8 pint-sized ponies who think they’re Big Star

It never ceases to amaze us how much scope and agility the smallest ponies show over the coloured poles. If they were three or four hands higher, they’d be flying round 1.60m grand prix tracks with their eyes closed. We have simply fallen in love with some of these pint-sized ponies who starred at the Alexanders Horseboxes Scope Festival (UK) Supreme Championships last week — all of whom secretly think their name might be Big Star

1. Mini Milton

Brookhall Glimpse simply pings round the sizeable fences with Iwan Carpenter to earn the title of 128cm champions

2. Big Star’s not a patch on me

Painted Lady IV has more than a spring in her step as she scurries round en route to become 128cm primary champion with Rachel Proudley.

3. Where’s the next fence?

Holly VI hurdles this vertical with ears pricked and relishing every challenge thrown at her in the 138cm debut championship, which she won with Scope debutante Lily Smith

4. Point those toes!

Little Bunbury Conquest clears the fences impeccably neatly with Charlie Atkinson, on their way to a stylish victory in the Tiny Tots

5. No scope, no hope

Follow Jazzy Lady just wants to jump higher and higher for Iwan Carpenter and they head the POYS five- and six-year-old elite championship

6. Just call me Cassionato…

Rocky Robin sprouts wings to soar over every fence to win the Peace Love World adventurer title with Jessica Howard

7. When I grow up I want to be…

Mini Mouse II looks rocket-fuelled en route to Cats & Pipes 128cm debut glory with Ellie Burrell Squibb

8. Don’t look down!

The one and only My Bugsy Malone, just 138cm, hits dizzying heights with Lily Freeman Attwood to take the primary title

Don’t miss the full report from Alexanders Horseboxes Scope Festival (UK) Supreme Championships in today’s issue of Horse & Hound (1 September 2016)

Jennifer Donald

H&H showjumping editor

Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.