Double Score For Firecracker

A New Forest pony clinches two HOYS tickets, a working hunter back from a break books his return ticket to the NEC and a show hunter pony takes supreme.

- Rebecca Haywood

Moreton-in-Marsh, Glos

SIMONES FIRECRACKER and Anna Crump made it a show to remember after nailing two tickets to this year’s Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). The nine-year-old gelding headed the New Forest qualifier before winning the mountain and moorland (M&M) junior large breeds class and taking the championship.

“We’ve had him since the end of 2017,” said Anna’s mother Serena, who runs Rookery Stud in Hereford. Producer Clare Fitch sourced Firecracker and has produced him this season, but he’s been back at home for a few weeks now.

“He’s the most lovely, kind pony you could wish for and Anna has really got to grips with him now,” said Clare.

Judge Stephen Howard said: “Our champion was a typical junior pony. It was great to see that the classes weren’t full of open ponies with borrowed jockeys thrown on.”

Reserve in the junior championship went to the small breeds winners, Bricklefield Jack and Tallie Spilman-Penn. Tallie has taken over the ride on the Welsh section B gelding from her elder sister and this will be her first time competing at HOYS.

“They’re hoping to try some novice worker classes next season,” said Tallie’s mother Tilly.

Serena and Anna were also delighted to watch Anna’s former first ridden pony, Colne Typhoon, gain his HOYS ticket with new rider Emilia Demetriou who will make their debut in the M&M first ridden final. The eight-year-old grey gelding has been produced at home this summer.