A NOVICE working hunter combination taking part in their first evening performance outshone their larger rivals to take the strongly contested overall supreme championship at this well-attended show.
Ten-year-old Brooke CameBoyce and her six-year-old Dartmoor mare, Springwater Alina, produced a foot-perfect performance with a blistering gallop to clinch the accolade under judge Julie Cook.
“My champion was outstanding,” said Julie. “The pony had her ears pricked throughout and appeared as though she could have turned her hoof to any job. She looked after her young rider, and I would love to take her home for my grandchildren.”
The former stud mare came to Cheshire-based Brooke last autumn, having been broken for just four weeks. The duo are both new to working hunter ranks but are already making their mark, posting some good results in only a handful of outings last year. At Onley they finished second in both the novice and open mountain and moorland workers but won the championship, which put them into the supreme.
“She is very feisty, and you have to work with her, but she has a huge heart and we are learning the jumping job together,” said Brooke.
The pair now plan to contest some Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) qualifiers.
Another rider making a supreme debut was Jessica Everill. She enjoyed an outstanding day, taking RIHS tickets in the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) Pretty Polly mixed breeds and UK Ponies and Horses (UKPH) amateur ranks as well as winning the concours d’élégance, with her 10-year old Fell Brackenbank Flicka.
This story is from the March 30, 2023 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 March 30, 2023 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
