Producer Kirsty Aird rode Fell pony Greenholme Emblem to victory in The British Show Pony Society Mountain & Moorland Working Hunter Pony of the Year Championship, having won the 133cm class section earlier in the day at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). The eight-year-old stallion is owned by Gwen Rae and was bought by the Nicholwalls Fell Pony Stud from the Fell sales as a yearling.
“He’s the loveliest, kindest stallion. He’s so chilled and laid back, and he loves his job,” said Kirsty, who has been a HOYS regular since 2007 and has a busy week with rides in numerous classes, plus an appearance in the HOYS Live Zone in the Retail Village talking about careers in the industry.
Speaking after the Championship, Kirsty said: “It’s a win to remember. I’ve done everything with him since a four-year-old so it’s just amazing, and it’s great for his owners at the Nicholwalls Stud.” As if that wasn’t enough excitement for one day, Kirsty also took the 143cm section with Cheryl Mackintosh’s Connemara gelding Woodbank Smokey Sam.
Overall Reserve Champion went to the winner of the 122cm section; Kelly Ward’s Welsh section A mare, Blackhill Imogen, ridden by Ruby Ward.
It was also a double celebration for the exceeding 143cm section winner. There were tears of joy for a first HOYS win for Stephanie Wheway’s New Forest mare Bisterne Diva, having been placed second before.
The BSPS is the Premier Showing Society in the United Kingdom. The membership is divided into 24 franchised Areas around the country which organise regional shows, training days, points parties and social events. The Society offers three quality, well run Championship Shows each year; the Winter Championships, Summer Championships and Heritage Championships.
Ends
Image credit: 1st Class Images
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