TWO members of a show team did battle in a rare ride-off in the Supreme Products supreme ridden pony championship, but only one could lift the title and the Dick Saunders trophy.
Of the six contenders to perform for judges Philip Hilton, Joy Hall and Frances Youngs, two were representing show producers Adam Forster and David Jinks of Cheshire-based Team Jinks.
Charlene Mennie’s lead-rein hunter pony Newoak Midnight Blue – Peter and Pip BakerBeall mini supreme just half an hour before the International Arena supreme – was the first to score 26/30.
His seven-year-old jockey Violet Mennie was in perfect harmony with the six-yearold, Adam holding the very end of the rein. The part-bred Dartmoor – a former winner here and the 2022 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) class champion – never twitched a hair, despite the adoring crowd.
During their show, Adam led the duo to the side of a towering showjump, with Violet leaning over to touch the fence – the pony didn’t take a peep.
However, team-mates Reise Shakespeare and the Gribbin family’s Enablelink show hunter pony champion Rosscon Copycat, also a six-year-old, put up a mighty challenge. Last to go, 19-yearold Reise made use of the 153cm contender’s floating, yet workmanlike, paces and two gallops sealed the deal.
When their equal score of 26/30 was announced, it was time for the ride-off.
After deliberation between the judges, Reise and the young star were deemed the 2024 supreme champions.
“It’s been nine years since I was in the supreme,” said Reise, last show hunter pony champion here in 2015 on Thistledown Las Vegas. “This is also my last Royal International [RIHS] with the horse, as I’m out of the 153cm class next year. What a way to finish.”
Reise planned his show prior to stepping into the supreme, but the ride-off wasn’t expected.
“To go into the ride-off against my producer was something else. Adam made me work for it!” he said.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Better judges' cover a must to protect the sport's future
A group insurance option has been found to protect the officials showing needs but only if enough sign up
IVF with frozen sperm is a 'milestone' in equine breeding
The first successful use of frozen semen in the technique has been recorded in an American study
Challenging ourselves to be and do better for our horses
The 2024 FEI general assembly heard how we should all challenge ourselves to give horses the best lives possible
Scottish jockeys to benefit from fund's top services
A new centre in Galashiels has been built thanks to a legacy donation
How horse simulators could help encourage people into riding
It is hoped the new model will help break down barriers to the sector for a wide range of people
Many horses' needs aren't met: study finds chance to improve
Researchers say all must ensure horses have space, friends, forage and good experiences
Humble pie
How many ladies does it take to cook a shepherd's pie? It’s a complicated one, says Tessa Waugh, on a quest to find appropriate ovens for the impending hunt auction dinner
I love an underdog
The arrival of the winter mud brings with it a Venetia Williams hat-trick, but the day belongs to a warrior gelding, who never stops trying”
Jumping Jack cracks it
A scopey grey is learning to be quick” anda broodmare makes up for lost time
A star is born
A nine-year-old mare helps put Luxembourg on the map and we celebrate a remarkable grey’s comeback
