More worthy Champions crowned on the final day of Horse of the Year Show
The nine-year-old Clydesdale mare Glenside Matthew’s Flower of Scotland became the fifth winner of the McNeil Family British Ridden Heavy Horse of the Year at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) on the final day.. Margo McIntyre’s striking bay mare is based with Ron Brewster who produces her for driving and is ridden by Kirsty Aird at shows. After finishing eighth here at HOYS in 2019, this year was her time.
“She sits really nicely in your hand and is so light across the ground,” said Kirsty. “She had a spring in her step today and loves the limelight.”
The mare will form part of Ron’s eight horse driving team for the Word Clydesdale Show in Scotland; the first time the show has been held outside of America. Kirsty hopes to contest her in HOYS classes again next year, which will be her first proper year riding and driving.
“She knows her ridden job so well,” explained Kirsty, “it makes the driving easier as she has already seen so much.”
There were further celebrations for owner and breeder Lisha Leeman in the Topham Barnes Riding Horse of the Year Championship. Her own Kellythorpes Obsession oozed pure quality throughout the day to take the win in the Topham Barnes Large Hack of the Year and then stand Champion with Frazer Atherden in the saddle.
Lisha, who had celebrated another of her homebreds, Kellythorpes Tiny Dancer, standing Reserve in the British Show Pony Society Children’s Riding Pony of the Year with Cate Kerr said: “It’s the best feeling in the world; we’re living the dream and I want to thank my team at home.” She added, “I knew he [Kellythorpes Obsession] was special from the day he was born.”
The eight-year-old Sports Horse is by Kilvington Scoundrel who has sired other Champions at this year’s show. Frazer, who last rode down the centre line with Supreme Pony of the Year Champion Stirlingdene in 2012, said: “I loved it. He’s a proper showman.”
Winner of the Topham Barnes Small Riding Horse of the Year stood Reserve; Eileen Jenkin’s Irish Sport Horse, Buriana Larkrise.
The show hunter ponies were out in force over in the TopSpec Arena since early doors. Their championship, The Binks Family Show Hunter Pony of the Year, was hotly contested but in the end no one could touch Tracy Thomas’ exceptional bay gelding Wycroft Beethoven ridden by Phoebe Thomas.
This is Phoebe’s last year on the pony and what a way to end with their first win after qualifying for HOYS every season since she’s had him and previously collecting third and fourth placings.
“That was honestly magical in there,” said Phoebe who has him at home in the winter before being produced by Olivia Bowen over the seasons. “We were all in tears when I won this morning and now this!”
Reserve was Carnsdale Toy Boy (Jack) ridden and owned by Crystal Body who has always competed show hunter ponies here from the 122cm class upwards. “He always does a good show here,” said Crystal. Jack is completely home produced and enjoys hacking, sponsored rides and jumping at home.
The Miniature Horse of the Year Championship went to a very consistent winner, Model Farm UK Midnight Meadow, owned by Lisa Taylor and shown by Harriet Miller. The four-year-old Pinto mare has won all five shows she’s been to this year and this is her second time at HOYS. She’s been with Harriet since a two-year-old.
The Coloured Horse and Pony of the Year Championship Sponsored by CHAPS (UK) saw Tracey Veale’s Red Rock III stand Reserve for the second time this week with Victoria Hesford in the saddle. They won the Coloured Ridden Native/Cob/Traditional Horse of the Year Sponsored by CHAMPS (UK)/ The Sankey Family earlier today.
But Lostock Up To date took the ultimate honours, putting an end to a 28 year-long-wait for owner and rider Sarah Harrison to win a Championship at HOYS.
“He was absolutely fabulous out there in the arena of dreams!” Sarah said he can be “quirky” but is “a darling and loves the show ring.”
Sarah bought him as a four-year-old and has campaigned him at HOYS three times. She has been competing at HOYS on and off since 1992. The pair won the Coloured Ridden Non-Native Pony of the Year Sponsored by CHAPS (UK)/Man Wah UK.
The Coloured Ridden Non-Native Horse of the Year Sponsored by CHAPS (UK)/Burghwallis Stud was Bart owned and ridden by Vicky Smith.
The Coloured Ridden Native/Cob/Traditional Pony of the Year Sponsored by CHAPS (UK)/ The White Crow was Lisa Chambers’ Rock on Tommy V ridden by Sophia Chambers.
ENDS
For more information on Horse of the Year Show 2019, please contact Horse of the Year Show Press Office, Grandstand Media Ltd. Tel: 02476 858205. Email: press@hoys.co.uk
