At just six years of age, Florence Rendall rode not one but two ponies to victory and took the overall Annabel’s Deliciously British Mini Show Pony of the Year Championship. This talented little jockey rode five-year old Chestnut gelding, Elmswood Spring Parade, to first place in the Lead Rein Section and then topped it off to stand Champion.
With a combined age of just 11, pony and rider did more than enough to catch the eye of judge Tim Wiggett, who said that the standard of riding from the young jockeys throughout the Championship had been ‘incredible’.
Elmswood Spring Parade, known as Simba, is produced at home by Florence’s mum Rachael Helliwell and was bred by John Harvey who led Simba in the ring today and still has his mum, Broadgrove Spring.
John said: “We always thought he’d be special… He’s always been an old head on young shoulders with a lovely temperament.”
Reserve went to the second placed Lead Rein, David Jinks and Adam Forster’s five-year-old Hightopps Fairytale (Kitty), ridden by Emily Doherty and led in the ring by Adam.
“It’s incredible; this pony is a novice and it’s her first season under saddle,” said Adam. “It’s the stuff of dreams.
“Emily made a great job of riding her and looking after her, and she rose to the occasion.”
Florence was back in action to take the win in the First Ridden Section on Rachael’s, six-year-old bay gelding Somersham Playboy and he was ridden in the Championship by Penny Richardson.
Rachael said of Playboy: “He’s the best little pony ever and so safe… We never would have thought at all that he would have done what he’s just done.”
Sammi Hill’s Broadhurst Jeremy Fisher stood second ridden by Emily Hill.
Auriel Wilson’s eight-year-old Skewbald gelding, Indigo Jones, stood Champion in The Leeman Family Maxi Cob of the Year with Oliver Hood in the saddle, who had won the Heavyweight Cob class just moments before.
An emotional Oliver said: “He [Indigo Jones] came to us last year. He was raw, but did very well and finished second here at HOYS, which we were delighted with. I really hoped this year he could come back and go one better, which he has.
“At home he’s a little bit of a worrier, but you take him to a showground, and he comes into his own. His manners were impeccable in there.”
Will Morton’s week got even better as he stood Reserve on Rosamund Lane’s Monarch in the Mist, having claimed the Hunter Championship last night.
Loraine Homer’s nine-year-old gelding Tidy Town, ridden by Alice Homer, took The Smith Family Intermediate Show Hunter of the Year Championship, topping off a fantastic week for the pair.
“He’s called Guiness at home”, said a delighted Alice. “We’ve had him for three years and he’s so versatile. He was third in the Workers this week and third in the Small Hunters.
“He wants to give you everything and tries so hard; if you’ve got that in a horse then you’ve got everything.
“He loves hacking and we hunt him as well, he’s just great fun.”
Second was Jane O’Keefe’s nine-year-old gelding Rosemore Midnight Rendezvous ridden by Sophie O’Keefe.
Cranbornes Sirius, owned by Karen Wood and Harrison Taylor, added another jewel to her crown with The Honourable Stud Intermediate Show Horse of the Year Championship.
The seven-year-old bay mare was once more foot perfect in the TopSpec Arena to clinch another title.
“We bought her as a two-year-old, she had a foal at four, and we then brought her out last year where she finished fifth,” explained Harrison. “She’s a mega mover.”
It was a first HOYS win for Karen, who said: “I know everyone says it, but it’s a dream come true. I love being a co-owner and I’ve loved the journey.
“As soon as I saw her as a two-year-old floating across the arena, I thought ‘wow’! We decided she was worth waiting for. She’s lovely to deal with and has an amazing temperament.”
Karen and Harrison also have a beautiful three-year-old out of the mare, who it is hoped will be a large Hack.
Charlotte Leonard now has a hat-trick of Miniature Horse of the Year Championships under her belt. Scott’s Olympic Dream, her four-year-old Skewbald Stallion, defended his title from last year in a strong field. Charlotte, who is currently six months pregnant, also won in 2022 with Amblynn Tiramisu. She has had Dream since he was a foal.
“It’s unbelievable”, she said, “the stuff dreams are made of. He’s a showman, he absolutely loves it and is just like a miniature Show Hack.”
ENDS
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Horse of the Year Show Press Office, Grandstand Media Ltd.
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Image credit: 1st Class Images.
