Shire horse is crowned McNeil Family British Ridden Heavy Horse of the Year Champion

Abigail Gresty finished her fifth and final ride here at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) 2019 in style, by scooping the McNeil Family British Ridden Heavy Horse of the Year Championship with six-year-old Shire mare, Melindwr Lady Olwen.

The mare was bought by Montserrat Sports Horses two years ago, and Abigail has had the job of bringing her on over the past two years.

Known simply as ‘Olwen’ at home, this Shire horse had her first taste of HOYS action in 2017 as a four-year-old with her previous owners. Abigail partnered Olwen to a fourth place finish last year and they have now come back a third year to claim the top spot.

Talking after the Championship, Abigail said: “She was amazing in there and didn’t put a foot wrong. She’s very easy to do and has the best temperament.”

The pair do plenty of hacking at home to keep Olwen fit and she’ll now have some time off over the winter before coming out again next season.

Another Shire took the runner-up spot; Kurt Manders’ nine-year-old gelding, Llangwm Hill Monty, ridden by Nicola Manders.

With only 11 qualifying positions on offer, there is always strong competition between the Shires, Clydesdales, Suffolk and Percheron breeds that are eligible to compete for this prestigious Championship; a welcome addition to the HOYS schedule for the past few years.

Proud sponsors of the class, Kim and Joseph McNeil, are a mother and son duo who have home produced horses for many years. The family team have been extremely successful in the show ring and have competed at HOYS for many years.

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

McNeil Family British Ridden Heavy Horse of the Year Champion 2019, Abigail Gresty riding Melindwr Lady Olwen © 1^st Class Images