TWO members of a show team did battle in a rare ride-off in the Supreme Products supreme ridden pony championship, but only one could lift the title and the Dick Saunders trophy.
Of the six contenders to perform for judges Philip Hilton, Joy Hall and Frances Youngs, two were representing show producers Adam Forster and David Jinks of Cheshire-based Team Jinks.
Charlene Mennie’s lead-rein hunter pony Newoak Midnight Blue – Peter and Pip BakerBeall mini supreme just half an hour before the International Arena supreme – was the first to score 26/30.
His seven-year-old jockey Violet Mennie was in perfect harmony with the six-yearold, Adam holding the very end of the rein. The part-bred Dartmoor – a former winner here and the 2022 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) class champion – never twitched a hair, despite the adoring crowd.
During their show, Adam led the duo to the side of a towering showjump, with Violet leaning over to touch the fence – the pony didn’t take a peep.
However, team-mates Reise Shakespeare and the Gribbin family’s Enablelink show hunter pony champion Rosscon Copycat, also a six-year-old, put up a mighty challenge. Last to go, 19-yearold Reise made use of the 153cm contender’s floating, yet workmanlike, paces and two gallops sealed the deal.
When their equal score of 26/30 was announced, it was time for the ride-off.
After deliberation between the judges, Reise and the young star were deemed the 2024 supreme champions.
“It’s been nine years since I was in the supreme,” said Reise, last show hunter pony champion here in 2015 on Thistledown Las Vegas. “This is also my last Royal International [RIHS] with the horse, as I’m out of the 153cm class next year. What a way to finish.”
Reise planned his show prior to stepping into the supreme, but the ride-off wasn’t expected.
“To go into the ride-off against my producer was something else. Adam made me work for it!” he said.
This story is from the August 01, 2024 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 August 01, 2024 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