Steve Dent Stunt Harness Horse and Pony of the Year Championship
Yorkshire-based driver Neil Wray clung on to his title as the Steve Dent Stunt Harness Horse and Pony of the Year Champion for the second year running with the eight-year-old black stallion, Plains Royalty.
Out of fifteen turnouts in the class, eight were pulled forward by Judges Mary Ford and Justin Cowles, who then whittled it down to their final two; Neil driving Plains Royalty, along with 2014 and 2015 champion, Jessie Dudley Apicella driving Aghaderg Stand and Deliver. Eventually the hand went in Neil’s favour to be crowned champion for the second consecutive year.
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Saving the best until last in the British Showjumping Silver League Championship
Raising the bar and claiming victory in the British Showjumping Silver League Championship was Cambridgeshire-based Stacey Cook riding her stunning 13-year-old bay gelding, Gigant.
It was very close on the leader board as the final competitors took to the arena, each one bettering the previous round. Saving the best until last, Stacey stormed down to the final fence, jumping into the lead and taking the Champion title.
Stacey’s win rounded off a successful year for her as she also won the National Winter Silver League Championship at the British Showjumping Spring Championships in April this year with her homebred Ninola. Speaking of her win on day one at Horse of the Year Show, Stacey said: “We have had such a great season. Having just come back from having a baby I couldn’t believe it when I qualified both of my horses for HOYS in the same year. I decided to let him [Gigant] have the limelight because the other one [Ninola] won the winter league. He is so consistent and a lovely mover. I’ve owned him for eight years now and have produced him myself so it’s so rewarding that he keeps on giving.”
Stacey fits in her training with the horses around her day job working as an equestrian instructor, making her fully invested in the equestrian industry.
She adds: “I hadn’t seen anyone else’s round or even heard how they had got on so I went in a bit blind, but I just wanted to do the best we could and was quite surprised when they said we had won the class. I’m so pleased with him. I think next year we will try some 1.40s and see how we get on
Photo: 1st Class Images
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Addington Equestrian 2019 Ltd Talent Seekers incorporating the Brightwells 7-year-old Championship
Rounding off day one of Horse of the Year Show in style, the audience in the Andrews Bowen International Arena were treated to an extraordinary result in the final class of the day and another ‘first’ with a two-way tie in the Addington Equestrian 2019 Ltd Talent Seekers Championship.
Jay Halim and Tim Davies congratulated one another on their joint win in a time of 31.23 seconds, both sharing the same sentiment of gratitude.
Tim from Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk was last to go in the jump off riding 8-year-old chestnut gelding, Lionel Van De Markieslanden, owned by Barrett Watson. “It’s an honour to share the win with Jay; I watched his round and noted his time. My horse is quick but when I looked up at the clock I knew straight away that we’d drew. He’s the perfect person to share it with though and I’m really pleased for him. I jumped the horse here last year and he was very careful, you just never quite know how they are going to react in the arena. I mainly compete here in England producing young horses so it means a lot to win a big Championship here at Horse of the Year Show. I’ve had him since he was four years old and he was a tricky horse but I knew he’d come good. To come here and win with him is just incredible.”
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An Incredible 1-2 for Daisy Williams in the Blue Chip Pony Newcomers Championship
Daisy Williams made her first time at Horse of the Year Show one to remember, taking both first and second place with her two ponies, Bermudez BDA and King III respectively.
The Lincolnshire-based teenager, who celebrates her 14th birthday next week, got an early birthday surprise when she took to the Andrews Bowen International Arena on day two at Horse of the Year Show. As first to jump in the seven pony jump off, she cleared a textbook round aboard Bermudez BDA. The pair set an unbeatable time of 31.60 seconds, fighting off close competition from the other riders to maintain her lead throughout.
With two ponies in the jump off, Daisy was last to go with her second ride, King III, and only had herself to beat. Showing experience beyond her years, Daisy rode another expertly ridden course and flew down to the last fence to finish in 31.67 seconds allowing her to take that second-place position.
With the biggest smile on her face, Daisy commented afterwards: “I can’t quite believe that just happened. I was so nervous going in and I just hoped for the best. Billy [Bermudez BDA] is only 6-years-old and hasn’t done many jump offs and I was surprised how fast we went. When I went in again with King, I didn’t even realise that I was in the lead until I heard the commentator on my approach to the first fence and I just couldn’t stop smiling. It is my first time at HOYS and it is such a dream come true to even be here, let alone to win. I came here a few years ago as a visitor and it just gave me the bug and motivation to get training with the ponies. They have both qualified for the Pony Foxhunter Championship on Saturday so I can only hope that they jump just as well in that.”
Both ponies are owned by Daisy’s mother Jill Williams and are apparently like chalk and cheese: “Billy gets into the arena excitable and raring to go, whereas King is a bit more reserved and waits for you to tell him what to do. They are both incredible ponies and I am so thankful to my trainers Kyle Hassle and Kelly Aldous for all of their support.”
Photo: 1st Class Images
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A new champion crowned in the Equitop Myoplast Senior Foxhunter Championship
Hertfordshire’s Simon Crippen finally had his day, taking the Equitop Myoplast Senior Foxhunter Championship riding Tim Peake’s 7-year-old gelding, Premier Titanium, at Horse of the Year Show 2019. Often described as the class everyone wants to win, Simon has been placed in the Championship many times, coming closest in 2010 when he took second place with Wembley III.
The Foxhunter Championship started in 1954, it is one of the longest standing Championships at HOYS and its popularity is down to it showcasing the very best of the country’s novice horses. Taking home the highly-coveted Foxhunter goblet after a difficult course, Simon was thrilled with his win finishing on a time of 38.51 seconds. He commented: “Tonight everything went my way. I had a funny feeling today that we would do well, and I was 13th to go which is my lucky number. I’ve been placed in this class a lot over the years, so to finally win was a fantastic feeling.”
Paul Barker and Matt Sampson, two riders known on the circuit for being quick in jump offs, were first in but their tight twisty turns cost them unfortunate penalties, leaving the field wide open to the other combinations.
Simon continues: “Seeing the previous riders pick up faults, I decided to ride a steadier round and aim for clear, then hope it might be just enough. It was a nice smooth round and flowed well. Luckily it paid off and I’m delighted.” Simon’s last big win at HOYS was in 1998 aged just 17 when he won the Senior Newcomers Championship riding Divine Des Cabanes owned by Judy Ross. Today, over 20 years later, he is back on top form with a talented young horse.
“Premier Titanium is a really good horse; I think he could be a real star. I’ve been riding him for just over two years now and although he has been tricky to produce, he shows great talent. He was a stallion up until this summer and having him gelded has really helped him to focus which has enabled us to progress quickly over the last few months. To win this traditional stepping stone class feels extremely special.”
Runner up in the class and placing second was this year’s Burghley Horse Trials winner, Pippa Funnell, who last rode at HOYS in 2011 winning the Senior Newcomers riding Billy Balou. With two rides in the class, Pippa’s second place was with 7-year-old mare, Billy Picador, who produced a beautiful double clear just outside of the time, finishing on 40.40 seconds.
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Essex’s Cash takes Reserve title
Five-time HOYS Working Hunter Pony winner, Cashel Bay JJ (Cash), owned by Polly Eddis, made it six wins in the 153cm class and took the Reserve Champion title; a victory that has previously eluded him in this particular Championship.
Susie Eddis has ridden Cash for the past two seasons. Her sister Lucy had the ride beforehand and competed him at HOYS between 2014 and 2018. Cash has been placed in Working Hunter classes at HOYS for eight years on the trot and took the Mountain & Moorland Working Hunter Pony Championship in 2016. Now aged 16, this Connemara shows no signs of slowing down.
Speaking after her class, Susie said: “He was amazing in there; I like him with a bit more energy, a bit fiery!” Lucy, who was at HOYS to support her sister, said: “It’s incredible. Just when you think he’s done it all, he does it again.”
Cash will have a rest now over winter while Susie concentrates on her event horse.
Kate Johnston’s 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Elton John II climbed up from third place last year to top the Intermediate section with daughter Daniella in the saddle. Lincolnshire’s Daniella was thrilled with the win. She’s had Elton for four years and is pleased with how he has matured over his three appearances here at HOYS. The pair regularly show jump and came to HOYS fresh from winning the 1.25m Grand Prix at Arena UK just two weeks ago.
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SEIB Search for a Star series seeks out future HOYS stars
Lisa Sergeant from Lancs came to Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) with no expectations and was absolutely over the moon when her pony, Linsford Ear to the Ground, not only won the Working Show Pony class, but was crowned overall SEIB Search for a Star Champion.
The SEIB Search for a Star series gives amateur riders, and their horses and ponies, the chance to try and qualify for HOYS and benefit from a thoroughly supportive network in the process.
Lisa now plans to give HOYS qualifiers a go next year, which is just what the series is all about; finding those future stars.
Dorset-based Pippa Tucker was “absolutely buzzing” after her homebred horse, Rambo, clinched the Working Show Horse title and then went on to stand overall Reserve Champion.
Wales’ Sarah Walker and her own, Dr Cookie Monster, took the Riding Horse section.
Buckinghamshire’s Emma Peel and bay gelding, Melin Moldavite (Harvey), won the Hack section.
Wiltshire’s Emily Chambers rode her own mare Wulfstan Evensong (Evie) to victory in the Show Cob section.
The Traditional Horse/Pony class was a new addition for this year and was won by Angela Warnes’ 8-year-old cob, Daffodil, ridden by Kirsty Warnes. Daffodil was bought unbroken, a bit of a “rough diamond”, and intended to be a happy hack for Kirsty’s mother-in-law. However, after showing plenty of quality, Norfolk’s Kirsty has done a bit of everything with her from showing to dressage and cross country. They had a bit of a slow start to Daffodil’s ridden career after realising she was in foal!
Daffodil will eventually go to daughter Ella, but Kirsty was thrilled to find this opportunity for solid coloured cobs within the Search for a Star series.
Finally Isabel Southworth’s 5-year-old Irish Sport Horse, Bloomfield Imperial, won the Show Hunter section.
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Simon Constable Equine Vets and Mr & Mrs Roberts Ridden Purebred Arab of the Year Champion
A home-produced 6-year-old Arab gelding, Rafeekah, owned by Kerry Bates and ridden by daughter Kimberley won the Simon Constable Equine Vets and Mr & Mrs Roberts Ridden Purebred Arab of the Year Championship.
“We don’t have anything fancy at home and do all the work ourselves,” explained Northamptonshire’s Kimberley. “He’s kept on a normal livery yard and shares a field with other horses and ponies.”
Overall second place went to Tracey Hateley’s grey gelding, CBeebies, ridden by Darren Crowe from Essex.
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British Horse Feeds Speedi-Beet Grade C Championship
The British Horse Feeds Speedi-Beet Grade C Championship was the first showjumping class of the day on Saturday at Horse of the Year Show.
Out of a field of 26 riders, the 1.40m course proved tricky for some. Of the seven horses to make it through to the jump off, Essex’s Allana Clutterbuck set the time to beat of 35.27 seconds riding Vykinbay.
Last to go was Angie Thompson riding 9-year-old bay gelding, Fremont VDL. As no stranger to HOYS, Angie knew exactly what she had to do to secure the victory. Riding a perfectly judged round, Angie took a winning turn to the last fence which saw her come home ahead of the rest in a time of 34.66 seconds.
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The Leeman Family Maxi Cob of the Year
Elizabeth Bury’s Irish Draught, Lord Alexander (Alex), took the title of The Leeman Family Maxi Cob of the Year in the Championship’s ninth running at Horse of the Year Show.
Lynn Russell rode Baileys Horse Feeds’ 9-year-old Piebald gelding, Cappa Sham, to second place. They were also placed in this Championship in 2016 and 2018.
Essex-based Richard and Lisha Leeman and the wider Leeman Family are delighted to give back to the discipline through generous sponsorship of both the Cob and Maxi Cob of the Year Championship. Their support also extends to other events including the Kellythorpes Leading Sire and Kellythorpes Leading Breeder Showing Awards Series presented here at the 2019 Horse of the Year Show.
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Our Cashel Blue comes back in style to be crowned The Leeman Family Cob of the Year Champion
After a turbulent year, Caroline Tyrrell’s Our Cashel Blue (Blue) has made a triumphant return to Horse of the Year Show with Norfolk’s Allister Hood, claiming The Leeman Family Cob of the Year Championship.
Blue was Cob Champion and Supreme Horse of the Year in 2016, and Cob Champion again in 2017. However, in 2018, the 10-year-old was diagnosed with cancer after developing a lump on his shoulder. Blue underwent surgery to remove the tumour at the Royal Veterinary College at Potters Bar and then followed a long journey of three months’ box rest, walking in-hand and riding at walk.
Allister had also suffered a heart attack earlier on in the year.
Speaking after the Championship, Allister said: “I always had the dream of coming back here [to HOYS]. “He [Blue] has so many followers; we can’t walk around without people wanting to touch him or have a selfie. I’ve never had a horse with such a personality. He’s a grand lad.
Photo: Julian Portch
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British Show Pony Society Children’s Riding Pony of the Year Championship
This time last year, Charlotte Caulfield’s pony, Stretcholt New Dimension, was just being backed. Fast forward twelve months and he is now a Horse of the Year Show Champion, having won the British Show Pony Society 138cm Children’s Riding Pony of the Year and standing overall Champion.
This was also Charlotte’s first HOYS win. She said: “We never thought he’d get this far in his novice year; to get here is such a privilege.”
Winner of the 148cm section, Serena Parkhouse’s Jackets Destiny, stood Reserve Champion ridden by Emmy Parkhouse. The winner of the 128cm was Rotherwood Rainmaker ridden by India Till. Second placed in each section were: Dianne Brereton’s Laybalands Fly By Night in the 148cm, Henrietta Till’s Drakemyre Puttin on the Ritz in the 138cm and Essex-based Katie Smith’s Kouros Mayfia in the 128cm.
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The Binks Family Show Hunter Pony of the Year Championship
Julie Bankier rode Kate Bankier’s bay mare, Toncynfigg Liberty X (Tina), to victory in The Binks Family Show Hunter Pony of the Year Championship at Horse of the Year Show, rounding off her last year in Show Hunter Pony classes in style.
It was a good day for the large Show Hunter Ponies, as the Reserve Champion also came from the 153cm class; second placed CSF Chantilly Galway Girl (Dolly) owned by Lorraine Scott and ridden by Cambridgeshire’s Jessica Reed-Else. Jessica started riding the 6-year-old in May this year and they’ve fitted a lot into their first season together. She is based with Emma-Jayne Dujardin but Jessica will bring her home over the winter. This is Jessica’s highest achievement to date in her riding career. She first competed at HOYS in 2012 in the First Ridden Mountain & Moorland class when they finished eighth.
The plan now is to come out again next year and contest some Intermediate classes.
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Junior Mountain & Moorland Ridden Championship Sponsored by Ponies Association (UK)
A Welsh Section C pony has won the Junior Mountain & Moorland Ridden Championship Sponsored by Ponies Association (UK), after going one better on last year’s second place in the Large Breed class. Rivervalley Flash Jack (Jack) is owned by Janet Cox and is 8-years-old.
Amy Tate gained the ride on Jack in 2017, and the pair have competed in a lot of dressage as well as undertaking showing qualifiers.
A homebred Highland pony stood Reserve Champion, after finishing second to Amy and Jack in the Large Breed class. Austin of Miltonglen is owned by Lincolnshire’s Kirsty Faulkner and ridden by Olivia Faulkner. He had time out last year while the family moved house but has made up for it by competing at five shows this year.
Kirsty also owns his sire, Oscar of Edinglassie, and Olivia rode him in the Open Mountain & Moorland class at HOYS in 2016. They were placed eighth. Olivia is now hoping to progress to Open classes with Austin as well. Reflecting on the Championship, she said: “We’re overwhelmed, it’s the best feeling ever.”
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Topham Barnes Riding Horse of the Year Championship
Team Ross rounded off a fabulous week at Horse of the Year Show when her Small and Large Riding Horses both won their classes and took Champion and Reserve Champion in the Topham Barnes Riding Horse of the Year Championship.
Diane Stennett’s Small Riding Horse, Casino III, has been knocking on the door of the Riding Horse Championship for the past four years. Jayne Ross has had three wins with her and two Reserve titles, but they finally clinched the overall Championship.
The winner of the Large Riding Horse and Reserve Champion was CSF Cummer Paradise (Audrey), owned by Tony Reynolds and Michael Cook.
Second placed in the Small and Large classes were Ian Darcy’s Westerdale Regal Max, ridden by Callum Potts, and Kim Colosso’s Trenavey Rational Choice, ridden by Essex’s Rae Colosso.
