Tabitha Kyle made her Sunday at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) a day to remember as she became the first ever rider to win both the 128cm and the 138cm title in the same year at the show. Riding the eight-year-old bay gelding, Playboy Van De Zoetewei, Tabitha had a tough time to beat by rival Rachel Proudley, who set the bar high on a time of 34.73 riding Buttons Two. Riding full throttle over the double and to the final oxer, Tabitha lay down the gauntlet as the clock stopped on 33.04 seconds.
At just 12 years of age, Leicestershire-based Tabitha rides with great composure, precision and skill, showing that the future of British Showjumping really is in great hands. With a smile as wide as she is high, Tabitha took to the arena for her second lap of honour in front of the crowd on the final day of HOYS 2019.
Speaking of her new record, Tabitha commented: “It’s been such a great experience to have won both of the Championships. He is only eight years old and we had him from Holland as a three-year-old, so we have literally done everything with him. My mum rode him until he was five and that’s when I started riding him. He was quite a nervous pony to begin with, and he still is around people, but once he gets into the arena he just focuses and knows what to do. I saw that Rachel had set a tough time to beat but I was determined to try and take the second win. My pony has quite a long stride and is very quick across the ground and thankfully it was just enough. He just loves to jump, and I’m really pleased with him.”
To have an enormity of pressure placed on her shoulders from such a young age, Tabitha remains unphased by the media attention and the show’s visitors even stopping her to ask for a selfie. “I’ve learnt a lot about myself, I don’t get pressured or nervous anymore at these big shows which really helps to stay calm.”
Listen to Tabatha Kyle’s interview here courtesy of LloyBell Productions:
http://www.lloydbell.co.uk/access/client_zone/HOYS19_Tabatha_Kyle_128_and_138_winner_Sunday.mp3
SPONSOR NOTES: the winner received £250 Aztec Diamond Equestrian gift vouchers, a personalised rug, a saddle cloth and a goodie bag.
A fashion-forward equestrian clothing brand, Aztec Diamond Equestrian are proud sponsors of 138cm championship. All their collections are designed in house, from the North East of England. Last year they also introduced a unisex Young rider collection, for girls and boys age 4-11. Their full collection and new products have been released exclusively at HOYS 2019.
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
Aztec Diamond Equestrian 138cm Championship, Tabitha Kyle riding Playboy Van De Zoetewei © 1st Class Images
