AN adored working hunter contender shone against animals less than half his age in the Supreme Products supreme pony championship to win the title on a score of 28/30.
Claire Collier's evergreen 143cm contender Beech Hall Ryan and Izzy HartswoodCollier, 15, were last to go. Supreme first-timer Izzy was the consummate professional as she steered the 16-year-old gelding to produce a flawless display, sealed with a true worker gallop down the grandstand.
As the scorecards were raised, it took Izzy a little while to realise what had just happened. When everything came into focus, she put her hand to her mouth, dropped her reins and threw her arms around her pony.
"I was just happy to be here," said an elated Izzy.
Earlier in the week, the duo had occupied the top spot in the LG Show Team working hunter pony championship, a title Ryan lifted back in 2016 with former rider Zara Weir.
"I can get nervous when jumping, but Ryan looks after me and he's so reliable and forgiving," said Izzy.
Jump judge Brigit Ensten said the "brilliant" Kevin Millman-built course wasn't overly big in height, but that it provided plenty of food for thought for the young jockeys.
"Those riding here for the first time will return next year as better riders," Brigit said.
The Colliers were on cloud nine after their worker victory.
"It's been a family ambition to own a RIHS worker winner," said mother Claire, who was champion at Hickstead herself 22 years ago riding show hunter pony Trewolla Denzil.
Izzy is trained by Claire's sister, Emmie Leedham, who previously competed on the working hunter circuit.
"Izzy has an autoimmune condition called Behçet's disease, so she can't stand up to falling off or being knocked about," Claire added. "So I need to ensure she has safe ponies, which Ryan totally is. I trust him completely."
Denne historien er fra August 03, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra August 03, 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
