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‘Riders had their work cut out today’: meet the HOYS worker winners co-judged by William Fox-Pitt

Alex Robinson Alex Robinson

    • On day three of the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), the four 2024 HOYS working hunter pony classes, supported by the National Pony Society and Molevalley Farmers, were assessed by two esteemed judges, including legendary eventer William Fox-Pitt.

    William, who assessed ride and show after the round, co-judged alongside leading Australian showing figure Chris Lawrie, who was responsible for the conformation phase.

    Competitors in intermediates, 153cms, 143cms and 133cms were treated to a David Cole-designed course that made use of every inch of the TopSpec Arena, but was typically tight and twisty as well as up to height.

    “I’ve had a very interesting morning here,” William said. “The standard has been high and the course was quite serious. The first course [for the intermediates] was particularly demanding.

    “The riders had their work cut out. Naturally, it’s not a friendly environment for a working hunter; it couldn’t be further from the hunting field, being under the lights and being required to gallop around the pillar. There were some smart horses, though, and they coped remarkably well. However, a few do need to buy a water tray!”

    Chris added: “This is one of the best horse shows in the world so it’s no surprise that we had good numbers as well as well-produced ponies with nice riders. The standard was very high, but the winners were just that little bit better on the day.”

    Here are the four winners of the 2024 HOYS working hunter pony classes:

    Intermediate working hunter pony of the year

    2024 HOYS working hunter pony classes

    Phillipa King and her own nine-year-old gelding Plato VD Donkhoeve, who is by Quidam De Revel.

    153cm working hunter pony of the year

    Abigail Isaac and her own 11-year-old mare Lady Jamie, who is of unknown breeding.

    143cm working hunter pony of the year

    Evie Kennedy and her own 15-year-old gelding Little Dromin Phoenix, who is by Lettermuckoo Lad.

    133cm working hunter pony of the year

    Felicity Watts and Sharon Chadwick-Watts’ 17-year-old mare Precious Gem II, who is of unknown breeding.

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    Alex Robinson
    Alex Robinson

    H&H showing editor
    Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the showing scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show and Olympia and has first-hand knowledge of the current issues in the showing world as well as the horses, ponies and riders who compete in the sport. Alex joined H&H in January 2018 since when she has cemented its place as the leading equestrian publication for both showing reports and current showing news in the UK.
    Alex Robinson

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