There were tears all round for Team Harker when their own Rotherwood Fantasia, the 13-year-old Partbred Arab, stood The Binks Family Partbred Pony of the Year Champion ridden by Emma Harker.
Rotherwood Fantasia is now a double HOYS 2025 champion, after taking the Children’s Riding Pony of the Year yesterday. She is produced by Victoria Harker and owned by Emma and Victoria’s mum, Jenny Harker.
From being the bridesmaid at HOYS with two seconds to standing double Champion, Emma was over the moon as she exited the TopSpec Arena.
Sister Victoria was equally emotional: “I’m absolutely speechless; winning once, never mind three times, is a dream in itself”. The team also clocked up a win and Reserve title with their other pony, Stanley Grange Crescendo, yesterday.
Rotherwood Fantasia was bred by Liz Mansfield-Parnell and is by Landemann Nighthawk out of Rotherwood Flight of Fancy.
Patrick Ahern’s Barossa Royalist stood Reserve ridden by Lily Ahern.
Multiple HOYS Champion Clare Fitch did the double in the NeedleSmart, John Illingworth and Cliff Kirby Ridden Purebred Arab of the Year Championship taking both Champion and Reserve.
Six-year-old stallion Ghaali, owned by Jassmin Spinks, stood Champion. “I’m elated,” said Clare. “He came to me two years ago from Dubai… his owner Jassmin is from the UAE and he will go back to the Middle East eventually.
“He’s won all over the world and has been a big in-hand horse. He was a novice last year and this year took the first ticket of the season… he’s not done another show until today. He’s just so trainable with a brilliant attitude.”
Another of Clare’s horses, chestnut gelding Hadiat Qayima owned and bred by Joyce Roberston, stood Reserve with Jayne Ross taking the ride for Clare.
“The ride judge told me they had both given beautiful rides,” said Clare who last took the two top spots in 2012.
Belgian Draft horse Ken, owned and driven by David Mouland, stood Gogar Services Driven Heavy Horse of the Year Champion. Ken is just five years old and the sheer size and presence of this breed is just breathtaking. Ken stands at 19hh and is one of a team of Belgian Drafts for David.
David, who grew up with heavy horses, said: “I’m blown away. I’ve only had the horse in the country since May and we did one show and he qualified.
“We just came here for a lovely time and I’ve had a lovely time, but to win is just the icing on the cake. It’s an amazing feeling.”
Ailsa Noble drove her seven-year-old Clydesdale mare Doura Lizzy into Reserve.
ENDS
Image – Clare Fitch & Ghaali
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.
