A Ward worker reign

A mother and daughter impress over fences, a local horse producer secures several Royal International tickets and a home-bred tops the riding horses

- MARGARET SHAW

BSPS Area 2A (Cheshire Premier), Kelsall Hill EC,

AS busy weekends go, the Ward family had a hectic one. In between fitting in a host of other activities, Kelly and daughter Ruby made a productive visit here. After running her much-in-demand working hunter clinics, Kelly certainly practised what she preaches to win the Royal International (RIHS) open working hunter class riding eventual champion Bloomfield Incognito (Cruz).

Kelsall Hill’s vast indoor arena gave course-designer Gillian Milner ample space to build varied tracks throughout the day, and her open course received many compliments.

“This was a fabulous track giving us plenty to think about,” said Kelly. “Cruz has loads of ability and he is super-careful. He was spot on everywhere today.”

Owner Cheryl Farrow bought her son of Alda Cruise from Jane Bradbury in Ireland five years ago, and Kelly rode him at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in 2019.

“Cruz has been showjumping over the winter,” Kelly added. “He’s quite a bold jumper so I’m looking forward to riding him at Hickstead.”

After showjumping at Pony of the Year Show at Arena UK the day before, Ruby Ward landed running here. Starting off with a win in the RIHS 133cm working hunter pony class riding the charismatic Noble Peppermint, who ultimately stood reserve, Ruby also topped the 143cm section with the six-year-old Noble Ronan. She also piloted Angela Hunt’s Noble Cartier to win the novice intermediate class.