London International, London ExCeL
THE circuit’s most consistent Dales ponies battled it out for the top two spots in the British Show Pony Society mountain and moorland (M&M) ridden supreme championship sponsored by New Horizon Plastics.
Julie Pennell’s home-bred golden boy Nipna Midnight Rambler and Sarah Parker, and Joe Watson and his own Griseburn Major were on equal marks of 87/100 after performing for ride judges Ian Dickinson and Phillipa MacInnes. The young stallions are familiar rivals, having stood side by side at the 2022 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), where Major won and was later crowned overall M&M champion.
On this occasion it was seasoned London performer Rambler, an eight-year-old by Nipna Invictus out of Nipna Damask Rose, who had the edge for second-phase judges Debbie Spears and Mathew Lawrence.
Rambler finished with a total conformation score of 87/100, and with a 14- mark (174/200) edge on his fellow breed representative Griseburn Major (160/200).
“He was so pleasing to watch; workman-like in his outlook, but fluent, relaxed and supple with added sparkle,” said Phillipa. “While the best ponies were at the top of the line, it was disappointing that there was only one Highland, Exmoor and Welsh section B breed each represented. It might just be the fashion of the time but I would have liked to have seen more representation.”
Denne historien er fra December 21, 2023-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 December 21, 2023-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
