Townend Schubert stood Blue Chip Native BSPS Heritage Supreme champion at Olympia yesterday (21 December), but many more were left celebrating when 12 breed winners were crowned. Scroll down to see pictures of each one in action
Fell
The overall winner was also the best Fell. “I spotted Townend Schubert on the Fells as a foal and instantly took to him, so I jumped at the chance to buy him as an unbroken three-year-old,” said owner/rider Rebecca Penny of the six-year-old stallion, who is produced by Aimee Devane. “Schubert came out this year with the intention of just testing him in a few open classes — little did I expect him to qualify for Olympia by standing champion at Suffolk county.”
Welsh section D
Katie Williams’ Ringside Game Over finished second overall and was crowned best Welsh section D. Ridden by Alex Williams, the seven-year-old stallion is by Llanarth Old Fashion out of Sydenham Gooseberry.
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Highland
The winning Highland was Mrs M Stanford’s Benbreac Of Croila, who was partnered by Matthew Cooper to overall third place. It caps a stellar year for the seven-year-old stallion, by Ulleam Of Croila, who won the Torne Valley £1,000 final at North Of England and stood Heritage supreme at the BSPS summer championships.
Welsh section C
Menai Celtic Hero, owned by Irene Gawith and ridden by Fiona Cork, was the best Welsh section C. Irene bought the seven-year-old gelding by Menai Caderivid as a foal and Fiona gained the ride in February this year.
Dales
Sarah Field’s Carrock Billy Boy-sired Tarbarl Matthew was crowned the best Dales. The eight-year-old stallion joined Sarah’s yard in 2013. “This year he has exceeded all expectations — qualifying for Horse of the Year Show first time out and then qualifying for Olympia,” said Sarah.
Connemara
The winning Connemara was Sandra Burton’s Banks Timber. The seven-year-old stallion, by Teglstrup Duke, only started his ridden career in March after being successful in-hand.
Welsh section A
Powys Sprite finished best of the Welsh section As for the second year running, ridden by India Latter. “Sprite is a real family favourite and cheeky — he likes to blow raspberries at people at home if they’re on the yard and not giving him any attention,” said Debbie.
Welsh section B
This was the fifth consecutive year that Kathleen Scott’s Cadlanvalley Sandpiper, ridden by Collette Green, competed at Olympia and the nine-year-old by Eyarth Troy walked away with the Welsh section B prize.
Dartmoor
Eleven-year-old Okeleat Navigator, owned by Debbie Barr and ridden by Alice Barr, was crowned best Dartmoor. This is the stallion’s third year under saddle and the third time he has qualified for Olympia.
Exmoor
The Exmoor title went to the sole representative Moonpenny Aquarius, owned by Mrs M Bryant and ridden by Elizabeth Etchells. The eight-year-old by Frithesden Phoenix has only been in the show ring a handful of times this term due to juggling dressage, showjumping, eventing and working hunter classes. “To win the breed Olympia qualifier for the second year running is the icing on the cake. He proves the versatility of an Exmoor,” said Elizabeth.
Shetland
The winning Shetland, Mrs A Stevens’ Brinleyview Camanchee ridden by Gemma Pallett, has barely been out of the prizes this season. The 12-year-old son of Womble Of Crafton’s tally includes standing supreme at the Shetland breed show and winning the Blue Riband small breeds title at the Heritage championships.
New Forest
Only one New Forest pony contested the championship — Mr G Jeffries’ Applewitch Magister, ridden by Charlotte Jenkins. It was an emotional moment for the 13-year-old stallion’s connections, as the pony’s owner Trudy Jeffries died earlier this year.
“We have been determined to have a season Trudy would be proud of,” said Charlotte.
