A 16-YEAR-OLD rider and her home-produced Fell pony flew to the 133cm mountain and moorland (M&M) working hunter class en route to the section title. Judges Caroline Whiteley and Kevin Walker had a broad choice of breeds – including a New Forest, a Shetland, a Welsh and several Connemaras – to select their champion from, but it was the stunning jet black gelding Greenholme Falcon (Dan) who shone brightest.
The 12-fence course made use of the Frogmore Arena’s immaculate surface, but competitors needed to be on their mettle as spook-provoking challenges included a water tray and a duck-themed filler. Despite this, clears were plentiful and so conformation and breed type came to fruition.
Owned by Chantelle Chapman’s mother Victoria Oliver, 10-year-old Dan – by Greenholme Look At Me out of Greenholme Shandy – is contending his first season as an open working hunter.
“The course was flowing and there was lots to look at, which suits him better,” said Chantelle, for whom this was a first Windsor worker attempt. “Considering this is his first year jumping qualifier tracks we came here with no expectations. I just can’t fault him; he really does it all.”
Chantelle and Dan shot to fame in 2018 when she won inaugural SEIB Search For A Star M&M championship. Since then, they’ve taken the open and junior M&M classes by storm, qualifying for the Royal International (RIHS), standing champion at the National Pony Society (NPS) Summer Championships and narrowly missing out on a Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) place.
This story is from the July 08, 2021 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 08, 2021 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'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
