Welsh stallion is the perfect Example

A stallion bred in Holland is the top inhand pony, while a Connemara shines once more at his favourite showground

A BIG-MOVING Welsh section A took a break from his main post as a ridden pony to become the new Horse & Hound mountain and moorland (M&M) supreme inhand champion.

Melanie Peters’ 11-year-old Hoekhorst Example (Harry) is a well-known performance animal, having previously won at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

On this day, however, his quality, type and Welsh character was enough to earn him one of the season’s most prestigious in-hand honours.

The stallion, led out to perfection by Tom Clark – who had only met him at the show on the morning of his class – ate up the ground in the Castle Arena to impress Supreme Judge Jackie Beatham.

“He oozed presence and had wonderful athletic movement. I also felt he would stamp his stock well,” said Jackie of the Idyllic Senator son.

Harry was bred by the Hoeke family in Holland. He started his career under saddle with Cadlanvalley Stud’s Hayley and Libby Grota, winners here in hot ridden ranks with their home-bred section B Cadlanvalley Masterclass.

Libby rode Harry to two Royal Welsh victories and reserve supreme M&M at HOYS in 2021.

Melanie, for whom Royal Windsor is her local show, bought Harry for her daughter, Maisie, last August and he is currently based with producer Russell Ingram.

“He’s a very kind stallion who Maisie can do everything with,” said Melanie. “And he’s been beautifully produced in his previous home too.”