grota family took three homebreds Cadlanvalley Total Elation, Cadlanvalley Masterclass, and granddaughter/ daughter Libby Grota! Libby showed Steph Mansfield’s Masterclass, who has been extremely successful inhand in the youngstock classes to take the novice ridden championship and supreme ridden. Libby also rode Total Elation to win the open section B ridden and the reserve champion spot. The family have also shown yearling colt, Cadlanvalley Master Piece to win at the Serven Valley WCPS show and are aiming to show him a few more times this year.
Carol Jackson and Camilla Cottle report they are having a break from breeding for now, and two of their mares have gone to new homes to continue their “Matronly duties” for a couple of years. Their homebred, Forgeland Tiger Feet has gone down to Devon to Jane Cross at the Dowhills Stud, and Grace and Favour to Jackie Thompson over in Yorkshire. They wish them well and hope they will breed them some successful winning stock. However, they still have Forgeland Hyde Park’s dam, Fernhill Park, who now at the age of 26 is still enjoying good health in her retirement. She has been a truly remarkable mare breeding fantastic temperaments into her offspring. They only wish they could still be having foals from her as she was a fantastic cross with Kilvington Scoundrel, says Carol. They have high hopes for their homebred, Forgeland Paw Print, who is a lovely bay yearling gelding by Tiger Attack out of Forgeland Tiger Feet and predict he will make a fabulous show riding horse or even an eventer. Their three-year-old, Forgeland Out Of The Blue, is looking for a new home. He is out of Grace and Favour and looks like he is going to make a nice large intermediate riding type. For more details, please visit the BRP For Sale page on the NPS website. They are also looking forward to following any of their homebred stock this coming show season.
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May 2022
Allana Green’s newly founded Greenview stud has welcomed its first foal, Greenview First Lady [Luna]. Adorable ID Luna is by Avanti Amorous Archie out of Osprey Valkyrie [Tallulah]. “When breeding my first foal, I was very nervous. I did a lot of research into the pros and cons but in the end, it was absolutely worth the journey,” said Allana. “I also had good friends and family to help and advise me with my first homebred. I’ve been there from her first kick in her mum’s tummy to her first few steps into the world; it’s been magical! I am over the moon with my first homebred horse and I was extremely lucky for everything to go smoothly”. Allana is hoping to show Luna and Tallulah a few times this year to let her see the world.
Do you have your own breeding news to share? Get in touch with us at info@showingworldonline.co.uk
or with the NPS at admin@nationalponysociety.com
Litton Stud report that on May 2nd Litton Kiara has had a beautiful colt foal (which they think will go grey) to make 14.2 by Alonby Artiste (full brother to Alonby Artisan). For the 2022 season their 12hh BRP stallion Cusop Julian will be available to a few outside mares. Julian is by Cusop Dark Secret (Cusop Flamingo/Cusop Destiny) out of Cusop Juliet (Cusop Dimension/Cusop Just So). Now 19 years old, he has bred some cracking LR/FR’s, including the full sisters Litton Samara and Litton Santara, and covering Litton Dancing Pixie with him twice, the result was a 12.2 black colt in 2017 and a bay filly in 2021, who is being left to mature until she is three years old. He is also the sire of Georgina and Maxine Atherton ‘s 12hh licensed black stallion Litton Hyperion, who has just had his first foal on the ground this time.
t s e g Di
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May 2022
National Pony Society Breeders We hope British Riding Pony owners will have already started to get their entries in for the new designated Regional British Riding Pony (BRP) breed shows. Each show will offer the full range of nine BRP in hand classes including a class for stallions. We hope that breeders and owners will really support their local show, results at which all count towards the BRP stallion premium points scheme and the NPS/Derby House BRP Performance Points Scheme. The shows are: Wales – NPS Area 29 (30th May); Central – Midland Counties (4-5th June); South East – NPS Area 20 (26th June); Eastern – Royal Norfolk (29-30th June); North – NPS Area 4 (29th August); South West – NPS Area 10 August. From 2023 the Scottish Horse
Moor Hall Peter Pan (Stanley Grange Cocksure x Moor Hall Tinkerbelle) made his debut in the show ring a winning one at NPS Spring Festival recently by taking the Riding Pony Breeding Championship and then went on to be Champion of the British Isles Championship both qualifying him for the prestigious finals at the Summer Championships with producer Alan Charlesworth. April Hammerton and her mother Janette Hugill run the Manorview Stud, a small stud that only breeds one or two foals every other year. This year they have two foals due by Glebedale Silver Dot (Powys Sprite x Thistledown Silver Slipper), a Welsh section A stallion from the Danwood Stud and they are very excited! One mare, however, is holding on and is now nearly a month overdue! Their broodmares are homebred and by Wharf Nimrod and Lechlade Quince respectively, with both mares having been winners in hand numerous times. Just born, Manorview Toy Story, out of Manorview First Edition, will be a show hunter pony and the other a potential riding pony or show hunter - when they finally make an appearance! April says they wanted to try a different line for this year and to breed smaller ponies, hopefully for her son to ride and compete. As a very small, family stud of two mares, they aim to promote the British Riding Pony breed and to showcase their youngstock at a limited number of shows.
Peter Pan will now concentrate on his stud duties as they are fortunate to have some lovely mares booked into him again this season says Mandy Godden. Mandy also confirmed they are still accepting mare bookings for Peter so if anyone else is interested in using him this year, please see details on the NPS website/stallions at stud page. They are also eagerly awaiting the safe arrival of this year’s foals and look forward to seeing this young stallion’s stock out in the show ring very soon. It is hoped they will have a half-sister of Peter, Moor Hall Cinderella, out at a few shows this summer for some education in readiness for embarking on a ridden career in 2023.
Show will become the Scottish regional breed show.
classes, please visit the calendar on the NPS website.
The BRP Performance Points Scheme is being supported again by Derby House and this year is free to enter for NPS members and just £5 to enter for nonmembers. You can earn points in any of the following sections with each section winner receiving a prize from our sponsors - Ridden showing, In hand showing, Dressage, Jumping or Utility. Full details are on the NPS website.
Opportunities are also available for BRP’s to be advertised for sale on the NPS website and Facebook page, this is completely free to NPS members and only £10 for non-members. If you have an NPS licensed stallion at stud he can also be advertised on the NPS Stallions at Stud page and Facebook page, again this is a free service to NPS members, and a great shop window to find your next covering!
Did you know the NPS doesn’t have rider age limits on their Show Pony or Hunter Pony Novice and Open Ridden classes? That means if you are a small lightweight adult, or a rider who is ‘out’ of the traditional age brackets then you can still compete your pony with the NPS! Stallions are also eligible for these classes; riders of stallions must be 12 years and over for under 138cm and 14 years and over for over 138cm. To find a show holding these
info@showingworldonline.co.uk | May Issue 2022 | Showing World | 85
FOALING: What Can Go Wrong?
By Anna Wilkinson BSc (Hons) BVetMed MRCVS
Equine vet, Anna Wilkinson, talks us through some unusual and potentially dangerous foaling scenarios so that we know what to look out for. Anna graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in London and has since worked in equine practice in Cornwall and Monmouthshire. She is currently based at Abbey Equine Clinic where she enjoys all aspects of practice work however has a particular interest in stud and neonatal medicine.
Common Emergencies During Foaling The foaling period is a critical time for the newborn foal, as any complication or decisions that may follow can have a significant impact on the desired outcome of a strong, healthy foal. As equine vets, we are lucky that most of our client’s foalings will occur without any major form of intervention. However, there are rare occasions when things don’t go quite to plan. It is vital that all involved are aware of the ‘normal’ stages of foaling and can spot any complications as early as possible.
Red Bag Delivery
Dystocia (A ‘difficult’ birth) When it comes to foaling, time is of the essence and the foal should generally be out within 20 minutes of the waters breaking as the mare enters Stage II of foaling. The foal will normally present with its front feet first followed by the head resting on top. If you find that the foaling does not appear to be progressing as expected due to a dystocia (difficult birth), it is important to call your vet immediately. Most commonly, this is due to an incorrect position of the foal within the birth canal, but other causes may include foal limb contraction or an issue with the mare herself, such as disease or exhaustion leading to uterine inertia. Hopefully twins will have been ruled out during the initial pregnancy scans and very rarely is the size of the foal the issue. The vet will attempt to reposition the foal however, it is a good idea to have transport hooked up and ready to go prior to the due date in case the mare needs to be referred to the nearest hospital for delivery under general anaesthetic.
During a normal foaling the foal will be delivered through a clear transparent amniotic sac which breaks to allow the foal to breathe. The placenta then follows post foaling. Sometimes, the placenta prematurely separates from the uterus with the foal being born inside and unable to break through. This is commonly known as a ‘red bag delivery’. Whilst there are no real risks to the mare in this situation, it is a true emergency for the foal. With the placenta no longer attached to the uterus, the foal’s oxygen source is cut off, increasing the risk of hypoxic (lack of oxygen) injury and a dead foal. A thick red velvety bag will be the first thing to be seen hanging from the vulva which will need to be broken immediately. Hopefully you will have a well-stocked foaling kit to hand containing scissors, as you will need to make an initial cut in the placenta as it will be too thick to tear with your hands. Once cut, you should be able to tear through further, grabbing the foals’ feet and nose within the clear sac to gently deliver the foal. It is important to note that even with prompt identification of a red bag and a live foal, close monitoring and a vet check is essential to ensure they are displaying normal behaviours. Why this occurs is unfortunately unknown in many cases, but possible risk factors include placentitis (infection of the placenta), dystocia, toxicity or stress to the foal. Having a red bag delivery does not also predispose the mare to future red bags.
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Retained Placenta After the foal has been safely delivered, the placenta should be passed shortly after. If you do not see the placenta within three hours, it is particularly important to call your vet. A retained placenta can have profound consequences due to a build-up of bacteria and toxins which may pass into the mare’s bloodstream. This may be life-threatening causing metritis, sepsis and toxic laminitis and can be particularly common in large breed horses. The vet will attempt to manually remove the placenta by gentle traction and may need to fill the uterus with fluid to aid this. Depending on the mare’s temperament, she may need to be sedated. Oxytocin will be given to your mare to stimulate uterine contractions to help with the removal and depending on each case, the mare may be washed out with a sterile solution afterwards and covered with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications. If the placenta has been passed normally, it is also always a good idea to keep this for the vet to check that it is entire.
Failure of Passive Transfer As the foal is born with no immunity it is vital that the foal receives the mare’s ‘first milk’ known as colostrum, which is rich in antibodies. The foal’s ability to absorb these antibodies through the small intestine is most efficient at approximately 6-8 hours of age. Thereafter, it rapidly declines and by 24 hours, they can no longer be absorbed. We can easily check that the foal has consumed sufficient colostrum with the IgG test by taking a blood sample when the foal is at least 12-18 hours old. If failure of passive transfer has occurred, the foal may need a plasma transfusion to protect its naïve immune system from sepsis and other life threatening diseases. Common situations in which failure of passive transfer may occur include mare dripping milk prior to foaling, low quality colostrum, the mare not allowing the foal to nurse, and a foal’s inability to nurse.
What Next? The foal is hopefully out after a successful foaling with no complications, up on its feet within the first hour and nursing within two hours to receive the mare’s colostrum. But what happens if things aren’t quite right?
Neonatal Maladjustment Syndrome Your foal appears to be taking a prolonged time to stand and nurse unassisted, is unable to find or latch on to the mare’s teat and seems very sleepy often forgetting to lie down. These behaviours are not normal, and It is vital for the foal’s survival that they are recognised early on as some of the clinical signs of Neonatal Maladjustment syndrome aka ‘dummy foals’. For years it has been attributed mainly to hypoxic injury however a newer thought is the cause from high levels of circulating neurosteroids preventing the foal from becoming fully conscious at birth. During pregnancy this high neurosteroid production in the bloodstream keeps the foal sedated and inactive inside the mare’s uterus. As the foal is squeezed through the birth canal at foaling, it is thought to signal the body to turn off these high levels, resulting in a normal healthy strong foal. Failure of this may result in a weak uncoordinated foal
with the lack of ability to suck or nurse normally, commonly seen after rapid foaling times or caesareans. Clinical signs may occur immediately or up to 72 hours post foaling, with neurological signs such as circling, head tilts and seizures seen in the later stages. A lack of suck reflex will no doubt lead to dehydration and a failure of passive transfer increases the risk of sepsis to the foal. The Madigan foal squeeze is a procedure in which thoracic pressure is applied to the foal’s chest via soft ropes to mimic the normal birthing process. Once pressure is applied to the ropes the foal enters a nonpainful sleep/trancelike state and remains in this position for 20minutes until pressure is released. The hope is for a much more coordinated foal with a better ability to nurse from the mare once fully awake. Most sensible mares are not distressed by this procedure, but some may need sedating to ensure safety to all those around whilst handling the foal. It is important to note that the Madigan squeeze will not be
successful in those foals that have suffered hypoxic injury but as the risks to the foal are minimal, it can still be attempted. Alongside this technique, the main treatment aims are to provide nutrition to the foal, ensure adequate hydration, prevent or treat sepsis, and encourage maternal bonding. Each case will differ so it’s important to seek veterinary advice in all instances. The rope technique should not be performed on any foal that may have sustained rib fractures at foaling as well as caution taken with bottle feeding due to the high risk of aspiration pneumonia with a poor suck reflex. The foal may need to be hospitalised, especially if intravenous fluids and 24/7 nursing care is required. Survival rates can range widely but have been reported to be as high as 90% in those cases that are caught early, respond well to the Madigan squeeze and are without significant hypoxic injury. For those foals that survive the return to full athletic function in the future is excellent.
info@showingworldonline.co.uk | May Issue 2022 | Showing World | 87
Stud Stories GLEBEDALE STUD By Beth Simons - Photos by Equine Pix Jill Williams began breeding Welsh ponies under the Glebe prefix in the late 1950s. Since then, her prefix has evolved to become Glebedale, and Jill and her daughter, Kitty Bodily, have bred countless champions, and the stud has become synonymous with quality ridden section A and C ponies. Walking through the Glebedale barn, I was greeted by pretty, ‘Welsh’ heads, each one standing in deep straw beds with ears pricked inquisitively. No doubt, these were happy ponies. After a walk round, we settled down to tea, cake, and more importantly, the story behind the stud…
Showing World: Jill, where does the interest in ponies come from? Jill: My father, Reg Parry, was a farmer and dealt in horses. Making a living in farming was hard, so he diversified into rounds selling eggs, fruit and vegetables. We picked up ponies and cobs at Abergavenny market and Llaybydder sales to sell on. On one
Llanybydder trip, Dad bought an Arab mare which we kept for me to ride. I took her hunting with the Monmouthshire hounds where Sir Harry Llewellyn (Foxhunter Stud) tried to purchase her. This didn’t happen, and it’s where our own breeding started. We took her to the best stallions around at the time – Bwlch Zephyr and Bwlch Hillwind – and bred some top class 138 cm show ponies such as Glebe Tittlemouse, Glebe Mistlemouse and my pony of a lifetime, four times HOYS qualifier Glebe Sharamanty, who was named after a little girl whose family came to stay with us. Dad had a passion for British Riding Ponies at the time and bought stallion, Forge Cirrus, who was by McGreedy. Cirrus was used by the cob men to breed part-breds. When my dad died, Peter Jones of the Menai stud bought him and sold him on to sport horse breeders in Germany. We then purchased some Welsh section Bs from Llangeitho, Criban and Collena lines, and the late Sheila Richards of the Criban stud asked me to carry on her breeding
programme alongside my own, which I did for about 10 years, breeding some fantastic ponies including Criban Toby Jug, Juggler and Miss Piggy. By this time, I had a young family and Kitty kickstarted my interest in ridden Welsh ponies, so I bought her a 16-year-old mare: Aston Heather. It took a while, but Kitty and Heather became a formidable partnership and were thrice mountain and moorland champions at the Royal Welsh show. We went on to a section B and later a C, but my best find was in a coal shed in an Abercwmboi garden. That was Llygedyn Solo: a black section C gelding by Poundy Brenin out of a Hewid Cardi mare. He was skin and bones, with just a manure heap to pick on. I paid £250 for him and sold him on for £5000. It bought a new Aga, which is still going!
SW: Kitty, tell us a little more about him. Kitty: It took us about three months to turn him around before he went to Mark
Northam’s and was broken in by Roy Wilmin. We later won flat and working hunter pony championships – including at the WPCS International show in Peterborough – and qualified for Olympia and the mountain and moorland working hunter pony final at HOYS where we finished third.
SW: Kitty, you then moved on to cob mare, Broughton Eleri, before hanging up your riding boots to concentrate on breeding… Kitty: Yes, Mum was still breeding Bs and had met the wonderful Countess of Dysart of the Polaris stud, whom she helped for many years. Section As were my favourites, so we went to Polaris to choose a mare for me. That was Polaris Soned, by Coed Coch Gethin. We paid £800 which was a lot of money back then. We took her to Rookery Rupert to produce Glebedale Sonnet and later G.Sensation by Phildon Chief, whom mum purchased at Fayre Oakes for £300. He was worth every penny as his daughters, G. Shemozzel, G Sensation, G Ameilia, G Arrabella
and G Armani, are still breeding champions. Nevertheless, we returned to Rookery Rupert and the next spring, G. Savannah was born.
SW: [There is a photo of her hanging in the kitchen]. I see she takes pride of place… Kitty: She’s one of my all-time favourites, and without a doubt my pony of a lifetime. She’s 21 now, but the first really good one I bred.
SW: Where do the Cs come into the picture? Jill: Our section C breeding started when I went to Abergavenny market and bought Cwmbeeg Cadi. We took her to Parvadean stud and covered her with Synod Replay, and BINGO! Glebedale Reply was born.
SW: He sounds like a good one! Jill: He was! As a yearling, he was second at Glanusk and the Royal Welsh, and was champion at South of England show. At two, he won Lampeter, and at four he won the Royal Welsh
under Carol Isaac, and went on to qualify for both HOYS and Olympia. It was quite the feat for such a young pony. Then, at five years old, he was exported to Holland where he was shown in hand and in harness alongside his stud duties. He returned to compete in harness at the Royal Welsh where he was third. After that he came home for further stud duties and produced our current section C stallion, G. Miri Mawr. He also sired G. Delightful, dam of G. Ding Dong who was a HOYS ridden finalist and 2012 Cuddy Supreme In-hand Pony of the Year.
SW: Talking of HOYS, you’ve had multiple qualifiers. Kitty: As well as G.Ding Dong, there have been two more section Cs – Johnny Depp and Dick Dastardly. Then there’s been partbred G.Shabaz, section A’s G. Savannah, Jumble, Sugarbabe, reserve champion mini mountain and moorland G.Jubilee, and G. Mumbo Jumbo. When Mumbo was a youngster, I tried to sell him as a colt, but we could never agree on price. I covered one mare with him as three-year-old and then he went to Debbie Thomas to be broken. She felt he would fit better into the mini section, so we gelded him before his foal was born. It was beautiful and I regretted it then. But in the end, he went on to do so much for us as a stud both as a mini and an open pony. Mumbo won the mountain and moorland first ridden of the year and in 2018, stood overall Mountain and Moorland Pony of the Year having won the open ridden section A class.
SW: 2019 saw you achieve another lifelong goal and win a gold medal at the Royal Welsh. This time it was with Pendock Paige Boy. Tell us about him and how he came into your lives? Jill: I first saw him at a foal show at Usk College. Justin Davis was producing him and said, “I think you’d better go and buy this, Jill, as I think it’s going to be a star”. I paid £800 for him as a foal, hoping the two testicles would drop! He went on to win Glanusk and the Royal Welsh as a yearling, then he covered and ran out until
he stood champion at the WPCS International Show as a six-year-old, champion. He was eight when he won his gold medal as male section A champion at the Royal Welsh.
SW: Where do you see yourselves going in the future? Kitty: We’ll just stay as we are; we’ll keep plodding on and enjoying what we do, which is trying to breed a good one. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. This time of year is the best; breeding is like opening a box of chocolates without knowing what’s under the lid. I’m also doing more judging. It’s an honour to be asked but I don’t necessarily enjoy it as I always know someone is disappointed and I’ve been in that position. Whereas Mum loved it!
SW: Do you think your background and interest in the ridden influences what you’re breeding? info@showingworldonline.co.uk | May Issue 2022 | Showing World | 89
Gill: For us, riding is their purpose. If the ponies don’t do a job, there’s no point breeding. They’re too expensive to have as field ornaments! We’ve diversified now – we’ve recently seen G. Desert Storm win his prelim section at the Petplan Area Dressage final under India Latter. Kitty: I’m lucky that my mares have wonderful temperaments, so the first think I’m looking for in a stallion is temperament; I can’t have ponies I’ve bred being dishonest with young children on board. They must be able to do it all, be shown in-hand and then go on to be ridden.
SW: What else do you look for when choosing a stallion? Kitty: If I like the look of him, I’ll use him. Even if I look at the pedigree and am unsure about it, then I’d still give him a go. We weren’t sure about using Phildon Chief, but Mum liked the look of him and bought him for £300 at Fayre Oakes. He’s produced some of our best ponies. Sometimes you must go with your gut.
SW: What other tips do you have for someone starting out? Glebedale Mumbo Jumbo
Kitty: Consider conformation and type;
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you should love what you look at. Jill: And stick to what you like, too! Kitty: Never have more than you can afford! Jill: My last tip would be, ‘fail to prepare, prepare to fail’. My dad used to say, ‘you might think you’ve got a good one, but there’s always a better one around the corner’, so you have to keep working hard.
SW: When do you know you’ve bred a good one? Jill: The moment they drop you know if you have a good one, when they’re still wet.
SW: Who or what would you say have been your greatest inspiration with ponies? Kitty: My Mum At this, Jill laughs, in a way I’ve come to recognise as typically self-deprecating. But looking back over her achievements, I can see why she’d inspire Kitty and others. With two such characters now at the helm, no doubt the Glebedale prefix will continue to be a force to be reckoned with.
Ten minutes with… Stephen Craddock, working hunter course builder and new BSPS Wales chairman
Photo by 1st Class Images
What’s your background in horses? I am ‘the odd duck’ of the family as the only equestrian, and I have been riding from the young age of six. My main background and passion is in showjumping, with one of my earliest memories being watching a younger John Whitaker on the ever-so-popular Milton and thinking, ‘I would love to be jumping those big fences one day…’
What made you get into building working hunter courses? It first came up in conversation with a friend who had some mountain and moorland working hunter and show ponies. After looking into becoming a course builder, I quickly found out there is a significant shortage throughout the country. With less and less people interested in becoming coursebuilders, I fear it is becoming a dwindling skill and trade.
Competing also gives you an insight into the way a rider thinks and sees potential improvements that could be made in the construction of a course.
Is there anything you think either sport could learn from the other? For sure; as times are changing and we move forward in our sport, I would love to see more consistency in working hunter pony courses and more structure for course-builders and competitors similar to the way in which British Showjumping is structured. That way, there is a clear definition of competition for competitors from one end of the country to the other, and we are all singing from the same hymn sheet.
As a course-builder, what are the most common mistakes you see? Do you have pet hates? Well, the most common mistake I see as a course-
Do you also build show jumping courses? builder would be competitors cutting corners in I recently started my training for becoming a British Showjumping course builder in the autumn of last year, gaining my ‘Level 1’ accreditation. Fingers crossed, I will hopefully gain my ‘Level 2’ this autumn. I also hope to start my training to become a British Eventing course designer and builder later this summer.
Does your time in show jumping influence the way you think about building? It most definitely does; it enables you to see courses from a rider’s perspective and know if turns and lines to fences are a possibility. In the beginning of my course-building career, I would build a course at home to jump on one of my horses before I would use it out at a show to know for sure that what I was building was actually rideable.
their round – a very easy mistake to rectify and improve. The ring is your stage so take your time and do your best performance every time. My biggest pet hate has to be watching people walking a distance between a double and no two of their own strides are of an equal distance!
Your role affords you a different perspective on the showing industry. How have you seen it change? What changes would you like to see? The biggest change I have seen has to be the increasing popularity of mountain and moorlands and the decrease in plaited ponies. It would be nice to see more series’ such as SEIB’s Search for a Star, or the TRS and BSHA programmes specifically for workers to encourage more grassroot competitors from all walks of life be encouraged into the sport.
You’ve taken on the role of chairman of BSPS Wales. Why? As well as its natural roles as governing body and hosting shows, what other role do you think such societies play? I have been involved within BSPS Wales from the beginning of my course-building career and I thoroughly enjoy being involved with the committee and the area members. When the opportunity arose to represent the area as chairman, I was grateful to be able to give something back. Societies such as the BSPS are a wonderful environment for young people to learn valuable life skills that extend beyond ponies. Lifelong friendships are formed between people all over the UK and abroad that otherwise wouldn’t have met at all.
How has fatherhood affected your perception of our sport? Do you hope your little daughter, Evalyn, she goes into it?! After Evalyn was born, I saw what it means to be a child growing up in a showing environment and the unintentional pressures bestowed upon them to do well. I believe we should be encouraging the younger children to have fun and enjoy themselves. I certainly hope that she enjoys the sport, whether that’s from on top of a pony or learning how to follow me with her own measuring stick!
What’s your goal? That’s a difficult one that I have never really thought about. It would have to be encouraging everyone to support or help each other, and trying to get people – especially children – together. If I can introduce just two people who go on to have a lifelong friendship, I will have succeeded.
TOP TIPS FOR COMPETITORS • Ride your corners. • Pick a line to a fence and stick with it. • Practise walking distances at home after measuring them out. Don’t be afraid to ask a course-builder for the correct distances as a guide.
info@showingworldonline.co.uk | May Issue 2022 | Showing World | 91
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New classes, new venues and training! Ridden, In-hand and an introduction to showing for Pony Club members of all ages.
seib.co.uk/competitions
SEIB judges will be on hand to help and mentor competitors. There are also two weekenders planned for 2022, which include a day of training and preparation.
SEARCH FOR A STAR PONY CLUB YOUR HORSE LIVE CHAMPIONSHIP We are proud to announce that we have joined with the Pony Club to offer a Lead Rein and First Ridden Championship for children 10 and under. In addition, there will be an open class for the older children that will judge horses and ponies as suitable for all round Pony Club activities, conformation, way of going and temperament will also be important (no jumping). These classes are open to any child or young person who is a member of the Pony Club and any type of horse or pony that is athletic enough to be an all-rounder but correct enough to be a show horse. There will be extra awards for the best riders.
THE ALL NEW SEIB SEARCH FOR A STAR WEEKENDER Taking place in both Scotland and England, competitors will have the opportunity to come the day before the competitions and learn from the judges. They will be helped with way of going, turnout, trot-up and taught how to stand the horse or pony up for the judges.
SEIB HORSE OF THE YEAR SHOW SEARCH FOR A STAR Amateur only ridden classes for Working Horse, Working Pony, Show Hunters, Riding Horse and Hacks, Show and Maxi Cobs, Traditional Gypsy Cobs (all colours). Qualify for Horse of the Year Show.
SEIB RACEHORSE TO RIDING HORSE Open ridden class that qualifies for Horse of the Year Show.
SEIB YOUR HORSE LIVE RIDDEN SEARCH FOR A STAR Amateur ridden classes for Mountain and Moorlands and Part-bred Traditional Gypsy Cobs. Qualify for Your Horse Live. The winning Part-Bred Traditional will also receive a wild card to the Traditional of the Year Show (TOYS). Open ridden class for Veterans any horse or pony aged 16 or over irrespective of experience and any rider professional or amateur. We are searching for an older star that will qualify for Your Horse Live.
SEIB YOUR HORSE LIVE IN-HAND SEARCH FOR A STAR
Competition Dates 2022 QUALIFIERS: 24th April 2022 at Vale View Equestrian Centre, Vale View Equestrian, Old Dalby, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE14 3LX. 22nd May 2022 at Bury Farm Equestrian Village, New Bury, Farm, Mill Road, Slapton, Buckinghamshire LU7 9BT. 11th & 12th June 2022 at Netherton Equestrian Centre, Netherton Farm, Aberargie, Perthshire, PH2 9NE, Perth, Scotland. Search for a Star Weekender including training, competition on Sunday 12th June. 23rd & 24th July 2022 during SEIB Trailblazers Championships at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry CV8 2LZ. Search for a Star Weekender, competition on 24th July (Stabling will be available via a link that will be published in due course). 15th July 2022 at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships at Hartpury College, Hartpury GL19 3BE (RDA Riders Only). 7th August 2022 at Science Supplements Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre, Willoughby, Rugby CV23 8AJ. 13th August 2022 NAF Five Star International Horse Trials, Hartpury College, Hartpury GL19 3BE. (SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse only). 4th September 2022 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, Burghley House, Burghley Park, Stamford PE9 3JY. (SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse only).
Classes for amateur handlers with horses and ponies in these sections: Veteran, Mountain and Moorland, Traditional and Native Types, Plaited Horses and hogged Show Cobs and Plaited Ponies. Qualify for Your Horse Live.
SEIB SEARCH FOR A STAR RDA CHAMPIONSHIP Only open to members of an RDA Group. Prizes for Best Rider, Best Horse or Pony and Best Combination.
SCAN HERE TO VISIT COMPETITION HUB
To enter online or for more information please visit: www.seib.co.uk/competitions or email: competitions@seib.co.uk
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