A four year partnership hit an all-time high on the final morning of Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) when Tierney Mckinnon rode Dawn Weston’s grey gelding Kativa Dumbledore to victory in The Binks Family Show Hunter Pony of the Year Championship.
The combination won the largest height section of the Championship, the 153cm, earlier in the day – a title they last claimed in 2015, but this year went one better to add the esteemed overall Championship title to their record.
Described by Tierney as “the kindest horse”, Kativa Dumbledore has had a fairly quiet year qualifying for the Royal International first time out and for HOYS at Mid-Herts County Show.
Tierney explained that the horse’s biggest strength was his ride and the way he goes: “You literally just sit there and smile,” she laughed.
Winner of the 122cm section, Greendown Monsoon, was the judges’ choice for the Reserve Champion title this year, owned by Henrietta Till and ridden by India Till. The nine-year-old partbred Welsh qualified at NCPA Staffordshire County Festival.
Sutton Grange Fancy That went one better from last year, moving up from second to take the 143cm section win with Freddy Wharton in the saddle. The six-year-old British Riding Pony is owned by Cindy Dilasser.
133cm winner Millwood Kaiser Chief successfully defended his 133cm title from last year, taking the win for new owner and rider for this season, Robert Walker and son Sam.
Tierney and Kativa Dumbledore will now go forward to the Ruckleigh School Supreme Pony of the Year later tonight.
ENDS
Image caption: Kativa Dumbledore wins The Binks Family Show Hunter Pony of the Year Championship
Image credit: 1st Class Images
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Horse of the Year Show Press Office
Grandstand Media Ltd
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Email: press@hoys.co.uk
Web: www.hoys.co.uk
