Hollie Gerken’s remarkable recent domination of flagship pony classes at Horse of the Year Show continued as she successfully defended the STX-UK Pony Foxhunter title.
The 15-year-old Essex rider won the Newcomers, Leading Pony Showjumper and Foxhunter in 2024, completing an historic hat-trick.
This time around she will leave for home with the Newcomers and Foxhunter safely retained, completing another masterclass that almost defied belief.
In winning the Foxhunter again, she became only the second rider in its 40-year HOYS history to achieve back-to-back successes after Sarah Marshall in 1996 and 1997.
And she did it following a jump-off that saw 18 combinations progress from 26 starters to what was a thrilling race against the clock.
Hollie’s time of 30.38 seconds on Livewire VI proved almost a second quicker than runner-up Raphaela Dawson, riding Woody Van Duyversputten, while Hollie also took third place aboard No Limit X.
“I thought it was a decent track when I walked the course, and I didn’t think there would be a lot of clears, which there actually were. It was a very competitive jump-off,” she said.
“I can’t believe it again. It has been another amazing year. It is so special to compete here.
“When I was younger I dreamt of jumping in that arena, and it has been incredible.
“The atmosphere at Horse of the Year Show is like no other – you are always so well supported – and there is no other show like this one.”
And for the last two years, there has certainly been no other pony rider like Hollie Gerken, whose place among the HOYS greats is now beyond dispute.
ENDS
For more information on Horse of the Year Show 2025, please contact
Horse of the Year Show Press Office, Grandstand Media Ltd.
Tel: 02476 858205. Email: press@hoys.co.uk
Image credit: 1st Class Images
