Home produced pony is Kathleen Wood Children’s Riding Pony of the Year

Leah Dalley’s Archwood Romeo Gigle pulled it out of the bag for the second consecutive year this morning at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) to retain the Kathleen Wood 138cm Children’s Riding Pony of the Year with Leah’s daughter Madison. This evening he put the cherry on top of the cake and claimed the overall Kathleen Wood Children’s Riding Pony of the Year Championship.

The family have owned the pony since September 2016 and qualified for HOYS at Stithians Show.  He also stood Pretty Polly Champion at the Royal International earlier this year. Known as ‘Jack’ at home, the 12-year-old British Riding Pony is by Rotherwood Gigolo out of Chasecroft Disco Diva.

14-year-old Madison enjoys all Riding Club activities with Jack and their preparation for HOYS included lots of hacking and their regular lessons. Madison’s mum Leah said: “He always goes really well… he just comes off the lorry and goes into the ring.” She added: “He’s also a character and loves to pull on your clothes!”

Reserve went to Victoria Clark and Jane Lucas’ six-year-old gelding Holnicote Hot Toddy, making it a straight one, two for the 138cm ponies.

The top two in the 148cm section were Donna Brookes’ Bankswood Jakaranda with Megan Brookes in the saddle and last year’s Champion Joanne Price’s Litton Enterprise ridden by daughter Phoebe.

The smallest section, the 128cm, saw Ann Cooper’s Field Aston Royal Fanfare in first place ridden by Alexandra Mcdowell. Second was Jenny Harker’s Ardenhall Blenheim ridden by Emma Harker.

This Championship naturally holds great prestige and the judges are looking for correct conformation, perfect manners and an excellent temperament.

Ends

Image credit: 1^st Class Images

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Email: press@hoys.co.uk

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