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‘I’ll never have another like him’: third HOYS worker win for untouchable Welsh stallion

Alex Robinson Alex Robinson

    • For the third time in his career, the Welsh section D stallion Gwerniago Gethin (Derek) led the Thor Atkinson Steel Fabrications Ltd. M&M 143cm working hunter pony of the year championship under his owner/rider Ashley Bird at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). 

    The 14-year-old, who is by Gwerniago Brenin, won the same accolade in both 2016 and 2017, finishing reserve in the championship on both occasions.

    “That was amazing, I loved it and so did Derek,” said Ashley, who rode his ‘horse of a lifetime’ Derek to win this year’s 143cm final and finish reserve champion at the Royal International in July. “I would like that HOYS championship win now!”

    Ashley bought Derek as a three-year-old from Birmingham.

    “He was a bit rough and ready, and he was cheap; he cost me about £400,” Ashley said. “I had planned to show him in the flat classes but he never grew big enough, so I decided to see if he jumps and the rest is history. He loves it and he jumps like a stag.”

    Derek was just a six-year-old when he first won HOYS. He has also finished second here.

    “He missed a year of competition due to a broken hoof so to come back and win this again is pretty good going,” said Ashley. “I don’t think I’ll ever get another pony like him again. I have his brother at home, though I don’t know if he’ll quite live up to Derek.

    “At home Derek can be a nightmare and he’s a bit of a pain, but when he comes to a show his mindset shifts and he gives me his all.”

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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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