SECOND-PLACED combinations cemented the notion that you should always return for a championship. While bridesmaids came to the fore across the horse and pony sections, arguably the fairytale triumph of the week was witnessed on day one of the showing in the Leeman Familysponsored coloured-ridden championship.
This was when Hannah Miller-Burton’s traditional stallion, SD Red Gambler, and Kaitlyn Fairhurst, rose up from runner-up to take overall glory.
Judges Polly Coles (ride) and Susan Stockley-Bridges (conformation) assessed uber quality classes and crowned their first winner of the day in the native, cob and traditional ponies. This was Pippa Kirby’s home-bred traditional stallion Monivea Black Magic (Merlin), current Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and Royal International (RIHS) class title holder, piloted by Pippa’s daughter Isabella, with Gambler and Kaitlyn finishing behind them in second.
It was all to play for in the afternoon’s Castle Arena championship, which welcomed the circuit’s most seasoned contenders – including the reigning HOYS and RIHS coloured champions – as well as some fresh faces.
Kaitlyn, who has the ride on Gambler for the season while Hannah is pregnant, stepped into the ring with few expectations, though she wasn’t one to rest on her laurels. She made use of Gambler’s powerful paces while maintaining fluidity, sealing their performance with a storming gallop.
Polly and Susan didn’t hesitate in calling out the duo into the top spot, with Merlin and Isabella in reserve. “He stood out from everyone else,” said Polly. “He just went up a gear. We both absolutely loved our reserve all day, too.
Denne historien er fra May 09, 2024-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 May 09, 2024-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
