The stakes were high in the Colne & Brynseion Mountain & Moorland Mini Pony of the Year Championship on the fourth morning of Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) as one little pony and rider duo showed they have big futures ahead of them.
Martin Wood’s six-year-old Welsh A Thistledown Wood Owl floated around the TopSpec to steal judge Glenis Cockbain’s eye not once but twice for a win in the Colne Mountain & Moorland Lead Rein Pony of the Year Welsh followed by the overall Championship spoils.
The big-moving mare is by Thistledown Esteem out of Thistledown Snowy Owl and ridden by Martin’s granddaughter Gracie-May Whitaker; the daughter of HOYS Champions Michaela Whitaker (nee Wood) and international showjumper George Whitaker.
Adding a new piece of history to the Whitaker dynasty, Gracie-May was over the moon with her first HOYS win, having given a show beyond her years on the mare’s HOYS debut, accompanied in the ring by producer Craig Elenor.
Craig’s partner Sara Parrott said: “It’s phenomenal. The mare shows herself off; she has a lovely brain and just loves it in there.”
George was watching from the sidelines ahead of his next show jumping class: “Everyone works so hard, especially Michaela, Craig and Sarah…. It’s just fantastic, I can’t get over it.”
Both George and Michaela agreed that their daughter’s win today was better than any of their own HOYS wins over the years.
“I’ve won HOYS eight times [including the Hacks and Intermediates],” said Michaela. “Not one of them lives up to this.
“Gracie was jumping in Holland a couple of weeks ago and I didn’t get nervous, but this was so nerve-wracking today! It’s the most amazing, unreal feeling – it’s a dream to win here. And we love the mare so much.
Thistledown Wood Owl will now compete in the Supreme Pony of the Year tomorrow night.
“Gracie’s dream is to ride in the [Andrews Bowen International Arena]… so I don’t think she’ll be sleeping tonight!” laughed Michaela.
It was a Thistledown pony takeover in the Lead Rein Welsh class as Dean Marsh’s Thistledown Detroit-City, ridden by Olivia Marsh and led by Sharn Linney, finished second.
Another promising young rider, Walter Ashworth, rode his mother Lucinda’s six-year-old Dolhelfa Brenin Aur to stand Reserve Champion, after topping a strong class of 24 in the Brynseion Mountain & Moorland First Ridden Pony of the Year.
Walter has been to HOYS previously in the Lead Rein and has just missed out on his First Ridden ticket for the past three years. This year everything came together, as he qualified both of his ponies for the class.
10-year-old Walter and Lucinda produce the ponies from home and Walter even broke the Welsh A gelding in himself after he was bought unseen from the Isle of Wight.
Walter said: “It means a lot to go Reserve Champion; he’s been the pony of my dreams. I got him as a two-year-old and have done everything with him. He’s easy to ride compared to my Shetland! I love galloping around the fields at home.”
Second place in the First Ridden went to Thistledown Princess Letizia ridden by Charlotte Knight and owned by Jamie Clarke.
Rosie Lear’s Westown Wild Storm ridden by Naomi Lear and led by John Harvey won the Westown Stud Mountain & Moorland Lead Rein Non-Welsh Pony of the Year withJulie Clare’s Newoak Rocketman ridden by Charlotte Gough in second.
In a change of pace, the Driven Heavy Horse of the Year got underway in the Andrews Bowen International Arena. Elaine Ramsay regained the title from 2024 with her Shire gelding Landcliffe Glassia.
“I’m absolutely delighted, she said. “That’s the second year he’s won it and he’s 13 now so we’re just trying to keep him in form and keep him going.”
ENDS
For more information on Horse of the Year Show 2026, please contact:
Horse of the Year Show Press Office, Grandstand Media Ltd.
Tel: 02476 858205
Email: press@hoys.co.uk
Image: 1st Class Images