Lomond locks on

A breeder’s small-time prefix hits the heights, Connemaras excel in multiple spheres and mannerly leadrein ponies take centre stage

- ALEX ROBINSON

A SMALL-SCALE breeder’s home-bred stallion triumphed in the Horse & Hound mountain and moorland (M&M) in-hand supreme.

Rhiannon Randall’s four-year-old Fleetwoods Loch Lomond (Lochy) lapped up the main arena atmosphere, with Rhiannon at his bridle, and was judge Amanda Gomersall’s choice for the supreme.

Amanda had pulled four ponies forward from 12 initial contenders for a second look.

“The Highland was the most correct animal in the ring,” she said. “He had a good topline, was free-moving and had the potential to do many jobs.”

It was the second year in a row that the Highland breed had prevailed in this championship, with last year’s supreme being the late Queen’s home-bred Balmoral Leia.

Coincidentally, Lochy, who is out of Copperview Rose and by Rhiannon’s successful dual in-hand and ridden contender Bluebraes Merrick, was judged to be champion at the Highland pony breed show last year by Balmoral stud yard manager Sylvia Ormiston.

“He has big shoes to fill being Merrick’s son, but he’s a carbon copy of him,” said Rhiannon, who juggles two jobs around showing and breeding, one being in administration and referrals for the NHS.

“When you breed you always aim to produce something better than what you’ve already got,” she added. “I hope this proves that it is possible for small-time breeders.”

Tony Newman’s five-year-old Welsh section D mare London Total Temptress took reserve. Her powerful movement commanded the biggest cheer from the grandstand crowds.

“She was typey and very ‘pony,’” said Amanda.