Rocky is on the road to HOYS

A smart Connemara reaches top gear and Henry Squibb extends his phenomenal winning streak

- SARAH RADFORD

Summer Pony Premier, Arena UK, Lincs

THE Bradburnes were among those saving on some mileage with an early haul of Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) tickets, with Thomas and Derryinver Rocky, an eight-year-old Connemara, topping the newcomers second round.

Thomas’s mother Gee bought the pony after seeing him with Alfie Bradstock, and 14-year-old Thomas has produced him slowly through the ranks.

“Tina Fletcher told me about this lovely pony and said if you don’t see him you’ll never be allowed to forget it, so I just went to shut everyone up really but the rest is history!” Gee said. “Thomas has produced him very patiently and spent half a year just jumping double clears, and recently he’s beginning to see the rewards.

“There were 14 through to the final round, so he knew there wasn’t a prayer of qualifying with a treble clear. The pony hasn’t done a lot against the clock before now but it’s getting to the stage where he can ask.”

Rosie Walker finished in second place with Grey Lad V, while Poppy Deakin took third and fourth with Candi Girl Z and Orchids Arisha.

Thomas’s sister Katie also ticked one off her list when she collected 138cm qualification with a third place on Dolly Du Carel.

Katie’s round slotted in behind two strong performances from another rider who has seemed unconquerable in recent seasons, 13-year-old Tabitha Kyle. The reigning pony showjumper, 138cm and Foxhunter national champion made sure she was in a position to retain her title at this year’s HOYS when she headed the class with Mister Proper and took runner up with Another Barney.

The fourth qualifying spot went to Millie Lawson and Noah’s Lady.