Team Thomas lifted the top accolade when the supreme judges Rose Kelbie and Michael Mac awarded the 122cm show hunter pony Greylands Maid in the Dark the HOYS Pony of the Year title.
“I was looking for presence,” said Rose, “as well as quality and good movement.”
“Manners, definitely,” added Michael, “and a pony that respects the rider.”
Katie Roberts had claimed both the 122cms show hunter pony and the 133cms classes, the later with Sue Andrews’s Rhoden Master Frederick, so Harriet Dennison was co-opted to take the smaller ride and had the honour of taking Greylands Maid in the Dark forward to the supreme.
“Harriet was due to ride Oakstead Banoffee, but sadly he had to be put down on Tuesday which really upset her,” said Shirley Dennison,” so this has really turned her luck around.”
In the final championship of the show the mini show pony titles went to the top two first ridden.
Myles Cooper and the Cooper Corporation’s Cosford Chartreause landed the mini title in their final ride together before Myles moves on to new ponies.
“We weren’t sure Myles would be able to ride,” said Claudia Cooper, “as he fell off his bike last Sunday, and has been having physio all week.”
Alex Payne’s Romany River Anniversary Girl took Ella Payne on the lead rein before elder sister Clara took over to stand second in the first ridden and take reserve on their first HOYS visit.
Katy Carter leading her daughter Poppy Marie on Chagford Lewis was defending their supreme title of last year. However, they had to settle for second place behind Amelia Taylor’s daughter Sophie on Cosford Veronique led by Julie Templeton.
“We’re in our second season with Julie,” said Amelia. “They were third here last time.”
Don’t miss H&H’s 17-page special report from HOYS, on sale Thursday 15 October ’09
