Horse of the Year Show Qualifying Story 💜
“Lauren Furniss & Ashes to Ashes, owned by Lorraine Mallender.
“In April 2023, Allan was bought off the tether next to the tip. He was bought as a pet for Lorraine, who was struggling after losing her mum and feeling completely lost without her.
“We collected him on the very day we scattered Nan’s ashes, and so his show name could only really be Ashes to Ashes. At home he is simply Allan, named after the chap we bought him from.
“From the beginning, Allan proved himself to be the most genuine, well-behaved boy. We think he may have driven before we bought him, because he was incredibly easy to break in and an absolute professional on the long reins.
“As a four-year-old, Allan had a short novice season where the aim was simply to give him experience and let him learn his job. This year, however, we made a plan: five qualifiers, the CHAPS Championships and the British Elite.
“He has come home with an incredible set of results: 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th and 11th in the qualifiers, supreme junior, king of the ring and coloirama champion at chaps, and reserve champion at the Elite. From a pony tethered beside a tip to standing at the top of a qualifying line-up, he has already exceeded anything we could have imagined when we brought him home.
“A huge part of Allan’s journey belongs to Lauren. She has done all of his riding away herself and spends hours hacking him to build and maintain his fitness. We don’t have a school so their preparation involves miles of hacking, exploring the woods and, most importantly, having fun together.
“Lauren was homeschooled from primary-school age after experiencing some nasty bullying. Riding and competing have played a huge part in rebuilding her confidence and helping her believe in herself and her abilities. Allan has given her another opportunity to discover just how capable she is.
“Whatever happens at the championships, we’re already incredibly proud of Lauren & Allan.”
Lauren Furniss & Ashes to Ashes qualified for the Coloured Junior Ridden Pony of the Year sponsored by CHAPS (UK)/ Broom and Sleight Family