Hot Property hits the big time

A lightly shown mare with a good step and a versatile Shetland take the top two spots in an ultra-competitive ridden supreme

- TRICIA JOHNSON

Coloured Horse and Pony Society (CHAPS) Championships, Arena UK, Lincs

VETERAN rider/producer Chris Patrick, 70, turned in a superb performance on Julie Nuttall’s striking native mare, Brookdale Hot Property (Cilla), to land the ridden supreme title. The 11-year-old’s flowing paces and undoubted presence impressed judges Jane Nixon and Liz Inman, the outgoing and incoming chairs of The Showing Council.

“I WAS DETERMINED TO RIDE” 

HAZEL SLEIGHT put pain behind her to head the open-ridden horse qualifying section with her Team Harvey-produced nine-year-old Castiel (Sven).

“I suffered a herniated disk just before HOYS last year and Peter Green has ridden Sven for me all season – he qualified him for HOYS at Midland Counties,” said Hazel. “However, I was determined to ride him here myself, and lots of painkillers got me through; Sven is the most comfortable horse I’ve ever sat on. This is the third year running he’s won his non-native final, but the first time we’ve been champion.”

“We were looking for animals that are fit for purpose,” said leading equine vet Jane. “They must have a good step – particularly from behind – along with correct conformation and a good, rideable temperament; in all, a perfect ridden animal that will last for many years.”

Cilla’s path to glory has been far from smooth, though.