Great Yorkshire, North Yorks
VICKY SMITH and Alan Marnie’s stunning mare, Ashleas Perfect Spirit (Polly), made history when she became the first coloured exhibit to qualify at this show for the Price Family Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) supreme in-hand final – and one of only a handful ever to earn the HOYS place.
It was well-deserved, though, as experienced judge Sarah York – a thoroughbred and hunter breeder – explained.
“Her correctness, limbs and the sheer quality of her movement decided it for me,” she said. “Also, she was beautifully turned out and extremely mannerly.”
Reserve went to Martyn Coles’ Welsh section D mare Durkar Solitaire, who had clocked up her fourth win – and third tricolour – from four outings this season.
Polly, a three-year-old by Free Spirit, sympathetically shown by Steven Lemon, was also champion at National Pony Society Area 5, Derbyshire Festival and Royal Windsor. Here, her floating trot captivated an enthusiastic TopSpec White Rose ring audience too, and when she was called forward after an agonising wait, the applause was deafening.
“Gobsmacked,” was Vicky’s verdict. “We only brought her to represent the breed; never in a million years did we expect this.”
The couple bought Polly unseen after being tipped off by Cathy Wood, who had seen a photo of the filly, then a yearling.
Denne historien er fra July 22, 2021-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra July 22, 2021-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
