The golden opportunity to secure coveted Horse of the Year Show qualifying tickets became the order of the weekend within the light horse rings at the Royal Highland courtesy of bustling flat and working hunter competitions.
“Owning the ring” to secure the overall Mountain and Moorland ridden championship from the eight HOYS qualifying classes was the Welsh section class leader Yswain Ameranthus.
Owned and ridden by Claire Evans, from Rotherham, this upstanding black gelding was on only his second outing of the season but has been a finalist in Birmingham on two previous occasions.
Following a prolonged delay to slot in with live television scheduling for the BBC’s Landward programme, he was drawn forward from judges Mrs Bigley and Mr James, Kathleen Scott and Elizabeth Rennie’s shortleet of four top ponies, which also included the leading Highland, Welsh section A and Fell ponies.
“He’s such a big strong horse, he really moved well, stood out in the championship go round, and produced a truly fabulous gallop,” the judges said.
“He really just came in and owned the ring.”
Giving much of the ringside cause for continued celebration, the judges took the winning Highland Pony, Dunedin Merlin, forward to stand as M&M reserve.
Owned, produced and shown by Lindsey Macdonald, a doctor from nearby Cromlix, since he was a foal, Dunedin Merlin is a firm favourite for the Ingliston crowd, having done the 2014 Royal Highland double standing champion of the ridden Highland Pony section and leading his HOYS qualifier class at the show last year.
Backing up his ‘home turf’ success, Merlin progressed to Birmingham where he stood Horse of the Year Show Highland Pony champion. He also made his side-saddle debut this year at the ‘Highland’ earlier in the week.
“This Highland has a simply beautiful walk,” said the judges. “He was another that really clinched his position in the championship by producing a fabulous gallop, and his success is clearly very popular both in and around the ring.”
With four Horse of the Year Show tickets on offer, the coloured horse and pony classes also provided a strong main ring spectacle.
Here, former Royal Highland winning Scottish jockey James Munro, from the University of the Highlands and Islands, Wick, took centre stage to judge conformation alongside the ride judge James Van Praagh, from Hartfield.
Manners were the top order for their championship winner and as a result Millpond Looks The Business, piloted by youngster Kinvara Garner, took the top spoils.
“It really is a beautiful pony,” said Mr Munro. “It really goes like a true child’s pony. It was mannerly, forward going and I have to say it was beautifully ridden throughout the day,” added Mr Van Praagh.
“The young jockey rode to perfection.”
Having won three of the four coloured classes, Robin Avery, from Preston, was a shoe-in for reserve. Returning to HOYS following his native class win, the judges drew forward Valentines Boy to take the blue and white ribbons.
“The reserve was a real go goer,” commented Mr Munro. “He produced a fluid show in his class, was active, forward going and has a fabulous gallop.
Mr Van Praagh added: “He performed like a true showman.”
During Saturday’s lengthy working hunter pony contest Victor IV proved victorious once again for the combined team of his owners Nancy and Caroline Orr, from Fife, and Aberdeenshire rider Holly Miller when he made it two wins in succession at the Highland. Jumping a fluent round over Scottish course designer Graham Barclay’s clever track, Victor finished on a top score of 90.
This came courtesy of high marks for style and presence during his jumping, and manners during his individual show.
Judge Joyce Coltart said: “He really jumped a lovely round.”
Reflecting on the afternoon of competition, she added: “The classes were full of quality, and the ponies were jumping tremendously on the new surface.
“The course had plenty of questions but the riders came up with the answers.”
In taking his HOYS ticket, Victor became the second of the family’s horses to head to Birmingham this year joining Nancy Orr’s Beseeka Red Hot Chilli Pepper, which collected a Cuddy HOYS ticket at Ingliston on Thursday.
Finishing beyond 10pm on Friday evening, the packed classes of Mountain and Moorland working hunter ponies provided HOYS qualification and a popular championship win for another Highland Pony Dougal of Dykes.
Owned and ridden by Sarah Weston, from Lancashire, this nine-year-old stallion had already qualified for HOYS as a Mountain and Moorland on the flat at Midland Counties.
“This Highland Pony had real pony quality and he was very athletic with both his rhythm and jumping technique,” commented judge Barbara McGrath.
Fellow judge Heather Prescott added: “It jumped positive, balanced round.”
RESULTS
ARAB IN-HAND Mr and Mrs C Duke, Stable Cottage, Little Hutton, Caldwell, Richmond, with Greenbarrow Madama Butterfly, a home-bred two-year-old filly, sired by Turberry Top Cat and out of their home-bred mare Greenbarrow Geisha Girl, that was riding pony in-hand champion at last year’s Royal Highland. The filly has already this season stood champion at North Yorkshire Sports Horses and second at Grantham and Somerford Park. Reserve: Susan McArthur, Cameg Liveries, Overton, Kirkliston, West Lothian, with Om El Bahreyn, a 13-year-old pure-bred stallion, sired by CG Balih El Jamaal and out of Om El Benedict.
ARABS UNDER SADDLE Tracy Jones, Glascoed Courtyard, Llansantffraid, Powys, with Balfour Toreador, an eight-year-old grey gelding, sired by Strinesdale Matador and out of Balfour Squirrels Simone, ridden by Zara Owen. Already champion at Aberswyth, has previously been to Horse of the Year Show as a part-bred, finishing eighth. Also contests show pony and show hunter pony. Reserve: Sarah Rhodes and Anne Starkie, Martholme Farm, Great Harwood, Blackburn, Lancashire, with the pure-bred gelding Kezzan, a 10-yearold gelding, sired by Nazdromal and out of Bint Bint Kezarah. Ridden by Anne.
MOUNTAIN AND MOORLAND WORKING HUNTER PONIES Sarah Weston, Barley House Farm, Barley, Burnley, Lancashire, with Dougal of Dykes, a nine-year-old Highland Pony stallion, sired by Harris of Dykes and out of Whinney of Dykes. Ridden by Amy Smith. Has already qualified for HOYS as a plaited working hunter pony at the Derbyshire Festival and as a Mountain and Moorland at Midland Counties. Reserve: Mrs Ellen Jones, Mill Cottage, Sparket Mill, Hutton John, Penrith, Cumbria, with the Fell gelding Lunesdale Wardance, an eight-year-old gelding, sired by Greenholme Warrior and out of Lunedale Gypsy Queen. Ridden by Will Murray. Ridden by the owner’s daughter Sophie at British Eventing competitions and also hunts with the Cumberland.
SHOW HUNTER PONIES Mrs Yorkie Jobling-Purser, Southwitton House, Longwitton, Morpeth, with Hightopps Jazz, a 10-year-old gelding, sired by Barkway Partytime and out of Barkway Spellbound. Ridden by daughter Martha, 10, previously supreme light horse at Northumberland, champion at Cumberland and qualified for Royal International Horse Show at North of England Spring. Also qualified for Horse of the Year Show at Derbyshire Festival. Reserve: R Walker, Sandybrow Stables, Cotebroook, Tarporley, with Rosegate Calimero, a seven-year-old gelding, sired by Cynhinfa Crackerjack and out of Trelawn Dollydream, which has already won nine out of 11 classes this year, including champion at North of England, Staffordshire County, Notts County and the Derbyshire Festival. Ridden by son Sam.
MINI SHOW HUNTER PONIES Mark and Julie Maguire, c/o Julie Templeton, Long Barn Stables, Field Aston, Newport, Shropshire, with Little Briars Horatio, a nine-year-old gelding, sired by Mybella Senator and out of Friars Blodwyn. Ridden by Maddison Maguire, 7, for only three weeks after her previous pony became ill. First at NPS Area 10 and qualified for the Royal International Horse Show on its only other outing. Reserve: Emma Cowie, Carlin Craig Farm, Fortrie, Turriff, with Oranmore Sweet Millie, a nine-year-old mare by Twylands Celebrity and Caedwalla Chantilly, ridden by daughter Hilary. Champion at BSPS Scotland Summer Show, champion mini at Puddledub, reserve mini at the Scottish Friends of P(UK) and Central and West Fife shows, reserve miniature supreme at the Grand Slam. Also a first prize winner in the show pony section.
SHOW PONIES James Stuart, Heartview, Blackwood Stables, Carrutherstown, with Rhos Emblem, an 11-year-old gelding, sired by Derwent Rainbow Bandit and out of Rhos Eloise. Ridden by his grand daughter Chloe Waugh, 14. A former winner at the Horse of the Year Show, this season has stood champion at Kilmaurs, Greenlands and Mysercough. Reserve: Emma Cowie, with Helsington Unique, a 10-year-old mare by Hollyhill Drummers Dream and out of Kilvington Unique, ridden by Olivia Cousens. Winner of the Scottish BSPS 128cm points award last year. First this year at Scottish Friends of Ponies (UK).
MINI SHOW PONIES Ms Jill Dolan, Landrick Stables, Perth Road, Dunblane, with Barkway Minstrel, an eight-yearold gelding by Beckside Little Toff and out of Barkway Miss Moppet and ridden lead rein by Alfie Dolan McLachlan, 7. Qualified for the RIHS at Area 10, champion at Area 1A, reserve champion at the BSPS Scotland Summer and Puddledub shows, and first at BSPS Scotland Winter. Reserve: Mrs Helen Outram, Rashiebrae, Broxburn, with Bronheulog Charmer, the second-placed first ridden pony. This 16-year-old Welsh gelding, sired by Carwed Charmer and out of Bronheulog Lucinda, was ridden by Emma Outram. Also placed third in the show hunter pony class.
HOYS PART-BRED Kirsty Pickles, Aireview Farm, Harden Road, Keighley, West Yorks, with Litton Dancing Dawn, a six-year-old part-bred Welsh mare, sired by Llanarth Aristocat and out of Heronston Calfin. Ridden by Georgina Holmes. Competes as 138cm show pony and qualified for HOYS at Derbyshire Festival and the RIHS at North of England. Also second at Royal Windsor.
SIDE SADDLE Mrs Rosamund Lane, Rosslayne Stud, Raeburnhead, Lockerbie, with Conspiracy Theory, a 12-year-old Irish sports horse, sired by Cavalier Two For Joy and out of Flagmounts Girl. Ridden by Sophie Lane. Previously qualified for HOYS and RIHS in lightweight hunter and ladies’ hunter classes. Finished fourth as a ladies’ hunter at HOYS in 2013 and previously won at the Royal Highland. Reserve: Mrs Cindy Dickens, Blairdenon Drive, Sauchie, Alloa, with Doonagore Boy, a 12-year-old Connemara pony, sired by Ashfield Storm Cloud and out of Anns Glory. Ridden by Carenza Dickens. Winner of the junior class, they also compete in dressage to elementary level.
MOUNTAIN AND MOORLAND MINI Zoe Holmes, c/o Kirsty Pickles, Aireview Farm, Harden Road, Keighley, West Yorkshire, with Glebedale Mumbo Jumbo, a seven-year-old Welsh section A gelding, sired by Phildon Chief and out of Penllynn Mariette. Ridden by Georgina Holmes. Also fourth in the M&M lead rein class with sister Matilda. Champion at BSPS Winter Championships and reserve at the North of England this year. Reserve: Julie Templeton, with Newoak Balladier, a 10-year-old Dartmoor gelding, sired by Hisley Cravat and out of Jusrtonparke Eliza, ridden by Sophie Mustoe (7). Reserve champion at BSPS Area 1B and Derbyshire Festival and first at Ponies (UK) Winter Championships.
DONKEYS Lorraine Rae, Dukesfield Manor, Bamburgh, Northumberland, with Gamlingay Confetti, a four-year-old filly, sired by Gamlingay Prophecy and out of Happy Valley Tom’s Dream, on its first outing. Last year stood champion at the Royal Highland and Turriff shows. Reserve: Elma Cunningham, Hillhead Farm, Yieldshields, Carluke, with Gamlingay Mickey Me, a seven-yearold gelding, sired by Peppercorn The Patriarch and out of Gamlingay Look At Me, previously champion at Glendale in 2013, reserve at the Highland last year and first in the gelding class at the British Championships.
RIDDEN CLYDESDALE Annette Noble, Peggyslea, Nine Mile Burn, Peniculk, with Peggyslea Andy, a four-year-old gelding, sired by Millisle Solway Bay and home-bred out of Ingleston Princess. Ridden by 18-year-old Ailsa Noble. Ridden champion and gelding champion at the 2014 Royal Highland Show, also broken to drive. Reserve: Julia Hyslop, The Barn, Croftfoot Farm, Denny, with Glenside Prince Harry, an 11-year-old gelding, sired by Doura Above All, and out of Fairnington Lady Helen. Ridden by Lesley Macintosh.
PRIVATE DRIVING Andrew Hamilton-Rhodes, Upper Lorridge, Berkeley Road, Berkley, Gloucester, with Brookeborough Black Bob, a Welsh part-bred gelding, winner of the exceeding 13.2hh class. Reserve: Mrs Ella McNinch, Drumley Farm, Mossblown, Ayr, with The Longhouse Glam Rock, a piebald part-bred Welsh pony, winner of the under 13.2hh singles class, driving a spindle back gig by Gillian McNinch.
WORKING HUNTER PONIES Nancy and Caroline Orr, Halbeath Farm, Kingseat Road, Dunfermline, with Victor IV, a 10-year-old grey gelding, sired by Casco and out of Ramiona. Ridden by Holly Miller. Champion at the Royal Highland last season, qualifying for HOYS where they finished first and reserve champion, this gelding is also a former Gold Cup champion at the BSPS Winter Championship, and Scottish champion and ‘best of the best’ champion at BSPS Scotland Summer Championships. This year has stood champion and qualified for the RIHS at Ayr. Reserve: Mrs Helen Sloan, Rigghead Farm, Collin, Dumfries, with Tinkas Flash, the second-placed intermediate, ridden by Hannah Sloan. This 13-year-old, sired by Croft Tinkas Lad and out of Bellinda, was first at HOYS in 2013 with Hannah’s brother Stuart and has previously stood first at the RIHS. This year stood reserve champion at Ayr and qualified for the RIHS at Cumberland County.
MOUNTAIN AND MOORLAND RIDDEN Claire Evans, Tregantle, Brick Lane, Micklebring, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, with Yswain Ameranthus, a nine-year-old Welsh section D, sired by Sydenham Solomon and bred by Mrs A Squires out of Yswain Megan, which was only on its second outing of 2015 and which has previously qualified for HOYS twice. Reserve: Dr Lindsey Macdonald, Innishail, Cromlix, Dunblane, with Dunedin Merlin, a nine-year-old Highland Pony gelding, sired by Dunedin Marksman and bred by Anne Mitchell out of Dunedin Fair Isle, which last year won the ridden Highland Pony championship and the HOYS ridden qualifier at the Royal Highland Show, travelling to Birmingham and lifting the HOYS Highland Pony title. Also competed side saddle.
COLOURED HORSES AND PONIES RIDDEN Mrs Bridget Garner, Emral Hall Lodge, Worthenbury, Wrexham, North Wales, with Millpond Looks The Business, a nine-year-old skewbald gelding, sired by Honeypot Sporran and bred by Mr C Peopal out of Chirk Calypso. Ridden by Kinvara Garner, this 138cm show pony gelding has qualified for the Royal International and previously finished fourth at HOYS. Reserve: Robin Avery, Drumacre Hall Stud, Drumacre Lane West, Longton, Preston, with Valentines Boy, an eight-year-old piebald gelding, of unknown breeding, which previously qualified for HOYS in 2012. Ridden by Chris Patrick.
COLOURED HORSES AND PONIES IN-HAND G and S Towers, Turners Arms Farm, Yearby, Redcar, North Yorkshire, with Tidkin Talisman, a three-year-old non-native skewbald colt, sired by Haroway Mr Harlequin and home-bred out of Tidkin Real McCoy. Reserve: Mrs Gaynor Hester, Orcaber Farm, Austwick, Lancaster, North Yorkshire, with Orcaber Cassanova, a native piebald yearling colt, sired by Tiede Van De Doezummer and homebred out of Ingleborough Rose.