Henry goes for gold

A cob gets a second chance at a ticket, a show hunter pony leads by 20 marks and a traditional coloured pony helps his young rider regain her confidence

- CELESTE GALL

A GOLDEN performance from Kym Dunston on the lightweight cob campaigner Ballyfarnon Henry resulted in the pair booking their third visit to Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), before going on to head the cob championship. Owner Sue Burns, who, following an accident three years ago is unable to compete anymore, was ringside to watch and celebrate their victory.

“Kym and Henry have an amazing connection and she has done such a fabulous job with educating him over the years," commented Sue, who purchased “sensitive soul” Henry as a four-year-old.

“I don't believe in rushing young horses. Henry is now nine and just coming into his prime; it was hard when we first came into the class with him as he was the only palomino for a while and not everyone’s cup of tea,” explained Sue, who watched on proudly at the Royal International (RIHS) where the pair won the amateur cob title earlier this summer.

Earlier on this summer the pair had stood top of the line in a HOYS qualifier here at Stoneleigh, but when reaching down to pat Henry, Kym's hat fell off and the pair were disqualified.

“It was heartbreaking and we were all devastated, but the support we had was amazing,” recalled Sue.

AN EMOTIONAL WEEKEND