Smooth as silk

A part-bred mare reigns in a breed role, last year’s supreme novice is recrowned and an Exmoor turns heads

- TRICIA JOHNSON

BSPS Winter Championships, Arena UK, Lincs

TWO days of superb competition in glorious weather concluded with a masterclass display in the restricted winter supreme.

Judge Teresa Stratford had eight worthy finalists to consider, but there was no doubting the sheer class of Sharon Harrison’s home-bred mare Sarison Heavenly Silk (Lily) as she glided her way to the top spot as if on oiled wheels, beautifully ridden by local producer Lucy Glover.

Having earned her place in the supreme via the restricted part-bred section, the elegant bay mare oozed style, unhurried rhythm, and superb cadence throughout her individual show, leaving Teresa in no doubt of her result.

“It was poetry in motion,” said Teresa. “An absolutely beautiful animal with quality, balance, and presence from the moment it entered the ring.”

The daughter of Kilvington Scoundrel, out of the successful hack mare Royal Silk, has remained in restricted part-bred ranks after being unable to contest her final at Royal International (RIHS) in 2019 due to injury. Since Lucy is now out of intermediates, the aim for this season is hack and part-bred classes, before Lily is put in foal next term. This was their second outing of the year.

“I was gutted that I missed my final [intermediate] season on her last year [due to Covid], but I couldn’t wish for a better partner to go into horse ranks,” enthused Lucy, who also headed the RIHS part-bred section with Lily. “She always gives 100% and is a total pleasure to ride.”