A 13-year-old rider beat the best in the working hunter pony business to score the Thor Atkinson Steel Fabrications Ltd. M&M 122cm working hunter pony of the year championship at the 2023 Horse of the Year Show. Ollie Rowlands and his mother Fiona Aston’s Welsh section A gelding Delami Bravado (Benny) jumped a stunning clear en route to enjoying their first NEC lap of honour.
Benny, who is by Dukeshill Dotcom out of Brynrodyn Blodwen, was started by Hannah Turnock who contended him lightly on the flat. Fiona bought him during lockdown, as she explained: “I was a key worker and I needed something to keep the children occupied when they were off school. So, we bought Benny as a project pony. Ollie taught him to jump and he’s trained him up the levels himself.”
On their HOYS debut in 2022, Ollie and Benny, who qualified for this year’s final at The Showing Register’s inaugural amateur show, finished fourth. They also qualified for this year’s RIHS final and they won at Royal Windsor. Back in 2021, the pair won at the STARS championships.
“Benny is the coolest pony,” said Fiona, of the pony who was bred by the Waller Family. “He’s the cheekiest, happiest little chappy who loves life. He likes a big occasion and he adores his jumping. We’re completely home-produced, though I can’t take any credit for it; Ollie has made this pony.”
After his win, Ollie said: “Benny is one amazing little pony. It was a meaty track, but that’s what I expected at a championship show.”
When asked what his plan is for the main arena championship, Ollie said he’ll be aiming for a 100% strike rate: “My plan is to go and win it! I’ll be trying my best.”
You may also be interested to read…
Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round
‘He’s a bit of a joker’: home-bred New Forest stallion triumphs in first class of HOYS 2023
‘I knew I wanted that pony’: four-year-old stallion bought at auction becomes a HOYS winner
Home-produced gelding springs surprise SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse win on HOYS debut
‘He was absolutely foot-perfect for me’: Highland stallion reigns on his first HOYS visit
‘The judges love or hate them’: Jayne Ross wins HOYS ladies’ title with ‘laid back’ coloured mare
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.