It was a successful first visit to Royal Windsor Horse Show for the Simms family, who dominated in the BSPS Heritage M&M mini championships, a new addition to the show’s schedule.
Holly Simms won the lead rein class on her mother Lisa’s Dartmoor gelding Breamish Julian, while brother George Simms won the first ridden on Welsh section B Roseisle Samantha. The sister and brother then went on to stand champion and reserve respectively.
“The judge was very complimentary and said Breamish Julian stood out from the minute he walked in to the ring,” explained Julie Templeton, who produces both ponies.
Having won both the 138cm and 148cm M&M working hunter pony classes, Frances Goodsir had to choose which of her two Connemaras to ride in the final. She opted to ride gelding The Quiet Man and asked Rachel Turner to ride her mare Falfield Silver Slipper. In the end, it was the latter who judges Lesley Hillard and Michael Sharpley chose as their champion.
Francis, who works in the City, has owned the pair of greys, both 15 years old, since they were three. “I’ve been supported by my two sisters today, though neither were that keen
to step up and ride in the championships,” she added.
The M&M ridden championships formed the finale of Saturday’s show, with the title going to the smallest pony in the class. Lynda Buchanan-Jackson’s Shetland mare Blackator Rhonda gave a thrilling gallop, much to the appreciation of the crowd, to help her clinch the title ahead of Connemara gelding Knockanroe Champ in reserve.
Don’t miss H&H’s full report on all the action from Royal Windsor, on sale Thursday 20 May
