Lead-rein legend sets championship record

A lead-rein claims his mini crown for the fifth year, Welsh ponies reign in open ridden ranks and home-produced rides head the junior classes

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LEAD-REIN queen Sharn Linney made HOYS history when taking the Colne/Feed Shed mini native title for a record fifth year running with the legendary Welsh section A victor, Thistledown Van-DerVaart (Charles), piloted by Lilly Richardson, seven.

“This pony was absolutely faultless in my eyes,” said judge Stephen Howard. “It sings along with a happy expression and obviously has a lot of personality, but looks 100% safe.”

Since standing supreme at the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) Winter Championships as a novice in 2013, there are few accolades that Charles has not won, including two consecutive Royal Windsor victories and the HOYS overall supreme pony title in 2017. However, Sharn took nothing for granted.

“I was even more nervous going in there this time as it was such a huge ask,” she revealed. “All I wanted was for him to go well. I worship the ground he walks on.”

Reserve went to the lead-rein runner-up, Nicola Tyler’s homebred seven-year-old Dartmoor mare, Springwater Tamara, ridden by Nicola’s granddaughter Elizabeth Mickle, six, and shown by Sarah Newbould.

“I’m absolutely delighted,” declared Nicola, who also bred Tamara’s full-sister, Cuddy finalist Springwater Anna. “Coming second behind a legend is more than good enough for us!”

NEW PAIRING EXCELS

A STAND-IN rider nailed the coveted National Pony Society (NPS)/Baileys ridden title. Frankie Currell had only sat on the six-year-old Welsh section A mare, Nantfforchog Blue Moondust (Dusty), three times but the pair ticked along perfectly to post a first HOYS open win.

Then, in the evening finale, they pulled out all the stops to conquer a star-studded field of 20.

Judge Paul Brightwell, who officiated alongside Jessica Middleton, was smitten.