Highlights from the Dublin Horse Show, NPS Performance Show and more!
OCTOBER 2023 ISSUE 163
Ruth On The Hoof Goes to Shetland info@showingworldonline.co.uk | October 2023 Issue | The Native Pony | 1
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2 | The Native Pony | October 2023 Issue | info@showingworldonline.co.uk
MADE IN OUR OWN
UK MILL
A word from our editor Dear Reader, October is upon us! As I write, the final preparations are being made for HOYS and we are just days away from leaving. As I mentioned in the last issue, the quality of natives and the standard of production in the qualifiers this year has been truly outstanding. Every exhibit in the final lineup is a credit to their breeder, owner, producer and rider. How wonderful if you are all four! By the time this reaches you, we will know how the finals play out and I look forwards to bringing you word of this in the NEXT issue. Don’t forget that if you want to shine a light on a special pony’s achievements, you can nominate them for the SEIB British Showing World Awards, set to be announced in December at Stoneleigh Park. Nominations are open on the Showing World website now. You can also nominate riders, handlers and teams, so please do! I’m also looking forwards to being able to turn attention to some other disciplines, which will come to the fore as the show season dies down. Remember, if you or someone you know are competeing succesfully in other disciplines, please do let us know. It’s always a pleasure to highlight the versatility of our wonderful ponies. Somehow, I don’t think you’ll be turning those sporty natives away, and will have lots of fun on the cards! Finally, Native Pony relies on its team of contributors. If you feel that you would be interested in making contributions to our magazine, contact me via email at beth.simons@showingworldonline.co.uk to discuss possibilities. See you next time, Beth
OUR VALUED PARTNERS info@showingworldonline.co.uk | October 2023 Issue | The Native Pony | 3
Contents Features 6.
Ruth on the Hoof goes to Shetland
17. Showing Stars 26. NPS Scotland Finals
Regulars 31. Fell Roundup 32. Dales Roundup 34.
Shetland Roundup
8
14
15
28
COVER PHOTO: Gloria Nolan riding homebred Ardnehue Maxamillion. Photo by 1st Class Images Disclaimer: The view and opinions expressed within the magazine are not necessarily those of the editor or Showing World Limited and while every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in the magazine is correct and current at the date of publication, Showing World Limited will not accept any liability. Showing World Limited will not be held responsible for the appearance of photographic material supplied without the necessary consent, copyright and/or photographer’s details.
4 | The Native Pony | October 2023 Issue | info@showingworldonline.co.uk
In addition, Showing World Limited offers no guarantee of publication and reserve the right to edit any reader’s letters, press releases, reports and articles submitted. Showing World Limited 2023. All rights reserved. No part of Native Pony may be reproduced, stored in a 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 Limited.
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Ruth on the Hoof goes to Shetland
Merkisayre Julian the Shetland pony - a little pony in a large landscape
Xavier at Jarlshof
Words and images by Ruth Chamberlain
Olaf the Shetland pony
One of my most exciting trips was my recent visit to Shetland. I sailed over the sea to meet one of the best known pony breeds around the world – the Shetland pony. I arrived early in the morning when fog was still clinging to the ground and there was a lot of drizzle in the air. The forecast seemed to think this would be the best day for weather, so no time was wasted in hitting the road to our first location – Jarlshof. My fondness for archaeology drew me to this impressive site covering centuries of history – and it seemed a good thing to tick off waiting for the drizzle to lift. Of course the two Shetland ponies, Xavier and Ulrick, who live beside the site were no accident either. Their owner, Sonja Flaws, met me there whilst I took some photos with Jarlshof in the background and gave me some pointers on places to go next – she was absolutely wonderful. She sent me in the direction of some of her ponies who live in a large herd out on a hill amongst the ruins of a Croft. At this point the mist had started to lift and it allowed for some wonderful photos of the ponies. Olaf in particular was a wonderful poser and seemed to know the drill. It was simply wonderful to be surrounded by such inquisitive ponies who are able to have such a natural life together.
we met at their wonderful tour “The Shetland Pony Experience” – a wonderful way for visitors to meet Shetland ponies and learn about them. I thought it was a brilliant way to generate interest in local native ponies and it has been very successful. After having a meet and greet with some of the ponies there I headed to the Merkisayre stud where Barbara met us to give us directions to the ponies. She knew I was keen to get some cliffs in my photos and happily pointed to the top of the looming hill behind the house where some tiny pony silhouettes were outlined. Weary from the journey, early morning, and many ponies already met, we swigged a load of water popped on some sun cream and set off up the hill. It was like walking through a secret world, you could hear waves crashing against the cliffs but you couldn’t see anything beyond. There was no sign of the ponies, but upon reaching the top we were quite glad they were not there as it was so thick you couldn’t see anything. The wind was blowing the fog in from the sea but the sun was now beating down hard trying to evaporate it. I spotted the ponies not too far away and they luckily had not seen me, so we sat down to wait for some of the vista to become visible.
After finishing with Sonja’s ponies we then went to meet Elaine Barbara Tait of the well-known Merkisayre stud. To start with info@showingworldonline.co.uk | October 2023 Issue | The Native Pony | 9
After some time our cover was eventually blown and a group of nosy Shetland ponies suddenly appeared – investigating my camera bags to see what was on offer. Fortunately at this time the fog did start to lift and revealed the most ethereal scene of sea, cliffs, and wisps of mist. Luckily with some manoeuvring I managed to capture Merkisayre Damson, a beautiful little chestnut, standing serenely looking out to the magnificent view – it was so perfect. We spent a great deal of time up with the ponies and sadly had to leave as it was time to set up camp for the night. The second day was a bit of a wash out, so we visited some more museums (which featured some great Shetland pony history) before heading to meet Catherine Munro – author of “The Ponies at the Edge of the World”. Along the way we did stop off to see Merkisayre Julian – a gorgeous stallion who I became a little obsessed with! The rain came in quite heavily when we finally met up with Catherine and headed out to look for some free-roaming Shetland ponies up in the hills. Catherine is extremely knowledgable about Shetland ponies and their role in human culture. Her PhD involved extensive research on the breed and I was so excited to meet her. The rain really came in on our walk – coming in unusually vertically for Shetland (normally the rain comes horizontally with the wind) and sadly we did not find the ponies. I don’t think Catherine and I noticed much as we were so busy chatting. The boots I wore on that walk did not dry out for the rest of the trip! The following morning involved some more sightseeing (including obligatory puffins) and an afternoon going back
Merkisayre Julian the Shetland pony stallion
to try and find the ponies Catherine had tried to find with us the previous day. I decided to get my binoculars out on the road there and found a spot with a good view of the hill. It didn’t take me long to locate the elusive ponies and now we knew where they were it did not take long for us to walk up and find them. They were a fabulous little bunch – a bit more wary of people but still curious. Sadly they were not on the prettiest part of the hill so I did not get too many photos of them, but it was still wonderful to be around them. As we were staying near the Merkisayre Stud that evening I went back to see the ponies there and of course a special trip to see handsome Julian.
Shoormal Shoostran on Shetland
The next day was incredibly special. We jumped in the car and along the beach. The ponies did a great job of navigating headed to meet June Brown, who pulled out all the stops for a the terrain and stood patiently whilst I took a lot of photos. very special morning. June has the Shoormal stud; “Shoormal” Charlotte’s children also got involved and followed the is a Shetland dialect word for the water’s edge where there is a ponies carrying their own baskets – it was magical to see. high water mark on the beach - perfect for a coastal place like After this Charlotte waded into the sea, taking one pony at a the Shetland islands. June is a kindred spirit – she is incredibly time to cool off and swim. You could imagine how relieving passionate about the culture and history of the ponies, and their that would be for the ponies after a hard day in the summer importance to human existence on Shetland. June is very gifted at sun. I honestly cannot put into words how special this was – creating and making things, and one of those things are klibbers watching living history with my eyes. I am very hopeful that – the traditional harness of Shetland ponies. June took us to we will see more Shetland ponies in klibbers in the coming meet some of her ponies, including her stunning stallions. It was years – I think June has had a lot of orders since some of the wonderful to see the bond she has with her ponies and they all photos were shared online! came galloping to greet her. We took some of her mares and foals onto the beach to Shetland pony in traditional klibbers take some photos – she had unusually had matching pairs, a piebald mare with piebald foal; and skewbald mare and skewbald foal. They were so beautiful. After this we headed to a beach location, where wonderful June had organised for the equally wonderful Charlotte Polson to meet us. Charlotte had very kindly caught a ferry and brought two ponies, her two children, and her husband along with her Crofters outfit. It was a great meeting of minds – Charlotte supplying the ponies and June supplying the harness and nets full of peat (sadly we didn’t have traditional kishies to carry anything). I went down to the beach to wait, and it did send shivers down my spine when Charlotte appeared leading one pony, with the other attached to the lead pony. It really did feel like I had stepped back in time watching them make their way
Bobby the highland pony
That afternoon we headed to meet our final breeder – Sheena Anderson. We went to Eshaness – quite simply one of the most beautiful locations we saw. Sheena is another wonderful passionate Shetland pony breeder and we went to meet her mares and foals. She had a little colt called Viking who was not very old and we decided to take him and his mum Ivy out for a little photoshoot. It didn’t quite go to plan as Ivy was very much not interested in having her picture taken, and little Viking was loving the attention – but it was great to get the famous Eshaness cliffs in the background of some photos. We had a lovely walk with Sheena and it was lovely to hear about the ponies she was breeding. Sheena told me that Viking the foal and his mum Ivy cleaned up at a local show – Viking winning his class and getting best colt foal, and Ivy being awarded champion standard Shetland! Viking and his foal friends were real cheeky characters and we were sad to leave them. Sheena took us to meet some other ponies owned by local friends and family. One group we met had a stunning view of the “drinking horse” – a unique rock formation that looks just like a pony drinking from the sea. I managed to get some shots of the ponies with the rock in the background. The final ponies Sheena took us to meet were a pair of fairly feral old boys who live by an abandoned school. These two are living out their best life and it was nice to see their peaceful home. We said goodbye to Sheena and headed south as we were staying near to June’s house for our final night.
12 | The Native Pony | October 2023 Issue | info@showingworldonline.co.uk
Our next and final day was beautiful sunshine. I had been in touch with Elaine Tait as I wanted to have a proper chat with her (having not really seen much of her on my last visits due to how busy she is). Elaine also has a stunning highland pony, Holmdown Talladega aka Bobby, and we all know I cannot resist a highland. We played with some of the Merkisayre foals when we arrived and then headed up to see Bobby with Elaine. The sun had come out and it just lit the scene up. Bobby must have been a model in a past life too as he knew what he had to do and posed perfectly. Merkisayre Skerry is Bobby’s field mate and I also took a few snaps of him too. After this we had a coffee with Barbara and Elaine who told us more about their stud history and more about The Shetland Pony Experience (a must if you visit Shetland!). It was soo time for us to leave and we begrudgingly said our goodbyes to all the wonderful ponies and headed back to Lerwick to catch our ferry. I cannot thank everyone who contributed to this trip enough – like with anywhere I visit, the people are what make it unforgettable and Shetland was no different.
Ponies of the Merkisayre stud Merkisayre Skerry
National Pony Society Arena Eventing Final and Performance Show Aston Le Walls, Northamptonshire Saturday, 16th September 2023 Photos by 1st Class Images The NPS/ Anthony Evans Arena Eventing Final and Performance Day was once again a superb day at Aston le Walls. Claiming the hotly contested arena eventing championship for the second year consecutively were West Bridge Mirah (Woody) and Rachel Turner after the pair won the 90cm class by a cool 13 marks. Having bought Woody as a five-year-old and competed him as a working hunter pony, Rachel sold him to now owners Collete du Feu and Peter Webber before continuing to be campaigned by Rachel and qualifying for the Horse of the Year Show in 2019. When asked to pick the reins back up at the 2022 NPS Championships for the event pony qualifier, Rachel was only too pleased to do so. This year, Rachel explained that he returned to her for “fine tuning a week before the show having only jumped 70 cm for the past 12 months with his owner,” Collette. “She had him looking and feeling great so a quick clip and a few bigger jumps had him ready. The challenge was remembering the 24-fence show
Blackthorn Pirate King ridden by Sonya Fitch Peyton
West Bridge Mirah ridden by Rachel Turner
jumping and xc course having not had time to walk it! He felt as good as ever and I may take him to a few big shows next year for fun as he still enjoys his competing.” In reserve was Jackie Webb’s homebred Connemara stallion, Blackthorn Pirate King, ridden by Sonya Fitch Peyton, winner of the 70cm Anthony D Evans Arena Eventing final. Meanwhile, the morning’s open 70cm qualifying class was won by Chloe Spencer riding Fiona Spencer’s Lookout Silver Oisin, and the 90cm qualifying class was topped by Natasha Taylor and her own Windmill Telor.
Windmill Telor ridden by Natasha Taylor
Grace Morton, 10, and Rygar Teddy Baloo had an excellent pre-HOYS run-out winning their training stakes class and section championship as well as the novice 122cm mountain and moorland working hunter pony class and the section tricolour. They almost made it three championships when they won their third class of the day, the open 122cm mountain and moorland working hunter pony class, qualifying for the 2024 RIHS, before going on to take reserve. Owned by Jo, Teddy Riverside Daffodil ridden by Renée Nichols Baloo, who had previously hunted, has been with the family for two years having been bought when spotted on a social media website. “He was purchased unseen, and we picked him up on the A1,” said Jo, who runs a riding school in Lincoln. Although Teddy Baloo has done a bit of everything, this is their first year showing. The year has been an extremely successful one, with Grace and Teddy Baloo qualifying for HOYS in the mountain and moorland junior class at the NPS Summer Championships. Grace and Teddy Baloo were pipped to the RIHS section championship by the winners of the exceeding 143cm class, Renée Nichols riding Riverside Daffodil. Rygar Teddy Baloo ridden by Grace Morton
14 | The Native Pony | October 2023 Issue | info@showingworldonline.co.uk
Connemara Highlights at 9-13 August 2023 the Dublin Horse Show Photos by 1st Class Images 1. Kate Horgan piloted Jane Dalrymple’s nine-year-old Connemara pony Kinamara Laura (Cashelbay Chip x Lady Sparrow) into the runner up spot in the intermediate side saddle final having qualified at Flavours of Fingal County Show. 2. The ridden Connemara championship also headed home with the couple, after Grace rode Patrick Curran’s five-year-old Glencarrig Douvan (Glencarrig Knight x Wyncroft Dawn) to win the open stallion class. 3. Reserve champion ridden Connemara was the winner of the class for riders under 17 years old. This was Amira Curran riding Daryl Curran’s Caherpuca Chappy (Coolin America x Loughfadda Darling). 4. The first of the popular Connemara Performance classes for 4–6-year-olds was topped by Gloria Nolan riding homebred Ardnehue Maxamillion (Burning Daylight x Robe Thunder). 5. Fiona Nangle’s 13-year-old Liscannor Tulira (Tulira Robuck x Liscannor Lass) won the Connemara Performance class for ponies over six years old under Anna Nangle.
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Trailtrow Torah and Winnie Flint photographed with ‘friend’ Cuthbert!
Border Union Show
Kelso
28-29 July 2023 Report and photographs supplied by Alexandra MacMillan For a town that may be best known amongst many equestrian disciplines for its racecourse or perhaps Floors Castle International Horse Trials, to those in the showing world, Kelso hosts the second biggest show that Scotland has to offer after The Royal Highland. The Border Union Agricultural Society holds their events on their own showground which was latterly part of the Springwood Estate, sitting beside the Rivers Tweed and Teviot - quite simply one of the best showgrounds in the country. This year saw Border Union hold their 190th annual show. With cattle, sheep, goats, alpacas, rabbits, stalls, and crafts spread evenly cross the whole show, on the west side were the equines. Over in the Teviot Ring on the Friday was the M&M and Welsh sections. To commence in the first section of M&Ms in the Teviot Ring were the Highland ponies in hand. Across two classes were eighteen entrants and the judge Miss Ruth Darling of East Lothian was provided with an abundance of quality animals. Champion Highland in hand was won by Fiona Steel’s Moss-side Breagh II followed by Cicely Young’s Perburn Finley Fada in reserve. Mossside Breagh II has had much success throughout her five years. This year alone, the mare has achieved Supreme at St Boswells Show as well as Champion M&M at Peebles Show later in the year. Yearling, Perburn Finley Fada is a fairly new addition to the show ring with a bright future ahead of himself. The Welsh Ponies, judged by Mrs Tweetie Nimmo of Broxburn, comprised of three sections and featured thirty-two ponies throughout. Champion Section A was awarded to the threeyear-old filly Waitwith Sweet-Saffie with Abbie Walton who was also winner of the 2/3-year-old filly class at this year’s Royal Highland Show. Reserve was awarded to Gartconnel Seren-Jon, owned by Louise Russell and led by young showman Xander Jewell. This mare has had an incredibly accomplished career in the showring, amongst many placings and wins this year, she won M&M Champion at Drymen Show. In the Section B’s, Champion was won by Abbie Walton’s Waxwing Just Glorius who her class at The Royal Highland Show in 2022, followed by Wedderlie Marconi owned by J and J Campbell and shown by Gregor MacMillan. The Section C and D ponies were combined with Champion being Lauren Jarvis’ Gems The Troublemaker, this will be the third time he was won this award. Also a very successful ridden pony gaining Champion M&M WHP at Blair Castle later in the year. Neve Cleland’s Balnault Pure Divine in reserve. Since the criteria change of the WPCS medal classes, unfortunately Border Union was unable to meet such needs. It is greatly encouraged that more competitors attend this show in years to come in hopes of the show reattaining the Bronze Medal it once had. A medal there is so few of in Scotland. Mrs Barbara McGrath of County Durham was the judge for all other in hand M&M sections. In the combined Shetland and 16 | The Native Pony | October 2023 Issue | info@showingworldonline.co.uk
Exmoor championship was won by Mr and Mrs I Grahams Exmoor, Kebroyd Remi and reserve being awarded to John Watsons Shetland Stallion Kerloch Rupert. Two ponies with many wins under their belt. In the Dartmoors, champion was won by Nicola Shuttleworth and her own Senruf Angelica, followed by Wendy Dunn with Rekeilf Miss Marguerite. The Fells and Dales ponies were also merged with champion being awarded to Fell pony, Kebroyd Sardonyx owned by Mr and Mrs I Graham, and Nabside Guinevere owned by Nicola McCririck in reserve. Kebroyd Sardonyx has achieved placings and wins at many respectable shows, a highlight for this year being Overall In Hand M&M Reserve Champion at Blair Castle in August. Furthermore, the combined Connemara and New Forest section was won by Emma-Jane Murrays Connemara gelding, Ochills Chiffchaff, Supreme Ridden Connemara at the NPS Scotland Summer Show this year also and then Joanna Walton and her three-year-old filly Liath in reserve. After the completion of all M&M in hand classes in the Teviot Ring, champions and reserves gathered for the NPS In Hand M&M Silver Medal Rosette Championship in the Main Ring. Mr Peter Boustead of Lancashire was met with a suspenseful atmosphere as spectators looked over and watched as he awarded his champion of the day. This sought after award was won by the Dartmoor, Senruf Angelica with her owner and handler Nicola Shuttleworth. Mr Boustead’s reserve was awarded to the Highland Pony, Moss-side Breagh II, owned by Fiona Steel. Following on in the main ring was the NPS Ridden M&M Silver Medal Rosette Championship. Mr Boustead was met with all the of the M&M champions of the day to reach his eventual choice of the Highland pony, Trailtrow Toran – a successful and honest gelding with his owner Lauren Jarvis. In Reserve was Lauren Cohen with her own Connemara gelding, Wannie Flint. To note, this pony has won NPS Silver Medal Rosettes in both Ridden and In Hand, winning his In Hand Medal at The Scottish Group Connemara Show in May.
Senruf Angelica
Ernie Dictates Placings Tickled Pink
At the September Stoneleigh Horse Show, Katy Marriott Payne’s Welsh section B mare, Clanmill Leteika Miracle (Tickle) made a late entrance to the 2023 qualifying scene only to take the ticket. Tickle was purchased from her breeder Sarah Hunter Rodwell and won HOYS on her first visit in 2021 ridden by Katy having been shown just a handful of times, and a few months later, she stood Best of Breed under Team KMP member Kimberly Bates. Taking the small breeds championship, however, was seasoned champion Thistledown San Siro ridden by William Leeming having won the Welsh section A qualifier.
Showing Stars
Ranger League of his Lone
Cheryl Mackintosh’s Connemara pony Cregduff Ranger secured a last-minute ticket to the Connemara Pony of the Year final at the last Stoneleigh Horse Show in September. He was ridden by his producer Kirsty Aird before going on to stand champion large breeds. Six-year-old Ranger was bred by Michael O’Malley. He is sired by Drumbad Fletcher Moss out of Cregduff Queen. Cheryl purchased Ranger from Kathryn and Charlotte Smiley last year having contended a handful of shows in Ireland. “So really, 2023 was his first full novice season. We decided to try him in the HOYS qualifiers where he has had lots of fantastic placings, so we were absolutely delighted to get our golden ticket at the last qualifier of the year,” explained Cheryl, adding, “He’s had an amazing season just missing out on his RI ticket but he won the NPS Scottish novice final and then went on to win the NPS silver medal championship and the gold medal. We really are over the moon with how he’s come on over the year.” Cheryl was quick to credit Kirsty for her work. “Kirsty is just amazing with the young ponies and I am very grateful for all she has done in producing him so beautifully”. Whilst Ranger is new to Kirsty’s team, Cheryl is an established ownermember, as Kirsty also produced Cheryl’s uber successful working hunter pony Woodbank Smokey Sam, a pony she feels reminded of by Ranger. “He has the most beautiful temperament and an absolute delight to work with. We are hoping in 2024 to have him out also as a novice worker, and I’m very much looking forward to seeing him at HOYS.”
Nicki Glenn had extra reason to be proud at Stoneleigh Horse Show (August). Her sixteen-year-old Welsh section D stallion Larnleighs Dictator (Ernie) not only qualified for HOYS, but also took the mountain and moorland open large breeds championship under Nicki’s daughter Harriet, also 16. This will be Ernie’s eighth trip to HOYS, and the combination’s second together. “Ernie and Harriet have a lovely relationship and have enjoyed a bit of everything from hunting to showing. It’s always exciting to qualify for HOYS, but to do it with a homebred is fantastic,” said Nicki, adding “I’m really proud of them both.”
Showing Stars
Sonic is Star
Gill Simpson’s six-year-old Shetland gelding Lotuspoint Super Sonic had a wonderful British Elite show shown by Gill’s daughter-in-law Jess and grandchildren Evie and Harry Simpson who are both four years old. He won his mountain and moorland lead rein class and progressed into the evening to stand mini champion, just as Evie was falling asleep, explained ‘Aunty Jess’, who led the pair. Not to be outdone, Evie’s cousin, and Jess’ son Harry Simpson was placed third in the young handlers, second in the best conditioned class and pulled forward for the top 10 in hand championship. “It was a lot for Harry to run in the evening but he still tried his best and was seventh against the adults,” said Jess, who was very proud of her young charges, including Sonic! “He has been two small local shows then went like a pro at the Elite! Such a little star!” A second Lotuspoint cutie, the inimitable Lotuspoint Cassius has also topped the lineups recently. The reigning first ridden of the year was crowned supreme heritage champion at the BSPS Summer Championships, ridden by Lilly Ahern Lee.
Silverware for Silver
A Supreme Masterpiece
NPS Area 4 hosted yet another successful show on August Bank Holiday Monday with a host of classes including HOYS qualifiers. The overall supremes were judged by Martin Davies, and he chose John Bennett’s homebred and homeproduced Nunthorpe Masterpiece as his supreme in hand champion, qualifying the pair for the Price Supreme Semi-Final judged at the NPS Great British In Hand Show. Masterpiece and John had taken the Welsh section D championship en route to the supreme. The nine-year-old is sired by Dycott Mourinho out of Penstrumbly Sparkling Model, and has had a successful season having also won his WPCS Bronze and Silver medals.
Holly Levett’s super-talented and multi-garlanded Connemara stallion Culmore Silver secured the supreme heritage working hunter pony title at the British Show Pony Society Summer Championships. He was ridden by usual jockey Charlotte Tuck. The pair are HOYS bound having qualified and taken the championship at Denbigh and Flint show.
Echo Excels
Hannah Lee and the Lee family got way more than they bargained for at the Stoneleigh Horse Show in August. Hannah’s son Tommy, 10, and Welsh section A Blisland Echo won the junior mountain and moorland working hunter pony. By Trefaes Orange Pip out of Springbourne Emma, Echo was first owned and showed successfully by the Darlington family before moving north to be produced by Craig Elenor and Sara Parrott. The pair coached Echo and Tommy to win the mountain and moorland first ridden final at HOYS in 2021. When he moved home last October, Tommy asked Hannah if they may jump him as he kept jumping out of his field, explained Hannah. “Echo is such a character, and we think he was telling us that he wanted to do some jumping! They both just adore the jumping and have so much fun together. Tommy’s dream this year has been to qualify to jump at HOYS.”
Sirocco and Libby Top of the Class!
Later in the day, Echo made yet more dreams come true as Hannah led him and Tommy’s younger brother Harry, 4, to qualify in the mountain and moorland lead rein class. Just like his jumping, Hannah explained that Echo’s competing under Harry came about by chance. Harry’s favourite colour was “lellow”, meaning he was desperate to ride palomino Echo. “Harry started hacking him out and we then realised how amazingly Echo looked after him and how much he seemed to enjoy the job of looking after his little friend. Harry is so excited and for me to lead my little boy at HOYS on Echo will be magical. For Echo to take both of my boys in two such different classes is just so amazing to us and he is just such a special boy. There just aren’t sufficient words to express how much we love and adore him; he is just our absolute pony of a lifetime.”
Chloe Grimshaw’s 12-year-old Cadlanvalley Sirocco (Russetwood Elation x Milllcroft Cappuccino) qualified for HOYS in the Welsh section B class at Denbigh and Flint Show, ridden by Libby Grota. Sirocco was bred by Libby’s mum, Hayley Grota and her grandparents, Yvonne and Hywel Davies. He was purchased by Chloe, who shows him in hand and ridden, as a foal. “He’s her pride and joy,” said Hayley, adding, “Chloe mentioned a few years ago how she’d love to ride at RIHS and HOYS, so we agreed Sirocco could come back to his birthplace to help fulfill her dream. He came home with us from the National Welsh Championships for a 10-day boot camp with Libby to get him exactly how she wanted him, soft, supple and off her leg.” The pair were pulled second but a solid performance in their show saw them come up to win the class. “Chloe cried and cried, and after galloping his little heart out in the championship, Sirocco was crowned HOYS champion, so she cried again and beamed all day long!” Chloe will take the ride at HOYS as Libby also qualified his half-brother Cadlanvalley Total Elation. It was an extra special day for Libby as she also received her A Level results, gaining 3A*s and an A, “so the drive so was a happy one!”
Golden Ticket for Golden Marigold
A Stella Star Millie Hollis and Welsh section A Woodend Marigold booked their HOYS ticket at NPS Area 4. Millie and Marigold won the mountain and moorland lead rein class and mini championship before topping an already cracking day with reserve supreme of show, led throughout by ‘Aunty Amy’ Cook. This will be Millie’s third time riding at HOYS, and Marigold’s eighth time at the NEC! The pair are having a wonderful season as they also stood Pretty Polly reserve champion mountain and moorland at both Windsor Horse Show and at the RIHS.
Rebel Realises Lifelong Dream
Showing Stars
Kelly Morris purchased Welsh section D mare Abbeyvale Higher Love (Stella) unseen from a picture she spotted on Facebook. “She was advertised as a project or broodmare, lightly backed, and too much for her owner,” explained Kelly. “I started from scratch around August last year, and did a couple of novice shows at the end of 2022.” This season, Stella stood fifth in her first HOYS at Derbyshire Festival and was a close second at the Royal Welsh. It was a case of third time lucky with Stella and Kelly qualifying at the National Welsh Championship in Malvern. To add to the magic, Stella then qualified in the junior large breeds with Nansi Evans-Brooks and stood champion. Just to prove it was truly no fluke, Nansi and Stella claimed the HOYS junior tricolour at Denbigh and Flint. This will be both Kelly and Nansi’s first time riding at HOYS. “It’s been a crazy ride,” said Kelly, adding, “she has been far from easy but now she is repaying me tenfold. She has no idea what she has done for us all.”
Ellis Priestley has owned Connemara Blakehill Rebel for three years and has brought him on herself. This year, the pair qualified for the RIHS in the 143cm mountain and moorland working hunter pony class and later qualified for HOYS at the National Pony Society Championships. “I have tried to qualify for many years,” said Ellis, adding, “I did my first qualifier on the lead rein at four years old and I’m now 28, narrowly missing my ticket on several occasions so I am thrilled to have finally qualified! I’m most looking forward to competing at HOYS with its incredible atmosphere; Mum and I go every year to watch and every year we say, ‘next year we will qualify,’ so I’m so excited to finally be able to ride there as it’s been my dream for as long as I can remember!”
Echo Excels
Maisie Wright and Welsh section A Blanche Goldleaf qualified to compete in the mountain and moorland first ridden class at Moreton in Marsh Show on only their fourth ever attempt. It was a nerve-wracking class for Maisie and mum, Amie, as Maisie and Gold were pulled first, but thankfully, they held onto the top spot. “Maisie is so excited to ride in the arena of dreams,” said Amie. “We sadly missed out on Royal international Show after Gold had a freak accident the day before. Maisie was truly heart-broken and we thought Gold would be out for the whole season but he’s come back stronger than ever. At only our first season competing at this level we have had a great season and thoroughly enjoyed it. We are working really hard to prepare ourselves for HOYS and the countdown is on!”
Consort Claims The Limelight
(O)Mega Moment
10-year-old Scarlett Ellwood and Exmoor pony Omega (Danny), 20, won the Premier Amateur League Wildcard ticket to the Exmoor and Shetland class. “Scarlett has had Danny since she was three years old,” said Scarlett’s mum, Anna Ellwood. “My friend Kate Wilson owned him and I’d pestered for him for a while! Danny has taken Scarlett from lead rein to first ridden and then the opens.” Danny and then five-year-old Scarlett qualified for the RIHS on the lead rein “and this was the start of it all. Danny has been the perfect first ridden and then taking her on to the opens and looking after her so well. He is our pony of a lifetime!” Scarlett had already left for school when Anna received notice of their qualification, and it’s difficult not to be touched by Scarlett’s reaction when she returned home to the news and a celebratory gathering in their honour! “She cannot wait to trot round the Topspec arena,” said Anna.
Samantha Bell and her own Musbury Prince Consort (Alfie) are headed to HOYS for the Welsh section B class. Samantha purchased Alfie from the Fayre Oakes sales as a twoyear-old. “He went to two studs before we had him back to ride,” explained Samantha, “We did three shows before I fell pregnant with my daughter, Amoura.” A lockdown and a secod baby, Vinny, later, busy mum and business owner Samantha brought him back into work again and the pair have had a successful season, qualifying at the TSR Championship show. “He jumps as well. We don’t go out often, but he’s had some good wins placings this year and since qualifying, the penny has dropped and he seems to know his job and is more relaxed. I waited a long time to find a quality pony like Alfie with bone, movement and presence.”
Ruby Chalks Up Golden Ticket
Showing Stars
First Edition’s New Chapter Ruby Chalker has worked hard to secure two HOYS tickets with her working hunter ponies. “It was her dream to ride her own pony at HOYS and we have been granted with that wish this year,” said Ruby’s mum, Lucy. Her first ride will be astride Exmoor pony Anchor Lullaby (Lulu) who joined the Chalkers in March 2022. Her season last year was cut short when she a nasty virus meant she needed four months off to recover. This year, they qualified for the RIHS on their season debut and finished sixth at the final shortly after they qualified for HOYS at the Scottish Horse Show. “We just couldn’t believe it,” said Lucy. Ruby’s ride will be Llanai Renaissance (Rio). Their ticket to the 133cm working hunter pony class was courtesy of the TSR Wildcard. Welsh section B Rio was purchased by Lucy in April 2021. “He came
Claire Jubb’s homebred Dartmoor Rothvale First Edition (Odie) will be entering the mountain and moorland lead rein final ridden by six-year-old Jemimah Harper Chambers, who is in her first season in the saddle! “She is living my childhood dream which never came true,” said Claire. Odie is led by Mark Robert Reeves who co-produces him alongside Steven Hulston. The trio qualified at Great Yorkshire. “I couldn’t ask for a better team,” Claire said, adding, “Odie is mine and my mum’s first foray into breeding and he’s a superstar. Jemimah knows HOYS is a ‘big’ show and can’t wait to ride in front of all those people and to ride Odie alongside her Uncle Mark! Her mum and dad have even made her a special countdown to HOYS sticker chart so she can count the days. This is a huge family affair!”
to us having done very few unaffiliated shows. Ruby has spent so much time building his trust. We have taken it steady with him and he has repaid us with an RIHS qualification and HOYS wildcard! Rio has taught her so much and progressed her riding unbelievably. He is her heart pony and it means the world to us that they are able to go to HOYS. Both ponies are only seven years old and their best is certainly yet to come but I am unbelievably proud what they have achieved as well as Ruby.” HOYS will be Ruby’s last competition with both, “which makes it even more special.”
Contessa Rules
12-year-old Musburry Contessa (Tess) will be accompanying Holly Bignell, 13, for her first spin around the HOYS arena. Tess was purchased from breeder Anne Holt by the Taylor family, who asked Holly to ride Tess for some sales videos. “Holly fell in love with her so we bought her,” said Victoria, Holly’s mum. “They have literally done everything together from PC camp to hunting, beach trips, PC regional championships and British Eventing under 18 youth championships.” Holly and Tess have also competed at the RIHS in the PP show hunter pony and nursery stakes classes. Tess also regularly volunteers alongside Victoria for their local RDA group. “Tess lives at home with us and holly does everything herself, getting up at 5.30 to muck out and ride before school. They are also off to LIHS in December. This year has been an absolute dream to qualify for HOYS.” The pair realised that dream when they secured their plaited 133cm ticket at NPS Area 7, and then won the mountain and moorland equivalent at the TSR Show. When asked what she’s most looking forwards to, Holly said, “ just all of it!”
Third Time Lucky Tabi
Terrific Teddy Baloo
Grace Morton, 10, and Rygar Teddy Baloo won the junior mountain and moorland working hunter pony qualifier and the WHP title at the NPS summer championship show. “To prepare for the class we’ve been hacking up lots of hills to build his stamina up, staying away at overnight shows and being at high energy shows with loudspeakers,” said Grace’s mother Jo Kettleborough. The chestnut gelding has won recently at some practice shows including taking supreme at Norton District riding club show and securing Grace’s first RIHS ticket in the open 122cm mountain and moorland working hunter pony class at the NPS Performance Show. Owned by Jo, Teddy Baloo, who had previously hunted, has been with the family for two years having been bought when spotted on a social media website. “He was purchased unseen, and we picked him up on the A1,” said Jo. “He’s done a bit of everything, but this is our first year of showing,” added Jo, who runs a riding school in Lincoln.
Haverford Fauntleroy (Rory) and Tabi Curtis qualified for the junior mountain and moorland working hunter pony class on their third attempt at the final Stoneleigh Horse Show in September. Owner, Maggie Simons had intended to enter Tabi in some first ridden classes on another pony, but thought she would see how she got on with Rory, too, who usually jumps open tracks with Maggie. The pair got on well, but Maggie could see that Rory and Tabi’s hearts were in jumping, and after the pair took a successful turn around the training stakes at NPS, she entered them for the HOYS junior class thinking, “why not?” They were second, and so Maggie and Tabi’s mother, Chloe identified two more opportunities that Tabi could make around show jumping with her own pony, and was thrilled when the gamble paid off at Stoneleigh. “Tabi has never done any showing before, so it’s been a massive step up for her, but she’s loved every minute” said Tabitha’s mother Chloe. “The pony is a credit to Maggie, and she’s been very lucky to have the ride halfway through the season to do these classes. Tabi went to HOYS as a five-year-old to watch so it’s going to be a great experience for her.”
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-year-old 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! v “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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Moelview Oslo Warrior
NPS Scotland Finals Blair Castle International Horse Trials Friday 25th August 2023 Report and photographs supplied by Alexandra MacMillan Situated in Perthshire, and designed with the confluence of the Rivers Tilt and Garry in mind sits the village of Blair Atholl. Nearby, in the few flat areas of land at the edge of the Cairn Gorm National Park lies the ancestral grounds of Blair Castle where The Defender Blair Castle International Horse Trials are held and play host to some of the most anticipated Scottish equestrian events of the year. Alongside these other events, the Scottish showing community awaits the return of one particular element - the evergrowing NPS Scotland Championships. This is a show that began at the base of Blair Castle, enabling winners from the current year to compete against others alike themselves, and with hard work on the show director’s behalf, and inevitable popularity within the showing world, the finals grew to become the most desirable showing event in Scotland. And so, on the Friday and the days preceding it, qualified competitors gathered for the 2023 event. Spread throughout The Tummel and Country Fair Arenas was that of the NPS Scotland classes. On what was a remarkably miserable Scottish day at the 2023 event did not dishearten competitors, nor did it stop organisers from pursuing the long-awaited day. Spectators, horses, and riders persevered and trailed through the mudded tracks with their ponies’ white socks and polished boots, allowing the day to commence. First of all, in The Tummel Arena began the NPS Scotland/Kilmannan Stud Mountain Strathmore Impwrial Guard with Olympian Nicola Wilson
and Moorland Novice Ridden classes. With judges Mrs Lorraine Ahmet and Mr Erik Mackenchnie-Guire prepared for the Scottish weather, and for Mr Mackechnie-Guire in his fabulous kilt, they headed to the arena to start their day. Throughout five classes were fifty-four entrants of the most eligible novice ponies in the country. In the eventual end of quality animals being judged, Novice Champion was awarded to rider Natasha Connor with Ashley Connor’s Moelview Oslo Warrior. This five-year-old Welsh Section B stallion has proven to be incredibly successful in his short time being ridden and shown. This year alone gaining multiple championships, one to note at the NPS Summer Championships in Malvern, he won section Champion in the Novice Picton Final and at Scotland’s own Royal Highland Show, he was third place to two established open ponies in the Section B Horse of the Year Show qualifier. For certain, this is a pony with a bright future ahead of him. In reserve was Kirstin McMurray with Gillian McMurray’s Highland pony, Trailtrow Tianavaig. An accomplished mare in hand and ridden, she won her class at this year’s Great Yorkshire Show in hand and was also Champion Novice at The Highland Pony Society Centenary Breed Show earlier in the year. A true representation of what a Highland pony should entail. Following on from the Kilmannan Stud Final in The Tummel Arena was the NPS/Scotland Baileys Horse Feeds Mountain and Moorland Open Ridden Final. This section included six classes and had an impressive eighty-four
competitors throughout. The Open Ridden Championship resulted in an incredibly Scottish outcome with Champion being awarded to Carmen Durick with Gillian Reid Durick’s Highland pony Strathmore Imperial Guard. To say this pony is consistent is nothing but truthful. This gelding won Novice Ridden Champion at Blair Castle in 2022 and in addition won Highland Pony Champion. He has simply done it all again with an extra rein. In reserve, second place to the above was Braehillor King Duncan and Jennifer Green. This is a pony who has had a greatly successful showing season qualifying for HOYS at The Great Yorkshire Show as well as qualifying for Olympia at Perth Show earlier in August. Two highly rated Highland’s deserving of all their achievements. Over in The Country Fair Arena were The NPS Scotland/Kingfisher Building Products Mountain and Moorland WHP Finals. Across four working hunter classes, judges Miss Kerry Wainwright and Mrs Gill Simpson were met with fifty-four competitors and a course that proved a challenge to many with David Pickens horseshoe finale at the front of riders’ minds. Section Champion was finally awarded to winner of the 143cm WHP class, Gems The Trouble Maker with owner and rider Lauren Jarvis. This incredibly honest
Gems The Troublemaker and Edwyns Royal Rocket with judges Gill Simpson and Kerry Wainwright
pony has achieved many credible results both in hand and ridden. Earlier this year at the SWPCA Spring Show he gained Open WHP Champion and in hand at Border Union Show in July he won section C&D Champion. In reserve was Khloe Smith with Edwyns Royal Rocket, owned by Samantha Streight. An impressive palomino Welsh Section C competing in the 133cm WHP Final. When the Working Hunter had taken its course, The NPS Scotland/Townhead Pet n Pony Mountain and Moorland Final took place in The Country Fair Arena, and if we thought it was raining before we were in for a shock as the downpour aggravated. Miss D Spears took to the ring in the midst of Dunedin Iolare the rain was greeted with a total of sixtyfour entrants throughout the four Mountain and Moorland adult classes, as well as an The NPS/NFU Mutual Riding/Hunter additional twenty-nine youngstock in Pony In Hand Final had 24 entrants their two classes. In the first of the in hand within its two classes. Champion was championships, Senior Champion Mountain won by Charlie Cousens with his own and Moorland was awarded to Highland, Colonel Mustard. This pony had won Dunedin Iolare with Christopher Grant. the most prestigious awards in Scotland This credible stallion has accomplished titles and in Great Britain as a whole. At in hand and under saddle, this year he has last years Royal Highland Show he attended ten shows with numerous notable qualified for the Price Family Supreme wins. He was In Hand Champion Highland held at HOYS. A true achievement at The Native Pony Festival, The NPS for Mr Cousens and his homebred Summer Championships and commendably, champion. In reserve was Tylo Tell The Royal Highland Show to note a few the Stars with Claire Chisman. This in hand. Bred by Anne Mitchell, Mr Grant yearling filly achieved second place in bought him as a weanling and he is now her class at this years Royal Highland used for stud at home where he is passing Show as well as Champion Riding on the many qualities, he himself processes. Pony at Echt Show. Reserve Champion was the Fell pony, Kebroyd Sardonyx owned by Jill Graham. For the young ones in the showing Kebroyd Sardonyx has been very successful world, The NPS/Maggie May Junior over the past few showing seasons both in Ridden Final Champion was awarded hand as well as ridden. At last year’s Blair to the evergreen Strathmore Imperial Castle Finals, she was Reserve In Hand Gold Guard with Carmen Durick and in Medal Champion and at this year’s Border reserve was Annandale Maria with Union Show she won Fell Champion In Naomi Archibald. Following on Hand. Both Dunedin Lolare and Kebroyd Sardonyx were later awarded Overall Champion Mountain and Moorland In Hand when Lingardswood Sarsaparilla against the Youngstock Champion winners. The latter championship was won by Mogador April Fool owned by Judith Strange and Fiona Robertson. A threeyear-old Highland filly who qualified at the NPS Scotland Summer Show by taking Mountain and Moorland In Hand Champion. A fairly new addition to the show ring who seems to have proven herself from the word go. Following behind her, in reserve Karen Cameron with BrynBella Ellie Goulding. Two youngsters with a hopeful future.
with the youth, The NPS/Kilgraston School Lead Rein and First Ridden Final Championship was won by the two lead rein winners, Lingardswood Sarsaparilla ridden by Francesca Mair and owned by Shannon Mair followed by Dukeshill Dixie Darlin ridden by Hayden Jo Farquhar and owned by Joanne Robb in reserve. The NPS Scotland committee outdone themselves when it came to the newly introduced Supreme of Show. This concluding event was judged by the inspirational Olympic event rider and medallist, Nicola Wilson. As spectators and competitors looked in awe, Nicola Wilson had found the one that she herself was in awe of. That pony was Strathmore Imperial Guard with Carmen Durick – and they were crowned Supreme of Show – and what a show it was.
Caederwen Briallen
Briallen In Full Bloom for Supreme The Scottish Welsh Pony & Cob Association Summer Show 2023 Report by Gregor MacMillan Summer Show. For the Scottish Welsh Pony & Cob Association association, the Summer Show is the pinnacle of the year, for it is the show that holds the WPCS Bronze Medal. The show was the only Bronze Medal Show in Scotland and the second medal show of the year after the Royal Highland (silver status) due to the Welsh Pony and Cob Society’s new criteria. Judged by Mrs Julie Devanney (Julmar Stud) were the Welsh Section A’s, B’s and WPBR sections. The first section to be awarded champion was the mountain ponies and she found her champion in 13-year-old broodmare Gartconnel Siaradus. Siaradus owned by the Russell family of Gartconnel stud has been a big winner in-hand in Scotland for many years winning a bronze medal in every one of the past six years. She has also had a successful ridden career and in 2014, as a five-year-old finished fourth at HOYS when piloted by Catherine Hudson. The pretty palomino yearling filly Coffeepot Niamh owned by Gary Atkinson and shown by Joe Mason claimed the reserve and youngstock championship. The reserve spot in the youngstock championship went to the Gartconnel foal. This foal out of the champion mare and by G. Warrior is surely destined for many more wins in the future. Running in the neighbouring ring were the Welsh Section C and D classes who were going under the experienced eyes of Mr John Llewellyn-James of the Avonvalley Stud. In a well-supported section of Welsh Ponies of Cob Type the champion came from the stallion class. The striking chestnut, Savoy Peaky Blinder, powered his way round the ring to claim the top prize for the C’s with owner Mr Joe Mason. Mr Mason swept the board in the C’s also clinching the reserve and youngstock prize with a three-year-old filly from the same
28 | The Native Pony | October 2023 Issue | info@showingworldonline.co.uk
stud, Mr Ransom’s Savoy Romany Rose. The filly just pipped Mrs L Armstrong’s evergreen mare, Passford Rebecca, to the reserve spot. Mr Llewellyn-James’s next task was the Welsh Cobs. The elegant Caederwen Briallen was his choice for the championship with her foal by Gwnyfaes Amlawwd Wledig standing reserve and youngstock champion. Mr John Bennett and team had the duo moving in perfect harmony and were the complete picture in the ring. Savoy Peaky Blinder
Back in the other ring, Mrs Devenney had moved onto the Section B’s and although not as strong numerically, the quality of animals stood in her final championship was pleasing to see. Mrs L Shaw’s flashy stallion, Moelview Brigadier, moved his way to seal the championship in the Welsh Ponies. Standing in reserve in this section was the two-year-old filly Cassendilly Heathleigh Remi, owned by Mrs J Allen. The free-moving filly will no doubt go on to win more next season as a threeyear-old. The last section to be judged was the Partbreds where the judge had no hesitation in awarding champion to the Craiglea Foal, who was out of Section B mare Tygolau Chardonnay. The culmination of the show for the two Welsh breed judges was the Welsh In-Hand championship. The four section Cyntaf Extrovert champions were all fine examples of their breed and gave the judges a tough task in finding a champion and a reserve. Nevertheless, Mr Bennett’s Welsh Cob mare, Caederwen Briallen, never missed a beat during the championship and was crowned Supreme Welsh In-Hand Champion. The Section C stallion, Savoy Peaky Blinder, stood reserve. During the championship, the association was delighted to welcome some of the aspiring young judges into the ring to discuss the conformation, type and movement of the winning animals with the judges. The association would like to thank the competitors and the judges for their time and effort with the young people.
The Overall Supreme Champion of the show was awarded to Cyntaf Extrovert owned by Carol Smith. This Section C stallion had won Welsh Open Ridden Champion earlier in the day which enabled him to add another win to his long list. To note one, this pony qualified for HOYS at this year’s Royal Highland Show – a credible achievement. Reserve Supreme was awarded to first ridden duo, Dukeshill De Martino with rider Zoe MacPhail. The pair had won Mini Champion earlier in the day as well as many other Mini Ridden titles throughout the showing season.
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Braveheart Toughs Out Weather for Supreme Scottish Welsh Pony & Cob Association Spring Show 2023 Report by Alexandra MacMillan Although the inclement weather prevented the running of an easy show the incredibly miserable surroundings certainly didn’t dampen the spirits of competitors and undoubtedly had no impression on the turnout at the Scottish Welsh Pony and Cob Association’s first show of the year. It was an absolute spectacle to see so many individuals coming forward with quality animals and many young ponies experiencing the show ring for their first time. In our Welsh and Mountain and Moorland ring was our judge Mrs Caroline Nelson. Mrs Nelson had to endure the dreich day from the very start and remained optimistic and professional to the very end – not that we would’ve expected any less! The first of the sections forward was that of the Welsh Youngstock, which contained four classes and had a total of eighteen exhibits throughout. This was a brilliant turnout in comparison to recent years which was welcomed. The championship in this section was awarded to Louise Russell with the yearling filly, Gartconnel White Satin, by the late Gartconnel Shooting Star and out of Gartconnel Wee-Tiger Lily. Reserve Welsh Youngstock Champion was the yearling filly Pennal Touch and Go, by Pennal Brynmor out of Ilston Lady Marie with Leanne Armstrong of Passford Stud. By all means, these two fillies alongside many in the Welsh Youngstock section have bright futures ahead of them. In the following classes there were several Welsh adults forward. It was very pleasing to see that so many of these ponies had varying jobs and disciplines, providing
Willmont Braveheart
a depth of enjoyment for their owners. With the completion of the adult classes, the Overall Welsh In Hand Championship was awarded to the yearling filly Gartconnel White Satin and reserve was awarded to Moelview Martinique by Moelview Moonstruck and out of Moelview Minnehoma. The Mountain and Moorland classes succeeded the Welsh sections with a total of twenty-three competitors forward. The eventual Mountain and Moorland In Hand Championship was won by Kirstin McMurray’s Connemara mare, Daylight who went on to further her accomplishments by winning the NPS In Hand Mountain and Moorland Silver Medal Rosette. This pony has not only achieved greatness in hand this year but also proven herself under saddle. Also at our Spring Show, Daylight and Kirstin won the Mountain and Moorland Novice Championship, with seventeen entrants throughout the classes within. A privilege to have compete at our shows – alike all exhibitors. Reserve Mountain and Moorland In Hand Champion was awarded to a lovely Connemara gelding Wannie Flint with Lauren Cohen. This pair went on to make a remarkable achievement at The Royal Highland Show later in the year by winning Connemara Champion. A 30 | The Native Pony | October 2023 Issue | info@showingworldonline.co.uk
win that numerous equestrians spend a lifetime pursuing. Reserve Overall Mountain and Moorland In Hand Champion to Daylight was Brooke Kehoe’s Moelview Martinique, shown by David Russell. This mare and her team have been loyal supporters of the SWPCA, gaining much success along the way. Undoubtedly, this young mare has many more wins to acquire. In the Mountain and Moorland open ridden section, there were eleven exhibitors forward. A contrast to the seventeen novice entrants which was wonderful to see. The encouragement of novice ponies and increase of numbers was refreshing and something we hope can persist to our other shows. Emma Burrow and Willmont Braveheart, owned by Antonia Mitchell took Open Ridden Champion as well as Overall Ridden Champion, being awarded the NPS Silver Medal rosette. The pair continued their success scoring a hat-trick of champions by winning Supreme of Show. In addition, at last year’s Horse of the Year Show, Willmont Braveheart took Fell Champion and best gelding prize. Continuing their streak, he and Emma won their HOYS class at The Royal Highland Show 2023 as well as Reserve Mountain and Moorland Champion. This Fell has proven himself time and time again and is a real treasure to have in our show ring. In reserve to the above in the Open Ridden Championship was Lauren Jarvis with her own Gems The Troublemaker. A pony with incredible versatility who furthered his success to qualify for the NPS Blair Castle final in the Open Working Hunter Pony section and eventually win Mountain and Moorland WHP Champion at Blair Castle later in the year. Reserve Overall Mountain and Moorland Champion was awarded to Kirstin McMurray and Daylight. After the long and miserable day, competitors persevered and gathered for the Supreme of Show. Willmont Braveheart took Supreme, followed by Jenkira Lord of the Rings in Reserve. This little first ridden partnership of rider Emma and her pony impressed many on the sidelines as they sweetly pinged around the ring with a huge smile. The pair took Mini Championship earlier in the day, qualifying for the NPS Final at Blair Castle. A more deserving child would have been hard to find and a truly appreciated pony with first ridden written all over him. Two winners in the Supreme that we were thankful to have forward. With the rain continuing and the lorries leaving the premiss, we were left to evaluate an incredibly successful show with a turnout quite greater than we have had before. It is with hope that these numbers can continue in years to come and only increase. However, one thing that we absolutely do not want to carry on to next years Spring Show is the weather!
FELL
ROUNDUP
The Fell Pony Society Southern Show By Claire Simpson and Georgina Blair
The Fell Pony Society Southern Show was established by the late Mary Longsden MBE and continued by Liz Whitley, before Georgina Blair stepped in to run it in 2010.
Kalamara Fantasia ridden by Lauren Brill, judges Pam Cox and Peter Boustead and Deb Vychinski’s Boutine Esther
As with most shows, all of the planning, organisation and setting up falls to a small number of volunteers. Georgina is supported by her partner Adam, her mum Janet; the show committee and a number of others who help on the day, including Michael Goddard, InskeMari-Ann Allso, Sharron and Steve Camp, Jules Jordan, Alistair Douglas, Helen Plank and Catriona Edwards. The Society is very grateful to all involved, without whom these events would just not happen. If you would like to get involved in helping Georgina and the team with any aspect of the 2024 show then please do message her through the dedicated Facebook page, as all input would be most welcome! Meanwhile do read on for Georgina’s report of this year’s super show… The main concern before the 2023 Southern Show was the weather. The show has only been cancelled twice in its 33-year history; once due to wet ground and once because of the Covid pandemic. The first half of September 2023 was breaking temperature records and in the week before the show we bought sponges and buckets for pony sloshing, rearranged the schedule to move classes earlier and issued stern warnings about sunscreen and considering travel plans. The show had healthy entries, so much so that we split the Novice Traditional Ridden Class into mares and geldings and stallions, but there were several withdrawals in the days before the show. Many people with lengthy journeys to the show very sensibly decided they didn’t want to risk getting stuck in a jam in the heat. On show day itself judges Pam Cox and Peter Boustead said competitors could show/ride in shirt sleeves, and that ponies would be asked for reduced efforts. The morning started to warm up as the inhand classes got underway, but there was a welcome breeze, and then a cloudy afternoon meant the temperature didn’t reach the heights we’d feared. Some riders even put their jackets on for the ridden classes. And as the supreme championship was decided, it started raining. There were strong in-hand mare classes, with Karen Hodge’s Kalmara Fantasia
taking the mare championship, with Deb Vychinski’s Boutime Esther reserve. Gelding champion was Fiona Earle’s Meres Jamboree. Fiona homed the pony from the Blue Cross two years ago, as a nonridden companion, due to behavioural issues, but since then the pair have achieved successes in the show ring and in the Fell Pony Society mileage challenges. In the Youngstock classes there was a family reunion in the foal class, where three out of four foals entered were by Deb Vychinski’s stallion Boutime Wooster. Lorna Brooks’ yearling filly Bracklinn Myrtle took the youngstock championship. Kalmara Fantasia went on to take the in-hand championship, with Bracklinn Myrtle reserve. The in-hand mares swept the board in the ridden classes, with Boutime Esther winning both the Novice Traditional Ridden (walk/ trot only) and Ridden classes, and Kalmara Fantasia the Open versions. This was six-year-old Boutime Esther’s first ridden showing experience, and breeder and rider Deb Vychinski was delighted with her performance. Kalmara Fantasia took the ridden champion, with Georgia Norton’s Mosshey Centurion as reserve. Kalmara Fantasia went on to take the supreme championship, with Boutime Esther as reserve.
intermediate a nd open classes and took the championship, with Mosshey Centurion reserve. The dressage classes, judged by Jo Dawson, also suffered from some withdrawals, but Drybarrows Belgravia won Prelim 12 with 69.07%, and Tim and Mary Davies’ Brickell Cokey, ridden by Lexi Hart, produced a super test to win Novice 24 with 73.26%. The handy pony/horse agility course could be tackled in-hand or ridden, and had good entries in each section. Drybarrows Belgravia won the ridden section, securing her win in the Groovy Hooves championship (for ponies taking part in dressage, WHP and handy pony). The inhand section was won by Rachel Douglas’ Ringstone General, the only pony to go through the curtain without a second look. Despite the dire predictions for the weather, we had a lovely day. Next year’s show is 8th September 2024, and we’ll keep our fingers crossed that everybody will be able to join us.
There were only a few entries forward in the working hunter pony classes, judged by Lyndsey Hayter. Lucy Greenwood’s talented Drybarrows Belgravia won both the info@showingworldonline.co.uk | October 2023 Issue | The Native Pony | 31
DALES
ROUNDUP Compiled by Lucy Darvill Georgie Lewis-Roberts’s homeproduced six-year-old Dales Fulford Micky has had a super few weeks to close his summer season. He won and stood champion mountain and moorland at Fillongley Agricultural show, and at the HOPE show, he stood Best of the Best overall supreme ridden bagging himself a gorgeous floral sash. At Equifest, Mickey was the winner of the traditional concours class and was shortlisted for the increasingly popular ‘suitably mounted’ class. Christy Seaman’s Griseburn Orla, now a four-year-old, has had a relatively quiet season after her uber successful in hand run in youngstock classes last year. At Equifest, she won the Dales breed class championship, graduating to the evening supreme where she clinched the Spillers M&M supreme in hand championship, led by Georgina Wilkes, who predominantly produces ridden horses after Christy had “a panic that I wouldn’t be able to run fast enough!” Christy said: “Georgina kindly stepped in to lead her and I have to say, they was absolutely incredible to watch they both flew round. Georgina did a cracking job!”
Fulford Mickey
Just when they thought the week couldn’t get any better, Orla won her next Dales class and was again, champion in the evening performance. “This mare means so much to me and I am truly grateful to have such a mare in my stable,” said Christy. “Eventually, we plan to breed from Orla but next season we will hopefully concentrate on a novice ridden season, as being only four we haven’t wanted to rush her this season. (Photos by Jordan Brooking) Another Griseburn Dales pony, Griseburn Merlin has brought success for Aaron Comley. After being his wife and daughter’s cheerleader and groom for 14 years it was Aaron’s turn to take the spotlight. The pair stood Supreme inhand and Reserved Supreme of Show at their local Gala Show.
Griseburn Orla
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Griseburn Merlin
Westwick Joseph
Michelle Reeve’s 12-year-old stallion Westwick Joseph had a later start to his ridden career after covering in his earlier days. He and his young jockey Damzon Reeves qualified for the Royal International Horse Show 2022 and recently stood Reserve Champion at this year’s Equifest. On loan to Sue Millard from the Nipna Stud, Nipna Tudor Prince (Eric) has been enjoying life in the Westmorland Dales. Eric has been racking up the miles as an honorary Fell pony as he has competed in the in various challenges set by the society. He completed one of the 100miles for the Fell Pony Centenary and the 96 miles this year in honour of the late Queen. Sue commented that “he is becoming well known for his flash trot and billowing white mane, and for the fact that I, a lifelong Fell pony fan, am driving a Dales in a Fell pony breeding area!” Two-year old Rosebarr Greatest Showman (Neo) bred by Dave Sanders and owned by Angie Driver, went out to his first ever show on 20th August 2023. Dave kindly ran the two-year-old and he won the Dales youngstock class and then went on to win the Dales championship. Angie then took the reins which saw the pair win their youngstock class and stand Overall Reserve Inhand champion. Jade Stowell’s Evangillis Bron was piloted by Vikki Smith to pick up Bron’s first HOYS qualification at the NPS summer championships. Jade commented “We like to do a bit of everything and be true to the breed as ‘The Great All Rounder’. This year at HOYS it will be a first for both of us but even with the nerves I am really looking forward to it,” said Jade.
Nipna Tudor Prince Evangillis Bron
SHETLAND ROUNDUP
Compiled by Kate Hampton
Milday Valentino
Miniature Stallion, Milday Valentino really proved that size doesn’t matter, it’s quality that counts at Peeblesshire Agricultural Show. Only lightly shown but with a track record that includes Junior Champion in 2019 at the Royal Highland Show, Valentino returned to the ring after a four-year break and cleared the board at the Show. Starting in the Shetland ring, the eight-year-old stallion by Tawna Rubus out of Milday Darashan graduated from Champion Shetland to Small Breed M&M champion, Supreme M&M Champion and ultimately Supreme Light Horse Champion. Owned by Matthew Davidson of the Chesterwood Stud in Scotland, it was a dream return to the ring that left Matthew joking, “maybe I should show him more!”
Blackertor Mustang (Equinational)
At CHAPS UK Championship Show Blackertor Mustang (Ben Elf) and Rose Cassapi literally filled their lorry with sashes and rosettes. The small team were unstoppable over the three days, lining up championships that ultimately led to the Reserve Supreme Ridden Show Champion. “Rose picked him as a foal just before her fifth birthday and we waited until last September to have Ben Elf broken,” said mum Tracey Cassapi. This dynamic young combination also took Reserve Ridden Supreme Champion and the National Shetland Performance Show a few weeks earlier. Debbie Barr’s team collected their second HOYS ticket at the NPS Summer Championships with recently gelded Firle Giorgio. Now also contesting the First Ridden classes and ridden by Isabel Turner, the stud’s homebred joins Firle Ricardo in the eight strong HOYS Shetland section of the Open Exmoor/Shetland class lineup.
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Bergli Dreamwatcher (1st Class Images)
Somahouse GT (Emma Jamieson)
The final two HOYS Open tickets have been taken by Somahouse GT and Bergli Dreamwatcher at the SPS-BS Breed Show and Stoneleigh respectively. Owned by Nicola Richards, GT is in his first full season under saddle with a very low, but highly successful, mileage of only seven shows under his belt. The 15-year-old stallion, ridden by Aailyah Watson made the trip from his Fife based Abbotsbury Stud where he has also been covering mares this year, to the NPS Summer Championships as part of NPS Scotland Team. In his first ever HOYS qualifier, he stood third in a large Shetland class, firmly putting his foot in the door for his winning attempt at the Black Isle-based breed show this year.
Buckberry Emille (Kate Hampton)
The much-coveted final ticket was secured by Ella-Rose Wells with Dreamwatcher at Stoneleigh, September. This team have had a golden ticket in their sights on many occasions. “I have just woken up and it wasn’t a dream,” excited mum Laura Wells said pinching herself the following morning. “Dreaming big comes with its ups and downs and it’s not for the fainthearted, but Ella did it so now to enjoy every moment!” Previous Olympia Best of Breed winner Buckberry Emille proved he still has what it takes in the ring at NPS Summer Championships. Emille, now 25 years old was there with Freddie Lake and they did themselves proud in the SSADL London Qualifier securing the Reserve Champion position and second in the Senior Plus, 24 years and over under saddle category. Freddie is very proud of Emille and is hoping to nominate him for veteran of the year. info@showingworldonline.co.uk | October 2023 Issue | The Native Pony | 35
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