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Dales stallion performs like a ‘true superstar’ to be crowned HOYS M&M champion

Alex Robinson Alex Robinson

    • A stunning showcase of native breeds was witnessed in the Andrews Bowen international arena as winning and second placed ponies vied for the National Pony Society/Baileys Horse Feeds HOYS M&M ridden pony of the year title at the 2022 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

    But only one combination could take the top honour and this year judges Jo Jack (conformation) and Tweetie Nimmo (ride) selected five-year-old Dales stallion Griseburn Major and Joe Watson as their champions.

    “What a tremendous line up of ponies,” said Tweetie. “Jo and I were on the same page throughout the classes, and we liked the same ponies. Our champion was beautifully balanced and he looked like a complete partnership with his rider. He was a very good example of the breed and in the championship he went like a true superstar.”

    Joe and his partner Rob Mcivor bought the stallion as an unbroken three-year-old from Helen Horn’s Griseburn Stud. He is by Wolsey Viking out of Tarbarl Kate Boss, and 2022 is his first full season under saddle.

    Reserve in the HOYS M&M ridden pony of the year championship went to Rebecca Penny riding Lynn Scott’s consistent Welsh section C stallion Lynuck The Showman, supreme BSPS Heritage champion at London International last December.

    “Our reserve had a tremendous walk,” said Jo. “During the class, he really caught our eye, as did the second placed Welsh section C [April Gilmartin’s Gems Malt Whiskey] who really shone in the championship, too.”

    “Both the Dales and the Welsh C classes were two of the strongest,” said Tweetie. “It was obvious that Jo and I had a type, too, as there were ponies from the same studs featuring in the top placings consistently.”

    “They had to be true ponies in type,” confirmed Jo.

    Lancashire-based Joe was emotional after his first ever HOYS championship win: “This just doesn’t happen to someone like me,” he said. “Major felt amazing in there and I honestly can’t believe this has happened.”

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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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