Raphaela Dawson completed a memorable double at Horse of the Year Show with victory in the STX-UK Pony Foxhunter Championship.
The Berkshire rider, a European Pony Championship team gold medallist for Great Britain this summer, had already been crowned Leading Pony Showjumper of the Year aboard MHS Glow.
And this time it was Woody Van Duyversputten’s turn in the spotlight as Raphaela guided him to a stylish victory through an immaculate first round and jump-off.
Eleven combinations from 20 starters made it through to a race against the clock, and Raphaela’s time of 28.82 seconds delivered a clear win from Olivia Brightmore, riding Flore Des Islots, and third-placed Portia Taylor-Wilson on Olivia W.
“We’ve had the pony for five years now, and I am the only one who has ever jumped him in the ring,” Raphaela said.
“When we first brought him home he used to go around our fields and jump the fences, so we always knew he could jump, but he was very difficult to break in, so he was actually kind of a year behind every other pony of his age.
“We kept breaking him in and turning him back out until he relaxed into being ridden, and last year and this year he has really come through.
“It has been an amazing journey. We have had to be very patient with him and we’ve had many more bad days than good days, but especially this year he has jumped so many clear rounds and he is getting better at going fast.”
ENDS
For more information on Horse of the Year Show 2026, please contact:
Horse of the Year Show Press Office, Grandstand Media Ltd.
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Email: press@hoys.co.uk
Image: 1st Class Images