Find out more about the 2020 pony newcomers champions, who look set to be an exciting combination to watch over the next few years...
A combination to watch for the future were the runaway winners in the Blue Chip pony newcomers final on the last day (11 October) of the British Showjumping Indoor Championships at Aintree International Equestrian Centre.
Henry Squibb and the eight-year-old Clyde Barrows sailed across the jump-off course and into the lead in a time of 32.62 seconds.
The 14-year-old rider kept “Clyde” travelling in an open rhythm and the bright bay showed his effortless scope, making the fences look easy. With just six of the 48 combinations jumping double clear, Mark McGowan’s courses were still very much a championship test.
Henry, who has a further two years left in pony classes, added his trainer, John Renwick, has been a huge help and support.
“He is brilliant,” said Henry, adding John used to ride with his father.
“I’ve only just started training with him — as of just before lockdown. He’s heading out to Vilamoura tomorrow, but came up to the show to help me today.
“He’s definitely good at helping with the jump-off — before I went into the ring he told me he won this class too when he was younger. There’s a great bond between us all.”
Henry has now added his own name to that trophy.
“I watched about three before me and I knew I had to go fast as there were 22 in the jump-off,” he added.
“There weren’t so many turns, it was more about making up the ground, going as fast as I could and whenever there was a turn, to turn tighter than anyone else.”
Henry has been riding the pony, owned by Patricia Squibb, for around 18 months and the pair have had some exciting results abroad.
He said the win feels like a real accomplishment for them both as a combination as he has brought the pony up through the levels himself.
“He’s quite easy and near enough the same at home as at a show and nice in the stable too,” said Henry.
“He is quite careful, he has had the occasional pole, but that is only because he is quite young.”
Second place went to Jake Myers with Oakley III in 33.16 seconds, with Gabriel Ball and Rescue third in 33.36.
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