Showing World August 2023 (175)

Showing World

Issue 175 - August 2023

Issue 175 August 2023 www.showingworldonline.co.uk

The Royal International Horse Show

Darren Crowe on what dreams are made of

Reports from the Royal Highland, Cornwall, The Showing Register, Cheshire and many more!

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Tickets on sale now!

Horse of the Year Show 4th - 8th OCTOBER 2023 W W W. H OY S .C O. U K

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British RAISING THE BAR

A Note From Our Editor Dear Reader, Here we are on the home run to HOYS with wintery weather already upon us! I wonder if we’ve an Indian Summer in store..

Wasn’t the RIHS wonderful? I am a huge admirer of the ‘greats’ in our industry who produce champion after champion, supreme after supreme at the country’s premier events. But it was wonderful to also see young talent emerge and give them a serious run for their money. I’ve no doubt that if his career continues on this same meteoric trajectory, this issue’s cover star Will Morton is set to become one of those greats and it was a pleasure to see him take his first major title astride Sarah-Ann Gunn’s utterly fabulous Killcarna Brilliant.

In the open and amateur ranks, there was an abundance of young talent to behold, and the pony classes saw yet more super young riders as well as beautiful young ponies come to the fore. Just as wonderful as Will’s supreme moment was Izzy Hartswood Collier’s. Her shock at winning was evident and her hug for her pony heartwarming.

As the end of the HOYS qualifying rounds nears, the tension is palpable around the ring! Some wonderful stories have emerged, and it’s always a pleasure hear them. My heart goes out to those combinations who are trying their best and are knocking on the door repeatedly, yet have missed out on a ticket so far. Keep going. If it happens, great! But if it doesn’t, remember what an achievement it is to be so consistent. And on that note, amateur competitors can still make consistency count by joining the TSR Premier Amateur League.

TSR’s inaugural amateur only championships were super. The atmosphere was pleasant and jubilant, with competitors grateful for the opportunities provided and congratulatory of each other.

However, I’d like to give readers a gentle reminder of the importance of reading rules and sticking to them. A few combinations were turned away because they had not realised they were inelligible until the last hour. What a shame!

One combination was turned away at the ring’s gate because the loan pony had a connection to the judge. The judge brought it to the TSR team’s attention, and stressed that the loan family cannot have known of the link, upholding both parties’ integrity. Despite being of first ridden age, the young rider involved blinked back her disappointment, and was gracious and polite throughout, even managing a smile. A lot of far older and more experienced jockeys could do with taking a leaf from her book from time to time! How sweet it was to hear she had secured a golden ticket in a different class just 24-hours later. There’s truth in the saying, “Good things come to those who wait”! Remember that if you’re still waiting on yours!

Beth

Cover Star! Killcarna Brilliant, ridden by Will Morton Photo by Equinational info@showingworldonline.co.uk | August Issue 2023 | Showing World | 3

Contents

20

6

The Showing Register Championships

14

Derbyshire Festival

18

Lincoln County Show

20

Suffolk County Show

24

Royal Cornwall Show

26

Royal Cheshire County Show

30

Behind the brand: Smart Grooming

32

Royal International Horse Show 2023

56

Royal Highland Show

18

Editorial: Beth Simons

32

beth.simons@showingworldonline.co.uk

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the editor or Showing World Ltd and while every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained is correct and current at the date of publication, Showing World Ltd will not be help responsible for the appearance of photographic material supplied without the necessary consent, copyright and/or photographer’s details. In addition, Showing World Ltd offers no guarantee of publication and reserves the right to edit any reader’s letters, press releases, reports and articles submitted.

Showing World Ltd 2023. All rights reserved. No part of Showing World may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, transmitted or shared in any form or by any means, including but not limited to: electronic, mechanical, digital, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior written permission of Showing World Ltd.

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Daring To Dream Hickstead Derby Meeting Hickstead, Sussex June 2023 Report by Beth Simons

Photos by Spidge Photography Dare To Dream ridden by Amanda Picillo

Amanda Picillo probably didn’t dare to dream as she walked into the ring at Hickstead that she would later walk out as hack champion. Nevertheless, that’s just what happened astride her aptly named Dare to Dream (Dee). Dee’s win is all the more special because he’s homebred by Amanda’s mother, Carol Taylor.

He is sired by Up With The Lark and out of A Dream Come True, who is by the prolific stockgetter Kilvington Scoundrel. “He’s been incredibly successful for us as a family,” said Amanda, explaining that he debuted in 2021 successfully, winning the novice hacks at Royal Windsor and novice hack tricolour at the BSHA championships before standing second at HOYS. Last season, he again made the HOYS lineup, standing sixth. This season, he is also RIHS bound. He is produced at Amanda’s yard at home by Martin Skelton. “He loves his hacking, and we try to keep his life as varied as possible,” said Amanda, adding, “We were so thrilled to go champion at Hickstead; it’s a dream come true for all the family. I feel lucky to have him and know that each time he steps in the ring he’ll give it his best shot.”

Showing’s extended family rooted for Katie Jerram as they watched her take King Charles III’s first HOYS win last season, and crowds at the Derby meeting saw her score his first win at Hickstead. This time, it was six-year-old coloured horse Sunbeam who brought home the goods. Interestingly, Katie and Sunbeam lifted the same title last year, scoring the late Her Majesty the Queen’s first victory following the Jubilee celebrations. Sunbeam is a horse steeped in royal equestrian history. His dam Tiger Lily IX was evented by Zara Tindall, and he was bred at the Hampton Court Stud Farm.

Katie also rode Ruth Flack’s middleweight Castle Howard Legacy to stand reserve in the hunter ranks behind up-and-coming producer Will Morton with Sally-Ann Gunn’s uber classy Kilcarna Brilliant (Chubbs). Chelmsford-based Will was clocking his first Hickstead title. This is his second season with lightweight hunter Chubbs having taken over the ride after judging him. The pair enjoyed a stonking first season standing supreme at Suffolk County show, champion at Lincoln and runner-up at HOYS. Claire Oliver and the reigning small hunter of the year Shanbally Legacy (Lego) scored yet another win in what was his first Hickstead appearance. Lego and Claire are on fine form, having recently won for the second time at Royal Windsor.

Though owned by Susan Granger, the 11-year-old was found by Claire’s late husband, legendary showman Robert Oliver. “I remember Robert phoning Sue and saying to her ‘you have to buy this horse; he’s going to be a star’.” We think he was right.

Last year’s Derby Meeting saw producer Justine Armstrong Small’s perseverance rewarded when she took home her first ever Hickstead championship in the RoR ranks after countless attempts. In a twist of fate, she took her first RIHS championship just a few weeks later in the same ring, and this year’s meeting saw her take a third! This time, however, it was astride Sophie O’Keefe’s small riding horse Rosemore Midnight Rendezvous, knocking Jayne Ross and large riding horse King Of Clubs into reserve.

First past the post in the RoR open series final was newly-wed Sarah Llewellyn – formerly Gwilliam – riding her own Deep Challenger (George).

George was sourced from Jamie Osborne via Sara Thorman, whom Sarah was riding for at the time. He is from sterling racing stock, by Galileo and his full brother At First Sight finished second in the Derby. George also won two races during his career. Although George took a while to settle to life off the track, Sarah’s patience with him has paid dividends. George and Sarah won their first in hand show class at Bath and West in 2021 before going on to win the overall in hand final at Aintree. He also won the RoR novice qualifier at Aintree in 2021 before going on to win the open at Barbury in 2022. This season, they made a quick pre-wedding dash to Bath and West to score her last win as a Gwilliam before marrying trainer Robbie Llewellyn a week later.

Wonga Swinger ridden by Tori Thomas

However, it was Tori Thomas and 13-year-old former race-horse Wonga Swinger who claimed the Tattersalls RoR Elite Championship having won the amateur ridden series final.

Wonga Swinger began his career in point-to-points before winning two hurdle races for Tori’s husband, trainer Sam Thomas, meaning Tori was familiar with him in his racing days. Tori, who works for clothing brand Holland Cooper, rode Wonga Swinger to qualify for HOYS last season, finishing in the ribbons. They are trained by Vicky Hesford, who is helping the pair make the bold leap into riding horse classes. info@showingworldonline.co.uk | August Issue 2023 | Showing World | 5

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

The atmosphere was positive and jubilant despite the testing weather conditions.

Sweet Mini Memories Making history and taking the very first TSR amateur-only HOYS ticket were the winners of the lead rein class, Derw Sweet Memories (Elsie) ridden by Esme Phillips, 5, and led by Aunty Bethany (Phoenix).

Five-year-old Elsie was bred by Julia Owen by Westrove Dark Secret out of Heniarth Hushabye, making her a full sister to last year’s BSPS Supreme and HOYS mini champion, Derw Dream Boy. Although they took the first ticket of the championships, it will actually be their second visit to HOYS, as they qualified at Lincolnshire County last year. When asked what Esme thought about making a return visit, she answered, “it’s amazing,” and concluded that she was excited already!

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

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

Derw Sweet Memories ridden by Esme Phillips and led by Bethany Phoenix

“I can’t believe it, we are just a normal family and things like this don’t happen to us so we are unbelievably proud,” said community safety domestic abuse specialist Michala Gardiner of her Welsh section pony Cadlanvalley Domino (Dom) and daughter Grace Gardiner’s first ever HOYS ticket in the mountain and moorland first ridden class. Eight-year-old Dom is by Cadlanvalley Rio out of Stockham Domino and was bought directly from her breeders Yvonne and Hywel Davies and their daughter Hayley Grota. Grace, 10, and Dom showed great promise when they won their class at STARS and the Stella Stars section at TSR Amateur Rider of the Year finals in 2022. “Dom is the perfect pony; she isn’t my pet she is my whole life, she doesn’t even know how special she is and she follows me around the yard without her head collar,” said Grace of her “true pampered princess”.

Kirby Fentiman’s Withymead Honey Bear headed a strong show hunter pony lead rein class under Ruby Fentiman. Having loaned Bear from breeder Rosie Mackenzie in January 2020, Ruby and

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

Cadlanvalley Domino ridden by Grace Gardiner

Withymead Honey Bear ridden by Kirby Fentiman

Bear were Champion Stars of the Future at the British Elite in 2021.

Fast forward to the end of 2022, and having cemented himself as part of the family, Kirby enquired about purchasing Bear after another successful season. “Thankfully Rosie Mackenzie accepted so he became ours and Ruby’s Christmas present”. Winning at TSR has broken their run of seconditis for this year, having had four seconds in RIHS qualifiers and second at Lincoln County. “We were pulled second, which I thought took the pressure off, but Ruby obviously still had her game face on and as we came out to do our show, Ruby said to me, Mum don’t muck this up! It’s a dream come true for any parent to lead their son or daughter at HOYS”.

Poise and Perseverance Serve Well After a disappointing Saturday where Poppy Gresty, 11, had to accept that she could not show under junior judge Nicki Glenn due to a previously unknown connection, her dignity and composure were rewarded when she won the Dartmoor open breed class the following day with Pumphill Rasputin (Razz). Razz is loaned to Poppy’s mum, Jenna from owner Leah Cassel and has been homeproduced by the Gresty’s since December last year. Poppy and Razz have had an amazing season so far, qualifying for the PP first ridden and the UJP&H junior small breeds on their first time out.

Razz is a former RHS champion and also won the RIHS junior class under Leah’s younger sister Hollie McGauley. He’s since won again in the PP first ridden with Poppy. Prior to the TSR show, Poppy and Razz had been knocking on the HOYS door, standing second and reserve junior at Royal Cheshire County, but it was their first attempt at an open class.

“We absolutely adore this pony; there is nothing he can’t do, from hacks to jumping and dressage. He has the biggest, cheekiest personality and gets treated like a king,” said Jenna, adding that in true native style, “he eats anything and everything and his favourite thing to do is pull his sash off as soon as a judge puts it on him”.

Meanwhile Poppy asserted that she felt her “heart was coming out of her chest when they were calling the results in reverse order,” as it is her dream to ride Razz at HOYS. Poppy works her ponies herself, and is an inspiration to other home-produced children having also qualified her 128cm show pony for the part-bred final HOYS. “I will always be forever grateful to the Cassell family for trusting us with their special boy,” concluded Jenna.

Rocco Rocks M&M Championship The mountain and moorland open championship was dominated

by Welsh breeds. Jane Smith and her own Welsh section C Dafren Rhodri (Rocco) took home the tricolour. Seven-year-old Rocco is sired by Parvadean Recharge and is out of Gwenlan Aur. Jane Pumphill Rasputin ridden by Poppy Gresty

Maescrofta Don Juan ridden by Natasha Ham

purchased him at four, and he was lightly shown as a novice five-yearold. Last year he stood overall supreme at BSPS Area 11 and gave Jane her first taste of HOYS. This year “he has exceeded all expectations” qualifying for the RIHS PP and open finals as well as the LIHS, an experience that will again be a first for both Rocco and Jane. “He’s such an amazing pony,” said Jane. “He loves his job and is consistent and mannerly; he really tries every time he’s out. I just love him.”

Maescrofta Don Juan (Mylo) claimed the reserve championship under his owner Natasha Ham. 13-year-old Mylo is a Welsh section D by Maesmynach Enchanter out of Deildre Jubilee. He was bred by Marilyn Beach and was purchased by Natasha from the WPCS Spring Sales as an unbacked five-year-old. A former RIHS contender, Mylo’s had countless wins at Dafren Rhodri ridden by Jane Smith county level including at Devon County, Kent, the New Forest and Bath and West where he also qualified for Olympia. He has also won at the Hickstead Derby Meeting three times and has been consistently placed at the Royal Welsh including standing second in 2022. However, a HOYS ticket had eluded the pair until now. Horse transporter Natasha hunts Mylo during the winter and the pair also compete in other disciplines.

During the spring, Mylo successfully juggles work with stud duties. “He’s a very genuine easy pony who knows he is the King on the yard at home and a much-loved member of our family,” said Natasha.

Also taking home a ticket for the first time was Jessica Norris. She rode her motherin-law Lindsay Miller’s New Forest mare Purwell Poppy Lou to top their breed class.

Seven-year-old New Forest mare Poppy is Forest bred, being by Springmoor Barbie and out of Lucky Lane Rolo. Linsday purchased

Purwell Poppy Lou ridden by Jessica Norris

her at 18 months old and Jessica has produced her herself, even continuing to ride Poppy until she was six-and-a-half months pregnant! “It’s like she has been here before,” said Jessica, adding “nothing is too much to ask. “We do a bit of everything and are just getting the hang of jumping so next year I’m hoping to do some workers if my nerves allow me.”

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

Poppy and Jessica finished runners up in the Pretty Polly final and headed the 29-strong UKPH amateur mountain and moorland final at the RIHS last year. Jessica. Nevertheless, they were “speechless” taking their first golden HOYS ticket! “It’s just amazing to be an amateur and make it to HOYS. It’s been a life-long dream for me since I was a little girl and I can’t believe we have done it.

We are both very lucky and honoured to be competing here.”

Mr Darcy Dancer ridden by Amy Cook

Carnsdale Let it Be ridden by Floriann Gilston

It was Malcolm Dixon, and his Llanybydder market bargain, Rooster Cobburn who having been victorious at the Royal Welsh Show last year as a five-year-old, has started his first open season campaign with a bang. Rooster returned to Builth Wells for the Royal Welsh Spring Fair to pick up a win and his Amateur RIHS ticket, as well as an Open RIHS ticket at North Somerset Show where he stood Champion. “He’s a lovely horse, although he’s a little bit of a nuisance on the yard, he’s so nosey he wants to see what you’re doing all the time”.

Gifting rider Emma Scott with an early wedding present, Emma and Lynn Scott’s Orcaber Over The Rainbow stole the CHAPS Native Horse class. The seven-year-old mare will be making her second

Darcy Has All The Right Moves Champion hunter went to Amy Cook and her 11-year-old Mr Darcy Dancer (Darcy). “An absolute pleasure to own,” Darcy was bought from Dublin Horse Show as a four-year-old from his breeder Mary Jane Roberts, and to date has been fifth at HOYS, second and third in the amateur hunters at the RIHS and twice winner of the amateur hunters at Royal Windsor.

Taking the reserve spot and booking their return ticket to HOYS was Olivia Edmondson with her own Double Mocha. Olivia and the 2022 Royal Highland supreme hunter had already qualified for the RIHS this year as both a lightweight and ladies hunter, finishing a super third and second respectively. They were also second in the ladies at Stoneleigh, narrowly missing out on a second ticket.

The nine-year-old by Willowcroft Regal Bronze, was joined at the show by his brother, Beyond Bronze who continued Olivia’s run of seconds with a blue rosette in the large hacks.

Rooster Cobburn ridden by Malcom Dixon

Taking the ladies ticket was Florian Gilston riding her own middleweight hunter, Killea Silver Diamond, and her luck didn’t end there. Florian also piloted Chantelle Joslin’s Carnsdale Let It Be (Bee) to win the intermediate show hunter pony class and book their return ticket to HOYS. “He went like a dream for Flo and pulled off one of their best shows to date,” said Chantelle, which is high praise given the pair have twice been Pretty Polly supreme at the RIHS. “I didn’t expect we would be lucky enough to go back to HOYS this year with the class being so strong.” Bee also stood third in the HOYS Small Hunter class, this time piloted by Chantelle.

Double Mocha ridden by Olivia Edmonson

Barkway Blue Moon ridden by Olivia Ferns

Crumpwell Finella ridden by Maddison Shrimpton

Orcarber Over The Rainbow ridden by Emma Scott

Brothers Oscar and Bodie Wellens

visit to HOYS having been fourth there in 2022. The combination have only contested a handful of shows this year due to Emma getting married in August, but she will now join Emma’s Welsh Cob mare Pennal Royal Anthem in Birmingham this October.

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

The first day’s TSR ridden champion was awarded to Kimberly Wright with Pretoria’s Regal Legacy (Harry). He is out of Pretoria, who Kimberly rode to win the 153cm show hunter pony final and reserve champion at the RIHS and Show Hunter Pony of the Year at HOYS the following year in 2018, Kimberly’s last year in the class. Harry is her third foal, and Kimberly’s pride in her homebred novice and his mum was evident as she related his story. Judge, Beth Simons was equally enamoured. “My champion was a breathtaking mover and once on the go, I couldn’t take my eyes off him,” she said, adding, “I am looking forwards to seeing him matured and hitting open classes and qualifiers in the coming seasons.”

Reserve was mounted police officer Helen Jackson’s Addien Toy Soldier.

After nursing the plucky 10-year-old back to full health after a pneumonia infection that left him struggling for his life two years ago, Helen couldn’t be more pleased with his recovery. Last season they finished their campaign on a high standing supreme at the North West Championships and have secured consistent placings in open classes and qualifiers this year. They took home a reserve to Kimberly and Harry, but secured a tricolour of their own the following day. Since then, they recently stood reserve supreme at the TOYS championship show.

Petorias Regal Legacy ridden by Kimberly Minchin

Brother Act Taking the mini championship was eight-year-old Olivia Ferns with Barkway Blue Moon (Simba), owned by aunty, Sarah Birchall. In her first season off the lead rein Olivia was delighted to be awarded the tricolour by judge Ella Souster. Bought in 2022, following HOYS, Simba has taught Olivia to canter of the Winter. “They never give up, come rain or shine, Olivia is riding. She even practices her show in living room,” laughed Sarah.

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

Mum Jenny Wellens had good reason to be extremely proud of her boys, brothers Oscar and Bodie Wellens who were in the ribbons both in the in hand and ridden rings. Oscar, 7, won the M&M lead rein class, stood reserve and highest placed member with Dolrhedyn Cardinal.

The combination also stood third in the Handler of the Year class before going on the take the overall Members Reserve Supreme of the Show. Not to be outdone, older brother Bodie Wellens, 12, and Llyncathbury Going For Gold won their Handler of the Year Section and were second in a hotly contested Veteran class and highest member before going on to take the member’s Supreme of Show!

Addien Toy Soldier ridden by Helen Jackson

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SEEING STARS! Meet the STARS who topped the leader boards in the TSR Talent Spotting Pathway Finals!

Evie Jaworsla-Needham and Tillybo Morwenna

Ottillie Simmonds leading Trehelyg Maximus

Hannah Delaney and Naylors Dara Sea Mist

Eliza Shrimpton and Flynns Girl

Carrie Crowsley leading Talgarth Tiara

Gabriella Fisher and Bassett Little Miss Moonstone

Joanna Sheil and Tynyfach Valley King

Victoria Thorpe and Kavanaghs Redhouse Stanley Sarah Kearney and Mistrals Montana Joya

Charlotte Knight and Thistledown Magpie led by Jamie Clarke

Danielle Thelwell and Billy King of the North

Claire Masters and Brynithon Lady

Lisa Counsell and Paris Party Girl

Josh McDowell leading Llanllienwen Fancy

Gemma Viles and Eleybee Dancing Cloud

Zoe Nicholls and Non Essential

Ava Hawkey and Carless Outlaw

Bodie Wellens and Llyncarthy Going For Gold

Bobbie-Anne Mason and Valentine Siw

Pussy Eyes The Price Highlights from the Great Yorkshire Show Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate 9-12 July, 2023 Kellie and Scott Gibbons’ Glynwyn Pussy Galore thrilled her Yorkshire based breeders by bringing home the coveted Price Family in-hand supreme championship from a strong field. Master showman Scott showed the homebred three-year-old Welsh section C filly, making the most of her tremendous action to catch Penny Clifford’s eye.

She is by Swansea-bred Blaencila Bonheddwr out of the multi-garlanded Glynwyn Vespa. Interestingly, Vespa is also the dam of Glynwyn Annie Power, who qualified for the Price at the Royal Welsh last year. Meanwhile Bonheddwr is also the sire of Rhoswen Guardsman, who also qualified for the same final at the Royal Welsh.

Pippa Kirby’s homebred Monivea Black Magic (Merlin) topped a stonking class – 51 entries! – of traditional or native type coloured ponies for the second year running.

“I was thrilled to win at our ‘local ‘ big show. Merlin is sired

by Boston out of Chantilly Lace IV whom Pippa owned and won the same class with 17 years ago. “It makes me feel old!” The six-year-old is produced for Pippa by Lucy Glover and has had an amazing season so far with championships including at Rutland County, Scottish Horse Show, and more recently, he stood reserve champion at the Royal International Horse Show. “He is a dream to ride with amazing manners,” said Pippa. “My 17-year-old daughter Izzy is taking over at LIHS but I’m going to have a HOYS Swansong.” The class was a true family affair for the Kirby’s as Pippa’s youngest daughter Indy also rode in the same class and was stripped by her big sister Izzy. The championship, however, was taken by Vicky Smith with Miranda Wallace’s winning non-native horse, Mysterie van de Heuval, with Sara Parrott and her own Starlight standing reserve. The final coloured ticket was awarded to the winner of the non-native pony class, Courtney Jones riding Tom Collins.

As usual, the mountain and moorland classes attracted bumper entries and were packed with quality. Sarah Parker’s team took home both champion and reserve.

The tricolour was awarded to Sarah herself riding Julie, Anna, and the Pennell family’s unstoppable Dales stallion Nipna Midnight Rambler. Twice runner-up at HOYS, Rambo certainly seems to have come into his own this season, posting wins at BSPS Area 7, NPS Area 25, Royal Windsor and the BSPS Winter Championships where he collected his LIHS ticket. He has since won and stood reserve champion at the RIHS. In reserve was Sarah Weston’s Fell stallion, Greenrivers Luke, ridden by Rebecca Penny.

Tayla Lewis with Custom Made the Watchman and Lostock Uptown Funk

COLOURED CONNECTIONS: The CHAPS Championship Show was a fabulous event, so make sure that you take a good look at the full show report in the next issue of Showing World!

The annual stallion and mare grading also took place at the beginning of the month was also super. The future is bright for coloured horses and ponies, their breeders and enthusiasts.

Stipendiary Steward Scheme a Success We are delighted with the response received so far in relation to our new Stipendiary Steward scheme. We now have nine full reports to work on, most of which the feedback has been extremely positive. We have a few areas to work on, and will be working very closely with our panel of judges to develop these areas over the coming months.

Do you want to be a CHAPS UK panel judge?

As we move to the second half of this year, we are now planning this year’s annual Judges Assessment day, and are now taking applications online. Please visit our website for more information. New for this year we will be re-introducing a ride only panel to encourage riders to come forward for assessment from other disciplines. Our next judge’s assessment and conference will be held at Aintree EC 28th Oct 2023. The 2023 conference will be our first live conference for a couple of years, and we hope to make as interactive as possible, along with a full behind the scenes tour of Aintree Racecourse. For help advice and any queries please contact our Chair of Roquefort Papillon ridden by Sophia Chambers Judges Vincent Seddon on chapsukjudges@outlook.com

With the season in full swing, coloured horses and ponies are out in force!

Coloured fan Tayla Lewis’ own uber-successful Lostock Uptown Funk (Stevie) booked his return ticket to HOYS on his first attempt in the non-native pony class at the CHAPS Midlands Show before standing section champion, jockeyed in the championship by Becky Penny. He later stood overall supreme ridden by Tayla. Jane Turnbull’s multi-garlanded Custom Made The Watchman (Teddy) also won his class, and stood section reserve behind Becky and Stevie. A good day for Tayla and producer John Cutts!

Fellow Coloured enthusiast Sophia Chambers is also having a superb year with her team.

Champagne Charlotte continues to impress despite her relative lack of showring milage, and former HOYS winner Roquefort Papillon recently booked his NEC ticket standing champion at Mid Herts.

The final chances to join Tayla and Sophia at HOYS through qualification will be at Edenbridge and Oxted Show (27-28 of August) and at Stoneleigh Horse Show (02-03 of September).

You’ll be able to watch the finals for each combination hoping to be crowned the Coloured Horse or Pony of the Year on the 8th of October, 2023.

info@showingworldonline.co.uk | August Issue 2023 | Showing World | 13

Peronne The Navigator shown by Hayley Reynolds

Navigator Takes Direct Route to the Top Derbyshire Festival | Somerford Park, Congleton | 10-11 June, 2023 Photography by Equinational Peronne The Navigator deftly negotiated his way to the top of the Price Family Supreme lineup showed by Hayley Reynolds. The five-year-old New Forest is the only one of his breed to ever qualify twice for this most prestigious of breeding championships. He is by Moortown Nobby out of Dorridge Little Beauty and was bred by Isle of Wight-based breeder Nick Williams.

Hayley purchased him as a two-week-old foal, basing her decision entirely on one photograph and his breeding. “I collected him off the ferry at weaning; I had always wanted one by Moortown Nobby and I love his mother’s lines, too,” said Hayley. He had a quiet year as a yearling, but nevertheless took two championships from three outings. As a three-year-old, he took four tricolours and booked his first trip to the Price Family Supreme at Royal Cheshire County Show, led by Tom Pearson as Hayley was heavily pregnant with her son.

weekend at Derbyshire Festival by taking the Fell ridden class astride Wellbrow Diplomat, owned by Louise and Zoe Marsden. Coincidentally, Hayley also produced Diplomat to qualify for the ridden class at Cheshire when Navigator gained his first ticket, albeit she was deputised by friend Brian Williams on that occasion due to her swollen baby bump.

Annabel Jenks’ Springpond Merryman was shown by Harry Moore to stand hunter pony breeding champion. The seven-year-old stallion took time out from his stud duties where he stands at Stallion AI services. He is a maternal half-brother to the super-successful HOYS and RIHS supreme Diamonds Are Forever and he’s sired by the late Kilvington Scoundrel who needs no introduction. Not to be left out, Jack Moore also showed Annabel’s Springpond Skylark to stand first and reserve champion sports horse.

Last year, Hayley was again handling him herself and although it was a quiet year for him, they nevertheless managed to stand supreme mountain and moorland champion at Royal Cheshire County Show and Presidents Cup Supreme at the NCPA Pony of the Year show.

“I was so shocked when Simon Richardson announced the champion,” said Hayley, “I shed many tears walking forward as you never dare to dream to qualify for the Price Family Supreme, and to do it twice with such a young pony, and even more surprisingly, with a New Forest pony..!

I would never have believed it if someone had told me it would happen. My dream is for him to have the same success as a ridden pony.”

Since gaining their ticket, Hayley and Navigator have stood supreme mountain and moorland at the Royal Highland Show. Hayley topped her Springpond Merryman shown by Harry Moore

Flash Bang Champion Cheshmere Flash Bang Wallop strutted his stuff to the Dargavel 4–6-year-old championship before going on to take the reserve for the silver medal championship and qualify for the British Isles Supreme. The flashy four-year-old Welsh section C stallion was bred by Lorraine Clynes-Thomas and ridden by her son, Terry Clynes. He is by Synod The Messiah out of homebred mare Cheshmere Tegan. He was broken in by Terry over the winter, predominantly hacking alongside Terry and his partner Kieran’s hunters. This was his third outing. He went to NPS Area XI where he won his Picton novice class and reserve champion before heading to NPS Area 5 to take the Dargavel 4-6 championship and stand reserve NPS silver medal champion. He’s now aiming for the finals at the NPS championships before tackling open classes next year as Terry also has open contender Menai The Vicar headed to HOYS in the same class. “We don’t want to rush him because we think he’s quite special and needs time to mature to have the best shot at success in the future,” said Terry.

The mountain and moorland classes were nothing short of enormous, with throngs of competitors turning out for the open, mini, junior and working hunter sections despite the intense heat, and tickets to HOYS were awarded to old-timers and new faces alike.

One such new face was Karen Whittaker’s Halliwell Sian (Sally), ridden by Mia Whittaker. Sally is based at Karl Morris and Liam Glynn’s Preston yard as Mia rides for them alongside her full time office job at Estate Research. Mia has had Sally since a six-year-old and has progressed the pretty section C mare’s education herself. “She is very special to our family as she was bought with the money my Grandad Colin left me when he passed away,” explained Mia, adding, “she hasn’t always been the easiest pony but now she is just a little jumping machine and loves her job. We have been so unlucky up to this year with so many near misses so to qualify at the first this year was a complete shock.”

Although not a first-timer, Amber Thorpe’s reaction to her win in the exceeding 143cm class and subsequent championship suggested she was also shocked to win the first qualifier with her own Tony’s Thunder, and was even more so to take an early ticket the following day with Highland pony, Marksman of Mendick on his first ever attempt at qualification.

Cheshmere Flash Bang Wallop

Tony’s Thunder ridden by Amber Thorpe

Out of the Line of Fire Into the Line of Fame Also making a successful first stab at qualification was Carrock Comet. “I think it’s his way of saying, thank you,” said an emotional Sarah Field who rode the six-year-old Dales win the breed qualifier, HOYS ticket in hand, just two weeks after his stable was torched during a potentially catastrophic yard fire.

Sarah, partner John Clayton and their two children had been due to attend a christening but in a ‘you-couldn’t-write-it’ sort of day, they’d been delayed due to thieves found on their property and the ensuing police visit. Fatefully, this meant that the couple were still on the yard when one of the livery owners’ lorry caught fire with her horse on board and causing the timber stable blocks nearby to also catch fire.

Mercifully, swift action from Sarah, John and Sarah’s brother Robert meant that a plan was swiftly enacted to mobilise the yard staff and rescue all of the horses.

Carrock Comet ridden by Sarah Field

“I ran towards his stable as I could see it spreading and thought he was going to be trapped inside and we’d lose him,” said Sarah, still visibly shaken by the episode. “All I

could think was that I had to get him out if I could. In that moment, I never imagined that I’d see him again never mind get to compete him.

To qualify him was an absolute dream come true; this lad has yet to let me down.”

Comet is owned by Abbie Allen who purchased him as a foal from his breeder, Glynis Cockbain. He was broken in by Sarah before being campaigned lightly as a four-year-old, winning on every occasion including at the BSPS championships. As a five-year-old, he was left to mature and has returned to the ring to maintain his unbeaten record.

He won the Dales breed class at Derbyshire by three marks and was thoroughly deserving of the highest ride, executing a flowing, mannerly and forwards show in blistering heat.

The large breeds junior mountain and moorland class was the biggest of the show, with over 50 entries. Though not all were forwards, sorting through them was nevertheless a mammoth task for judges Madge Taylor and Joanne Griffin. Their eventual winner was Lucinda Leeming on Eastlands Dunedin, and the pair went on to take the tricolour. A former HOYS winner and GYS champion under producer Lauren Beaumont, Dunedin is owned by Susan Poole, who purchased him directly from the stud. The pair qualified for the RIHS junior large breeds class at North of England Spring show on their first attempt, and Derbyshire marked their first HOYS junior class, with the win further cementing an already solid start to their season.

Eastlands Dunedin ridden by Lucinda Leeming

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Ward’s Winning Worker Ways Team Ward once again proved to be formidable opponents in the working hunter pony sections taking home an impressive five tickets. 16-year-old Ruby Ward and Angela Hunt’s Connemara pony Lady Dublin of Corderry (Dory) won their 143cm mountain and moorland working hunter pony ticket before donning plaits to win the 143cm plaited section twenty-four hours later. Ruby also partnered Giddy Up Tango to win the intermediate working hunter pony class and the plaited championship. Gabrielle Wright stepped into the breach and rode Dory to the section reserve.

Giddy Up Tango ridden by Ruby Ward

Meanwhile younger team-member Elsie Lynch rode the reigning HOYS pony supreme, Noble Peppermint, to book her return ticket to HOYS. Elsie deputised for NI-based Nancy Lyons to win the junior mountain and moorland working hunter pony class with Welsh section A pony Twynffrwd Carys (Belle). The pair jumped a stonking turn around one of the most testing junior courses to date since the class’ introduction last year.

Belle and Nancy had stood champion at the NI Festival earlier this spring before Belle headed to the Ward Headquarters to attempt some qualifiers. Elsie and Ruby have kept Belle fit for competition, and it was intended that Elsie give her a run at Derbyshire Festival in readiness for Nancy’s return for qualifiers later in the month. However, the pressure will now be off Nancy, who was informed by telephone of her ticket as soon as Elsie and Ruby were able to call her.

Twynffrwd Carys ridden by Elsie Lynch

Diamante Crowned Field Aston Diamante (Diva) and Pearl Morris entered their first HOYS qualifier in the hope of accumulating points towards the Premier Amateur League. Little did they expect to win their 138cm show pony class and take the section championship.

Bred by Julie Templeton, Diva was purchased by Pearl’s mum, Mel, last October as a five-year-old.

“We had a bit of ‘lastitis’ at the start of the season,” said Mel, adding, “She seemed to suffer with a bit of stage fright. So I decided to get her hacking out alone to learn some confidence in herself along with training hard with Sabrina Ross, and she’s shined like a diamond so far.”

Diva and Pearl have since repeated the win and added an extra part-bred ticket to their repertoire at the Royal Highland Show.

Field Aston Diamante ridden by Pearl Morris

Toro NEC Bound Our own team members Thistledown El Toro and Kashia Boghal are HOYS bound, winning a strong class and small breeds championship. Produced by Sharn Linney, Toro and Kashia are having the best start to the season and are now focused on preparation for the Royal International Horse Show.

Thistledown El Toro ridden by Kashia Boghal

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Toro’s stable mate, the super-successful former HOYS winner and RIHS champion Thistledown Sea Mariner won his 133cm show hunter pony class booking a return ticket to HOYS under Katie Parker. Meanwhile his breeder, Sandy Anderson’s own Welsh section B stallion, Thistledown Shereef qualified for the NEC final under Matilda Holmes. He is produced by Sara Parrott and Craig Elenor, who showed him to stand youngstock champion and reserve male at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show in 2019. He made his debut season under saddle count by standing second at HOYS under Emma Holder in 2021, and gave a mannerly display to clinch the class under his new young jockey at Derbyshire Festival, proving his temperament to be second-to-none.

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Joy for Jara Lincoln County Show June 21st-22nd Report by Beth Simons Photos by Real Time Imaging

Jara ridden by Georgia Darlington

A FIRST visit to the Lincoln showground paid dividends for the talented intermediate working hunter pony (WHP) Jara who clinched the Horse of the Year show (HOYS) WHP title.

Ridden by Georgia Darlington, the nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare

by Bugatti VDL out of a Cantos mare, won her class at HOYS last year as well as two titles at the 2022 BSPS summer championships. “The course caused quite a lot of trouble as the ring is buzzy with lots to look at around the outside, not just in the ring,” said Georgia. The successful duo has now been selected for this year’s England WHP team where they will compete in Scotland.

A son of Chantilly Lace, a multi-garlanded mare who was second at HOYS six times during her career, headed the coloured championship.

Sarah Harrison rode her own home bred Sarison Starman to win their second HOYS title, having also won at Bath & West earlier in the month.

The home-produced seven-year-old, by Boston out of the Harrison family’s former ridden pony – Chantilly Lace – won his class at HOYS in 2022. Starman contests the coloured ridden native/cob/traditional pony not exceeding 148cm section. ‘He’s very much like his dam, who is my pride and joy,’ said Sarah, who works as a wedding organiser. ‘He won HOYS last year in his first open season,’ said Sarah’s mother Sharon. ‘He has won all five classes he’s contested this year so far including NCPA Lancashire, Windsor, Bath & West and now here.’

Hayley Erner and her own lightweight cob winner Hortons Cut Above went on to win the HOYS cob title. The grey gelding finished second in his debut HOYS qualifier at Three Counties show and has won three RIHS classes this year. The eight-year-old was bought in 2019 from Mikayala Costello, who is based in Ireland. “I first saw him on Facebook,” said Hayley, who last won Lincoln 25 years ago aboard her former coloured cob Mr Licorice. “I keep him at home,” said Hayley. “We don’t have an arena – his works consists of only hacking and only really schooling when we go to a show. He’s the first horse I’ve produced myself who has gone on to win at this level.”

18 | Showing World | August Issue 2023 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk Sarison Starman ridden by Sarah Harrison

Hortons Cut Above ridden by Hayley Erner

Copybush Angelina ridden by Lexi Barfield

Another champion pony being ‘home-produced’ was Copybush Angelina – a 122cm mountain and moorland WHP – who took the title after winning her division, ridden by 14-year-old Lexi Barfield.

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

Team Ahern saw some family wins with 11-year-old Lilly Ahern-Lee taking the HOYS show pony championship aboard Colbeach Caprice. The 138cm contender is currently on loan from Jerome Harforth. Caprice has been stabled with the Ahern’s since a four-year-old and has been second at HOYS in 2021 and 2022. “This is Lilly’s first proper season with her, and the last three seasons have been about preparing them for each other,” said Lilly’s aunt Kirsty Pickles.

Kirsty’s daughter Arabella, six, was called forward to head the HOYS M&M lead rein qualifier and championship partnering Combebank Magna Carta. The sevenyear-old first season Shetland is by Lilly’s 2022 HOYS M&M first ridden winner – Lotuspoint Cassius, who the family has on lease from Rachel Brightmore.

“We weren’t really Colbeach Caprice ridden by Lilly Ahern Lee looking for another pony, but when we saw photos of Carta, we had to have him!” added Kirsty. The final win for the team came from RIHS double supreme winner Wilderness Early Bird, who won the HOYS part-bred class with Mia Donaldson.

Rushill Diplomat ridden by Harry Heathcote

A Welsh section B added another two HOYS tickets to his tally after winning the 133cm M&M working hunter pony section with owner Sarah Parker. Rushill Diplomat, a seven-year-old 128cm bay gelding, jumped a foot perfect round to win his jumping qualifier, while also picking up a second ticket in the M&M junior small breeds class with Harry Heathcote.

“Harry has leased the junior ride from me,” said Sarah, who also clinched the HOYS open Welsh section B class and overall M&M championship at Cheshire County show the previous day. “He’s now got three tickets and been amazing,” said Sarah. Diplomat, who was bred by Jill Rushton by Janpete Tom Thumb out of Mybella Demure, is also Olympia bound after winning the BSPS 128cm junior performance qualifier with Sara’s son Owen, 9.

Loraine Homer rode Bloomfield Eloquence to head the HOYS hunter championship. The nine-year-old grey gelding picked up his second HOYS ticket in the middleweight section on the bounce. “He’s a complete dude of a horse,” said Loraine. In 2021, the son of Watermill Swatch, won the ladies’ hunter class at RIHS and he won the middleweight hunter section astride at RI in 2022.

Meanwhile Olivia Minihane rode Veuve Cliquot to win the HOYS open working hunter qualifier. “He’s an absolute legend and jumped yet another awsome clear for me,” said Olivia. “It was his first one and he was just class. I have to thank team Ross for staying even longer for me and Jerry!”

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

Jemima Makin-Jones, 7, partnered her own Chaseford Charismatic to win the HOYS mini show pony title. The black mare, out of former HOYS winner Chaseford Charisma, won the first ridden class and is produced

by Craig Elenor and Sara Parrot.

“We bought Jessie for Jemima last November as a first year first ridden for her,” said Sara. “This was their second qualifier. She’s an ultimate first ridden and Mima adores riding her, which is lovely.”

The HOYS show hunter pony title went to Morning Sunflower and Isabella O’Donnell, who won the 143cm SHP division. Produced by Lucy Glover, the seven-year-old bay mare is owned by Isabella’s mother Dawn and has won the first two HOYS qualifiers at Midland Counties, Derby Festival and again here. Sunflower is by Connemara stallion Rosscon Sunrise out of Downderry Maisie Jane.

Morning Sunflower and Isabella O’Donnell

Brilliant Supreme Suffolk County Show Trinity Park, Suffolk 31st May – 1st June, 2023 Photos by Real Time Imaging Sarah-Ann Gunn’s Killcarna Brilliant [Chubbs] continues his remarkable run under producer Will Morton, standing ridden supreme at Suffolk for the second time consecutively. The eight-year-old topped the RIHS lightweights under Essex-based producer Will Morton before going on to take the ridden hunter tricolour, hunter supreme and overall supreme. Sarah bought Chubbs from hunter afficionado Jill Day Will during lockdown. Rob Walker had ridden him successfully in the small hunter classes as a four year old, finishing third at both the RIHS and HOYS. Since then, he has moved up into the lightweight classes with considerable success.

Will took over the ride after he was approached by Sarah as she had seen him ride him when judging at BSPS Area 16. Last season Will and Chubbs finished second at HOYS and look yet more impressive this year.

Killcarna Brilliant ridden by Will Morton

Badleybrige Ab Fab ridden by Lewis Cousins and led by Christina Gillet

Reserve supreme was Sandy Wooderson and Madeline Haynes’ Badleybridge Ab Fab (Molly). Nine-year-old Exmoor mare Molly is by Elsinore Alan Partridge out of Bluebarn Prime Rose. She has been a remarkable ambassador for the breed and one of the most successful under saddle. Last season she qualified for both HOYS and RIHS, and stood mini champion at the latter led by producer Christina Gillett and ridden

by Jennifer Frost. This season, Jennifer is out of class and so Christina’s young son, Lewis Cousins has taken the ride. At Suffolk, the pair stood mini mountain and moorland champions en route to the supreme. Sandy and Madeline’s three-year-old Exmoor filly Darshill Kitty Pryde, bred by Michael Dewhurst, looks set to follow in Molly’s footsteps in the showring as she stood Exmoor in-hand champion champion, and the mother-daughter team made it a hattrick when their Dartmoor stallion Blackertor Painted Gilt took his breed championship.

The six-year-old was bred by Julian Walters and David Hodge, and was shown by his producer Philip Ward Burton. He also took the breed championship at Notts County Show before going on to stand supreme mountain and moorland in hand.

Ben Hester and Caroline Donnelly’s Bohemian Rhapsody (Queenie) delighted her connections standing champion coloured, supreme light horse champion and overall supreme in hand. Three-year-old Queenie is Caroline and Ben’s first homebred together, and it was her second time shown, the first being at CHAPS South East Show where she was reserve supreme. She is by Oldenburg stallion Feinrich out of their homozygous coloured ISH mare who was also champion on the two occasions that she was shown before injury cut short her ridden career.

“Queenie has the most amazing temperament, and we knew she would just soak up the atmosphere,” said Ben. “She was amazing leading the grand parade into the main ring in the afternoon and even made friends with

Blackertor Pianted Gilt shown by Philip Ward Burton

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a Red Poll bull!” It’s intended that Queenie competes in “one or two more shows in hand this year just to let her keep seeing the world” before she is backed next spring “and seeing what comes from the ridden.”

Reserve supreme was awarded to last year’s supreme champion, Julie Barton’s Highland stallion Ellister Islay Spruce, shown by Ross Keys. The ten-year-old has been extremely successful, having stood reserve for the prestigious Price Family Supreme In-hand final at HOYS in 2021 and competed successfully under saddle at HOYS, Olympia and the RIHS, winning the latter last season. Julie first encountered Spruce when he was sent to her by a client for breaking in and producing as a four year old.

When the same client decided to part with him, Julie decided to take up his ownership herself.

The reigning LIHS Dartmoor Best of Breed booked his return ticket at Suffolk. This was Salcombe Starehole Bay (Cecil) ridden by his producer Katy Marriott Payne. He is owned by breeder Felicity Thompson and has had an incredible run under Katy’s careful production and steerage, thoroughly deserving his nickname ‘Special Cecil’. The Shilstone Rocks Snowy Mountain nine-year-old stallion enjoyed a magical 2021 season, standing reserve and Dartmoor Best of Breed at the London International Horse Show, second at HOYS, and supreme mountain and moorland at the RIHS. Last year, he once again proved himself a tour-de-force, taking the championship at Royal Windsor Horse Show, repeating his win at the RIHS, winning at HOYS and repeating his Best of Breed.

Bohemian Rhapsody shown by Ben Hester

Ellister Islay Spruce shown by Ross Keys

Salcomb Starehole Bay ridden by Katy Marriot Payne

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Silver Pigeon ridden by Claire Kenworthy

Silver Pigeon Flies High NPS Area 12 | CCR Equestrian | June 1, 2023 | Photos by Equinepix With a host of RIHS mountain and moorland (M&M) working hunter qualifiers on offer, this central show saw some good numbers forward for these classes.

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

Silver Pigeon, owned and ridden by Claire Kenworthy, won the exceeding 143cm mountain and moorland (M&M) working hunter pony (WHP) qualifier. The 14-yearold grey gelding, by Cashelbay Cruise, was bought by Claire in 2016. “I bought him as I was keen to get back into jumping again before I was too old!” said Claire, who is nearing 50. “I went to look at another horse but fell in love with Silver and what a star he’s turned out to be,” added Claire, who started off with local level WHP classes, arena eventing and showjumping. “We worked our way up with the help of my trainer Maria Podmore.”

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

said Claire. “My non horsey dad had to fill in for her. I’m an enthusiastic amateur and I do this purely for pleasure,” added Claire. “I love to bring them on and see them improve and Silver is such a lovely pony – loves his jumping and puts a squeal in quite often. He’s so easy he would put his tack on if possible.”

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

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

Carrownulaur Johnny ridden by Rebecca Raine

Furzley To be Faere ridden by Kirstie Wright

Wellbrow Buster ridden by Jodie Haywood

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

Jodie Haywood and Wellbrow Buster won the 133cm section. The 15-year-old Fell,

by Heltondale Mountain Mist II, was being piloted by Jodie while owner Chloe Tyler was out of action for a few weeks. “I’ve had him for eight years and he was bred by Andrew Thorpe,” said Chloe.

Dunkery Black Grouse and Frankie Elizabeth Currell had already booked their place to Hickstead in the 122cm class at NPS Area 10 and stood champion, but went for another outing here and finished on a score of 97/100. “At some point he’ll go back to his owner, Jacqueline Wharton, as he’s a working stallion as well,” said Frankie.

Hope Munir ridden by Ella Eynon

Dunkery Black Grouse ridden by Frankie Currell

It was Ella Eynon and Hope Munir who took the qualifying ticket from the 122cm division.

The eight-year-old Welsh section A, by Rookery Stardust, was bought by Rebecca Faulkner and Eurig Eynon as a foal. “We did a little bit with him as a novice but then Ella was busy with other ponies so I turned him away,” said Rebecca.

“He came in over the winter and has done some arena eventing and jumping. He did a couple of novice classes and training shows at the beginning of the year but this was his first qualifier,” added Rebecca.

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

The Countdown is on Royal Cornwall Show – 8th – 10th June 2023 Report by Celeste Gall | Photos by Jayphotos “I didn’t see that coming,” said an elated Daniel Tarpey after he led the three-year-old colt Chiddock Countdown to land his very first HOYS Price Family supreme in-hand ticket. “It’s the hardest championship to win and the one you want to win the most; it’s hard to believe that it has finally happened,” added Daniel, who produces the son of the prolific Chiddock Time Limit from his Newbury base for his owner-breeder Sammy Sykes of the Chiddock Stud. Out of Wilderness Fancy Spice, the part-bred Arab champion is a full brother to the dual Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) supreme pony Wilderness Early Bird and future plans are for him to be retained to stand at stud.

The Price Family supreme judge Jane Cooper only got the call up the day before to stand in for Jayne Ross - as she was unable to attend – and had a super line-up to sort through. “My champion was a lovely, elegant and free moving horse with a great future and I adored the Connemara who was reserve; he was a super stamp,” said Jane. Jane found her reserve in Cathy Wood’s stallion Cloverhill Magic, handled by Jamie Frost, who finished fourth at HOYS in the final last season. This was their second reserve in the Price Family supreme in as many weeks, having also occupied the bridesmaid spot at Royal Bath and West.

Irish success Irish-born Adrain Brannelly secured an emotional first HOYS ticket in the open working hunter qualifier aboard his own Irish-bred sports horse Sharragh Rockmore (Tommy). The 10-year-old gelding was sourced by Adrain for the late Audrey Cole to event. “Unfortunately due to illness, she never had the opportunity to produce him so Tommy came back to me,” explained Adrain, who won the same class

Chiddock Countdown shown by Daniel Tarpey

here last year when it was an RIHS qualifier on a different horse.

Tommy is a 10-year-old Irish sports horse by Watermill Swatch and prior to qualifying for HOYS, he had only contested one other working hunter class as he can usually be found competing up to Foxhunter in the showjumping ring.

Irish blood also proved fruitful for the RIHS champion hunter, which went to Lucy Jeffries and the Irish-bred Kingsmaster seven-year-old Master Jack Brown. The pair, who headed the middleweight section, was purchased as a three-year-old over the phone after Lucy lost her beloved Rossa Dancer suddenly. “He is just one in a million and Sharragh Rockmore ridden by Adrian Brannelly

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Master Jack Brown ridden by Lucy Jeffries

he has a heart of gold; in the ring he thinks he is Beyonce, but he is like Paddington Bear to handle. I believe in fate and I just feel so lucky that we have him,” said an emotional Lucy, who also rides him side saddle and picked up her RIHS ladies ticket at Staffordshire County.

Lucy and Jack also finished reserve light horse supreme for the Queen’s Cup to the hack champions Hannah Horton and Imagine FW. As a novice hack last season, having only joined the yard at the end of March 2022, this was one of their first county shows together; the pair stood hack champions here last year too. Owned by locally-based Trevor and Marlene Burley, Imagine FW completed his novice year by standing second at HOYS last season.

Family ties Lorry driver Abi Dymond was contesting her first ladies side saddle class aboard her mother Fiona’s Moylough Aruba (Ruby). The 16.1hh nine-year-old mare - another purchased from Ireland as a threeyear-old – was only introduced to the side saddle two months before the show. “I’ve always wanted to ride side saddle since I saw pictures of my mum doing it years ago and I wanted to learn how to do it to ‘keep the tradition alive,’ explained Abi, who also had guidance from Fiona’s cousin Michelle Burgess.

“I didn’t think it would be easy, but it was definitely more difficult than I ever would have imagined and it was an extra challenge as Ruby had never carried it before either. I was prepared for the big grass rings here by riding in my Grandad’s cut hay fields and our goal was to make it through the class and have a good experience for our first time. I definitely didn’t expect to win or pick up our RIHS qualification!” said Abi, who will also compete in the showjumping at Hickstead on Ruby. “I have only got time for one horse, so its lucky that she does it all!” added Abi. Abi’s sister Tori Dymond enjoyed success of her own in the intermediate championship, posting a win in the small intermediate class and clinching the championship on Diptford Graceful, whilst their cousin Lauren Berridge stood reserve on the intermediate show hunter SCT Le Bijou De Reve.

Lauren also topped the small hunter class earlier in the week. It was a good week for the family on their home turf when youngest cousin Sam Laity, 14, rode his 133cm working hunter pony winner Barney IX to clinch the working hunter pony championship.

Already RIHS-bound after collecting an early ticket at Hereford Marches, this is Sam’s final year in the

Cousins Tori Dymond riding Diptford Graceful and Lauren Berridge riding SCT Le Bijou De Reve

class and has recently been turning his attention to eventing with his 143cm WHP runner up Star, who has posted two double clears at BE90.

“He wants to please” Marie Booth’s exciting Highland prospect Holmedown Wisconsin (Tom), partnered

by Jess Talbot, landed the M&M ridden championship. The six-year-old gelding

by Lyncrests Rhodri out of Holmedown Clearwater was bred by Devon-based Wendy Bridges and was purchased as a foal by Marie to enjoy her retirement. “He went to Jess to be backed and he has stayed with her since as he is very happy there.

He is everything you could want in a Highland pony – confident, kind and wants to please,” said Marie, who has enjoyed watching his progress this season. Jess and Tom have already clinched three top three placings in HOYS qualifiers, just missing out on their ticket twice.

“We don’t want to push him too hard as he is only a baby and enjoys his work,” added Marie. Reserve went to the Welsh section D winner, the seven-year-old black mare Eglwysfach Blodwen, owned

by Nicky Harrison and ridden by Victoria Hunton. Nicky has owned her since she was six months old and broke her to ride during Covid. “She is such a kind, genuine mare who is ridden by everyone including my 11-year-old son Edward who has started competing in junior classes with her,” said Nicky.

Eglwysfach Blodwen ridden by Nicky Harrison

Holmedown Wisconsin info@showingworldonline.co.uk | August Issue 2023 | Showing World | 25 Moylough Aruba ridden

by Abi Dymond ridden by Jess Talbot

"He was always the fastest!"

Royal Cheshire County Show | Royal Cheshire Showground, Congleton 20-12 June, 2023 | Report by Beth Simons | In hand photos by Equinepix Ridden photos by Equinational The 2023 Cheshire County had to contend with adverse weather conditions. The show’s first day opened beneath grey skies that soaked competitors and viewers alike making conditions testing for the workers especially.

The second day, however, saw the skies open and what can only be described as biblical rain saw anyone who could bathed in the time it took to run for cover! Competition, however, was hot.

A three-year-old hack who grew up believing himself a racehorse took the supreme in hand title and qualified for the Price Family Supreme In-hand Championship to be judged at HOYS in October.

Monivea Mozart is Pippa Kirby’s first attempt at breeding a hack, and it’s safe to say that as he graced the Royal Cheshire County Show ring yesterday, her experiment was a successful one! He was shown by Jerome Harforth, who is producing him for the season.

Pippa and husband Philip Kirby, a Yorkshire based trainer, raced his mother but her two previous foals had run only “moderately” so upon the advice of hack afficionado Jerome Harforth, they covered her with Turberry Top Cat intending to breed a hack, intermediate or 14.2, she explained. “He is her first non-TB and she has had two more since. He grew up with four TB racing colts and we’ve documented their life on our racing Facebook page, ‘the Class of 2020’. He was always the fastest, so I hope this doesn’t reflect in their ability to win races,” joked a very excited Pippa.

Monivea Mozart shown by Jerome Harforth

Royal Cheshire County was Mozart’s second show, and he also stood champion part-bred Arab at Derbyshire Festival, where his full brother, Monivea The Dark Secret also won his hack breeding class. Meanwhile, younger sister Monivea Melody is waiting in the wings. “Mozart’s definitely a keeper. He will hopefully become a top ridden hack and our youngest daughter, Indie, who is now 14 will look forward to the intermediate ride; he has

Haighmoor Gemma shown by Gareth Andrews

the kindest nature. We feel very lucky to have bred him.”

Joining Jerome and Mozart in the Price supreme was Haighmoor Gemma, who was representing the Welsh section D for the second year running. Gemma is owned and bred by Julie Evans, but she was shown

by Julie’s friend and fellow breeder, Gareth Andrews, while Julie handled her filly foal

by Haighmoor Cadfael. Gemma is bred in the purple, being out of Royal Welsh supreme champion and Cuddy Supreme In Hand finalist, Haighmoor Glain, who is herself by Royal Welsh winning stallion, Fronarth Victor.

Gemma’s sire, Menai Sparkling Imperial was also multi-garlanded, standing champion mountain and moorland at HOYS among his many in hand and ridden accolades.

30 Year Wait to Win Pays No foul weather could dampen Victoria Weir’s spirits. She handled her own Churchgate Choirboy (Charlie) to win the Connemara class over four years old. Victoria purchased six-year-old Charlie from David Bennet this spring. What makes this win special is that Charlie lost an eye at the beginning of the year. “The pump behind the eye that gets rid of water had stopped working,” explained Victoria in layman’s terms! “Charlie

26 | Showing World | August Issue 2023 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk

has adapted to life with one eye amazingly,” said Victoria, “and he’s completed his first few ridden shows without his eye with me this year, exceeding all our expectations!

We entered Cheshire with no expectations other than to enjoy our favourite show of the year. To win was a dream come true as after competing there for 30 years, it was my first win!”

Home Produced Hattrick Bethany Phoenix was delighted to be called forwards the winner of the large hack HOYS qualifier on her first attempt of the season with home-produced Molecule One. The seven-year-old was bred by Rachael Wolfden at the Broomshill Stud, and was purchased

by Bethany as an unbroken three-yearold. The pair are former Search For a Star winners, and this is their second open season together. Bethany was especially pleased to win as by her own admission, the classy mare has “taken a bit of a back seat this year” while Bethany concentrated her energy on producing daughter Esme’s ponies. “She enjoys being a happy field horse,” joked Bethany. Nevertheless, the pair have notched up three wins in three outings this season.

They won the RIHS Amateur hack class at BSPS Area 1A and the RIHS open hack class and championship at BSPS Area 1B. “I couldn’t be happier with her this year. She has really matured into something special and never disappoints, giving me 100% every time. It’s not easy being an amateur home-produced but it is all the more rewarding,” said Bethany.

Churchgate Choieboy shown by Victoria Weir

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

This is his first HOYS ticket ever, so I am absolutely thrilled with him,” explained Alice.

The championship, however, was awarded to the second placed exceeding 143cm pony: the evergreen Laburnam Richard (Pedro) with Amy

Molecule One ridden by Bethan Phoenix

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

Cloughrae Hill Billy ridden by Alice Cowie

Ysselhofs Hallmark ridden by Owen Parker

Orcarber the Phoenix ridden by Vikki Smith

The sisters’ luck didn’t end there. Amy also posted a win in the HOYS Fell breed qualifier astride Laura Marshall’s Hardendale Ray, and Vikki stood novice working hunter pony with Sara Dowdswell’s Linsard Sparky as well as topping both the heavyweight and maxi cob HOYS qualifiers with Jessica Penrose’s Hortons Valentine and Gaynor Holgate’s Orcarber the Phoenix respectively.

First HOYS Ticket!

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

Sarah Parker (nee Challinor) is well accustomed to picking up HOYS tickets, and Royal Cheshire County was no exception. Perhaps most notable for native breeds followers, she claimed the small breeds championship riding her own talented Welsh section B Rushfield Diplomat. Bred by Jill Rushton, he is an ambassador for the Welsh breeds’ versatility, regularly switching between jumping with Sarah and taking care of his junior riders in their sections, as evidenced when he went on to claim a further two tickets in the workers and the juniors the following day at Lincoln. Sarah was, however, taken aback and even shed a few tears as she watched from the lineup in one ring as her young son Owen, 10, took his first ever HOYS ticket off the lead with Ysselhofs Hallmark (Casper). Casper is leased to Sarah for Owen from owner Rachel Dilcock Thomas. Owen and Casper will also be joining the first ridden ranks at the RIHS, and fellow cradle stakes competitors at the LIHS. 28 | Showing World | August Issue 2023 | info@showingworldonline.co.uk

Synod Ieuan ridden by Matti Davies

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info@showingworldonline.co.uk | August Issue 2023 | Showing World | 29

Behind the brand: Smart Grooming As a qualified hair-dresser and semi-permanent makeup practitioner, Smart Grooming’s Sponsored Rider Vikki Smith should know a thing or two about keeping appearances looking tip top!

SG: When trimming and tidying, how far do you go? How do you know what to trim and what to leave?

Vikki says: “Any trimming and tidying of manes and tails on native ponies must always look as natural as possible, irrespective of breeds. But, it is absolutely essential that the breed standards are consulted before any trimming is done as each breed has its own rules and guidelines to follow. A judge may penalise any competitor if trimming has not been done in accordance with the breed requirements.

“To trim a native’s mane or tail to look really natural, I use two Smart Grooming rakes.

The wider rake is used on the mane to take out weight and the narrower one to tidy edges. Using a coarse or medium grade rake is always best choice, but it depends on the thickness and texture of the mane as well.

I often follow up with the Pro-levelling knife which leaves a neat, but natural finish.

Vikki is best known in the mountain and moorland world, but has also been spotted on cobs at both RIHS and HOYS, and her first HOYS championship was astride coloured pony Del Boy V, so she has experience producing – and turning out – a range of horses and ponies.

She already has a glut of ponies and horses HOYS bound, including New Forest pony of the moment, Lovelyhill Folklore, or George.

Owned by Penny Sutton, George has become a familiar face to followers of both mountain and moorland flat and working hunter pony classes. Last season, the Vikki and George appeared in two HOYS championships in one afternoon, having taken second place in the 143cm mountain and moorland working hunter pony class, and topped the ‘flat’ lineup to stand New Forest Pony of the Year. They are already HOYS-bound this season having won early qualifiers at NCPA Derbyshire Festival and at Royal Cheshire County show.

Smart Grooming caught up with Vikki and her groom Kaitlin Fairhurst for their trimming and turnout tips. Modelling was one of the yard’s future stars, Broughton Jack Jones, a five-yearold Welsh section D stallion owned and bred by the Broughton stud.

“All these tidying products are humane, and work well even on the most sensitive of horses, which is a God-send, and I consider myself very lucky to have them as part of my kit!”

SG: How do you hot cloth get the super show ring shine?

Vikki says: “To give my horses’ the final high shine finish for the show ring, I use Smart Grooming’s Super Shine Lotion after bathing. I find that a few squirts into a shallow bucket of very warm water is all

that is needed. Apply it with a sponge or cloth from top to tail as this will then dry to leave a non-greasy, high shine finish.

“The Super Shine Lotion is also really useful on show day. When applied to the quarters before putting in quarter marks, it allows for extra shine as well as providing

extra definition. I follow it with the Quarter Marking spray to ensure the marks stay in all day. Or I mix the Super Shine lotion with a little of Smart Grooming’s black make up for when I need to create a subtle but shiny bit of extra definition around the eyes and muzzle.

“For that extra little bit of shine on show day, I finish with Smart Grooming Gloss and Go. It’s great on coats and on manes and tails”.

SG: How do you get your horses’ legs so white and feathers so clean?

Vikki says: “To get super white socks and feathers, I firstly wash the legs thoroughly with Deep Purple shampoo. The deep colouring of this shampoo really negates the yellow tinges whilst also conditioning the hair, so this makes me very happy!

“Once they are extremely clean, I towel dry and apply Leg and Body Whitening Powder. This can either be applied as a dry powder directly to the legs, or mixed to make a white solution to then paint on. Either way works well. I then allow to dry before brushing any excess powder out. If stains occur or last-minute marks appear, I use a white cover up spray for an instant fix or Polar White stain remover for more stubborn stains. To finish the legs, I use Natural Hoof Shine on their feet.”

SG: Turnout “no no’s” that would be frowned on by the judge?

Vikki says: “As already mentioned, to turn up with a pony that isn’t trimmed according to breed standards is asking for trouble with a judge!

“Dull or even dirty tack is a big no no! Make sure your tack is clean and use Smart Grooming’s Leather Luxe to condition and shine your cleaned tack.

“I also dislike bandage lines on legs. For this reason, I never bandage legs. Leg lines are draw the eye immediately to something that should not be there!”

10% Photograph credits: Vikki and George at HOYS: 1st Class Images | Vikki and Jack Jones at home: Rebecca Penny

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Beech Hall Ryan ridden by Izzy Hartswood Collier

Royal International Horse Show 2023 Hickstead, Sussex | The Supremes, by Beth Simons | Photos by Equinational Ryan Workers His Magic!

the best I could for Ry in the hope that other people would appreciate and love him as much as I do. It’s been the most incredible week of my life!”

already made history by becoming the first mini jockey to achieve a double of Both the horse and pony supremes were wins at the RIHS. She was partnered to a treat for all spectating from the side of the reserve supreme by her grandmother Hickstead’s iconic main ring and on their Naomi Bardwell’s Hightopps Black Magic Mum, Claire Collier, remained in quite some TVs at home.

(Maggie) and Adam Forster, after the trio “disbelief”. She later told said, “I felt so won the show pony lead rein class and The pony supreme kicked off proceedings, proud watching her; and the experience has mini championship. In doing so, they and a high standard set from the get-go. been incredible. We’ve been touched by the also provided Hertfordshire-based Clare Those watching were kept guessing until kindness of so many people who have sent Highnam with her first breeder victory at the very end, and the Supreme Products cards, messages and good wishes.” the show. Maggie is by Hightopps Hugo Supreme Pony title was eventually awarded out of Hightopps Black Pearl and was to the very last to go.

In reserve was Scarlett Smith, who had This was Izzy Hartswood Collier, 15, and Beech Hall Ryan, the working hunter pony champions. Although this was Izzy’s first supreme, the 143cm Rathcoona Holiday Boy 16-year-old was also champion in 2019 and his experience told. England working hunter pony team members Ryan and Izzy looked perfectly tuned to each other and their show was difficult to fault, being balanced and mannerly with a scorching gallop and just the right amount of sparkle to secure a whopping score of 29 from judges Pearl Underwood, Alison Leddingham and Tony Whipps.

Nevertheless, Izzy’s evident shock when ‘the penny dropped’ and she realised they had secured the supreme spot was heartwarming.

“I was feeling so lucky to even be in the main arena with all the beautiful show horses,” said Izzy, adding, “I wanted to do

Hightopps Black Magic ridden by Scarlett Smith and led by Adam Forster

originally sent to Team Jinks by her breeders to break, but Adam told us that they “fell for her,” as “she is a joy to lead and simply floats on air beside you.” At just five years old, this classy and elegant mini champion defied any lack of milage with a slick performance in the judging of the overall pony supreme which included a swap of hands from handler Adam to demonstrate the pony’s manners, and was more than enough to secure the reserve supreme spot. Prior to Hickstead, this pair won both the RIHS and restricted mini tricolours at the BSPS Winter championships showing great promise early in the season.

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

Absolutely Brilliant!

The final championship of the ’23 Royal International Horse Show forward for judging in Hickstead’s iconic main arena was the Barberstown Supreme Horse, and what a supreme it was, with spectators kept at the edges of their seats throughout.

Curiously, three horses were tied on a score of 24 before the final riders, Craig Kiddier and Will Morton took to the stage.

Craig and Susan Tennent’s Mulberry Lane (Obi) were the penultimate performers. The pair had stood working hunter champions after completing a stunning turn about the Royal International’s famously imposing track on the Mulberry Lane ridden by Craig Kiddier

Killcarna Brilliant ridden by Will Morton

horse’s Hickstead debut, and Craig’s first shot at the workers there.

The OBOS Quality eight-year-old was first spotted by Susan as a three-year-old at Royal Dublin and she duly purchased him. A former winner of the novice hunters at Great Yorkshire Show, his quality also showed when he stood fifth in a strong field of middleweight hunters. Craig and Obi hunt with the South Notts, and he was evidently quite at home amongst the hounds when they entered the ring after the working hunter championship. He looked every bit the true hunter as he ate up the ground in the supreme with Craig using his hat to encourage applause from the crowd. The final flourish came when Craig cracked his hunting whip above Obi’s head, whilst he stood rock solid beneath him, beautifully demonstrating his manners. When a score of 29 was revealed, it seemed possible that both supremes would head home with workers.

With his hat doffed, Will brought Chubbs back effortlessly to a super halt. When the scores were revealed and the final 10 lifted to give a total of 29, Will’s face was a picture of shock, relief and joy!

Chubbs is sired by Brilliant Lad and was sourced for Sarah by Moggy Hennessy. Will and Chubbs’ time together began when Will was ride judging. Sarah, impressed by Will, 26, and Chubbs as a combination, asked Will to take on the ride and production of Chubbs. Sarah said: “Chubbs is just the loveliest horse – I call him a big Labrador – so I never meant for him to go to a professional, but my stables were taking too long to complete and as soon as I saw Will on him, I just saw the perfect picture and now I can’t take him back even though my stables are now complete!”

Since then, the pair’s rise has been meteoric standing supreme at Suffolk twice and champion at Lincolnshire amongst their many accolades. They also stood second However, Will Morton and Sarah Annat both RIHS and HOYS in 2022.

Gunn’s Kilcarna Brilliant (Chubbs) were last to go and what a dazzling Despite knowing that “Chubbs is very show they gave! Will and eight-year- special,” Sarah maintains that she old Chubbs had won the lightweight “can’t believe that he went supreme,” hunter class and championship adding, “I am so proud of Chubbs earlier in the week and gave a and Will, who puts so much work in. I stunning account of themselves in feel they are the perfect partnership; the supreme with a splendid gallop I really can’t wait to see what the on both reins, with the second taking future holds for them.” Neither can them right the way around the ring. we at Showing World.

Merrycorner Mister Bui ridden by Zara Brookes

Merry Mister’s Masterclass Setting the pace for the BSPS show hunter pony finals at Hickstead were the 153cm contingent. Experience won the class and later the championship!

The Team Walker produced Merrycorner Mister Bui (Buttons) by the sorely missed Connemara stallion Templebready Fear Bui held his own to take the championship for the third time consecutively under his ownerrider Zara Brookes. It was actually the fourth time for Buttons in total, as he also did so in 2018 when ridden by Harriet Dennison, with the pair going on to clinch the supreme.

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

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

Pushing to break the pair’s hat trick were Reise Shakespeare aboard the Team Jinks produced five-year-old Rosscon Copycat, another part bred Connemara out of the Castle Comet

daughter Chilham Quest and by the Irish Thoroughbred stallion Royal Storm.

Six ponies with a run of good form claimed the rosettes in 143cm SHP. Gloucestershire’s India Till won the class with her mother Henrietta’s home produced twelve-year-old 2021 HOYS champion Wycroft Beethoven, bred by Debbie Porter and Andrew Pitman. Chasing India up the hill into second place was Grace Hill riding the Somerset-bred Stretcholt Roulette who has an enviable record at RIHS having won the class three times previously with Abbi Farmer.

Thrilled to be called in second and gain her first spin in the International Arena championship was Beatrice Taverner-Jordan riding the Team Harvey produced Gryngallt Prima Donna by Gryngallt Paris. Owner John Harvey has a soft spot for the Gryngallt ponies having also produced the legendary mare Gryngallt Primrose very successfully for the Georgakis family.

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

Repeating their 2022 win in the 122cm class was an ever-taller Izzy Walker’s adored Redlays Theseus (Theo) owned

by Paul Mortimer. The pair will be aiming to continue this year’s success and repeat their former HOYS win at the NEC this October.

Warleigh Blushing Groom and Daisy May Allen

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

Also produced by Team Gillett was the second placed lead rein, 2022 HOYS runner up Cosford Glamorize ridden by Penny Richardson.

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

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

A Picture Perfect Champion The Open Show Pony classes allowed jockeys to think for themselves and try their best to show their ponies off.

Sometimes the freestyle shows were pulled off perfectly, whilst others came unstuck, and the original pulls proved to be very flexible with the judges confident to move ponies at both ends of the line.

The 148cm class looked to be the strongest of the day with experienced riders competing on either established ponies or exciting novices, and most ponies performed well.

Having been pulled top Chloe Heathcote and the low-milage Roseberry Picture Perfect (Haribo) had considerable pressure on their shoulders but gave a well-executed classic show. Haribo is homebred by Chloe’s grandmorther Susie Hinchliffe and mother, Tammy Heathcote, and Chloe was on a mission to achieve a first RIHS show

Hightopps Black Magic ridden by Scarlett Smith and led by Adam Forster

pony championship Susie, who hasn’t enjoyed the best of health for several years. He is sired

by Kilvington Scoundrel and his dam, Roseberry County Affair was a successful ridden pony.

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

Scarlett Doswell produced a flowing show to take second place on her first visit to RIHS

Excelsius Altius and Phoebe Ormshaw

with the eight-year-old bay mare Dibynn Miss Congeniality bred by Di Nicholson and produced

by Christina Gillett.

Jubilant in being pulled forward to win the 128cm class and later the overall reserve championship was Warwickshire based Lilly Richardson riding her parents’ five-year-old Whiteleaze Pollyanna who are enjoying a consistent second season together. Lilly and her elegant little pony by Cusop Dimension out of Wycroft Pasha were winners their novice class at Royal Windsor and have already qualified for HOYS. Pollyanna was bred in Devon by the Porter and Pitman team, whose stallion Cusop Dimension sired the second placed 128cm, Stoneleigh Showtime, owned by Helen Davies and ridden by Izzy Walker.

Another Cusop Dimension pony, Excelcius Altius which translates as “Your Excellency” stood at the top of the 138cm class from start to finish providing Phoebe Ormshaw with her first ride in the main arena for the championship. The six-year-old pony qualified and stood reserve at Staffordshire County. Phoebe’s mother Rachel praised the pony’s producer Karl Morris for finding their pony and carefully planning his campaign. Lily Ahern-Lee and her consistent partner Colbeach Caprice claimed second.

Roseberry Picture Perfect ridden by Chloe Heathcote

Teddy For Top Sopt Charlotte Leonard Richards led her own Amblynn Tiramisu (Teddy) to land her third RIHS miniature title. Six-yearold Teddy is by Power Bucks Mintoaur and Charlotte purchased him from online buy-and-sell platform Preloved, and though lightly shown, he has made quite the impact on the miniature scene, taking the HOYS title last year on his debut there. It truly was a dream day, as Charlotte was also responsible for the reserve champion, being two-year-old colt Scotts Olympic Dream. South Wales based Charlotte mixes home-producing her small team of miniatures alongside her ridden coloured mare Little Rhino, who is HOYS bound this time.

Beating the Boss!

Hickstead is a superb shop window for viewing well filled hunter classes for those looking to breed, buy or follow future stars.

It was a wonderful surprise to see leading rider Rob Walker gracefully stand aside and congratulate young producer Will Morton when he rose above him to win the Lightweight class on the eventual champion.

Rob rode the Royal Windsor hunter champion MHS Morning Master’s turn to be runner up in the class before handing over the reins to head girl Aimee Stunt, as he did at Royal Windsor, and Aimee steered him to the reserve spot, once again beating the boss! Owned by Jill Day, the eight-year-old is by Quidam Junior 1 out of a Cavalier Royale mare. He started out in the in-hand ring, winning the 2018 three-year-old championship at Dublin before heading over the water to qualify for HOYS’ Cuddy Supreme In Hand final – now the Price Family Supreme – where he finished reserve.

Whilst Rob may have stood aside in the first class, but he most certainly wasn’t going to allow anyone to get

Amblynn Tiramisu handled by Charlotte Leonard Richards

past him in the Middleweights, although Matthew Ainsworth riding Lyssa Shepherd’s Alfie Connor did have a jolly good try!

Robert’s ride here was the on-form Greenhall Treasure Island who had started his promising career by taking the Supreme Youngstock title at Dublin in 2018. Bred by Derrie Rothman, the Island Commander gelding has been allowed plenty of time to mature and is highly regarded by both Robert and his wife Sarah. He won the Novice Championship at the UK Nationals in 2020, won the five-year-old section of the SHGB Hunter show in 2021 and headed his open class at Royal Windsor in May this year.

The 2019 HOYS champion and 2023 Great Yorkshire champion Twinshock Warrior maintained his consistency

MHS Morning Master ridden by Aimee Stunt

at Hickstead by winning his HOYS Heavyweight class at the Derby Meeting in June and then his RIHS weight final for the third time for his producer Jayne Ross and owner Rose Bailey. The second Championship slot in this class went to university student Alice Homer riding Liz Prowt’s six-year-old OBOS Quality son Bloomfield Distinction who was bred by Jim Seymour and commenced his ridden career in Ireland where he was champion at Balmoral in 2021 and Tattersalls in 2022. Produced by Jane Bradbury he went on to take the Heavyweight class at Dublin and stand reserve Supreme before crossing the Irish Sea. Alice took over the ride this season and thrilled Liz and her family by standing Champion on their first outing at Bramham. Alice who was praised by many for her ride judging at the prestigious Sydney Royal Show, is also equally accomplished riding side-saddle and proved the point by winning the RIHS Ladies title for the second time with Angela Coggins’ Bloomfield Eloquence who is by the top eventing sire Watermill Swatch.

Buddy Bolden Bags The Double As usual the Small Hunter class attracted a strong entry. Once again Will Morton pushed for supremacy with Rosamund Lane’s Lenhall Legacy by the Thoroughbred stallion Aolous but it was not to be. He was held at bay by Meg Edmundson who achieved a personal best result at the show by riding her mother Bridget’s Briarhill Buddy Bolden (Nige) to win the 2023 Small Hunter title. The seven-year-old is sired by Kings Cornet who is by the legendary jump sire Cornet Obolensky who was rescued and evacuated to Germany from the war in the Ukraine.

Nige is produced by Team Helliwell, and really rose to the occasion to set a new RIHS record by winning a second championship - the Intermediate Hunter type - within two hours on the same day with Harriet Dennison. Nige and Harriet took the intermediate scene by storm last year when he stood champion at the BSPS Winter championships, topped his first ever HOYS qualifier and the first of the season at Stoneleigh Horse Show and went on to win at HOYS. In the supreme, Nige oozed quality and presence in the ring and looked every bit the double champion. Harriet’s experience

in producing tip top performances showed, and the pair gave an exquisite account of themselves making the most of Nige’s effortless paces.

Poppy Carter pushed hard in second place in the intermediate show hunter type with Paul Mortimer’s ten-year-old Ricardo Z mare Royal Illusion Nige wasn’t the only to win two classes that day, as Harriet also piloted Manhatten to win the large intermediate show riding type class. By Kilvington Scoundrel, Manhatten was bred by producer Vicky Hesford. Runner up was Team Jink’s eightyear-old Show Them George, ridden by Reise Shakespeare.

Fifty-eight quality entries came forward across both classes providing the judges with the opportunity to shuffle their original line ups.

Coming out on top in the small intermediate section and taking reserve champion was the six-year-old mare Roseberry Fascinator (Hatty), ridden by sixteen-year-old Alice Binks. (Hatty) is by Chiddock Time Lord out of the top intermediate Roseberry Ladies Day and she provided breeder Susie Hinchliffe with her second win of the show. Hatty is beautifully produced by Sara Parrott and Craig Eleanor, who have overseen Alice and Hatty’s rise to be a formidable force in the intermediate ranks despite their youth. Overcoming a few difficult moments to move to second place was the Team Jinks produced five-year-old Leander son Louie Chantry, sympathetically ridden by Jack Owen.

There was rapturous applause when third placed Comberton Clarence ridden by his owner Susy Edwards were pulled to take the third rosette. Clarence and Susy are based in Scotland where it is extremely difficult to qualify for HOYS in this section, meaning RIHS was possibly their only chance to compete in a top-quality final this season. Susy and Clarence proved to every spectator that they intended to make the most of their trip south!

William Visits Top Spot Again!

There were surprises galore in the Hack classes! Robert Walker made it a hat trick of RIHS wins with Nick Brookes’

Briarhill Buddy Bolden ridden by Harriet Dennison

small hack Parkgate Royal Visit William having already won in 2019 and 2021 when he stood champion, an accolade he repeated once again this time. Parkgate Royal Visit William - by the SPSB stallion Aimbry Chester - holds an outstanding record on the Sussex showground both under Robert’s production and when previously home produced to win the Intermediate Supreme Championship in 2017 for his former owner Emily Whitfield and her friend Emma Dewhurst.

Charlotte Coppard and her daughter Rebekah Pring’s second placed Howetown Holly’s Legacy produced and ridden on the day by Elliee Stunt brought about a bundle of joy. The build up to RIHS provided so much excitement in Ellie’s team camp that the mare’s usual jockey Rebekah gave birth to her first baby a few days early and in good time for her to enjoy the class and the championship on the livestream! Rebekah had been under strict instructions to stay at home in Dorset as her due date was hack day! A delighted Charlotte was able to groom, support Elliee’s team and visit her new granddaughter Peony on her way home!

Hyde Park History Making RIHS history by winning the Large Hack for the fifth time and breaking the record run of the Carey family’s outstanding Pearly King was the Mears family’s Forgeland Hyde Park (Will) produced and ridden by Danielle

Parkgate Royal Visit William ridden by Rob Walker

Heath. However, their championship tally remains at three each providing Teams Heath and Mears with the best incentive to try again next year. Second place went to Will’s former producer and rider Jayne Ross with the elegant and slowly produced Irish Sport Horse mare Ballerin Rosabella owned by Linda Upton.

Rosabella is by the top Thoroughbred show horse sire Emperor Augustus and out of a mare by the Thoroughbred stallion Nashme by the top racing sire Nashwan.

Danielle Heath and the Mears family were not to be left out however, and they lifted the riding horse title with small contender, Times Square III (Monkey) for the second time consecutively. The ten-year-old son of the late Australian bred sire Willowcroft Regal Bronze showed off his phenomenal

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gallop in the International Arena and stood above Stanley Grange Smokey Bay in his class. Smokey Bay is owned and ridden by Samantha Burns who has previously won the RIHS Amateur title at this show with her former ride Bronte also produced by Katie Jerram-Hunnable.

Enjoying a first major title was sixyear-old King of Clubs who took home the large riding horse title and reserve championship for his owner Debbie Harrod and rider Jayne Ross. King of Clubs is by the French bred jumping stallion Riverland Roi who now stands in Ireland. The young horse showed promise when he won a competitive novice class at Royal Windsor last year where he also ended reserve to Danielle and Monkey, and the pair finished second at HOYS last year.

Times Square III ridden by Danielle Heath

Tricolour Heads to Copenhagen!

Irish bred grey cobs brightened up the day in the Cob rings with all four championship contenders looking spectacular galloping on the lush green turf of the International Arena.

Simon Reynolds stood top of the Lightweight line with Rowena Stevenson’s Copenhagen (Teddy). Teddy has previously achieved two seconds and a third at RIHS before being sashed overall Champion this year. Delighting his connections in second place was the Royal Windsor Novice and Royal Bath and West HOYS class winner Randlestown Aristocrat produced and ridden by Jayne Ross for Lisette Roberts. Jayne also stood second in the Heavyweight section on long standing

cob enthusiast Nina Armstong-Finlay’s Indigo Marvel.

Oliver Hood stormed through the heavyweight class and made sure of a win for the Hood Show Team. Oliver was awarded the Reserve Championship with the six-year-old Carters Top Gun who was on his first visit to RIHS having made considerable impression as a novice last season. In 2022 he was champion at Herts County and later qualified for HOYS where he stood fourth on his first trip. This season Oliver used the Hickstead Derby Meeting to introduce the youngster to the big turf arenas and this paid off with a win, HOYS qualification and proved to be perfect preparation for the Surrey Envelopes finals.

Young riders made their mark in the Open Maxi Cob by filling the top places of the 31 strong class. Winning for the third time was Brookvale Limited Edition with Isabella Mears in the saddle. Phoebe Price and her mother Joanne’s A Red Knight impressed in second place.

Copenhagen ridden by Simon Reynolds

Bell in Full Bloom Having enjoyed a very successful Arab Horse Society show the mother and daughter team of Gen and Georgina Rees from Henley on Thames arrived at RIHS on top form. Their Crabbet bred mare Bellflower bloomed in her first open season and won the breed’s coveted Ballmano Cup presented at the RIHS. Ten-year-old Bellflower is by Psalm out of the Australian import Wentworth Estate Bellissima, and put up a dazzling performance to win her class ridden by Georgina. She proved herself to be a great ambassador for her breed in the Horse Supreme Championship on the final day of the show when partnered by Georgina’s friend, Darren Crowe, with whom she shares the ride. Many felt that the pair deserved far higher marks.

Georgina, her mother and Darren now aim for HOYS with Bellflower who qualified at Royal Norfolk along their homebred Valletta’s Hunters Song who took the ticket at the Arab Horse Society National Show.

Second place went to Tash Nelson of the Gloucestershire based Meade Show Team riding Mrs Kandy and Kimberly Pody’s second season six-year-old bay mare Valentina KK.

ridden by Lola Carabine. Bred by the late Jane May, the 14-year-old by Ardenhall Party Piece and Lola produced a charming show for the rest of the field to follow. Millie Lockhart and Absolutely Classic (Connie) came in second.

Connie has been loaned to the Lockharts by owner Caron Scudamore, and like Lola and Joules in top, Millie and Connie are no strangers to success 2021 Part Bred of the Year at HOYS and competing in no less than three classes at HOYS last season. The pair used their championship opportunity to show off and took home the reserve sash to Devon.

Darren and Bell Flower

In the large section conformation appeared to the crowd to take precedence. Once again Team Jinks reaped reward firstly claiming the class and then the championship with Reise Shakespeare’s large intermediate runner up, Show Them George who looked to have gained from his previous class experience to show off both his manners and his paces to the approval of both judges. Bridesmaid for the second time at this year’s show but achieving pleasing results with a youngster, was former Sussex resident Samantha Burns riding the Team Jerram-Hunnable produced iron grey Small Riding Horse Stanley Grange Smokey Bay who is by Litton Reflection out of a Yealand Nemesis mare.

The 56 entries forwards for the Part Bred final not only confirmed its rising popularity, but also suggested it was time to consider dividing these classes into three heights.

Competition was fierce in both sections. The pony final was full to brimming with quality exhibits from across the range of heights.

The initial pull saw the tiniest combinations battle for a rosette at the top of the line.

Top of the class was the cute combination of Jenny Harker’s 2022 Children’s Riding Pony of the Year, Ardenhall Blenheim (Joules)

Show Them George ridden by Reise Shakespeare

Llewellyn Rules The Ring!

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

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

In RIHS the supreme, despite her nerves, Hannah and Lewi executed a balanced show that both showed off his native pluck and his mannerly temperament with a long trot along the front before a serpentine that included a walk-tocanter transition and a one-handed canter circle.

“Lewi means the world to us as a family,” said an emotional Hannah when they secured their RIHS championship, “We came here to enjoy ticking off another ‘big’ show off the list and never expected this. The class win itself was a dream come true; the championship was out of this world and totally unexpected. It feels like we are dreaming.”

Danwood Llewellyn ridden by Hannah Atkinson

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

also Best of Breed at LIHS on both his visits.

Last year, he topped the UKP&H Intermediate final under Caitlin Hamilton, who won the same class with his sire, Invictus in 2021. This season, he has been unstoppable, booking the first LIHS ticket of the year at the BSPS Winters, winning at Royal Windsor, Area 25 and standing champion at the Great Yorkshire Show. Though something of a favourite with Anna, she was actually showing her prize-winning sheep at the Royal Welsh when news of his win reached her!

Interestingly, the final saw the HOYS ’21 placings reversed, with Carol Prater’s Tarbarl Major Tom and Katy Marriott Payne finishing second.

Nipna Midnight Rambler ridden by Sarah Parker

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

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

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

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Rosscon Emperor ridden by Katie Marshall

Blackthorn Poldark ridden by Jessica Talbot

final astride Julian Walters and David Hodge’s Exmoor stallion Blackthorn Poldark (Poly), whom Julian purchased after spotting a photo of him on social media. “You dream of wearing a blue sash, but you never think it will actually happen,” said Jess. Poly is sired by supreme stock getter Blackthorn Sea Poacher, who was himself by the multi-garlanded Siskin, shown by Poldark’s breeder Jackie Webb and Ann Nicholls. Poly has been shown successfully in hand, with championships including at the Breed Show, and he has so far enjoyed an excellent ridden career under Jessica’s guidance, standing second at the 2022 RIHS and ninth at HOYS. He booked a return ticket to the NEC early having stood top in the first qualifier of the year at Bath and West.

Hambleton and District’s qualifier provided our final winner. Rosscon Emperor and topped the Connemara and New Forest Class ridden by Katie Marshall. The six-year-old stallion is by the prolific Frederiksminde Hazy Match and was bred by PJ Watson. He is now owned by Sarah Harden, who bought him directly from PJ. He is low milage, and so exceeded all his team’s expectations for his first “stay-away” big show.

“He’s been to a maximum of nine or ten shows in his entire life,” said Katie, “we just really hoped for him to have a nice time!” Finishing second was Susan Pool’s reigning Connemara of the Year, Eastlands Dunedin, ridden as ever by his producer Lauren Beaumont.

Mini Mountain and Moorlands Craig Elenor had to be content with the reserve spot for the second year running in mini mountain and moorland ranks with a “delighted” Heather Clay’s Springwater Tactician, ridden by Finlay Clay.

Nevertheless the trio did go one better than 2022’s second, winning the lead rein final on this occasion.

They qualified for the RIHS at BSPS Area 4B, and they have already secured a spot at HOYS having won at the NCPA Staffordshire Festival.

Springwater Tactictian ridden by Finlay Clay and led by Craig Elenor

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

Tactician arrived at Team Elenor as a youngster from breeder Nicola Tyler with the intention that Craig should show him in hand. Finding him to be a diamond, Craig and partner Sara were reluctant to let him go and have produced him ever since! “He has matured again this year having turned 7 last month,” said Heather, who describes Tactician as a “true child’s pony,” with “the most amazing temperament”.

Last season, Craig and Fin steered Tactician to the mini championship in his native county show, the Great Yorkshire, and finished runners up at the HOYS final. No doubt they will be crossing fingers that the RIHS served as a good omen and they’ll go one better at HOYS in October, too..! info@showingworldonline.co.uk | August Issue 2023 | Showing World | 41

They were pipped to the tricolour by Harlow Luna White, 11. The social media sensation is in her first season of showing at an affiliated level.

Luna rode her mum, Chelsea White’s Coppinshill Commemoration (Rolo) to win the first ridden final before going on to also take the championship.

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

Bred by the Simcox family, Rolo is a nine-year-old Dartmoor by Springwater Happy Day out of Shilstone Rocks Another Beach. He is produced on the family’s behalf by Bea Shepherd, who was watching ringside.

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

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

Coppinshill Commemoration ridden by Luna White

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Red Rocks!

BPSA celebrated twenty-one years of classes at Hickstead and what a birthday party it proved to be adding plenty of colour and style to the first day at RIHS. As the years have gone by, the quality of exhibits has changed considerably and this year judges had far more even classes to consider than ever before. The show provided many with the first opportunity of the season to see the nation’s premier exhibits.

The Plaited Ridden Horse class opened the BSPA showing classes. Mares came out on top!

Arriving unbeaten following a carefully planned campaign was Miranda Wallace’s Mysterie Van De Heuval. The ten-year-old mare is produced for Miranda by Vicky Smith and was third at HOYS last year ridden by Martin Skelton. The pair duly won their class but were closely shadowed by Jayne Ross riding the reigning HOYS non-native horse winner, six-year-old Free Spirit mare KBF Lucia for Jayne’s longstanding clients Diane Stennett and Lucy Cameron in second place. She later moved ahead of her classmate in the horse section championship to stand a very pleasing Reserve Champion Horse for Jayne and her team. KBF Lucia was bred in Cornwall by Jayne’s close friends Tony Reynolds and Michael Cook and has been based with Jayne since a four-year-old.

Next in were the Small Plaited Ponies not exceeding 143cm. Winning here were the homebred combination of Eugenie GodfreyFaussett and Woodroyd Glamour Girl (Dolly) who provided Dorset based producer Elliee Stunt with her first RIHS winner. Mum and breeder Becky Godfrey-Fausett of Snuggy Hoods explained “Dolly, is by Parkdene Music Man and she was shown successfully in hand as a yearling by Hannah Brock with wins including Royal Welsh, Devon County, Bath and West and the CHAPS championships. She was then broken as a five-year-old. We are looking forward to HOYS but we’ll be looking

Mysterie Van De Heuval ridden by Vicky Smith

Red Rock III ridden by Janay Atherden

for a new home next year then she’ll come back home to breed from after she’s had a bit more fun.”

Second here was another homebred, Lancashire based Chris Patrick and Robin Avery’s Drumacre Sir Patrick (Paddy) neatly ridden by Milly Philipson. There was much joy in the camp here as Paddy is a first season pony by the 143cm piebald German Riding Pony stallion Acado out of out of the 133cm British Riding pony SHP mare Wynnmere Lilliput.

The Royal Windsor Open Cob champion and Hickstead Derby Meeting HOYS Lightweight Cob winner Red Rock III was on top form firstly winning the Hogged Cob ridden horse class and then the overall BSPA Ridden Horse championship. Sourced by Camilla Neame and Val Sheehan, the 11-year-old Red Rock has enjoyed a star-studded career having stood

Castra ridden by Rhiannon Loader

coloured champion at HOYS with Vicky Hesford before joining Lisha Leeman’s team where he is partnered by her daughter Janey Atherden following the tragic loss of her previous ride.

The skewbald cob ably filled big boots forming a formidable partnership with Janey last season to stand Reserve Champion at HOYS in both the Coloured and Cob sections. The whole family were present to cheer the pair to victory when at the end of the day he lifted the overall RIHS BSPA Supreme Horse/Pony title.

Janay and Red went on to have a ball in the overall supreme, giving it their all to impress the judges.

To highlight Red’s remarkable manners, after

completing the first half of her show, Janay stopped beside the fence to be handed a flute of champagne from husband Frazer, before proceeding to execute a canter circle with the flute held high in celebration much to the crowd’s delight!

Overall Reserve Supreme to Red Rock III was the charming Large Plaited Pony winner Castra by Liz Mansfield-Parnell’s late stallion Strinesdale Matador out of the Oldenburg head stud book mare Fairfax C who had stood Supreme Horse at RIHS in 2014.

When choosing a stallion for Fairfax C her owner Stephanie Fitt followed former Hickstead showing director Roger Stack’s advice to go smaller the first time to see what came out and to make sure the

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stallion stood over a lot of ground.

When Roger viewed her foal photo at South of England show the year he passed away, he pointed his finger at Stephanie and firmly said she was to keep her. Castra was sent to BD Young Rider trainer Caron Roberts to be started and is produced by Ellie Stunt with Rhianon Loader taking the ride. The pair were runners up in their HOYS class last year and at RIHS won their class, the BSPA Supreme Pony title before ending the day overall RIHS BSPA Reserve Supreme to the delight of Elliee’s team.

Reserve Supreme Pony was the winner of the Native/Traditional Small Ridden Pony class Monivae Black Magic owned and ridden by highly respected equine artist and racehorse trainer’s wife Philippa Kirby who was enjoying her final RIHS ride on her special pony before handing the ride to her daughters. Pippa was assisted by producer Lucy Glover and the charming gelding by Boston out of the Harrison family’s big winning mare Chantilly Lace rose to the occasion and thoroughly enjoyed his gallops up the Hickstead hill. In the Pony Supreme “Merlin” was joined by his full brother Sarison Starman who won the Native/ Traditional Large Ridden Pony class.

Starman is owned, bred and home produced by Sharon and Sarah Harrison and is another with a collection of fine wins behind him including Royal Windsor, Bath & West and Lincoln.

Keeping the Native/Traditional wins in the North was the Horse class winner Emma Burrow [nee Boardman] also from Lancashire riding the sevenyear-old mare Orcaber Bluebell whom

Monivea Black Magic ridden by Pippa Kirby

she produces and rides for coloured enthusiast owner Gaynor Holgate.

The mare provided the judge with a very mannerly ride on her first visit to Hickstead. Gaynor had much to celebrate as she was the sole owner/breeder to have two horses in the Supreme Horse championship as her Vicky Smith produced Orcaber Pheonix had been runner up to Red Rock III in the cob section. The Magpie owned by Domenica Fitch who shares the ride with her mother Clare stood a popular second in the class.

taking Reserve with Bang on Trend.

Moving up form Reserve to take the Amateur Championship following a disqualification on a technicality of the previous recipient were Penny Williamson and her versatile Ottowa who was Ridden Plaited Coloured Champion at the Stars Amateur Show last season. The pair are keen members of Sparket Riding Club enthusiasts and travelled all the way from Carlisle to compete.

Top of the Junior Riders was Loren Gaskin with Suprenova with Daisy Derby

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info@showingworldonline.co.uk | August Issue 2023 | Showing World | 45

Lawyer Holds Court Amateurs, Seniors and Home Produced Report by Celeste Gall | Photos by Equinational It was a “dream come true” for Isabella Grace Worthington and her intermediate show riding type Dolphins Lawyer (Raffi) when they headed the Pretty Polly intermediate final before securing the overall Pretty Polly supreme. “It’s like an early 21st birthday present winning my first blue sash,” said Isabella, who finished eighth and the highest placed amateur and young rider award in the open small riding horse final earlier in the week.

“Raffi was my surprise 18th birthday present and I owe a massive thank you to my mum for all her help and hard work over the last three years,” added Isabella, who is completing a rural land management degree. “Mum has taken him to British Eventing (BE) camps and training sessions and keeps him fit with a varied life at home.”

It comes as no surprise that Raffi is as talented over fences as he is on the flat given that he is sired by the European Teams Connemara Glencarrig Dolphin and this was evidenced by him completing his first BE80 event earlier in the year, finishing double clear for fourth place. “He absolutely loves his jumping and I hope to compete him in more BE’s and the working show horse class,” added Isabella, who is already both HOYS and LIHS bound in the riding horse final with him.

Taking the reserve Pretty Polly supreme was the homebred pony and rider combination of Addy Fowler, 9, riding her Grandmother Ann Fowler’s homebred show pony Broadgrove Family Silver (Katie), who is out of the 2010 HOYS champion Broadgrove Springtime and by the prolific Welsh section B stallion Rhoson Shem. Katie

was gifted back to the family by her previous rider Megan Gilbert in April and the pair have taken championships at BSPS Area 13b, BSPS Area 11 and picked up their HOYS ticket at Kent County.

Winning the Pretty Polly mixed height show hunter pony class was part bred Dartmoor Underhill Bobcat ridden

by Charlotte Goor who had travelled from Ireland to compete. The Goors purchased him from breeder Angela Banks as an unbroken five-year-old.

Charlotte has brought him on herself.

The pair won the 143cm show hunter pony class at last year’s Dublin Horse Show and they qualified for Hickstead at the IPS Spring Show.

Orlando Lord of the Ring Another home-bred pony and jockey combination clinching a championship title was James Burchell and the Welsh section A gelding Rowfantina Orlando Bloom, who landed the UKPH M&M young riders title. By HOYS and RIHSwinning stallion Broekland Allesandro out of his Grandmother Mandy Burchell-Small’s treasured broodmare Rowfantina Old Times, the pair were also victorious in the M&M first ridden final here last season and proved that these junior classes provide the perfect steppingstone between the mini and open classes. James and Orlando Bloom have since stepped up another gear to take the section A ticket at the NPS Championships and the open championship.

Dolphins Lawyer ridden by Isabella Worthington

The pair pipped Katie Parry’s eightyear-old Welsh section D mare Maesyfelin Tara ridden by Darcy Robinson to the tricolour after the pair

Broadgrove Family Silver ridden by Addy Fowler

Rowfantina Orlando Bloom ridden by James Burchell

Copella Lanark ridden by Amber Twambley

won the junior large breeds section in their first season. Ellis Taverner Burns steered the final winner forward for the championships. This was 11-year-old Langrigg Thomas.

Amber Twambley made it a memorable first time here when she secured top three placings in all three finals with her exquisite black Welsh section B stallion Copella Black Knight (Fergus).

By the HOYS finalist Eyarth Braveheart, Amber has owned Fergus since he was a foal and the pair are only in their first flat season together. “He has been hard work, but it is definitely paying of and he is just the most amazing pony. He just floated around the ring and never thought we would get a blue sash on our first visit here,” said Amber, who headed the Pretty Polly mixed breeds final. The pair also finished runners up in the UKHP amateurs class to Casey Ormrod and her own Contepomi Cashel eight-year-old, Emlaughmore Lightening, and third in the open Welsh section A/B final.

The Name’s Bond The hotly contested Pretty Polly mini M&M finals saw the lead rein victor, the nine-year-old Dartmoor Lowlandview James Bond and Harriet Lomas, land the mini M&M championship over secondplaced Woodend Marigold and Camilla Hollis. Harriet, 7, was led by her mum Lynsey, but their trip here was marred by a hospital visit with their other daughter Charlotte. “We took Charlotte to the on-site doctor and she was admitted to the hospital the day before our class with respiratory problems, which we knew the signs for so we knew what we were heading for. My husband Andy stayed

with her whilst I stayed to lead James and Harriet.

“I was full of tears on Saturday morning and sad that our little family wasn’t complete to watch the class as it is all a big family affair for us along with my mum and dad. James was on top form and must have been able to feel our emotions as he was an absolute dream to lead,” explained an emotional Lynsey, who added: “Harriet was speechless for a while after, I don’t think she could understand how amazing she had done.”

It was a day for the Dartmoor ponies when Pumphill Rasputin (Razz), ridden by Poppy Gresty secured a win in the Pretty Polly first ridden M&M final. Razz is on loan to the family from Leah Cassel and the pair are already HOYS-bound in the open small breeds final having won the

Emlaughmore Lightening ridden by Casey Ormrod

Dartmoor qualifier at TSR on their first attempt. “Never in a million years did I think I would win RI,” said Poppy. “When they were shouting out the back numbers reverse order and they got to fourth place, my heart started racing like it was going to come out of my chest. When they said my number, it just felt like a dream”.

Former National Hunt horse and hunter Twelve Bens (Henry) took the overall title in the Senior Showing and Dressage Ltd (SSADL) in-hand final despite it being just his second show. The 20-year-old Thoroughbred is owned by Gary Thorpe and handled by Zara Thain, who made her Hickstead debut very memorable.

Runner up was Gabriella Cox’s 19-year-old Wolfgang Golden Symphony.

Lowlandview James Bond ridden by Harriet Lomas and led by Lynsey Lomas

The overall amateur hunter championship and amateur supreme went to the winning small hunter, Tiger Eye and 19-year-old Newcastle University student Libby Taylor-Hopkins. Owned by her mother Amanda Picillo, the 11-year-old gelding was bought to support the transition into the horse classes and competes successfully as both a small hunter and intermediate show hunter, of which he is HOYS-bound in both. “He’s a total gentleman who enjoys a varied life at home. We were thrilled to win the amateur small hunter final and it was an amazing achievement to win the championship,” said Amanda, who noted that Tiger Eye is produced by Martin Skelton. Second was Dharmavallye produced by Jayne Ross and now owned by Zoe Tennant who flew south from Scotland to compete.

Securing the reserve was the winner of the amateur middleweight final, the Jayne Ross-produced Bloomfield Greystones and his owner/rider Rose Bailey. The pair capped a fantastic week as they also secured their pass to Birmingham at the New Forest. Earlier in the season she enjoyed winning the amateur championship at Royal Windsor. The eightyear-old gelding is by Crosstown Dancer who also sired Dowdstown Purple, winner of the amateur heavyweight ridden by Jono Fryer.

The Boss ridden by Loren Gaskin

Bloomfield Greystones ridden by Rose Bailey

Boss Leads Field Four coloured horses and ponies made the final eight placings in the SSADL ridden final, including the winner, The Boss. He was ridden by Loren Gaskin, who co-owns and produces him with her sister Leila. The 15-year-old traditional stallion joined the family when Loren’s grandfather purchased him as a two-year-old.

Last year, Loren and The Boss finished in the ribbons at HOYS and they have booked a return ticket again this year. They are also LIHS-bound for the first time.

They finished ahead of Lucy Richardson’s second placed Thistledown Van Der Vaart, a pony in need of little introduction. The former Pony of the Year, multiHOYS champion and RIHS winner was ridden by Penny Richardson and the pair were led by Penny’s dad, Mark Richardson.

Tiger Eyes The Prize The amateur horse classes proved bountiful with quality filling the ring. Sixty-eight horses came forward for the judging of the amateur hunter classes, with the home-produced amateur hunter championship going to the amateur lightweight hunter winner Francoise Babington and Seabourne Silent Valley (Marvin), who marked their third and final win here, as Marvin will now enjoy retirement from the show ring. The pair have enjoyed wins both astride and side saddle over their time together, including winning the HOYS ladies final in 2019 and the ladies title at Royal Windsor earlier this season.

Second place was awarded to Royal Highland reserve champion, San Miguel (KC) who is shared between his owner Jane Collins and her daughter Rebecca. He collected a rosette for both, also standing fourth in the ladies hunter class with Rebecca who has gamely continued competing throughout her pregnancy.

Seabourne Silent Valley ridden by Francoise Babington

Tiger Eye ridden by Libby Taylor-Hopkins

New Illusion ridden by Sophie Openshaw

Hortons Cut Above ridden by Hayley Erner

St Giles Devole ridden by Phoebe Price

already boast win at Royal Windsor and a HOYS ticket before arriving at Hickstead.

Phoebe Price went one better than last year to clinch the amateur hack sash with the Katie Jerram-produced large hack St Giles Devole. Having recently completed her English and Linguistics degree and achieved first class honours, Phoebe’s focus switched back to her horses.

Phoebe competes the seven-year-old in amateur and open hacks and in intermediate classes. The pair are well used to the limelight having won at Royal Windsor, at North of England, Herts County, Royal Cheshire and many more during their time together. Katie also produced the second placed Royal Regatta ridden by Helen Whiteley-John.

A Winning Illusion 23-year-old skin specialist Sophie Openshaw won the amateur small riding horse and section championship aboard her own and her mother Lynn’s New Illusion (Lily). “Sophie has been competing at RIHS since she was nine-years-old, but this is her first win and blue sash. It’s their first season in the horse classes and we have been delighted with the success that they have both had which has exceeded all of our expectations,” commented Lynn. Lily, who contests the small riding horse class, is produced by Jack Moore and the pair have also qualified for LIHS. Reserve went to Katie Dashwood and her much-garlanded ex-racehorse Minella Rebellion, who headed the large amateur riding horse final for the second year. A previous HOYS winner, RoR championships supreme and Windsor champion, Reg also finished fourth in the hotlycontested open large riding horse final here.

Showing for everyone

Three out of the four in the amateur cob championship carried the prolific Horton prefix, but it was the lightweight winner, Hayley Erner and Hortons Cut Above who reigned over the heavyweight winner Hortons Rainman and Annette Hance to take the supreme amateur cob title.

Avril and Robin Bartolomy’s Epimetheus won the maxi class. Avril purchased Epimetheus, who had been started by Lynn Russel, from her friend Linda Saunters after HOYS in 2021 when he stood fifth in the heavyweight final. He then grew into the perfect maxi to replace Avril’s longtime partner Clantara Shadow Play.

Last year the pair enjoyed a string of wins and could

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RIHS Working Hunter Ponies

Star Smokey ridden by Florrie Duncalf

Smokey is a Star Second placed 143cm working hunter pony Star Smokey and rider Florrie Duncalf went on to take reserve behind supreme pony victors – Beech Hall Ryan and Izzy Collier.

Florrie and Smokey have formed a great partnership since the 13-year-old joined Duncalf family in March this year. The grey gelding is on lease from owner Laura Wheelwright and spent the last two seasons eventing after taking WHP honours here in 2019. “We just wanted them to jump clear, but we were thrilled with what they got,” said Florrie’s mother Kirsty. At only 12-years-old Florrie is one of the youngest in the 143cm class. “He’s really teaching Florrie the ropes and is a very talented pony,” said Kirsty.

“She’s finding out about his many gears and how to ride him, but she’s a capable rider,” she added. “He’s a real gentleman and we are lucky that they’re a well-suited pair.” The combination also picked up their HOYS ticket at their first attempt at Midland Counties show.

The 153cm final was won by Alice Cowie and TGF Lucy, who also won this section in 2021 when they were also reserve champions. “I believe she is only the second pony to have won the RIHS twice as a 153cms in the last 20 years,” said Alice, who described the track as ‘technical and well built.’ “Fence three seemed to be the bogey fence, which lots of others knocked down,” said Alice, who qualified for HOYS this term at the Royal Highland show. “All the oxers were square, and the distances rode very forward. I would say the track was mostly up to height and required careful riding as it was mostly built downhill.”

“This is my sixth year owning Lucy,” said Alice, who is starting university in the autumn. “She came to us as a five-year-old who had done some showjumping with her previous owner. We saw her at a competition and enquired about her as we just loved her jumping style,” added Alice. “We had to work with her to teach her all about the worker hunter fences as she’d never seen anything like it!” The 11-year-old grey mare has been on the WHP circuit for three years and won the prestigious Desert Orchid in 2021, as well as being the England team winner, and finished second at HOYS and the Burghley Gold Cup in 2022. “I’m incredibly lucky to have her,” added Alice.

Precious Gem II and Bea Bailye-Hawkins won the 133cm section for the third consecutive year.

The 16-year-old piebald mare also won the nursery stakes in 2021 and finished

Precious II Gem ridden by Bea Bailye-Hawkins

eighth in that final here on the final day.

“We are delighted with their fourth win at RIHS as a partnership in three years,” said Bea’s mother Rachel. “Star absolutely loves Hickstead and they trained hard for it on our sloped grass field at home. She is such a consistent pony, with a huge heart and always tries her hardest for Bea - they have the most incredible bond.” The pair were heading to Scotland for the international WHP competition.

The talented Jara headed the intermediate division after being the first to jump in the class and produced the first and only clear round. Ridden by Georgia Darlington, the nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare by Bugatti VDL out of a Cantos mare, won her class at HOYS last year as well as two titles at the 2022 BSPS summer championships.

They are another combination who has been selected for the international WHP team in Scotland. “The course was very tough,” said Georgia. “I was the only clear and only eight finished. There was lots of square parallels causing poles to come down. The first jump caused a lot of trouble as it was a square parallel going up the hill by the gate, as did number three which was a black and white double right by the stands.”

Noble Peppermint and Elsie Lynch won the nursery stakes final. The 13-year-old blue and white mare stood supreme pony at HOYS last year after winning the WHP title. “I’ve literally ran out of words for all Peppermint has and continues to do for Elsie,” said Elsie’s mother Laura. “She’s one in a million. “They jumped a lovely round over a tough track. It was great to win as neither Peppermint or Elsie have won the nursery stakes at RIHS before.”

King Richard The prolific Connemara Laburnum Richard, by Rynn Richard, topped the M&M WHP title for their time here at Hickstead. It was also the pair’s third time they’ve won the exceeding 143cm class. The course featured a sizable bullfinch, tricky lines and a large water splash.

Clear rounds were few and far between and the 122cm section saw no clear rounds. “It was probably one of the best courses I’ve jumped here,” said Amy. “The ground had to be taken into account and those with more experience didn’t ride directly on the boggy ground but stuck to the outside of the fences to get a better shot.”

as a newly paired combination. “Flissy has been desperate to get in the worker ring as a competitor so to go in and win will be a day we’ll never forget,” said Felicity’s mother Sharon. Roachy, as he’s known, is home produced in East Yorkshire and went to the Watts’ family in January this year when he came on the market. “We’d always admired him, so it was amazing to have the chance to buy him.”

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

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

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

It was 10-year-old Felicity Watts and Annandale New Approach who made their WHP debut at Hickstead a winning one. The 122cm contenders qualified at the BSPS winter championship show Annandale New Approach ridden by Felicity Watts

Laburnam Richard ridden by Amy Smith

What Dreams are Made of

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By Sarah Measom Those in the showing world may know Darren Crowe as ‘The Arab Man’ since he remains one of the most successful riders of Arabs at Horse of the Year Show to this day. Darren has clocked up 15 wins in the Arab classes at HOYS, the first time with Katy Lake’s Silvern Enchanter in 2001, the last year the prestigious horse show was held at Wembley Arena.

In 2003, with HOYS having relocated to Birmingham’s NEC, Darren made history by winning all three class divisions in the Arab championship; riding Tiffani McCarthy’s Silvern Risalm to win the stallion class, Sue Hancock’s Tawoos to win the gelding class, and Darren Ash’s Jammilah to win the mare’s class, who then went on to win the overall championship.

Four years later, Darren returned to HOYS to win back his title and did not disappoint. He clinched the Arab championship title once again with the then 13-year-old stallion Silvern Risalm. This was just one of many wins the pair went on to achieve together. Ivan, as he was fondly known, was so successful that he became an icon for a generation on the Arab showing circuit, racking up an enviable list of major wins to his credit. Bred by David and Jean Peck of Paslow Hall Arabians, he was then sold to Tiffani McCarthy who owned him until he sadly passed away on the 4th July this year at the great age of 29.

This characterful, yet eye catching stallion took Darren’s showing career to the next level, winning just about every title possible in the Arab world. Darren says: “He came to me as a very naughty, halfbacked stallion but I just got on with him like a house on fire. Each horse you ride teaches you something different and he certainly gave me a schooling. He and I had an amazing career in the showing. He really was so special to me; a true horse of a lifetime.”

Tiffani McCarthy snaps her own Rissalm with Darren Darren with Silver Risalm (ES Photography)

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Darren’s first HOYS win was astride Silver Enchanter

Diamond Geezer ridden by Darren Crowe

Back to the beginning Despite landing success with the Arabs, this is far from where Darren’s riding career began. Having grown up in London in the 1970s, Darren and his sister used to have weekly riding lessons before he started to ride a friend’s ponies. Once he joined the local Pony Club, he enjoyed all things adrenaline fuelled, including show jumping and point to pointing.

At 18, he started to work at a riding school training the horses before going on to work for show jumper, Jimmy Lister. This bought with it the opportunity of working with many young horses and exposed Darren to the international competition circuit and the discipline required to be successful.

“I have always loved all different disciplines. I believe that even with the show horses it’s about making them athletes and getting them using their whole body. Whatever horse I ride, that is my aim,” says Darren.

shone bright under the spotlight at HOYS last year and put in a remarkable display of athleticism in his supreme championship performance, showing off his dressage forte in several movements.

Darren says: “Diamond Geezer really is unique. He’s so versatile and has huge movement. For showing that isn’t required so I help him stay soft and loose through his dressage. He is the first HOYS win I have had on a horse I have owned, so that made it all extra special. His character is just phenomenal, he’s very generous to train, he just doesn’t stop giving.”

Crumpet will be swapping the show ring for the dressage arena this season, as Darren explains: “I have been dressage training with Emile Faurie and Dan Sherrif this year. We are taking our time but hope to be out competing soon. Emile has been fantastic to train with and speaks highly of him [Diamond Geezer] so we’ll see how it goes. That’s not to say I’ll never show him again, I just want him to improve with his training and give him the opportunity to reach his full potential.”

Darren’s first horse was a coloured yearling colt called Hadley. “I bought him as a yearling because that’s all I could afford at the time. He was a lovely little horse and I did some in-hand showing with him and then sold him on as a five-year-old.”

More recent success Going on to ride and compete for several different owners, Darren turned his hand to many different disciplines and competitions. Now set up on a small yard in Hertfordshire, Darren has 12 horses in this season, which are all a mix of dressage, show jumping and show horses. One of which is of course his HOYS 2022 Large Riding Horse of the Year Champion, Diamond Geezer.

The mesmerising 10-year-old grey gelding, known as Crumpet, Valleta’s Hunter Song and Darren qualify for HOYS at the 2023 National Arab Championships

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Every day’s a school day

Preparing a horse

They say that variety is the spice of life, and perhaps that is Darren’s secret to his illustrious career? Whether setting out to train his showjumper or his heavyweight hunter, a varied workload is key.

One part of the showing classes which can be difficult to prepare for, is training your horse to accept and perform for a ride judge. So, what’s the secret? Well, according to Darren it’s all about keeping things simple.

“I love the variety of my job, working with different horses, no day ever is the same.

It’s the non-stop learning that keeps me motivated and driven to keep going. Every horse you ride is different to the one before and it’s important to do a mix of cross discipline training, regardless of what you are riding. I’ve never experienced a horse getting bored in training, there is always something new to learn and things to try.”

This season is as competitive as any other for Darren. He has already secured his HOYS ticket in the Coloured Horse And Pony Championships with Trevadlock Golden Star on their first show of the season at the CHAPS South East Show.

He also has a Heavy Weight Hunter called Birdies Bellamont Diamond and of course, sticking to his roots, a couple of Arabs to show.

“The heavy weight hunter I ride is a big Irish Draught. I love making him more athletic and we’ve had some good ride judge comments this year which is very rewarding,” says Darren.

“To prepare a horse for a ride judge, I always try and be really black and white when asking questions of the horse. Use lots of transitions but be simple with your aids. Mine rarely have different jockeys on them, so sometimes I get my groom Chloe Saunders to get on them. She’s tiny so rides quite differently to me. As long as you are strict with your own position and your aids then the horse should respect them regardless of who is on board.”

Despite being asked several times, Darren is yet to turn his hand to judging. He jokes, “I think I’d be too picky!” He adds: “I have been asked to ride judge but I haven’t as yet. I don’t really have the time to give up for it, but I do sometimes watch a class and think I’d like to feel what that horse is like. I haven’t ruled it out, maybe one day.”

A man with a great eye for a great mover, and a fascinating showing career which spans three decades. Something tells me there’s still more to come from this elite showman.

Trevadlock Golden Star and Darren| gallop to reserve champion at the Hickstead Derby Meeting|(Spidge)) info@showingworldonline.co.uk August Issue 2023 | Showing World 55

Maisie Gunns for Top Spot Royal Highland Show 22-25 of June Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh

Report by Beth Simons Photos by 1st Class Images It’s safe to say that mechanical design engineer Emma Gunn won’t be forgetting her experience of the 2023 Royal Highland Show any time soon!

Emma and her own home-produced Welsh Part-bred mare, Penskyber Mayflower (Maisie) won their Welsh prat-bred class and the first ever WPCS Silver medal on offer at the Highland before entering the Price Family Supreme and taking the ticket to HOYS. “We went in with absolutely no expectations,” explained Emma, “just to have fun in the main ring! But Maisie knows her job and showed herself off perfectly.”

Thirteen-year-old Maisie was bred in Pembrokeshire by Sarah Whitfield. She’s by Small Land Maytino and was shown successfully in hand as a youngster with championships including at the Royal Welsh Show. Maisie then joined the Jinks Show team and was campaigned as a 153cm show hunter pony and small hack by the Jinks Show Team, qualifying for HOYS in both sections. Emma has owned her for the past six years and showed her successfully under saddle, again as a show hunter pony and as an intermediate show riding type, taking Emma south to Hickstead for the

Royal International Horse Show.

“I then decided to put her in foal as I was doing my mechanical engineering masters full time whilst working,” said Emma, who shares responsibility for Maisie’s production and care with her mum, Vanessa and her dad, Hamish.

The Caithness-based family team took Maisie and her Cosford Criminal Affair foal to the Highland last year where they won their class and went reserve champion Pony Breeding. This year, they had planned to attend with the now yearling filly for experience, but decided to take Maisie along for the 500 mile round trip as it’s their favourite show.

“She really is a horse of a lifetime. She has given us so much joy over the years; competing in the ridden classes, giving us a beautiful black filly foal, and now my first ever HOYS ticket!

It’s surreal that we have tried to qualify with a number of ponies for HOYS ridden classes over the years, always being so close but never getting that golden ticket then to go and qualify in the prestigious Price on first try is just a dream come true, and being home produced makes it that much more special.”

Penskyber Mayflower shown by Emma Gunn

The three-year-old Clydesdale filly is sired by Muirton Sabre, who won the Male Cawdor Cup in 2010. Her mother Macfin Crystal Gail was also shown successfully as a youngster, and Dawn’s maternal grandmother Macfin Rosaleen, was shown successfully over the water in Northern Ireland.

Dawn herself is no stranger to the limelight despite her youth. Beyond the numerous local agricultural shows where she has triumphed, Dawn was champion at the CLHBS foal show in 2021, and Overall Champion at the Royal Ulster Balmoral show in 2022 and 2023, making her a Royal Champion twice in one year.

“Dawn is our second mare to win the Cawdor, Metcalfe, Sanderson and Queens Cup at the Highland show,” said Craig. “We first won it with Macfin Diamond Queen in 2016. She was the mother of the first prize yeld mare that we also showed at this year’s show, Macfin Dancing

Always a highlight of the show, the Sanderson cup is awarded to the supreme of the four Scottish breeds: the Clydesdale, the Standard Shetland, the Miniature Shetland and the Highland pony. It headed home to Northern Ireland with Craig Hanna and the Hanna family’s homebred filly, Macfin Delta Dawn.

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Macfin Delta Dawn shown by Craig Hanna

Dunedin Iolare and Chris Grant

Unigarth Evangeline shown by Leona Sinclair

Queen, who is also sired by Muirton Sabre”. This makes the Hanna family just the second to win the Queen’s Cup twice, and the first to win it consecutive times in the history of the show, as it circulates around the different breeds, “and we won it the last time it was in the heavy horse section,” explained Craig.

The Highland breed tricolour at the RHS is the holy grail for Highland breeders.

Landing the title this year was Chris Grant and the Grant family’s young stallion Dunedin Iolare (Eagle) having already scooped up the male championship en route. The Grants bought Eagle as a foal from his breeder, Anne Mitchell and “kept him stashed in a field with our other youngsters. He’s always been a bit special and one I’ve looked forward to getting going with,” said Chris. “He is such a kind pony, loves a scratch and thrives on his routine. He rose to the occasion at the Highland and loved the atmosphere.” Although, he remains a working stallion, he was broken in by Richard Telford in 2020 and has been hacked around home in between stud duties ever since. Last season, he also attempted a few shows under saddle, winning the Nursery Novice Ridden class at the HPS Breed Show and continued to build on his early experience this season.

Earlier this spring he was in hand and ridden NPS Silver Medal Champion at the Winter Native Pony Festival, qualifying for the Picton Final, and he went on to qualify for the RIHS at Ayr County as well as stand novice champion at BSPS Scotland Mid-Term Show and novice champion and Silver Medal winner at

Northumberland County. In short, his few showring appearances have been triumphant though Chris maintains “He’s really not done much!” Although we’ve the feeling there’s more to come: “I can’t wait to take him back under saddle,” said Chris.

The Standard Shetland championship stayed in Scotland and was awarded to Steven Sinclair and Leona Sinclair with their homebred filly Unigarth Evangeline, but the reserve travelled south to Boltonbased Claire Connor took home the reserve champion rosette as well as the Five Pence Award for the best Standard bred outside Scotland with winning yeld mare, Gaby V. Stal Heidezicht. Claire also trekked home with reserve youngstock with homebred filly Acresdale Asha, who was the second placed two or three year old filly.

Morean Hamilton’s Rich Man Poor Man (Robbie) keeps getting better under producer Kirstine Douglas’ care. The former racehorse made the winner’s enclosure twice. First of all he took the RoR Tattershalls Scottish Thoroughbred championships before also being pulled top and staying put in the middleweight hunter class, having already qualified for both HOYS finals on previous occasions.

“This was for pure pleasure at our local Royal Show,” clarified Morean. Onto the weight, overall ridden and overall hunter championships, all three of which Robbie claimed as his own, pipping Billy Moran’s inhand hunter champion, Corkeeran Willow, shown with her Tiger Attack foal at foot.

Last year Robbie, now shown as a middleweight hunter, made headlines when he was the first to win a hunter and RoR

Rich Man Poor Man shown by Kirstine Douglas

class at the GYS, a record he set again at the RHS. He’s also the reigning supreme at the Jockey Club’s RoR championships at Aintree.

Morean was tipped off about Robbie by Pippa Kirby, whose husband Philip once trained the 10-year-old. Since then, he’s made a complete transformation. “He’s a racehorse who disappointed that I was lucky enough to be able to buy for Kirstine, and he’s made us all burst with pride,” said Morean. “He’s a wonderful horse, his partnership with Kirstine is special- we both adore him.”

The magic didn’t end there. The Hamilton-Douglas owner-producer team were responsible for a further two wins. Morean’s “Mummy’s girl” Atmospheric (Toff) took the small hunter class to claim her first ‘golden ticket’, reducing Morean to happy tears, and her lightweight cob Mr Bear’s win in his HOYS lightweight cob class and section reserve was the icing on the cake.

Never one to be discounted on home turf, fellow Scot Richard Telford pipped Kirstine to the post in the cob championship astride Anne Vestey’s Taylor’s Hero, the winning heavyweight.

Among a clutch of rosettes bagged

by Richard and partner Stuart Ashton was a second tricolour and the in-hand Connemara title. This time, Richard led Ellena Thomas’ Castle Marksman to the title. Ellena herself was not to be outdone, and won her second HOYS class of the week riding promising young New Forest Nutschullyng River Dance.

Taylor's Hero ridden

by Richard Telford

Corkeeran Willow and Billy Moran with her Tiger attack foal

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by Richard

TGF Lucy and Alice Cowie

Hot off the back of her win at Royal Cheshire with Connemara Cloughrae Hill Billy, Alice Cowie showed that downtime from shows for her A Levels did nothing to hinder her comeback, and claimed the 153cm working hunter pony class and section championship riding reigning BSPS Gold Cup champion, T G F Lucy. Alice has owned 12-year-old Lucy since a six-yearold and together they have enjoyed enormous success. In 2021 they took the RIHS reserve title, reserve for the Desert Orchid stakes, and the championship at the Royal Highland as well as a win in the inter-country teams for England. Last season, Alice and Lucy stood second at Burghley and second at HOYS, and they secured their RIHS 2023 ticket on their season debut.

The mountain and moorland classes attracted more entries than anticipated, meaning a shift in the way marks were allocated in order to whip through competitors as quickly as possible.

Megan Jones was delighted to have Murthwaite Andy Murray (Eric) back on fine form to win the 133cm division. The Fell gelding arrived with Megan to be backed seven years ago from his owner Donna Guy and he never returned home.

“Later that year we decided to lease him and have never looked back,” said Megan. “We knew he was special right from the start and we have taken our time with him”. This will be the pair’s third visit to the NEC. “To have our number called

Lovelyhill Folklore ridden by Vikki Smith

Murthwaite Andy Murray ridden by Megan Jones

forward into first place at the Royal Highland Show is an absolute honour and such a surreal feeling; a memory I will never forget! Eric is our absolute pride and joy, my pony of a lifetime and a huge part of our family. We just ‘get’ each other; he is the yin to my yang!” Eric later went on to win a recognition award for Fell ponies in the championship.”

The Smith sisters proved impassable once again. Having taken reserve earlier in the week at Royal Cheshire, Vikki and Lovelyhill Folklore (George) took the tricolour, whilst Cheshire champion Amy stood reserve with her ultra successful Laburnam Richard (Pedro). Penny Sutton’s George is the reigning New Forest Pony of the Year and also stood second in his workers class last year at HOYS, meaning he entered the Andrews Bowen International Arena at HOYS for two separate championships in the space of an afternoon. Meanwhile, there’s hardly a mountain and moorland worker follower in the land who isn’t aware of Pedro’s status as an all-time ‘great’ in his class, boasting four Royal Windsor and two HOYS championships.

championship ahead of small breeds winner, William Leeming riding Thistledown San Siro.

10-year-old Willie is by Tunstall Jake out of Rundales Heather and was purchased for Hollie at four years old. The pair have since campaigned successfully in open Fell breed and junior mountain and moorland and classes, finishing an enviable second at HOYS last year.

When they’re not showing, the pair love “trips to the beach, hacking and doing TikToks,” said Hollie’s sister, Leah Cassel, adding, “it meant a lot winning this championship as Hollie had the same success at the Royal Highland with our much loved Dartmoor pony Pumphill Rasputin.

The class was huge and split into two sections.

When their number got called out, we went wild!

To then get the championship was just the icing on the cake; those blue sashes are something else!”

Myranda Hiughton’s Welsh section B Cadlanvalley Buzz Lightyear topped the small breeds junior class with Natasha Connor. The six-year-old stallion also stood top in the open

Hollie McGauley, 16, rode Fell gelding Rundales Trooper (Willie) to win the junior large breeds class and the mountain and moorland junior

Rundales Trooper ridden by Hollie McGauley

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Field Aston Diamante ridden by Pearl Morris

Wards Place Photogenic ridden by Mia Whittaker

Welsh section B class to book his second return ticket to HOYS with a stonking ride mark of 48! Buzz is produced by Myranda herself. “He lives out as I love him just being a pony, and he doesn’t need much riding at home as he’s so intelligent,” said Myranda, “but he loves the beach and plays in the water like mad! He is so laid back and only needs five minutes to warm up before a class and just loves to ping round the ring.”

Another thrilled to secure her first of those special blue sashes was Pearl Morris, whose shock and elation at winning was utterly heartwarming for all watching her expressions on the show’s live streaming channel! She rode her mum, Mel Morris’ home produced 138cm riding pony Field Aston Diamante to win the HOYS part bred class. The win brought to a close a magical June for the pair as they also

won their 138cm HOYS class at Derbyshire Festival, much to their delight.

Mia Whittaker and Wards Place Photogenic (Flossy) proved picture perfect to take the coloured non-native pony class and section championship. Flossy is owned by breeder Janet Hindley, and produced by Karl Morris’s team. “She is one that likes to keep me on my toes in the saddle,” said Mia, “but I just love her; I could ride her all day.” Flossy arrived with Karl and his team just before Christmas 2022. Mia and Flossy are unbeaten in their class this year, winning their first RIHS qualifier at NCPA Lancs, before going on to win at Royal Windsor and the 2024 RIHS qualifier at Cheshire.

Making a season debut count were Sara Parrott and her own coloured native/ traditional type mare Starlight (Queenie).

The pair topped their class for the second time at this special show to also take home a HOYS ticket. “It’s one of my absolute favourite shows so I wanted to take her there, plus the coloureds fall on a day we don’t have any clients’ ponies so was nice to just enjoy her! She loves the big atmospheric rings, so the Royal Highland really suits her; she gave me a mega ride.”

Sara’s fiancé and co-producer Craig Elenor led Welsh section A, Thistledown Silver Bullet to head the mountain and moorland mini

Starlight ridden by Sara Parrott

championship. He is owned by Martin Wood and intended for granddaughter Gracie-May, but has been jockeyed for the season by Jemima Makin-Jones “while Gracie- May is perfecting her up downs,” explained Sara. “It was Silver’s first ever HOYS qualifier so it was amazing to win such a big class. He’s another that loves an atmosphere; he’s so easy, a complete gentleman and totally reliable so you can really let him show off”.

Finally, Holly Smith provided Craig and Sara with a third win, riding Seamoor Lady Derby (Jessie) to the mini show pony title, led by Craig. They also took the same title at Derbyshire Festival but being Scottish, this win was sweeter for Holly as she was cheered on by friends and family. A former RIHS supreme champion amongst her many accolades, Sara describes Jessie as “one of a kind,” adding “we are lucky to have such a beautiful consistent pony.”

Lily Ahern had a most enjoyable time astride Emma Edwards’ 122cm show hunter pony Gryngallt Page Too (Billy). Now that Emma’s son Harry is out of class, he has taken up showing the evergreen Billy as a native, qualifying the section B for the RIHS. However, Emma and Harry couldn’t resist allowing Billy to continue to shine in the plaited ranks too, and enlisted Lily. The pair gave a superb account of themselves to win their class and stand reserve champion behind Victoria Harker and her mother Jenny’s classy 153cm contender, Penwind Charlie.

Seamoor Lady Derby ridden by Holly Smith and led by Craig Elenor Penwind Charlie ridden by Victoria Harker

info@showingworldonline.co.uk | August Issue 2023 | Showing World | 59

Gryngallt Page Too ridden by Lily Ahern

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