Novice pair shine for supreme honours

A Dartmoor mare and her young jockey are foot-perfect to come out on top, while a self-confessed OAP” and a data analyst are also among the winners

- GILL KAPADIA

A NOVICE working hunter combination taking part in their first evening performance outshone their larger rivals to take the strongly contested overall supreme championship at this well-attended show.

Ten-year-old Brooke CameBoyce and her six-year-old Dartmoor mare, Springwater Alina, produced a foot-perfect performance with a blistering gallop to clinch the accolade under judge Julie Cook.

“My champion was outstanding,” said Julie. “The pony had her ears pricked throughout and appeared as though she could have turned her hoof to any job. She looked after her young rider, and I would love to take her home for my grandchildren.”

The former stud mare came to Cheshire-based Brooke last autumn, having been broken for just four weeks. The duo are both new to working hunter ranks but are already making their mark, posting some good results in only a handful of outings last year. At Onley they finished second in both the novice and open mountain and moorland workers but won the championship, which put them into the supreme.

“She is very feisty, and you have to work with her, but she has a huge heart and we are learning the jumping job together,” said Brooke.

The pair now plan to contest some Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) qualifiers.

Another rider making a supreme debut was Jessica Everill. She enjoyed an outstanding day, taking RIHS tickets in the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) Pretty Polly mixed breeds and UK Ponies and Horses (UKPH) amateur ranks as well as winning the concours d’élégance, with her 10-year old Fell Brackenbank Flicka.