Amateur definition in spotlight after major title changes hands

A Royal International championship went to a rider who was not eligible for it

- ALEX ROBINSON

THE definitions of “amateur and “home-produced” have come under the spotlight after a Royal International (RIHS) disqualification.

Martina Lawrence’s Cherokee IX and Amelia Lockhart were the highest-placed combination in the coloured horse and pony amateur and home produced championship at RIHS, but the title has now gone to Penny Williamson and her own Ottawa, who stood reserve.

The British Skewbald and Piebald Association (BSPA) announced the result change, as although Amelia and her sister Kirsty Lockhart homeproduce their ponies, they are brand ambassadors for an equine products company, so are not eligible for amateur status under BSPA rules –although they are classified as amateurs by other societies.

“Martina is a friend who lives down the road and ‘Okee’ is her happy hacker pony,” Kirsty told