Sisters celebrate in The Price Family Mini Show Pony of the Year Championship

Barkway Mr McGregor gave his rider Georgina Storey memories to last a lifetime on her first appearance at the Horse of the Year Show, after they won The Price Family First Ridden Pony of the Year and then stood overall Champion.

Owned by Emma Andrews and Simon Storey, the eight-year-old pony has given both of their daughters, Georgina and Harriet, wonderful first ridden experiences. Harriet finished fifth on him at HOYS last year and is now competing on her 12.2hh pony, Rotherwood Springtime.

“He’s a proper first ridden,” said Emma. “He looked after Harriet and now Georgina too. There’s not a bad bone in his body and he’s a pleasure to own”.

“We were so happy to win [the First Ridden] that, and the Championship was the icing on the cake.”

The family bought the pony as a four-year-old and he’s bred by Mrs Ann and Claire Smalley of the Barkway Stud.

Barkway Mr McGregor is kept at home and the family are helped by Team Harker who produce him. They’ll contest First Ridden classes again next year.

Last year’s Lead Rein winner and Reserve Champion, Chaseford Actor (Brad), finished his four years with the Gilbert family on a high by reclaiming The Price Family Lead Rein Pony of the Year title and standing Reserve Champion again.

It was déjà vu for seven-year-old Bella Gilbert who rode the seven-year-old to victory alongside producer Julie Templeton. The combination also won at the Royal International Horse Show this year. Following HOYS, Brad will stay at Julie’s yard but go on to another lucky young rider.

Julie found the pony for the family as an unbroken three-year-old and mum, Megan, says he has “just got better and better each year… he just floats.”

Brad was passed down to Bella after two years with her older sister Milly, who was competing in The Price Family First Ridden Pony of the Year on the family’s other pony, eight-year-old Ravara Mr Tod. They finished seventh.

It’s intended for Bella to move up to First Ridden and take the ride on Ravara Mr Tod next season.

Second place in the Lead Rein class went to Brogan Taverner’s Elmswood Spring Bubble ridden by Beatrice Taverner-Jordan. The runner-up spot in the First Ridden went to Henrietta Till’s Cilgeti Prince Charming ridden by Tarquin Till.

This is the fourth year the Price family, Darren, Joanne, Jake and Phoebe have sponsored at HOYS. They are delighted to be involved in such a prestigious event, especially supporting this very special class and the development of young competitors.

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

The Price Family Mini Show Pony of the Year Championship 2019, Barkway Mr McGregor ridden by Georgina Storey © 1^st Class Images