Sabino leads starlets

A coloured mare with quirky tendencies gets her head in the game, a 14-year-old pilot shines on a riding horse and a trusty Exmoor excels

- ALEX ROBINSON

A TRADITIONAL mare confirmed her owner’s decision to persevere with her career despite her tricky temperament as she trotted to the supreme in-hand accolade.

The main arena at Aintree Equestrian Centre was transformed into an atmospheric show ring replicating the buzzy, electric environment found at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). Home-produced competitors, aptly named “starlets”, represented riding clubs and Pony Club branches from across the country, with most of the classes boasting 40-plus entries.

Star of the in-hand field was Shaz and Steve Rowe’s seven-yearold Psycho Sabino (Ivy), handled by Jessie Jefferson. Ivy, who was reserve supreme at the Traditional Gypsy Cob Association Traditional of the Year Show (TOYS) in July, was sourced as a foal from her breeder and has run with Shaz’s herd of horses ever since.

“We’d been to view another horse but Steve picked Ivy out from the group of youngsters; he knew she’d be something special,” explained Lloc and District Riding Club member Shaz. “She was named ‘Psycho’ Sabino as while she looks like butter wouldn’t melt, she’s so opinionated and has been really tricky; rearing is her party trick if you leave her to give another horse any attention.”

Ivy has been late to mature so Shaz has intentionally left her to develop at her own pace.

“She did some showing as a youngster but wasn’t ready,” added Shaz. “We’ve only recently started riding her and we’re taking it slowly. She still lives out full-time at home but she seems to adore the spotlight. We’ve been on such a journey together so there were a lot of tears after this win.”