Rivervalley Flash Jack lights up the Junior Mountain & Moorland Ridden Championship Sponsored by Ponies Association (UK)

A Welsh Section C pony with a liking for work has won the Junior Mountain & Moorland Ridden Championship Sponsored by Ponies Association (UK), after going one better on last year’s second place in the Large Breed class. Rivervalley Flash Jack (Jack) is owned by Janet Cox and is eight years old.

Amy Tate gained the ride on Jack in 2017, and the pair have competed in a lot of dressage as well as undertaking showing qualifiers. Amy had always been so close to HOYS qualification with previous ponies, but never quite managed to grasp the golden ticket.

“He’s so much fun to ride,” said Amy. “I can ask him to do anything… he likes to have a job to do. He wouldn’t be happy stuck out in a field.”

A homebred Highland pony stood Reserve Champion, after finishing second to Amy and Jack in the Large Breed class. Austin of Miltonglen is owned by Kirsty Faulkner and ridden by Olivia Faulkner.

He had time out last year while the family moved house but has made up for it by competing at 5 shows this year. Kirsty also owns his sire, Oscar of Edinglassie, and Olivia rode him in the Open Mountain & Moorland class at HOYS in 2016. They were placed eighth.

Olivia is now hoping to progress to Open classes with Austin as well. Reflecting on the Championship, she said: “We’re overwhelmed, it’s the best feeling ever.”

The winner of the Small Breed class was Sarah Drake’s Welsh Section B Cadlanvalley Allegro ridden by daughter Annabel.

They qualified for HOYS in their Novice season last year and finished seventh.

Sarah said: “He’s got a classic Cadlanvalley temperament. He’s very laid back and a real family pony.”

Second placed in the Small Breed class was Sharon Wilson’s Welsh Section A, Thistledown San-Siro, ridden by Hannah Wilson.

Ponies Association (UK) is an association for everyone. It offers the opportunity to compete at the most prestigious equestrian arenas of the year including; the Ponies (UK) Winter Classic, Ponies (UK) Supreme Championships, Royal International and Horse of the Year Show.

For more information visit: http://www.poniesuk.org/