Perlina charms for champion

Two Welsh section Bs give stunning International Arena performances and a New Forest finally bags a win

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A DAZZLING performance by Welsh section B mare Waxwing Perlina (Lena) and 15-year-old Samantha Taylor secured the pair the Equine Giveaways British Show Pony Society (BSPS) Heritage mountain and moorland (M&M) supreme ridden championship.

The eight-year-old, by Eyarth Beau Geste out of Cwrtycadno Perlen, is owned by Samantha's mother, Rebecca Abba, and her sister Chrissy Knipe.

"Her breeders, David Blair and Tom Best, approached us at the Royal Highland three years ago and asked if we'd take a pony that was a bit special, but needed a job before going back to the stud for breeding," said Chrissy. "We instantly said yes.

"This is our third season with Lena and she just loves her job. She sits up and smiles in the ring. When she went into that international ring, she just pinged. We looked at each other and said, 'Wow.

“She's a true kids’ pony - she loves being pampered, going for hacks and being around children. But when she turns on the magic in that ring, she is so special.”

Taking reserve in this instance was the Welsh section D stallion Erwfforch Carwyn, a nine-year-old ridden by Kelly Morris and owned by her friend Ashley Dawson.

"He belongs to my best friend. She had shown him in-hand, and at the beginning of the year I had nothing to ride. So she said, 'I'd love you to have Carwyn this season; and here we are six months later, living the dream," said Kelly.

Rowfantina Hideaway Harry added another major title to his glittering career, taking the Signature Coachworks BSPS Heritage M&M supreme mini championship. Ridden by Eliza Gredley-Scott, the 11-year-old gelding by Maesgwyn Hailstone first topped the open lead-rein class before returning to land the tricolour.

Owned by Polly Gredley, Harry is produced by Lulu Hillyard and her daughter Katie White, who leads him in the ring.