EMOTIONS ran high when Will Chatley and New Forest gelding Bakeburn Pharoah headed a 21-strong Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) breed class to qualify at their first attempt, and then land their first section championship.
Judge Sara Hird, who officiated alongside Martin Jones, said: “It was one of the strongest classes I’ve seen. This pony did a beautiful show; he was very balanced, well ridden and well presented.”
The seven-year-old, by legendary Farriers Fingerprint, was bought by Will as a foal from his breeders, Angie Wilson and her late husband Brian; poignantly, Will rode Pharoah’s sire at HOYS.
“Brian’s last wish to me was to try and get Pharoah to HOYS,” said Will, who gave up producing for the show ring two years ago and now works full-time in landscaping.
“This pony is my pet and I do everything with him – we hunt, jump, hack and more. He lives out and hasn’t seen a school in two years!
“This result was way beyond my hopes and dreams – it’s the first time I’ve ever cried when qualifying, but all I could think about was Brian. I can’t wait for Angie to come and watch their first home-bred at HOYS.”
Rachel Cooper won, qualified and stood reserve with Connemara stallion Glencarrig Camelot. The Glencarrig Knight half-brother is in his second-ridden season produced by the Follywood team, having previously covered at Blakehill Stud.
“We were bridesmaids on many occasions last season,” said Rachel, who works full-time in London. “He’s strengthened and matured now, so I was quietly hoping to get the golden ticket this term.”
Denne historien er fra August 10, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra August 10, 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.
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'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
