High spirits in the Cuddy Supreme In-Hand Championship

Having started her HOYS journey under saddle, Crafton Blithe Spirit has won one of the most prestigious and sought-after titles in the showing world – and on only her second outing this year! The 11-year-old broodmare, shown and produced by Jerome Harforth, claimed the Cuddy Supreme In-Hand Championship on day three of Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Shown with her foal at foot, the British Riding Pony mare won the up to and including 148cm section earlier in the day. This was a class that had taken a long time for the judges to reach a decision on due to the number of quality entries coming forward, including three Mountain & Moorland ponies that had all contested ridden classes earlier in the week at HOYS.

Crafton Blithe Spirit is no stranger to HOYS, having competed here under saddle in the past in show pony classes. Jerome has shown and produced her for the past two years after finding her for her new owners, Mark and Rosie Buckley.

“I love her; she’s a very correct mare and very well put together. Her biggest strength is her movement and quality of limb movement for all her years under saddle,” said Jerome.

From a winner with a successful ridden career already under her belt, to one with his ridden career in front of him, MHS Morning Master won the Horse section and clinched the Reserve Champion title.

TJ, as he is known at home, is owned by Jill Day, shown and produced by Robert Walker and was bred by Tom Brennan. At three-years-old, he was broken in just after the Royal Three Counties Show this year where he qualified for the Cuddy Supreme In-Hand Championship.

“He was bought as a ridden horse,” said Robert, who hasn’t done much ridden work with him since, due to his preparation for the Cuddy, but says it has helped to keep this good doer in great condition.

The Cuddy Supreme In-Hand Championship is widely considered the hardest Championship to qualify for here at HOYS, but the ultimate in-hand showing championship to win. To qualify, horses and ponies must have stood Cuddy In-Hand Champion at a major county show throughout the season.

Image credit: 1^st Class Images

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