Uist the best

A Highland pony scores a double win, an eight-year-old bags her first HOYS ticket and a one-eyed ex-racehorse wins at Hickstead

- By CELESTE GALL

A SEVEN-HOUR journey from Forfar proved worthwhile for 13-year-old Holly Smith and her Highland Kincardine Uist. They booked their first trip together to the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in both the open breed qualifier and the junior mountain and moorland (M&M) large breeds class, before also finishing reserve.

“It has been my dream for the past five years to qualify, but to get two tickets in one day in our first season together is huge,” said an emotional Holly.

The Glenbanchor Gillebrighde 10-year-old is also heading to Royal International (RIHS) for three finals.

“We spend most weeks just hacking on our farm at home. Due to our location we have to do some long journeys, so with both Hickstead and HOYS to look forward to, he will now have some time in the field,” said Holly.

Lisa Barsoum Allen, who judged the ride section of the open large breeds classes, said: “The Highland had such a lovely, effortless way of going. He travelled over the ground with ease, looking up and through his bridle. He looked fresh and was thoroughly enjoying his job.”

The junior M&M championship went to the small breeds winner, the prolific Welsh section A Crumpwell Harry Potter, ridden by 10-year-old Charlie Lea. They are already HOYS-bound in the first ridden final but stepped up to the junior class with ease. Harry is produced by Gavin and Jodie Allen - whose daughter Daisy rode him to victory at RIHS - and Charlie has taken over the ride from his older sister Issie.

CRESCENDO TAKES TWO

VICTORIA HARKER rode her reigning HOYS part-bred winner Stanley Grange Crescendo to book their return ticket, with Matilda Holmes - who leases him for the 138cm show pony class - taking the reins to secure a double victory.