Anya Dewey-Clarke announced her ambition to ride at the Olympics after continuing a memorable Horse of the Year Show campaign at Birmingham NEC.
The 10-year-old, from Brampton in Lincolnshire, won the Enablelink Ltd 128cm Championship with experienced campaigner Jim, and also finished third on Kilcreene Snapdragon.
And that latest success came a day after winning the National Pony Society/Mole Valley Farmers 143cm Working Hunter Pony of the Year aboard Tullibards Silver Mine.
Relishing being back in the Andrews Bowen International Arena, Anya and 17-year-old Jim were first to go in the jump-off, and their time of 25.60 seconds proved uncatchable.
Douglas Breen, son of Irish international showjumper Shane Breen, pushed her close, though, finishing just 17 hundredths of a second behind on Lambay Off Broadway, and Anya completed the podium places.
“Jim is just the most special and incredible pony in the world,” Anya said. “It’s the most incredible feeling I could have, and he has always tried his heart out when I have ridden him.
“There is a huge atmosphere here, and it has been the most incredible week. To win is the most amazing thing ever.”
And when asked about future aims and objectives, she wasted no time whatsoever with her answer, adding: “My ambition is to go to the Olympics.”
Anya had little opportunity to immediately reflect on her victory, having two rides in the CT Equine Collection 138cm Championship, including Tullibards Silver Mine.
She progressed both of her ponies to the jump-off, but the honours this time went to Christina Cotton from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, riding Mayfly Black Pennell.
A thrilling jump-off saw the top three finishers separated by only 54 hundredths of a second, with Christina edging Tabby Morgan-Evans and Churchfield Tulla Bluebell into second and Lucia Caroline taking third on Houla Oups Ed’s.
“I knew it would be really competitive in the jump-off, so I just went for it. It was about staying calm,” Christina said.
“The atmosphere here is amazing. There are not that many shows like it. It is a really special event, and I am so proud of what we have achieved today.”
ENDS
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.
