Sweet Sugar Tot steals the show

A home-produced first ridden, a Shetland with gusto and the reigning RIHS supreme pony champion dazzle under the spotlight

- TRICIA JOHNSON

HOME PRODUCERS were flying high against the might of the country’s top teams, and one of the smallest combinations claimed the biggest prize.

Lancashire-based Emelia O’Brien, 10, and her charming first ridden Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) mini section victor Sandboro Sugar Tot (Elsa), produced a foot-perfect show under the eagle eye of Sue Rawding to trounce a host of big winners and take the Philip Judge overall supreme of show title.

“The picture was absolutely right,” said Sue. “It’s a lovely combination and they never missed a beat. The pony had brilliant manners and did exactly what it said on its tin.”

Emilia’s mother Emma was overwhelmed.

“We could only have dreamed of winning the mini supreme, so we certainly didn’t expect this,” she said.

“It’s their last year in first riddens so although we will be devastated to say goodbye to Elsa after HOYS, it’s time for her to make another little rider’s dreams come true.”

Sue added that had she been able to award a reserve, it would have gone to Izzy Walker with the 128cm show pony, Stoneleigh Showtime.

“It is the epitome of everything a first pony should be,” Sue declared.

Izzy’s joy was clear to see when she was called forward to take the Ghita Jago Memorial show pony supreme, having already accounted for a hardfought Blue Riband final the previous evening.

“It was a superb line-up, but my winner had that elusive star appeal the moment it walked into the ring,” reflected Blue Riband judge Claire Oliver. “It oozed quality and type and was a beautiful mover. It also had superb manners, which is so important when carrying younger children.”