LEAD-REIN queen Sharn Linney made HOYS history when taking the Colne/Feed Shed mini native title for a record fifth year running with the legendary Welsh section A victor, Thistledown Van-DerVaart (Charles), piloted by Lilly Richardson, seven.
“This pony was absolutely faultless in my eyes,” said judge Stephen Howard. “It sings along with a happy expression and obviously has a lot of personality, but looks 100% safe.”
Since standing supreme at the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) Winter Championships as a novice in 2013, there are few accolades that Charles has not won, including two consecutive Royal Windsor victories and the HOYS overall supreme pony title in 2017. However, Sharn took nothing for granted.
“I was even more nervous going in there this time as it was such a huge ask,” she revealed. “All I wanted was for him to go well. I worship the ground he walks on.”
Reserve went to the lead-rein runner-up, Nicola Tyler’s homebred seven-year-old Dartmoor mare, Springwater Tamara, ridden by Nicola’s granddaughter Elizabeth Mickle, six, and shown by Sarah Newbould.
“I’m absolutely delighted,” declared Nicola, who also bred Tamara’s full-sister, Cuddy finalist Springwater Anna. “Coming second behind a legend is more than good enough for us!”
NEW PAIRING EXCELS
A STAND-IN rider nailed the coveted National Pony Society (NPS)/Baileys ridden title. Frankie Currell had only sat on the six-year-old Welsh section A mare, Nantfforchog Blue Moondust (Dusty), three times but the pair ticked along perfectly to post a first HOYS open win.
Then, in the evening finale, they pulled out all the stops to conquer a star-studded field of 20.
Judge Paul Brightwell, who officiated alongside Jessica Middleton, was smitten.
Denne historien er fra October 10, 2019-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
Denne historien er fra October 10, 2019-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
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
