153 Native Pony Digital

JUNE 2022 ISSUE 153 The lowdown on all of the natives at Royal Windsor Horse Show Meet the natives who stormed around Badminton Grassroots! Get a judge’s perspective with Lisa Barsoum Allen [email protected] | June 2022 Issue | The Native Pony | 1

Donate with LO-CAL BALANCER For every promotional bag of Lo-Cal Balancer sold we’ll donate to World Horse Welfare Yasmin is thriving on a mug of Lo-Cal Balancer per day all year round - alongside the careful management of World Horse Wel fare, Penny Farm LOW CALORIE LOW STARCH LOW SUGAR LOW ENERGY For your free sample: Baileys Horse Feeds Tel: 01371 850 247 (option 3) World Horse Welfare Registered charity no: 206658 [email protected] MADE IN www.baileyshorsefeeds.co.uk OUR OWN and SC038384 UK MILL 2 | The Native Pony | June 2022 Issue | [email protected]

A word from our editor Dear Reader, Last issue, we saw Highlands giving endurance a go, and this issue, we have the Badminton Grassroots How on earth are we in June already? RIHS qualifiers championships, where a few natives claim a chance to are all but done, and HOYS tickets are flying out across gallop in front of that amazing house. I am in awe of the country! As ever, well done to everyone who has all the ponies and riders who took part, and we’ve some secured their tickets! super photos inside! London International Horse Show qualifications have Make sure that you keep us up to date on everything also gotten underway, and that’s exciting! Annoyingly, that you and your pony gets up to as we love to hear. all but one of the semi-finals are a million miles from But most of all, keep loving those native ponies of home for me, but hopefully I’ll manage to be ready to yours, they really are the best! pick up a ticket somewhere as by October I hope that one or two of my novices will be ready to have a crack - Beth at goal. For me, the LIHS is an absolute joy and riding there is even better. Irrespective of the Christmassy atmosphere, I think it’s because with four judges, it really is something of a lottery and I can only dream of pleasing enough judges to ever win! Therefore, the pressure is off, unlike at HOYS where I am tying myself in knots for weeks in advance! Somehow, managing to please two judges to secure a decent placing seems so much more achievable than four for the likes of me! I have an innate competitive streak and it’s the root cause of most of the pressure I have on me to succeed in showing. However, this year, more than ever, the price of fuel has also come into consideration. In short, it’s too expensive for me to be out week-in week-out at the moment and as most of my ponies are novices, it doesn’t seem too much of a hardship to take my foot off the gas – excuse the pun – and enjoy watching the qualifiers unfold from the side-lines! Looking at the numbers entered – and even more so, forwards – in many qualifying and non-qualifying classes, I’m guessing that I am not alone in feeling the pinch. It’s worrying, especially for the smaller, Area shows. On a more upbeat note, since our last issue, Laura Collett has won Badminton. It’s no secret that Laura started her competitive career as a child on Welsh ponies, so it just goes to show what a brilliant start our natives can give! Every issue I am so inspired by all of the different disciplines that native ponies can turn a hoof too. OUR VALUED PARTNERS [email protected] | June 2022 Issue | The Native Pony | 3

Contents Features 5 5. Native wins at Windsor Horse Show 28. Search for a Star Natives 30. Badminton Grassroots Championship 40. 10 minutes with artist Larua Pennell 56. Meet the judge - Lisa Barsoum Allen Regulars 36. Performance Ponies 48. Vintage Treasure 60. Ruth on the Hoof 68. Connemara Breed News 76. Fell Breed News 82. New Forest Breed News 30 36 60 68 82 Disclaimer: The view and opinions expressed within the magazine are not necessarily addition, Showing World Limited offers no guarantee of publication and reserve the those of the editor or Showing World Limited and while every effort has been made right to edit any reader’s letters, press releases, reports and articles submitted. to ensure the information contained in the magazine is correct and current at the date of publication, Showing World Limited will not accept any liability. Showing World Showing World Limited 2022. All rights reserved. No part of Native Pony may be Limited will not be held responsible for the appearance of photographic material reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted or shared in any form or by any supplied without the necessary consent, copyright and/or photographer’s details. In means, including, but not limited to; electronic, mechanical, digital, photocopying, 4 | The Native Pony | June 2022 Issue | [email protected]

NATIVE WINS AT ROYAL WINDSOR HORSE SHOW [email protected] | June 2022 Issue | The Native Pony | 5

Leia Lands Title for The Queen Henry Hird with Balmoral Leia All images by 1st Class Images The Queen’s Highland pony mare, Balmoral classes yesterday. to ask if we could enter Windy. I thought it Leia was crowned overall mountain and would at least be a nice day out!” In fact, it moorland accolade on day two of Royal In reserve for the overall mountain and proved to be just that and more, with Chloe Windsor Horse Show by judge, David moorland accolade and overall Welsh explaining she “felt quite emotional” to be Puttock. breeds champion was Mark and Liz Kilbey’s reunited with her old friend. Springbourne Capricorn. The plucky Welsh Five-year-old Leia won her breed class and section A is leased from the Singles stud in The following ponies also clinched championship en route to the supreme title. Holland. Since joining the Kilbeys at their championships of their own… She is by Balmoral Lord, whom producer Idyllic stud at the end of 2018, Capricorn Lizzie Briant explained sadly died of grass has enjoyed countelss successes, including Tracey North’s Burley Burberry topped the sickness, and she’s out of Balmoral Melody an impressive four reserve championships in New Forest contenders, shown by Dain who was successfully shown under saddle by Cuddy/ Price Family supreme final qualifiers. Atherden. He is usually shown by Georgia Lizzie, including at Royal Windsor where “He’s always the bridesmaid,” joked handler Love under saddle. Last season, the six-year- she was also overall in hand champion. Lizzie Mark Kilbey, “but we’re delighted with him”. old qualified for HOYS and RIHS, and has explained that she is named Leia after Star Now 11 years old, the Cascob Red Kite son already secured his ticket to Hickstead for this Wars’ Princess Leia, as she was born on May is also producing pleasing stock who are season. fourth. showring winners in their own right. Christy Seaman enjoyed a winning debut Lizzie showed the true-to-type, feminine First reserve was Lynda Calcutt’s 15-year-old at Windsor. Her quality three-year-old Leia to win the breed championship, but evergreen Shilstone Rocks North Westerly. filly, Griseburn Orla took the Dales breed Henry Hird took over showing for the overall The Dartmoor stallion was shown by Chloe championship handled by Philip Ward mountain and moorland championship. Chubb, who we are more used to seeing in Burton, who meets Christy and Orla at Incidentally Henry also lifted the same last the saddle having formerly ridden Windy to shows. Christy was delighted, and explained year, albeit with Vanessa Compton’s exquisite three HOYS Dartmoor Pony of the Year titles that she purchased Orla from breeders Helen Connemara mare, Skaelgaardens Delicious as well as Best of Breed at Olympia. Windy and Andrew Horn. She initially viewd a Love. has also been shown in hand successfully in different filly, but was struck by Orla and the past, qualifying for the Cuddy final in eventually persuaded the Horns to part with The Queen was ringside to watch Leia win 2015 and 2017. Lynda and Chloe explained her. Orla will be backed but Christy intends the breed championship and was also present that as Windy had been busy covering, they to breed from her before she debuts in the to witness her land the overall championship, were unsure whether or not to show him. showring under saddle. much to the crowd’s delight. This was the “It was intended that he’d do some Cuddy third win of the show and third win with a qualifiers again after he retired from the David Hodge and Julian Walters’ Blackthorn home-bred for the Queen, with Katie Jerram- ridden,” said Chloe, “But then COVID came Poldark clinched the Exmoor championship. Hunnable’s team having already produced and it never happened. I’d never done the in- The Blackthorn Sea Poacher six-year-old has Daydream III and Sunbeam to win their hand classes at Windsor, so messaged Lynda been competing with Jessica Talbot in the saddle, and is RIHS bound already. 6 | The Native Pony | June 2022 Issue | [email protected]

Aimee Devane and Rachel Cooper’s Mark Kilbey and Springbourne Capricorn Connemara stallion Glencarrig Camelot Chloe Chubb and took the breed tricolour. The exquisite Coosheen Breeze eight-year-old also Shilstone Rocks North Westerly competes in ridden classes, and made his debut with Rachel in the saddle at the Bucks County Spectacular Show where he was reserve supreme and also stood reserve for the Price Family semi-final inhand shown by Aimee. Hope Fisher’s Foalsyke Little Topper took the Fell championship shown by Poppy Fisher. He is by Stennerskeugh Bonny Lad out of Hillhead Henrietta and looked. Although well known and multi-garlanded in the ridden ranks, the fourteen-year-old looked as fresh and evergreen as ever and powered around the Castle Arena in the championship. The Welsh section C championship headed home with Tony Newman and his own young stallion Llanmorlais Dynamite. The four-year-old was bred by south-Wales based Mark Swistun and is by Parvadean Rooney and out of Llanmorlais Rosebud. Burley Burberry and Dain Atherden Aimee Devane and Glencarrig Camelot David Hodge and Blackthorn Poldark Philip Ward Burton and Griseburn Orla Poppy Fisher and Foalsyke Little Topper Janpete Class Act and his owner April Gilmartin clinched the Welsh section B Chelsea Gowan and Blaidd Tynam April Gilmartin and Janpete Class Act title. The five-year-old was bred by the Mansfield family, and is by their own Mandy Sergeant and Champlers Ellie extremely successful Royal Welsh winning Janpete Tom Thumb. April is has also started campaigning him under saddle. Tracey Gowan’s Blaidd Tynam (Brookhamlodge Peter Pan x Blaidd Chocolate Orange)was shown by Chelsea Gowan to head the Welsh section D championship. The 13-year-old was the only gelding in the championship. Mandy Sergeant’s Champlers Ellie (Stepley Victorious x Ladbury Eloise) was the smallest champion forwards for the overall championship having taken the Shetland title. Not only was Ellie the smallest champion, but at just two years old, she was also the youngest. Tony Newman and Llanmorlais Dynamite

Katy Marriott Payne and Salcome Starehole Bay Smallest Winner Bags Biggest Prize Royal Windsor Horse Show: The Ridden Natives Photos by 1st Class Images April Gilmartin and Gems Malt Whiskey With two London International Horse persuaded to do so by Felicity, only for Show tickets on offer, competition Felicity to be unable to attend at the looked as hot as the weather, and judges eleventh hour. Janet Bushell and Caroline Hamilton had a difficult task. The second ticket was awarded to April Gilmartin and her own winner of In the end, Felicity Thompson’s the Welsh section C class, Gems Malt homebred stallion, Salcombe Starehole Whiskey [Malty]. Malty was bred by Bay [Cecil] proved small is mighty the late Richard Deptford. April found to take the coveted mountain and him on Facebook a two-year-old colt, moorland ridden tricolour and the first and bought him unseen. He is home of the tickets. He was ridden by his produced by April and her mother, producer, Katy Marriott Payne. The Kathy. The pair secured their first major charming eight-year-old stallion had ticket on their debut visit to the BSPS been used at stud prior to being sent to Heritage championships in 2019 where Katy during 2020’s summer lockdown. they were novice champions and later Last season, the pair enjoyed a magical secured qualification to Olympia. Last season, standing supreme mountain season, they continued with an excellent and moorland at the RIHS, reserve and run of form, qualifying for the RIHS, Dartmoor Best of Breed at the London HOYS and the LIHS. International Horse Show, and second at HOYS to Sarah Weston’s Westown Also taking home wins were… Wild Fire, who was second in the class at Windsor. However, it almost didn’t Sarah Parker rode Ella Morris’ nine-year- happen as Katy was undecided whether old Dales gelding, Tarbarl Luke at Me to show him at Windsor. She was (Carrock Billy Boy x Tarbarl Polly) to win the first class of the section. This 8 | The Native Pony | June 2022 Issue | [email protected]

was the second year consecutively for Sarah to Rebecca Penny and Linkbury Royal Celebration win the class with a Dales, having won and taken champion in 2021 with Nipna Midnight Rambler. Lucy Glover rode Amanda Sharman’s seven- year-old Connemara stallion Catle Kestrel (Glencarrig Knight x Castle Melody) to win the Connemara and New Forest class. Lucy also produced the champion show pony, Michelle Baxter-Davies’ 128cm Roxairs Aphrodite ridden by Poppy Baxter-Davies and the winning 148cm show pony, Carmens Novello, ridden by Isabella O’Donnell. The aptly named Linksbury Royal Celebration won the Welsh sections A and B class under regular show-rider, Rebecca Penny. Bred by Julie Landon, the five-year-old is by multi-garlanded Linksbury Royal Charm and is now owned by Danielle Garner. Though low on milage, the classy section B stallion is already RIHS bound. The final class of the section, the Welsh section D class was topped by Ellena Thomas and her own 12-year-old stallion, Kaybrook Midnight Comet (Trefaes Black Flyer x Rhydeilian Morning Sunshine), who as ever, gave a beautiful display of his impeccable manners. He is an uber-consistent familiar face on the ridden circuit and has visited HOYS, the RIHS, Olympia and the London International Horse Show on several occasions. Ellena Thomas and Kaybrook Midnight Comet Sarah Parker and Tarbarl Luke At Me Lucy Glover and Castle Kestrel [email protected] | June 2022 Issue | The Native Pony | 9

Sparkles Leads Dycott Duo Royal Windsor Horse Show: The mountain and moorland working hunter ponies 10 | The Native Pony | June 2022 Issue | [email protected] Gemma Pallett and Dycott Sparkling Lady

Ross Keys and Dycott Welsh King In the mountain and moorland workers, Welsh King, the winner of the exceeding all four winners had already qualified for 143cm under Ross Keys. Having not enjoyed the RIHS but their riders were nevertheless much luck at Windsor in the past, Ross and thrilled to take the top spots round a testing partner Anna Chaplin had not competed course. King there for three years, choosing to show in-hand instead. “But it has always Gemma Pallett’s super-versatile section been Ross’ dream to have a win as it’s an C mare, Dycott Sparkling Lady took the honour to compete there at such a prestigious championship. At just five-years old and in show,” said Anna. “That morning Ross said her first season, this mare is proving a tour de he would be happy to get round clear as force. Gemma explained that “this time last we knew it would be one of the toughest year, she had never left the ground”. She was tracks”. When a few excellent ponies jumped bred by super-proud George Mitchell and clear, again Ross felt the win had eluded Clare Granger. “I’ve already put my name him, but “what a moment,” said Anna. “We on another one,” said Gemma, adding, “if are so grateful to Angela Thomas who loans it’s a fraction of what Sparkles in then that King to us; she is incredibly supportive and would be nice! She is completely and utterly has given us so many opportunities with a one-off, a freak! I am still on cloud nine and this pony. To finish off standing reserve think I will be for a while; what a mare and champion to Gemma was just wonderful and what a day!” we are thrilled for Claire and George”. Most unusual is that the reserve was also a Sue Kernan’s former HOYS, RIHS and Dycott-bred pony: Welsh section D Dycott Olympia finalist Lledrith Nemesis won the 122cm class ridden by Samantha Roberts. The plucky Welsh section A stallion is extremely versatile. He qualified for the BD Winter Championships at novice level within 24 hours of securing his RIHS mountain and moorland working hunter pony ticket. He has also qualified for the RIHS in the flat breed classes and clinched the first HOYS class of the year at Stoneleigh Horse Show. Karen Raine’s Carrownurlaur Johnny topped the 143cm lineup under Rebecca Raine. Rebecca and Johnny, a ten-year-old Connemara, are formidable opponents in the working hunter pony ranks and have already qualified for the RIHS this year in both the plaited and mountain and moorland working hunter pony sections. They bagged an early ticket for the mountain and moorland final at the NPS Autumn Festival last year, and a qualification for the plaited final at BSPS Area 17. Rebecca Raine and Carrownurlaur Johnny Gemma Pallett and Dycott Sparkling Lady [email protected] | SJaumnean2t0h2a2RIsosbueer|tsTahnedNLalteidveritPhoNnyem| 11esis

Harry Judge, Thistledown Snowfall and Kevin Cousins, with judges Pat Pattinson and Jane Dean NATIVES IN DISGUISE These three ponies each donned plaits to top their classes… 1. Senior showing steward Philip Judge took a 2. Harry Edwards Brady won break from official duties to watch his son, Harry the 122cm show hunter pony Judge, 7, top the lead rein hunter pony on his class with his mother, Emma Windsor debut, with Thistledown Snowfall. The Edwards’ inimitable Gryngallt pair were led by Kevin Cousins, who produces Page Too [Billy]. Former HOYS the Welsh section A with partner Christina Gillet. winners, Billy and Harry are Philip and wife Claire purchased Snowfall directly in their final season together as from breeder Sandy Anderson. Harry will be out of class at its end and Billy will be retired. Bred by Lesley Hillard, Welsh section B Billy is Gryngallt Paris out of Gryngallt Patience. He has had a superb career including a former win and championship at Windsor under Libby Grota while Harry was still too young to take over the reins. Billy and Harry went on to stand reserve champion show hunter pony. 3. Charlotte Steadman’s Welsh section B Annandale Prince Charming won the 133cm show hunter pony class under Poppy Steadman. The nine- year-old gelding is by Moelview Celebration and out of Akadame Popcorn. Harry Edwards Brady and Gryngallt Page Too Poppy Steadman and Annandale Prince Charming

William Parkin and Newoak Gold Edition Gold Edition Mini Marvel Royal Windsor Horse Show: The Mini Mountain and Moorlands The mini mountain and moorland classes year-old is by Brynrodyn Sion out of producing full-time. However, on the were enormous, with children, leaders, Tiffwyl Mimosa. He is now produced premise that Charlie Chadwick would lead ponies and officials doing well to keep by Terri Guyett. Despite having taught the pair at shows, Jimmy arrived with her smiling and putting a best foot forwards Violet since she was three and Charlene just two weeks before the show. “There’s in Saturday afternoon’s heat. After keeping liveries with Terri, she was still a lot more to improve on yet,” said winning a mammoth first ridden class, initially reluctant to take on producing Terri, meaning Jimmy and Violet surely Diana Hannam’s Newoak Gold Edition a lead rein for her as she’s no longer have an exciting future. and William Parkin took the tricolour on their second appearance since HOYS 2021. By Shilstone Rocks Day of Fury, the 12-year-old is out of Newoak First Edition and has been owned by Diana since a two-year-old, meaning she and William have grown together. She is currently home produced by the family with producer Emma Holder helping at shows as they are clients. “She is a fabulous pony,” said Emma, “a true child’s pony and she performed to perfection; she really is a pony in a million. William has also gone from strength to strength, and he rode well beyond his years like a true showman!” Charlie Chadwick led Charlene Mennie’s Tiffwyl Moselle [Jimmy] to win the mountain and moorland lead rein class and reserve champion, ridden by Violet Mennie. Bred by Tony Tilly, the five- Violet Mennie and Tiffwyinl [email protected] | June 2022 Issue | The Native Pony | 13

ROYAL WINDSOR HORSE SHOW: The Fell Pony Parade The Fell Pony Society celebrated both Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee and the centenary of its founding with a unique parade of ponies at Royal Winsor Horse show. It also marked 40 years since the Queen agreed to become Patron of the Fell pony society. Fell ponies are known for their versatility and longevity, and a diverse range of ponies were on parade. The parade was led in my Lady Louise Windsor and included a range of ages from younger ponies that are starting out in their careers to ponies well into their 20’s. Between them, the ponies had a variety of skills from showing, to dressage, carriage driving, side saddle, hunting and being an all- round family pony. The late Duke of Edinburgh competed for many years at a National level in the Pony Teams class with a four in hand of Fells, and the Fell Pony Society remembers him for presenting the society with the Edinburgh Awards which are given internationally each year for Fell ponies in harness. As well as the parade, the Society presented Her Majesty with specially commissioned gifts to say thank you for all the support provided as Patron. 14 | The Native Pony | June 2022 Issue | [email protected]

“It was so incredible to be part of such a special day, “My Fell is a star. He does fun things with me and also everyone who took part in the parade was delighted”. works at our riding school including taking care of riders with additional needs under the accessibility mark (riding Georgie Lewis-Roberts for the disabled) scheme.” Kirsty Edwards “I brought my first fell pony in 2008 and never looked back. Their versatility and sensitive nature makes them “Always a yard favourite, Fell ponies have a unique nature. an all round family pony. I have been lucky to own three I love how mine is always keen to work. He does whatever beautiful but different Fells. All my boys have been very different in character and appearance. The best party I ask him to do with such enthusiasm, he always puts about fells is their comedic characters and that they all 110% in. It’s this can do attitude coupled with such friendly enjoy doing different things from hacking to jumping. Fells really are the best breed and I wouldn’t ever be without nature which makes this breed so versatile. We love exploring the countryside together. He’s incredibly sure one.” Lucinda Stockley footed so what he lacks in speed he makes back the time covering rough terrain with ease during endurance rides. “We are new to the Fell breed but how amazingly versatile they are! Our little 13hh powerhouse was on the tails of His enthusiasm for work makes training for dressage the Blood Horses all winter when out with The Cranwell enjoyable.” Rowena Day Bloodhounds.” Nicki Glenn [email protected] | June 2022 Issue | The Native Pony | 15

The Fell Pony Parade Participants Rider Name Owner Name Pony's Name Georgie Lewis-Roberts Georgie Lewis-Roberts Waverhead Dazzler II Leanne Nicholls Leanne & Rachael Nicholls Lunesdale Warlord Lorna Brooks Alice Brooks Lorna Brooks Knockamillie Jasmine Charlotte Ward Lorna Brooks Murthwaite Sarah Emma Woodruff Emma Woodruff Nicola Patterson Daisy Payne Roddlesworth Annabelle Kayley Radford Nicola Patterson Roddlesworth Celebrity Gaynor Wareham Kayley Radford Murthwaite Blue Peter Mrs HJ Gallagher Gaynor Wareham Lucinda Stockley Mrs HJ Gallagher Rackwood Kingdom Harriet Glen Lucinda Stockley Hillhead Port Ellen Olivia Minns Georgia Hanson on lease to Nicki & Harriet Glenn Hillhead Whiskey Alice Minns Joanna Minns Esme Hernon Joanna Minns Bracklinn Travis Kathryn Brook Esme Hernon Townend Chieftan Kathryn Brook Townend Valour Hayley M Reynolds Zoe Marsden Murthwaite Rick Zoe Marsden Zoe Marsden Bracklinn Ironman Lisa Croft Jane Rawden Brooksan Persephone (aka Poppy) Katy Downing Sheila Hardy/Alison Torode Wellbrow Diplomat Victoria L Oliver Chantelle Chapman Charlotte Knight Midtown Joker Charlotte Knight Lorna Brooks Murthwaite Looks Promising Christina Vaughan Claire Wigley Claire Wigley Rowena Day Waverhead Ted Rowena Day Bailey Careford Greenholme Falcon Bailey Careford Rebecca Jayne Rawlinson Scotshaven Bella Augusta G Chambers & K Saberton Rebecca Jayne Rawlinson Poppy Fisher Guards Jester Gemma Louise Chambers Joanna Minns Murthwaite Wanted Man Rebecca Jayne Rawlinson Poppy Fisher Townend Bellboy II Aimee Devane Fiona Earle Shadowcroft Silver Moor Katie Curwen TBC Stacy Longrigg Midtown Odin Fiona Earle Teresa Whitehead Lydvale Jacob Katie Curwen Lesley Cook Foalsyke Little Topper Stacy Longrigg Kirsty Edwards Nicholwalls Graceson Amy Whitehead Esme Hernon Nabside Gracie Lesley Cook Debbie Lock Meres Jamboree Kirsty Edwards Jessica Everill Bybeck Sapphire Hannah Nicholls Conway Caroles Legacy Debbie Lock Huntsmans Dillon (aka Django) Jessica Everill Hades Hill Petal Shadowcroft Hero Marleystone Branagan Rivervalley Nimbostratus Brackenbank Flicka 16 | The Native Pony | June 2022 Issue | [email protected]

SHOWING WORLD Whether you’re a producer at the top of your game, or aspiring to bag your first golden ticket to HOYS or the RIHS, you’ll find everything you need to know here at Showing World! SUBSCRIBE TODAY, 6 ISSUES FOR ONLY £36! Scan me with your phone camera

Clover Hill Magic Connemaras Score Price Supreme Spots As ever, natives have proven themselves a force in the Price Tyan Ma Lady (2018). She is also just the third to qualify with a Supreme qualifiers. The first native to gain a place in the 2022 foal at foot, Chiltern Lara being the first with a colt which Vanessa final line-up was Vanessa Compton’s exquisite Connemara mare, later bought! Skaergaardens Delicious Love. Delicious was bred in Denmark by Brigitte Gotske and imported as The ten-year-old Connemara mare is no stranger to the limelight a youngster by Kelly. While Vanessa purchased the nine-year-old having stood 2017 mountain and moorland ridden champion at for breeding purposes, she initially chose to use flushed embryos so Horse of the Year Show under her previous owner, Kelly Jones, that the mare herself could continue to be ridden before carrying a and RIHS overall reserve champion mountain and moorland at foal of her own. the RIHS last season under Jo Jack. She was also crowned supreme champion mountain-and-moorland in-hand at Windsor last season It was a case of history repeating itself as Delicious was shown year, shown by Henry Hird. by Scott Dixon, who showed Vanessa’s five times Price Supreme contender, Castle Emperor to the supreme championship at Notts Although we expect to see Connemaras in the final lineup, she is County in 2019. Jo Jack took charge of her colt foal by Cathy actually just the fifth mare to do so following Rosenaharley Laurin Wood’s Clover Hill Magic, who in a fateful twist, was the second (1983), Chiltern Lara (1984 ), Ballydonagh Misterina (1987) and native to take a Price Supreme 2022 ticket at Bath and West Show. 18 | The Native Pony | June 2022 Issue | [email protected]

He was bred by the Lee family just outside Clifden. Cathy first the pre and final judging,” said Jamie, “He has the loveliest spotted the five-year-old Glencarrig Knight son at Clifden, county temperament to deal with and showing him is a pleasure. Bath and Connemara at the annual show. “I was queuing for coffee with half West is one of our local County Shows so it’s special to qualify an eye on the colt foal class. He was stood mid-line came out to there.” trot and when I saw him move coffee was abandoned and I ran up the road after them to buy him,” said Cathy. “I remember ringing Cathy was quick to credit Jamie and his commitment to their Jamie and saying I’ve just found us the pony of a lifetime”. showing aspirations: “Getting to HOYs in-hand is a tall order for amateurs like us with busy, full-time jobs and I could not do it He was shown by Jamie Frost, who has handled Cathy’s in-hand without Jamie’s unending, commitment, support and friendship”. Connemara ponies for a number of years. He was shown a handful of times during the 2021. Nevertheless, he made a significant Magic has given yet more reasons to celebrate as his first crop of impact, standing champion at Devon County, Bath and West, the foals have landed at Cathy’s: six pure-breds and a part-bred. “It’s so NPS Spring Festival, Three Counties and supreme champion at nerve wracking waiting for a rookie stallion’s first foals. Had they the Connemara breed show. This season, he repeated his Bath and been moderate, Magic would have been cut and sold but they are West championship before going on to clinch the supreme. breath-taking and I could not be happier.” “He settled into a super rhythm and went beautifully in both Photos of Skaregaardens Delicious Love by Mountain Media Photos of Clover Hill Magic by Jay Photos Skaergaardens Delicious Love

Westwick Dales ponies at inhand show Westwick Winners The Dales Pony Society Stallion and Breed Show held at Streatlam Farm, Barnard Castle is always one of the society’s showcase events and David Eccles’ Westwick stud enjoyed a superb run of luck. Reigning 2021 champion, Westwick Polly kickstarted the day’s wins by taking the top spot in the senior mare class. Polly is no stranger to success having stood supreme at the 2019 RBST show with David and champion at the Great Yorkshire Show in 2021 shown David’s daughter Emma. Five-year-olds Westwick Lady Rose and Westwick Florie perpetuated the winning by standing first and second respectively in the junior mare class. Not to be outdone, Westwick Daisy topped her broodmare class, her colt foal at foot won his class, and classy yearling filly Westwick Mabel stood top of her yearling class before going on to take the youngstock tricolour. Nevertheless, when it came to the supreme in hand accolade, it was the winner of the junior mares, Westwick Lady Rose who impressed supreme inhand judge Everette Hayes to claim the title. Photos by Kevin Owens Digital Works Ltd 20 | The Native Pony | June 2022 Issue | [email protected]

Westwick Polly at the GYS Westwick Lady Rose Westwick Lady Rose Westwick Mabel [email protected] | June 2022 Issue | The Native Pony | 21

SHOWRING STARS Esme Atkinson and Weydown Royal Consort (Equinational) Weydown Royal Consort Esme Atkinson and her mum, Jemma Atkinson’s Welsh section B, Weydown Royal Consort [Marv] are a new combination this year. He is produced by Katy Marriott-Payne who spotted Marv at a show last year and thought he’d be perfect for nine-year- old Esme. Katy messaged his owner asking if Jemma could have first refusal on him if they decided to part with him. “Luckily, that time came in January. When we tried him, there was an immediate connection; they were perfect for each other,” said Jemma. They tried a handful of early qualifiers where the little duo consistently stood in the top. Their luck changed at the BSPS championships. Jemma said: “When it was time for BSPS Champs, they were on top form and looked an absolute picture. As soon as they entered the class, they meant business and executed a beautiful show to gain their RI ticket. In the championship they pulled it out of the bag, pinging round to claim the mini championship”. The pair have gone from strength to strength and most recently have clinched a HOYS mountain and moorland first ridden ticket at the Native Breeds Ridden Festival in Carmarthen where they also went on to stand reserve champion mini mountain and moorland. Aliya Khan and Latijn V.d. Helling Aliya Khan and Claire Connor’s charming Shetland stallion, Latijn commence further stud duties if I can convince Aliya to part with V.d. Helling [Latz], were reserve champion novice at the BSPS him again,” laughed Claire, “she always tells me he’s her favourite winter championsips. Claire imported Latz from the Lap family’s and very much part of the family!” Helling Stud in the Netherlands when he was a two-year-old. Now five years old, Latz is by three-times National Champion Aliya Kahn and Latijn V.d. of Honour, Caz V. Stal Nieuwemoed and out of 1st Premium Evaluated mare Rylanda V.D. Helling. “I imported in December 2019 having flown over to the watch the young stallion evaluations in the hope of purchasing a future stallion for the stud. We imported him alongside another two-year-old Dutch colt Lars V. t’ Zand, who we also plan to campaign under saddle in the future. We used Latz a breeding stallion as a three-year-old and have an outstanding daughter of his retained in the stud,” said Claire. Aliya leased Latz from Claire in January 2022 and Aliya and her mother have since broken him in herself. “He’s taken to the job like a duck to water. He’s the sweetest, kindest and most obliging pony you could wish to meet. He always gives you absolutely everything he’s got,” said Claire. Despite being at only his third show, Latz was also second in his RIHS class. Nevertheless, the team’s focus will be novice classes this season and the RIHS, HOYS and LIHS campaign-trail in 2023. ”He’ll return home at a later date to 22 | The Native Pony | June 2022 Issue | [email protected]

Sammi Taylor and Samantha Taylor and Bronheulog Gold Dust (Equinational) Bronheulog Gold Dust Chrissy Knipe and her sister, Rebecca Abba’s Bronheulog God Dust [Casper] proved just as brilliant as his namesake when he clinched the restricted supreme championship under Chrissy’s daughter, Samantha – Sammi – Taylor, 11. Nine-year-old Casper was bred by Mandy and Vicky Andrews and Chrissy and Rebecca purchased him during lockdown from Mark Reeves and Steven Hulston. Interestingly, Casper and Sammi were restricted show hunter pony champion at the 2021 BSPS winter championships and gained his RIHS ticket at BSPS Area 1A, a feat he has also repeated this year. In 2021, he went on to claim his HOYS ticket and stand champion at the Royal Highland show, and the team are hopeful that he will soon clinch his HOYS qualification for this year. This is Sammi’s last season in the class which will certainly be a wrench; “Sammi adores him and loves hacking,” said Rebecca, adding, “He’s such a good boy; there’s not many like him.” Eastlands Dunknowe (1st Class Images) Chloe Heathcote and Eastlands Dunknowe Chloe and her mum, Tammy Heathcote’s Connemara gelding Eastlands Dunknowe took this season’s very first mountain and moorland junior large breeds ticket. The Connemara gelding by Eastlands Harleybrae also qualified for HOYS last season at Malvern, specifically at the Three Counties Show, under former rider Abbie Gresty who partnered him at HOYS despite having already been purchased by Tammy at that point. He went on to win the breed semi-final at the BSPS Heritage championships under producer Sarah Parker for Chloe to take the ride at the final. This season, he has made a sterling start to his campaign having qualified for the juniors at the RIHS under Chloe at the Mid Wales Show and the RIHS open final under Sarah at BSPS Area 6. Sarah has since qualified him for HOYS at Stoneleigh Horse Show with Chloe taking the ride to stand reserve in the championship. Georgia Darlington and Shana Rebel Despite rupturing ligaments after HOYS last year and undergoing subsequent surgery in February, Georgia Darlinton has made a successful comeback with her plaited and native string of working hunter ponies. She’s photographed here topping the novice mountain and moorland working hunter pony championship with Joan Hayden’s winner of the exceeding 143cm class, Connemara gelding, Shana Rebel. Shana Rebel (Equinational)

Linda Atkinson and Danwood Llewellyn At the NPS Spring Festival, Linda Atkinson and her homebred Welsh section C Danwood Llewellyn [Lewi] booked his third trip to HOYS and a third ticket at Malvern’s Three Counties showground. Linda rode the Wyken Rob Roy gelding to win the Welsh section C of the year and overall reserve mountain and moorland titles in 2018 when Lewi was just five. Linda had subsequently relinquished the reins to her daughter, Hannah who has gone from strength to strength with Lewi to qualify twice more for HOYS and secure the family’s first ever qualification for the London International Horse Show (formerly Olympia) last season. Hannah, who is the WPCS Young Ambassador this year, was forced to miss the Spring Festival due to a judging appointment at Lampeter Stallion Show, meaning Linda had to get back on Lewi for the first time since HOYS 2018. The pair weren’t in the least bit rusty, and Linda and Lewi performed a beautiful, mannerly show to take the highest ride mark and then stand section reserve. Danwood Llewellyn(1st Class Images) Delami Daioni (1st Class Images) Chloe Spencer and Delami Dainoi Chloe Spencer, 9, rode her mum, Fiona Spencer’s Delami Daioni [Princess] to win the 122cm mountain and moorland working hunter pony class at the NPS Spring Festival. The pair have been somewhat unlucky in their quest to jump around the track at Hickstead. They qualified in 2020 only for the show to be cancelled due to COVID, then jumped seven consecutive clears last season to finish second four times and third a further three times. “Every time I was third, the second pony qualified,” explained Chloe, who’s looking forwards to finally jumping at Hickstead, providing all goes well. Not to be outdone by her older sister, Emily,7, who had a cast removed from her arm just a week before and who is lining up to move onto Princess, scored a hattrick of wins with the darling section A mare. Princess and Emily won the training stakes, and the open and junior 122cm mountain and moorland working hunter pony classes. “Princess is incredible,” said Fiona, “She’s a one-in- a-million pony – a saint.” Frankie Currell and Dunkery Black Grouse (1st Class Images) Dunkery Black Grouse South Wales based Frankie and Exmoor stallion Dunkery Black Grouse have enjoyed an incredible run of luck recently starting with a HOYS 122cm mountain and moorland working hunter pony ticket at Stoneleigh Horse Show. They later went on to collect an RIHS mountain and moorland working hunter pony qualification at NPS Area 29 and a flat open ridden Dartmoor, Exmoor and Shetland qualification at Hereford Marches. That’s three tickets in two weeks! 24 | The Native Pony | June 2022 Issue | [email protected]

Lilly Richardson and Elberry Suillen (1st Class Images) Elberry Suillen Lilly and Elberry Suillen made history when they took the first ever junior mountain and moorland working hunter pony ticket to the HOYS final at Stoneleigh Horse Show. The former RIHS winner has jumped super consistently this spring and after a clutch of seconds, secured their RIHS mountain and moorland working hunter pony ticket. Lilly and sister Penny enjoyed a magical day at Stoneleigh Horse Show culminating in an amazing five tickets. They also won the HOYS mountain and moorland lead rein with the uber consistent Thistledown Van der Vaart, and the mountain and moorland first ridden with Briar Snow Fox. All three ponies also have at least one RIHS tickets secured. Samantha Roberts and Lledrith Nemesis Sue Kernan’s Welsh section A stallion Lledrith Nemesis has once again proven his versatility. A former HOYS, RIHS and Olympia finalist, he’s enjoyed a superb spring under his producer, Sam Roberts. Within 24 hours of qualifying for the BD Winter championships, he also qualified for the RIHS 122cm mountain and moorland working hunter pony final. He also has a ridden qualification for the RIHS and has since turned his attention to HOYS classes, and has attacked these with equal gusto. He took the first HOYS Welsh section A ridden ticket at Stoneleigh Horse Show and a week later, he secured his HOYS 122cm working hunter pony qualification. Ledrith Nemesis (1st Class Images) The Owens family and Llanarth Llanarth Windsor (1st Class Images) Windsor The NPS Spring Festival meant a day of highs and lows for the Pembrokeshire based Owen team. A blowout en route made them two-and-a-half hours late for the show, but mum, Charlotte, had a plan up her sleeve. As they neared the showground, she rang family friend Abi Vaughn to get her daughter, Grace, dressed and walking the course in preparation for when they arrived. “I knew I wouldn’t get myself and Chloe there in time for Sophie to walk it, so as soon as we arrived, I handed Llanarth Windsor over to Grace and she had time for one quick pop before going in.” Luckily, Grace and Windsor were unflappable and jumped clear to win the RIHS 133cm qualifier. With time-pressure alleviated, Sophie had her turn and not to be outdone, jumped a super round to win the RIHS nursery stakes qualifier. However, at this point, disaster stuck with Sophie falling from another pony and a subsequent trip to A&E that night revealed her arm to be broken. With one class left for Windsor, older sister, Chloe who has recently stepped up a class, got back into the saddle to win the junior small breeds under 138cm working hunter pony class. The Owens have owned the section B for five years and have enjoyed considerable success with him qualifying for both as a mountain and moorland and plaited working hunter pony. [email protected] | June 2022 Issue | The Native Pony | 25

Sarah Parker and Nipna Midnight Rambler Taking the HOYS championship at the NPS Spring Festival and the first Dales pony ticket was Julie Pennell and the Pennell family’s winner of the Fells and Dales class, Nipna Midnight Rambler [Rambo] under his producer, Sarah Parker. By Nipna Invictus, Rambo is the first foal out of Nipna Damask Rose [Rosie] who stood second under Julie’s daughter, Anna Pennell at HOYS. The seven-year-old first turned heads at the BSPS Winter Championships when he stood supreme before going on to take the coveted ridden championship at Windsor in 2021, standing second at HOYS and taking third place at the London International Horse Show last December. He has also since claimed his London International Horse Show qualification by standing champion at Suffolk County on his first attempt. Nipna Midnight Rambler (1st Class Images) Scarlett Marshall and Greenholme Knight - FIRST RIHS TICKET! Scarlett and six-year-old Fell stallion, Greenholme Knight have qualified for the UKP&H intermediate mountain and moorland class at the RIHS. Knight, who is by Greenholme Warrior, is owned and produced by Terry Clynes and CIaran Kelly by Greenholme Warrior. Scarlett and Knight had had a few seconds and even a reserve champion at North East Derbyshire spring show before finally going one better to secure their ticket. Scarlett’s mum, Keeley explained that she meets Knight at shows “and loves having the ride on him and is very much looking forward to the final!” The following day at Area 4B, Knight also qualified for the open breed class and stood champion ridden by Terry. Greenholme Knight Tara Robinson, Hedgethorpe June Delight and Hedgethorpe April Morning Tara Robinson and her own Fell mare Hedgethorpe June Delight have qualified for the RIHS amateur mountain and moorland final on their first attempt of the year at BSPS area 1A. Tara has also qualified June’s mother, Hedgethorpe April Morning for the SSADL RIHS in hand at the age of 21. This will be April’s second trip to the RIHS having last competed there at the age of 15 in the UKP&H Young Riders class. “April is a lovely pony and enjoys her showing so much that we always say she’s a bit of a party girl and loves an atmosphere,” said Tara, adding, “we are very excited to be taking mother and daughter to the RIHS”. Tara Robinson 26 | The Native Pony | June 2022 Issue | [email protected]

Georgia Hanson and Waterside Blackjack Winter heritage novice champion was Helen Hanson’s Waterside Blackjack [Jacko] ridden by Georgia Hanson. Jacko is a six-year- old Dales stallion, bred by the Heap family. He was spotted initially by the keen eye of the late Norah Starkie, who brought him back to her son Paul and his wife Helen to start his education. “Georgia rode for the Starkie’s and always loved Jacko so when she was given the chance to buy him from his new owner, she snapped him up,” explained Georgia’s mum, Helen Hanson. She added, “Jacko has had a fab start by all concerned and we can’t wait to see what the 2022 season brings!” Waterside Blackjack (Equinational) Lucinda and William Leeming and with Thistledown San Siro and Moortown Master Craftsman The first of the junior small breeds HOYS San-Siro to win and stand champion before Moortown Master Craftsman tickets for 2022 was awarded to Diana also winning the first ridden and standing Leeming’s uber-consistent Welsh section reserve champion. “He’s proving to be such Thistledown San Siro (1st Class A, Thistledown San Siro [Rocky] under an amazing pony who can turn his hoof to Images) Diana’s daughter, Lucinda, 13. Rocky and anything, including mounted games during his young riders, Lucinda and her younger the winter months,” said Diana. Their luck brother, William, had an incredible season didn’t stop there. William later won the in 2021, winning the junior small breeds, Best Rider Supreme on Dartmoor pony junior open championship and Pretty Polly Moortown Master Craftsman [Charlie] and home-produced mini championship at the Lucinda stood supreme with Rocky. RIHS last season before standing supreme home-produced at the BSPS Summer Charlie is no stranger to success having Championships as well as gaining three carried multiple young riders safely into placings at HOYS. Rocky has kicked off the ring over the years, and winning the his 2022 season with aplomb gaining three RIHS mountain and moorland first ridden, tickets to the RIHS and now a HOYS competing at Olympia and standing third ticket for his young riders, and each one on in the 122cm mountain and moorland their debut attempts this season, proving working hunter pony class at HOYS. that he can step up and down the gears Diana explained, “He’s a pony the children at a minute’s notice. He qualified for the both adore and have had so much fun on. UKP&H junior small breeds with Lucinda Lucinda won the BSPS Black Country and first ridden mountain and moorland Saddles Best Rider on him two years with William at UKP&H Spring Classic running before she won it on Rocky; where he also stood reserve champion they both compete in the workers classes junior. He later gained his open breed on him, and William now does mounted ticket at North of England Spring Show games on him”. where Lucinda was the only child in the class. William and Rocky were also William and Charlie recently featured in supreme of show at Area 1B. the Pendle Pony Club’s mounted games team. The team won the area mounted William and Lucinda also had an amazing games and have now qualified for the day at the Area 2B championship show. Zones Finals in July. Lucinda and Rocky won and went champion in the RIHS junior small breeds, and William jumped a super round in the mountain and moorland cradle stakes with [email protected] | June 2022 Issue | The Native Pony | 27

SEIB Search for a Star & Racehorse to Riding Horse 2022 kicks off at Vale View Equestrian SEIB Search for a Star 2022 Vale View Equestrian Centre, April 24, 2022 Report by Jenny Viner Photos SMR Photography Nearly 200 competitors descended on Vale class earlier in the day when Kilmurray VV PC OPen 1 Jessica Ross Rooan De Goariva View Equestrian for the first Search for a Star Fionn spooked. Fliss said: “The first class VV M n M 1 Fliss Martin Kilmurray Fionn [SFAS] qualifier of 2022, and a good number today definitely helped settle him. I asked of those were natives! Samantha De Caprio the judge for feedback and their suggestions and Search for a Star steward, Helen Dunwell on encouraging him to be more forward were welcomed to the judging team for definitely helped. I’ve owned him for three the first time. Nicola Taylor joined senior years. I bought Kilmurray Fionn to jump judge, Richard Ramsay, for a full day as a and go to one day events as well. We SFAS judge. John Foster, Craig McLelland qualified for the British Connemara Eventing and Rebecca Court returned as stewards Championships last year but didn’t actually and Reece Bentley excelled in his first day go to the finals. I’d love to qualify him for stewarding for the team. the Royal International amateur heritage championships too.” The day marked a high starting point for the brand-new Pony Club Search for a Star The first ever SFAS Pony Club lead rein class competition in its first Your Horse Live was won by Worcestershire Hunt branch qualifying classes alongside the first running member, Charlotte Knight, 5, riding her of in-hand Search for a Star series. mother Jamie Clarke’s Dartmoor, Collstone Caventina [Dixie]. Jamie bought Dixie, last The first class, Working Pony went to Natalie August for Charlotte. Jamie said: “Charlotte Pastor and her homebred six-year-old New goes to Pony Club each week, she and Dixie Forest gelding, Langorra Ginger Port [Larry]. take part in rallies and hound exercise. We Qualifying for HOYS was only the start of are delighted this series is on as it provides a the day for Natalie as the pair went on to great learning opportunity and we can take it take second place in the Search for a Star slowly and get it right.” Mountain and Moorland class later in the day and earn a ticket to the Your Horse Live final. In the Pony Club first ridden class, five ponies Langorra Ginger Port was bred by Natalie came forward and the class was won by, out of her New Forest working hunter pony Emily Elliott, 8, and Connie Elliott’s Welsh mare, Portmore Lil. Natalie said: “It was section B, Larchgrove Isabella [Issy]. Emily always the plan to breed from our lovely and Issy are members of the Rufford branch of mare. We bred two foals from her while I was the Pony Club. Connie said: “Emily and Issy away at uni, the other one went to Ireland love being out, they compete in all pony club and I kept Larry. I backed him and have activities from hunter trials to showjumping produced him myself.” Larry is by Woodrow to dressage. They have done some local Portman who competed at HOYS in flat and showing and are really looking forward working hunter pony finals. These successes to Pony Club camp which takes place at rounded off a brilliant weekend for Natalie Southwell Racecourse. They will get to have and Larry after a win and going champion at a good canter on the track!” the NPS Festival the previous day. Malton College student, Jessica Ross won Your Horse Live will host the Search for a the Pony Club open SFAS class riding her Star finals for The Pony Club and mountain Connemara, Rooan De Goariva. Jessica said: and moorlands. “He is such a great pony, we have owned him for the past four-years and he is brilliant Fliss Martin and her Connemara, Kilmurray at everything we have had a go at.” The pair Fionn won a strong mountain and compete in side saddle classes and Jessica won moorland class. This pair moved on from a the Side Saddle Newcomers Rider of the Year disappointing result in the working pony 28 | The Native Pony | June 2022 Issue | [email protected]

award in 2021. They also compete at 90cm unaffiliated eventing VV PC Lead 1 Charlotte Knight Collstone Caventina and are planning to take part in some working hunter pony classes. Vale View Pony Club winners Dales gelding, Fulford Mickey won in the in-hand mountain VV WP1 and MnM 2 Natalie and moorland class with physics teacher Georgie Lewis-Roberts. Pastor Langorra Ginger Port Georgie said: “This was our first time out at Search for a Star, we VV First Rid 1 Emily Elliott thought we’d go along and learn and find out more about the Larchgrove Isabella series, and we have only gone and won! The thing that stood out for me was quite how nice everyone at the show was. I was flustered getting my number and the secretary was so kind and helpful. I bought Mickey two years ago from his breeder. We had an old Fell stallion that was coming to the end of his showing career and I was really keen on having a Dales so I bought Mickey. We also competed in the ridden mountain and moorland class this morning and would love to qualify in this class too.” Georgie is hoping to take Mickey to Equifest and Showfest ahead of the YHL finals. SEIB’s Marketing Manager, Nicolina MacKenzie said: “Search for a Star is providing more opportunities than ever this year. I am thrilled by how well this qualifier has gone. The first ever Pony Club showing classes were just great and it was wonderful to get the in-hand Search for a Star series under way too. I can’t fault our many competitors today, they have been enthusiastic, respectful to each other and entered into the real Search for a Star spirit. I am so proud of both the competitors and the team who made the whole day happy and inspirational for everyone involved”. For all Search for a Star and Racehorse to Riding Horse information and to enter, please see www.seib.co.uk/ competitions. Further qualifying competitions 2022: 11th & 12th June 2022 at Netherton Equestrian Centre, Perth- shire, PH2 9NE, Perth, Scotland. NEW – 25th June 2022 at Laurel View Equestrian Centre Limit- ed, Ballyclare, N.I. 23rd & 24th July 2022 during SEIB Trailblazers Championships at Stoneleigh Park, 15th July 2022 at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships at Hartpury College, (RDA Riders Only) 7th August 2022 at Science Supplements Onley Grounds Equestrian Centre, Rugby 14th August 2022 at “ShowFest”, Three Counties Showground, Malvern VV In hand amateur M [email protected] | June 2022 Issue | The Native Pony | 29 n M 1 Georgie Lewis Roberts Fulford Mickey

The Voltaire Designs Badminton Grassroots Championships is the pinnacle of the amateur eventing calendar Photos by 1st Class Images. Hosted over the two days prior to the famous international Badminton Estate, past the house and through the renowned Badminton Horse Trials in Gloucestershire, the Voltaire Design Badminton Lake. The BE90 and BE100 competitor with the Grassroots Championships sees the winners from regional finals lowest score after all three phases is crowned in a prize giving in from around the country go head-to-head in the overall British front of Badminton House. Eventing Championship held at BE90 and BE100 level. Several competitors took to the course riding natives and we think The cross country takes riders around the park at the famous they look fantastic..! Kippure Buccaneer Kippurre Buccaneer Cloonah Shadow Connemara, 16, 14.2hh (Braveheart of Kippure x Kippure Ebony) Owned and ridden by Zoe Sollis A level student Zoe, 17, and her Connemara pony Kippure Buccaneer [Jack]. The pair qualified having come second at the Firle Place Area Festival to qualify for Badminton Grassroots. As well as eventing, Zoe and Jack also featured on the English team at the Pony Club International dressage at Royal Windsor Horse Show, and performed a 72.98% test to help England to take the win. Cloonah Shadow Connemara, 9, 14hh (Moonlight Silver Shadow x Lucy’s Rose) Owned and ridden by Caroline Cook Caroline purchased Cloonah Shadow [Percy] as an unbroken four-year-old. Caroline explained: “We were looking for a Connemara to bring on when my friend Katy Seedhouse sent a video just saying, ‘you’ll need sticky bums on this one’. Never ones to hang about that Saturday we set off from Derbyshire to jump the RIHS qualifier at David Broome’s with my section B and call in via the Cotswolds at Tulira Stud on the way home, reassuring Dad we were only venturing just south of Birmingham. Luckily, we won the RIHS qualifier and Percy was everything we’d hoped for”. He arrived at Caroline and mum, Ruth’s Derbyshire Peaks base the following weekend. Caroline and Percy competed in working hunter pony classes before pursuing her eventing aspirations seriously. Nevertheless, it didn’t run smoothly. “Thanks to my dodgy time keeping and lack of navigation XC, the regionals weren’t quite as plain sailing as planned,” said Caroline, adding, “it’s a long drive back from Cumbria when you’ve missed fence seven!” Caroline and Percy thoroughly enjoyed the experience of riding at Badminton. “Riding at Badminton was like nothing else I’ve experienced and to ride in the park past the house was truly amazing. The atmosphere all week was wonderful, and we can’t wait to try and qualify for 2023.” 30 | The Native Pony | June 2022 Issue | [email protected]

Fronerthig Bendigeidfran Welsh Cob, 18, 14.1hh However, it didn’t all go to plan. After a pleasing dressage test, gaining a respectable 37.5, and a clear show jumping round, the (Fronerthig Victor x Fronerthig Branwen Haf) cross country caused the pair a problem. Owned and ridden by Bethany Cole Bethany explained: “The cross country was the most challenging 90 course I’d ever walked, with constant questions for horse & Bethany and her family have owned Sonic since he was a four- rider to tackle along with crowds swarming round every fence and year-old. “He was bought as a happy hacker, but very quickly cheering you on every step of the way! found his passion for jumping,” said Bethany, who has ridden him for the last ten years, competing in everything from Pony Club to I was so nervous for the cross country, there were lots of technical BS to Riding Club. fences including the broken bridge; I had never seen a fence like it and was unsure how Sonic would approach it! Unfortunately, the In 2019, the family decided to give British Eventing a go with cross country caught us out but we still left the course with a big Sonic. Bethany explained: “Knowing his dressage was pretty smile and some well-deserved pats for Sonic! I’m just so pleased shocking, we had no expectations for the season, but to my surprise that we completed the broken bridge and were able to canter we won Munstead BE90, giving us a qualification to the regional through iconic badminton lake!” final qualifier for Badminton. We chose Borde Hill regional final where we finished on a 29.7, to finish in 5th place and gaining a Nevertheless, Bethany felt that overall, the event was superb: “The qualification to Badminton Horse trials!” Voltaire Design Badminton Grassroots was the most amazing week with an incredible atmosphere! There were welcome drinks for all Due to Covid, the event was cancelled and Bethany and Sonic’s the competitors, the opportunity to hack the beautiful estate and qualification was transferred over to 2021, where again the event several course walks with professionals including Yogi Breisner had to be cancelled. Unfortunately, event organisers were unable where they talked us through the jumps, the best lines to take and to arrange a further transfer of qualification. Undeterred, the pair how to save time out cross country! Badminton also provided achieved three qualifications to compete at the new qualifying all the competitors tickets to stay for the rest of the week, which system of Area Festivals following successful runs throughout 2021. was incredible, we managed to go to a course walk with Imogen Murray around the 5* course and watch the dressage for the first Bethany and Sonic competed at the Firle Place Area Festival and in time! I will definitely be going for the full week in future years!” September 2021, they received news of their qualification. “It had always been a dream of mine and what made it more special was that it was on my pony of a lifetime,” said Bethany. Fronerthig Bendigeidfran [email protected] | June 2022 Issue | FTrhoeneNrthaitgivBeenPdoigneiydf|ra3n1

Rathcline Kestrel Rathcline Kestrel Rathcline Kestrel Connemara, 11, 15hh Willoway Amigo (Gwennic De Goariva x Rosemount Lass) Owned and ridden by Katie Stephens-Grandy. 11yr old [Timothy] Rathcline Kestrel was bred in Ireland and shown on home turf before being imported to the UK. He was started by Kate Rath Doyle. Since making the journey, he has been super successful under owner-rider Katie Stephens-Grandy, who produces Connemaras and their part-breds for competition. Tim has also tried his hand at the larger, BE100 tracks as well as competing in dressage, and was the highest placed native at the Lemieux National Dressage championships in the prelim silver section last year. Willoway Amigo New Forest, 14, 14.2hh (Woodrow Prince Harry x Mercury Amy) Owned by Janine Peterson and Ingrid Jordan, and ridden by Janine New Forest pony Willoway Amigo [Roo] heads-up our very own Native Pony columnist Janine’s team. The fourteen- year-old NF gelding. Janine has owned Roo in partnership with her long standing supporter and fabulous friend, Ingrid Jordan, since he was an untouched three-year-old, after the pair purchased him directly from the Willoway stud. Janine and Roo competes at BE90/100. Unfortunately, he struck into a tendon at Bricky in September 2020, making their return to competition and subsequent qualification for Badminton even more special. 32 | The Native Pony | June 2022 Issue | [email protected]

Clintonstown Windy Connemara, 14, 14.1hh championships in 2021 at novice level, finishing runner up. Coral Prince x Roston Girl Last year he qualified for two regional BE finals – at BE90 and BE100 and qualified for Badminton at BE90 from one of those Owned and ridden by Isabel Bhatia finals. Isabel, 15, and her Connemara pony Clintonstown Windy [Darcy] “This year, they have 2 qualifications for BE90 regional finals and stormed round on Isabel’s Badminton debut. Darcy was initially qualified for the BE80 championships following a win at Aston brought over from Ireland and purchased by Rachel Griffiths as le Walls – although we didn’t attend as it was mid-week and had a five-year-old for her daughter, India, who accompanied Darcy originally entered an 80 as a training run following a turbulent on his own Badminton Grassroots debut. “We bought him in winter, so the 80 win was an extra nice surprise,” said Claire. When January 2019,” explained Isabel’s mum, Claire. Isabel and Darcy he’s not eventing, Darcy loves a trip to the beach and the family’s have enjoyed many successes together. They are members of the last two summer holidays have involved staying at a campsite at South Oxfordshire Hunt Central Pony Club and qualified for the Holkam in Norfolk and galloping along the sands. PC championships in eventing in 2019 and for Dressage as an individual and team member in 2021. The pair have also qualified “I think it just shows you don’t need a big horse, just one with a for Schools Equestrian Games in eventing at 100cm level in big heart,” said Claire. 2019, 2020 and 2021 and qualified for NSEA individual dressage Penstrumbly Calon Lan Welsh Cob section D, 12, 15hh which would be his second ever event”. It seems Batty’s initial win was no fluke as he again won. “From then, we just did a few events Yorkin Come Lucky x Penstrumbly Jemima Rose last year in between doing HOYS qualifiers. He qualified for HOYS at Staffs County and then we just took him eventing until Owned and ridden by Ruby Thompson HOYS,” said Ruby. With HOYS out of the way, Batty and Ruby competed in their first BE100, gained a dressage mark of 29 and Bred near Strumble Head in Pembrokeshire by Kath Hall, ‘Batty’ double clear. In 2022, he has won or been second in every event first entered competitive life as a show horse, qualifying for HOYS apart from Badminton where he nevertheless jumped a double at the Royal Welsh under local rider Lucy Parr. He was later sold to clear. Ruby’s aim for the pair is to be picked for the BE90 Under 18 Jane Hanger who pursued a career in working hunter pony ranks team for the championships in August before attempting to qualify for him, with Ellie Callwood producing him to qualify for HOYS for Badminton 2023 and step up to BE100 properly. So far, their and stand RIHS champion working hunter pony. Batty joined quest to do so is going well, having won the BE90 OU18 section Ruby,15, and her family in July of 2020 and the pair competed in at Belsey since Badminton. their first BE a month later. “He loved it and won it,” explained Ruby. “Because he won, he qualified to do an area festival in 2021, Penstrumbly Calon Lan

Willoway Amigo Janine Peterson Badminton and some food for thought... Nothing prepares you for the buzz of He warmed up beautifully and I entered benefit of pony power comes into play in galloping over the hallowed turf at the arena feeling relaxed and even a little such situations. I angled my approach so I Badminton House. To be on board my hopeful. But the horse before us jumped a didn’t have to make a sharp turn and risk partner of eleven years, who has solely beautiful clear and the crowd erupted. So slipping, and Roo neatly popped through, been ridden by me, took it to a whole new did Roo. He lit up like a Christmas tree! albeit adding a couple of extra strides where level! We went to Badminton with no As the showjumping phase is never easy needed. Ponies have that wonderful ability expectations; after a less than smooth run with him, this was not ideal, especially and such clever brains to do what’s needed up, completing was the aim! as the arena was sloping and the ground to stay safe. was firm! It was not our best performance You know it’s not ‘your day’ when you trot but I’ve had Roo long enough not to be It was such an adrenaline rush flying down the centreline and the sunny weather disappointed. In fact, it took the pressure around that course with big crowds gives way to rain, just for the duration off X-Country, which is, for me the main cheering you all the way around. Roo dug of your test! Due to the persistent rain, event. deep and finished well despite being very Roo’s good test lacked his usual sparkle, tired. We completed: a dream come true seeing him sitting in the top third after I walked the course twice and I couldn’t after eleven years in the making. I don’t his test before rising significantly as the wait to set sail! Roo is talented X-Country think anything will ever rival the feeling showjumping got underway. and a pleasure to ride because he is so bold. of competing with my best mate, Roo, so I was concerned about fitness after our after a little breather I’ve told Roo it’s all Showjumping has never been our strongest dodgy run up and seeing just how long the systems go, to try our luck again as the point. Roo doesn’t like to practice too course was, but I also knew I didn’t have bug is already eating away at me and I’m much; he switches off if he feels you are any pressure to push him around; we could hoping we can get back there again. I’m dictating too much. He can swing the other just go at a pace that suited Roo to get even contemplating trying at BE100 level way, too, where he won’t listen at all and home safely. because Roo does showjump better when is plain wild! It’s all about balance, energy they are bigger… and obedience without crazy, and letting I watched the coffin fence earlier in the day him have his own way a little so he doesn’t and saw most combinations slipping badly, Teddy and Dex have been very busy, too. switch off! trying to get straight for the question. The We’ve had a run of back-to-back shows 34 | The Native Pony | June 2022 Issue | [email protected]

starting off with Stoneleigh and the first The shows highlighted some issues for me. Willoway Amigo HOYS qualifier of the year. Both boys At Stoneleigh, ponies that had poles stood jumped super clears: Dex finishing sixth above clear rounds. For me, it’s hard to and Teddy, eight. We travelled on to swallow when clears aren’t rewarded. They Solihull for a stonking Lisa Kelly course might not jump in the judge’s preferred and RIHS qualifiers the next day. Rails out style, but the important thing is that they of the arena onto grass, followed by a water left the jumps up: the name of the game. A jump before jumping back into the school very stylish pony that has a pole will have caused the most trouble with only one clear their day when they produce a clear! in the larger height section. Teddy hates staying away and got quite rattled by the Some of the RIHS courses this season have rails out of the arena, so had three poles in had only one clear – at best – in a section. total, just showing how difficult the course It begs the question: are these tracks was even for a well-seasoned pony. Dex becoming too difficult for natives? I like to relished it and was clear until the planks see either a bold, up-to-height course, or a two from home! It was his fist stay away smaller course that’s very technical. But this so tiredness was probably to blame, and he year, both styles seem to be merging and finished fourth. producing less clears. Something to think about? Next was Area 24, where Dex jumped clear in the intermediate and despite being a bit I also often wonder whether RIHS cheeky in his show, he claimed the ticket in qualifiers should be held on grass and second. Teddy jumped a super clear in the HOYS qualifiers on a surface, because that’s RIHS for sixth and Dex was clear until the what you get at the final. The qualifying bullfinch, which he didn’t understand, so I period could be adjusted to cater to this retired him. We hadn’t practiced a bullfinch and the qualifiers on grass could be slightly recently, so that was my fault and I know smaller but technical courses, with the with practice he will happily oblige. HOYS qualifiers up to height. This would ensure the best ponies for the job qualify. ‘In for a penny, in for a pound,’ I felt, and Food for thought! the following day we went to Area 29 where both boys jumped well in the RIHS, I wanted to mention the death of Margaret Parret, who was instrumental but both had a pole, so we trekked on to on my riding as a child. Margaret bought both Willoway Calvados and CCR near Gloucester a few days later. Tantany Torch for me, lent me several of her own homebred ponies for Teddy had such an unlucky pole, coming PC, and helped fund lessons for me. A massive New Forest enthusiast, second, just three marks behind the winner Margaret had extensive knowledge of breeding, lineage and all things and only clear! Dex had a look at the New Forest! I wouldn’t have had many of the opportunities I had without bullfinch – we still hadn’t practiced – but Margaret’s input and that’s what has shaped me as a rider today and popped it on his second attempt, showing enabled me to turn my passion into my livelihood. RIP, Margaret, the New his fab attitude. I’m very lucky to ride him; Forest flame you lit in me burns bright. he’s an astonishing pony. Dex at Area 24 Ted with owner Sharon Goodman

PERFORMANCE PONIES At Native Pony, we have Blakehill Admiral been incredibly impressed by reports of native ponies competing successfully in performance disciplines. Julie O’Boye and Blakehill Admiral Julie OBoye and her ten-year-old Connemara pony, Blakehill Admiral [Paddy] have been out competing in the dressage arena lately at prelim level. “We recently achieved our best score to date of 75.52 and now look forward to competing at the Trailblazers championships,” said Julie, who as owned Paddy for nearly four years. “I decided aged 46 and after more than a twenty year break from horses to buy a pony to show and hopefully do some dressage with,” explained Julie. However, after successfully taking to the ring in 2019, the pandemic was not the only thing that halted Julie’s plans for Paddy. “Just at the start of Covid, I became suddenly seriously ill with a spinal fluid leak and I didn’t ride for a year. We slowly started getting out when we could in 2021 and had fantastic results including coming third as Amateur Pathway Rider of the Year, winning numerous championships and overall winner of the TSR (41 + years). We also got to represent our local riding club at Stars gaining a fourth in a very strong equitation class”. They also tried their hand at dressage, winning their first test and later qualifying for the Trailblazers championship. Julie, who is quick to credit Lisa Sharp’s skills in equine massage for keeping Paddy in ship-shape, said: “I am so privileged to own such an amazing pony; he has got me through some of the worst times of my life. He is an absolute saint in every way and makes my difficult days much more bearable. As much as we love to get out, just having him in my life is the absolute dream.” Camarnaint Rambler Abi Scott and Camarnaint Rambler Abi Scott has owned her 13-year-old Welsh cob gelding, Camar- naint Rambler [Barney] for over seven years. Barney is by Welsh cob stallion, Minuffordd Democrat and is out of Welsh pony, Greigau Spring Rose. During lockdown the pair became interested in dressage and they have since competed up to BD Advanced Me- dium level, as well as successfully eventing at BE90. During April, they were placed third in the Medium U21 Petplan Championships at Hartpury. As well as this, Abi explained she felt “privileged to be selected to represent England in the Pony Club Dressage Home Internationals at Royal Windsor”, where they were individual and team Open Champions!” 36 | The Native Pony | June 2022 Issue | [email protected]

Jessica Limb, Chilham Aquarius and Hexden Danc- Hexden Dancing Stranger Jessica Limb’s Connemara gelding, Ruby has also been diagnosed with Chillham Aquarius (Castle Comet x Cushings disease, Asthma and last year, Rebekah Adshead and Chiltern Quota) is best known for his Jess nearly lost him to liver failure as her Conkertree Peanut results in the show ring. In 2013 he own health also continued to decline. won at Royal International Horse Show Nevertheless, Jess wanted to start In our first issue of the year, we featured and then went on to be the first bay competing again this year and whilst Rebekah and her Fell stallion Conkertree Connemara to win at HOYS in the she can no longer manage a showing Peanut competing in dressage! But we same year. Jessica purchased Chillham class, she can manage a dressage test and love these photos of them competing in Aquarius [Ruby] in 2015 to show. Ruby loves the opportunity to show off. Working Equitation! They have kicked “From the first time I rode him, he gave Their first outing brought home two off 2022 with an amazing start to their me the most amazing feeling in trot,” seconds and in May, they attempted first proper season competing in Working said Jessica. However, after their first their first para-dressage competition. Equitation. So far, they have scored three season together, Jessica’s health began to Jess explained: “Ruby tried his heart wins from three competitions. Their best decline and in 2017, she began to lose out for me. We won our first class, the result was Pickering Grange on 14th May, the use of one side of her body. After Grade 7 W&T on a score of 66.4% being their first ever Working Equitation being discharged from hospital, Jessica and the Grade 7 W/T/C on a score of National Show and biggest class yet. “Pea found that everything was so difficult, 68.6%, qualifying for the RDA National was on top form to lead in the dressage, she couldn’t even walk never mind ride. Championships at Hartpury in July. I ease of handling and speed individually to “Ruby gave me so much motivation to am so excited to trot down the Centre take a clear win,” said Rebekah, adding: get better,” said Jessica, “All I wanted to line in the international arena with “Most recently, we have stepped up a level do was to ride my boy again. When I Ruby”. to Inter B, and we are looking forward to first got back on it was hard and a few continuing to improve our skills in this fun minutes in walk would be exhausting. Due to Ruby’s health, the family discipline! I normally compete Pea in British I would spend the rest of the day in decided to find a second horse for Jess Dressage, we have secured our Medium Area bed. As I began to get stronger, I would and after feeling that they “had tried Festival qualification already for summer, often come off balance and Ruby would every horse in England”, they found and am also hoping to get a dressage to just stop so I could find my balance the perfect steed: a second Connemara music qualification, but working equitation again”. With the aid of some knots in called Hexden Dancing Stranger provides a chance to put those dressage skills her reins, the pair made it back into the (Dark stranger x Ellabelles Cashel) to a more practical test, and is just so well ring. “I used to just say, ‘canter,’ and he whom she has now also qualified for would pop into canter for me. Without the RDA National Championships. Ruby I don’t think I would have ridden “We really threw Hexden Dancing again; he is truly a pony of a lifetime”. Stranger – Bruno – into the deep-end by taking him to RDA regionals just However, in 2018 Ruby suffered six weeks after he arrived. For our laminitis and the family also discovered first competition I couldn’t have asked that he developed EMS aged just 13. anymore from him. He won our Grade He spent six months on box rest, and it 7 class with score of 69.7%, was second took almost two years before Ruby was in a Grade 6 W&T with a score of back to being ridden and healthy. “We 65.6% and won a cup for the highest made the most of every ride, hacking, senior score of the day. I am excited to jumping - which Ruby is amazing at – be competing at RDA nationals with going cross country and on farm rides, my two British Bred Connemara ponies. which is so different to his life before”. Conkertree Peanut [email protected] | June 2022 Issue | The Native Pony | 37

Marvellous Mason Corabbey Sterling Georgina Oakden’s 6-year-old Connemara, Corabbey Sterling [Mason], have made their recent forays into the dressage arena successful ones with two firsts and a second to qualify for the sunshine tour at Hickstead, and the BCPS dressage finals in July. Georgina purchased Mason two years ago as a rising four-year-old, right before the 2020 lockdown. He is an Irish bred Connemara sired by Corabbey Sebastian, out of Lehid Dun. His lines include the likes of Abbeyleix Fionn, Mur- phy Rebel and Carna Bobby. “Throughout the pandemic, we had many trials and tribulations, resulting in concussion, A&E and many lost hat-silks,” said Georgina. “However, through determination and lots of hours of hard work the results are finally showing. Mason has the best temperament anyone could wish for; he is my first Connemara and have absolutely fallen in love with the breed.” Natasha Macdonald and Sauvey Golden Condor Natasha Macdonald and her Welsh section C pony Sauvey Golden Condor [Kevin] have been competing in dressage. Natasha has owned 16-year-old Kevin for five years. Kevin is by Triad Ricochet and out of Sauvey Golden Oriole. Natasha said: “We are training medium level at home and compete in the Children on Horses classes at Premier leagues. I train with Leanne Wall and I’m hoping to make the step up to Pony FEI later in the year. On May 1st we competed at Keysoe premier league and so happy to come away with two seconds and a personal best of 68%. We also went to the All England Dressage Festival at Hickstead gaining another two second places and scores of 65.8% and 65.2%. As a result of these scores we have been selected to represent Great Britain at an international competition (CDI) on the 9-12th of June at Wellington, and have been selected to represent the South and East at the youth inter regionals. “This is my biggest achievement at only thirteen years old. Kevin has the biggest personality ever! He is very cheeky, always up to mischief, but very kind and always looks after you. He is a once in a lifetime pony having been previously to Olympia in the mountain and moorland classes before taking on a dressage journey with me. We have competed in the British Dressage national championships two years running, but sadly we missed last year due to injury. He is my best friend and truly deserves recognition as he always tries his heart out and is definitely ‘King Kevin’!” 38 | The Native Pony | June 2022 Issue | [email protected]

Eiry Bonner and Pat Eiry Bonner and her fourteen- achieve the lowest dressage mark year-old Connemara pony I possibly can, allowing some Fear An Ti [Pat] have recently room for a few time penalties turned their attention to BE. Pat on our score sheet at the end of was bred by Patrcik O’Boyle in the day. It’s about knowing your Corderry, Ireland, and is sired pony’s strengths and weakness- by Gewnnic De Goariva out es and I’m very lucky that Pat of Aughaveen Aine. Eiry and often does a sweet, accurate and Pat first started their competi- rhythmical dressage test which is tive run in the 134cm working rewarded by the judges”. hunter pony classes and the pair Towards the end of the 2021 sea- have qualified for HOYS on son, Pat and Eiry were second at multiple occasions. Pat as since their final BE event of the year, demonstrated his versatility by gaining qualification to compete winning the BE90 British Event in an Area Festival this year. “If at Llanymynech Horse Trials in we are successful, it will give us a May with a 29.3 Dressage, clear qualification for the Badminton SJ and clear XC with only 1.2 Grassroots Final in 2023. This time penalties which was enough has been a huge dream of mine to win a section of 32. This was since a child and despite his little the pair’s third attempt at a BE90 legs and laid-back nature, Pat has after taking his eventing career got a heart of gold and always slowly to build up his stamina digs deep for me so we will for on the XC field. “With little legs sure give it our best shot”. and a laid-back nature Pat has Competing isn’t the only thing always found the XC time hard keeping Pat busy during the to achieve and having originally spring/summer months; he also been a flat showing pony, it’s stands at public stud via AI only taken some time to teach him to at Talgrwn Stud Services. He open up his frame and to really has proven very popular on both gallop,” said Eiry. purebred Connemara mares and “The XC time is still something sports horses. “I would like to we’re working on and I’m sure thank everyone who’s chosen we will always struggle a little to use him so far; I get just as with, however this is where his excited as the mare owners when dressage comes into play. My the little ones arrive!” game plan is to always try and [email protected] | June 2022 Issue | The Native Pony | 39

TEN MINUTES WITH ARTIST, LAURA PENNELL 40 | The Native Pony | June 2022 Issue | [email protected]

How did you discover your creative side and what instigated the business? I’ve always been ‘arty’ – I did a History of Art degree on leaving school and have always enjoyed sketching and dabbling with paints. It wasn’t until I picked up pencils between Christmas and New Year in 2018 however that my hobby turned into something a little more professional and business-like. I began by asking online for photos of horses to practice with, and from there began to slowly start accepting commissions. I have had an enormous amount of help and mentoring from wonderful artist Bonny Snowdon; I am fortunate to live close to her and she has really helped to shape my career through advice and support. From a young age I’d wanted to be a ‘proper’ artist – to make a career from art, but it’s surprising how many different forms being a ‘proper artist’ can take. From modern art, illustrators, digital artists etc, it can be quite overwhelming knowing which direction to go in and what the right medium is for you. I’d always thought to gain the title of ‘artist’ I should be painting in oils and doing large, hyper-realistic works. However, as soon as I started using coloured pencils, I felt a huge change in mindset and a feeling that what I was doing was right for me. In 2020 I did change medium slightly, from coloured pencils to soft pastel and pastel pencils, and that change has cemented for me the form and direction of my work. I absolutely love the details you can create with pastel pencils, as well as the soft blending that can be achieved with them. I love creating animals from literally all walks of life and my ideas for my next pieces are borne simply from deciding which animals I haven’t drawn yet! Although, first love is always with British wildlife and animals, and especially horses and farm animals. In what way, if any, has turning your talent into a business changed your attitude towards your craft? Developing a positive mindset has been so essential for me to develop my business. There are so many very talented artists out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or not good enough. However, when I used to show my Dales stallion my Mum always said to me to ignore everyone else in the ring and ‘Ride your own race’, and that’s what I try to do with my art as well. Everyone’s journey to, and definition of success is so different, for me it’s more important to be happy with the way my art is developing. Not every piece is received with ultimate acclaim and coming to terms with that is really important; as long as I feel I’ve done my best with each drawing, I’m happy enough, although as I’m sure every artist feels, there’s always something that could have been done better! You also work full time (?). How do you find time for painting and is it your way of switching off? After graduating from University, I found myself slightly adrift in terms of direction and career path. It was falling off my pony which literally found me my other profession! I had an accident at home and badly broke my wrist when my pony spooked at a pheasant – it necessitated a trip to hospital and two operations to fix.

The second operation entailed removing some metalwork while You also enjoy painting other, I was awake. I found it absolutely fascinating and spent my exotic animals, if you had to recuperation researching the types of careers could be found choose a favourite subject..? in operating theatres! From there I did a Dip(he) in Operating Department Practice and have now been a qualified ODP for It’s impossible to pick a favourite! When I’m looking for what 10 years. ODP’s are a little-known allied profession within to draw next, I look through reference photo websites, my own healthcare. They are specialised healthcare workers who work photos and photos friends and family have taken. I usually don’t across the three areas of surgery from Anaesthetics, Scrub have a specific animal in mind, but I choose based on what (assisting with the surgery itself) and Recovery. When I first photo stands out to me at that time. I’ve dismissed photos before qualified, I worked full time in an NHS hospital in Anaesthetics only to see them again a few drawings later and they’ve been and Recovery. However, with the development of my art perfect – it’s a strange phenomenon! business, I have been able to become increasingly part-time. I now work a few hours a week in a private hospital in the We are more use to seeing your Recovery department. I love it because it’s very different from sister, Anna at shows. What is art or working with the horses, and I love being able to look your involvement with the stud after patients. Recovery is a specialised area of theatres, and we and the farm? do a lot of airway and pain management, making sure patients are ok immediately following their surgery, before they get I have always been involved in the background with the stud discharged to the ward. – either coming with Anna to groom at shows, and working with the horses with yard work/breeding season/handling Initially art was my way of switching off from the stresses of youngstock. I have done some showing myself over the working in a healthcare environment –and it’s still my form of years but found my forte more in the dressage arena with my mindfulness! homebred gelding Nipna Good King Henry (Harry) – before the pandemic we regularly did affiliated Elementary classes. I Your family breed Dales ponies currently have Harry and his half-brother Nipna Napoleon, – the Nipna stud – and you also and hope to be out competing with both of them this summer. keep other animals at Home As my work at the hospital decreased, I have been able to work Farm, to what extent are they more on the farm and usually spend my mornings with the an inspiration? ponies. I like the balance of being outside with the ponies in the mornings and then doing art in the afternoons! We have a few different breeds of sheep at Home Farm as well as pigs, chickens and of course the ponies! Although I vehemently vowed I would never own sheep myself, I have now got my own small flock of precisely three Ryeland ewes. Living on a farm is a huge source of inspiration for my work, although I still need to do more drawings of our own animals! Our ponies and sheep have made their way into a couple of pieces though; and living so rurally really inspires my work. 42 | The Native Pony | June 2022 Issue | [email protected]

Have you had a particular How would you describe your commission that stands out for style in three words? you/ meant something special? Realistic, characterful animals! The commission of a lifetime started almost a year ago – I was approached by the Fell Pony Society to produce some artwork Future goals? to create a special gift for Her Majesty the Queen as part of the FPS Centenary celebrations and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. I currently take my art out to a few shows a year – this year We wanted to create usable, personal item which would have I am at the Game Fair, the Scottish Game Fair and Country personal meaning to the Queen. Many months of discussion Living Christmas Fair in Harrogate. In the future I’d like to and work culminated in the creation of a silk headscarf, which keep doing this and keep expanding my range of prints and features an image of Carltonlima Emma, one of HM’s own Fell homeware/gift products. I have a wide range of original work ponies. To tie in, the background and border emulate HM’s and limited edition prints and greetings cards available on racing colours. The flower motif on the scarf is of the Grass of my website and at these shows. I would love to find gallery Parnassus, also known as the Flower of Cumbria, which seemed representation and to be represented by a fine art publisher – highly appropriate for the Fell pony. I’d love my work to keep reaching wider audiences. At the Royal Windsor Show in 2022 it was the hugest honour Closing thoughts… to see the headscarf and the original drawing of Carltonlima Emma presented to Her Majesty by the FPS Chairman and I am hugely grateful to my family for the support they’ve given Centenary Chair. I still find it surreal to think that the Queen me with building my art career – from helping me build and has a piece of my artwork! break down my tradestands to encouraging me to keep going, they have been a massive source of support. What do you know now that you wish you knew 10 years ago? I accept commissions of Equine subjects only currently, from headshots to full body/action shots. That everything happens for a reason! If I hadn’t fallen off my pony I don’t think I’d have ‘found’ theatres as a career path, and equally if I hadn’t decided to try out coloured pencils I’m not sure I’d have been able to do art as a profession. Making the most of the opportunities presented to you is really important to me. www.laura-pennell.co.uk www.facebook.com/laurapennellart Instagram: @laurapennellartist [email protected] | June 2022 Issue | The Native Pony | 43

PONY OF A LIFETIME 44 | The Native Pony | June 2022 Issue | [email protected]

Georgie Lewis is a secondary When I was old enough, mum officially showjumping and he has been a fantastic school teacher, teach GCSE gifted Possum to me so he was the first pair for others wanting a safe companion and A-level physics at Wy- pony to have my name as the owner. for evening performances! I will always cliffe College. “I’m lucky that remember Equifest 2017, when the the school is very supportive Possum was bred by the Waverhead stud, secretaries called my mobile with a very of me competing; we have by Waverhead Price and out of Waverhead strange request: would I meet someone at several students who are very Magic III. I am lucky that I am in contact the entry desk? This is where I first met good at their own sports,” said with his breeders and Sandra and Emily Janet and Ruby Venni. Ruby’s ‘pair’ had Georgie. She lives with her Burton who had him when he was young. dropped out of the adult and child pairs, mum, and keeps her ponies and in conversation at a shop, someone had at home. “I’m lucky enough to At home he’s cheeky and always finding recommended Possum as the best pair they have the ponies in the back mischief! I supervise him in the paddock, as could ever ask for – at which point Janet garden. Possum schools in the second you’re not looking he’s found saw us pass and took a photo of my number the paddock around a tele- a way to escape or has taken some railings to speak to the secretary! We had the most graph pole – we are good at down. His current trick is to take the lids amazing time, were ninth, and eventually, individual shows in a small off the water butts to drink out of, then Ruby bought a Fell of her own! space!” throw the lids around. He has his routine sorted, and he definitely has everyone very Now he’s older he watches the youngsters Georgie told us about her Fell well trained. go out to shows and stays at home more, stallion Waverhead………… which causes great strops. I love taking him [Possum] and why he’s her Over the years he has had to be a real to shows, as he chills outside the ring until pony of a lifetime. support for both me and my mum. just before we go in and I can always trust During my A-levels I really struggled to him to just pull it out of the bag! Mum bought Possum when I was 17, a concentrate on revision and ended up couple of months after my father died. It’s revising for my exams in his stable instead Over the years different results have begun nine years ago now. We wanted a nice as he has always calmed me down. Some to mean different things! My first, ‘Oh, pony to take to shows and have fun with. of my favourite times with him are when wow!’ moment was qualifying for the he’s snoozing on the floor and lets me go RIHS for the first ever time, in the 2015 I remember first seeing him: he was the curl up with him; there have been a few UKP&H amateur final. I cried, knowing only pony we saw, and I fell in love times we’ve not gone out hacking and been Possum would look after me at the final and instantly. Mum said, “stallions are different; found asleep in his stable together! I’d be able to really enjoy it. you have to be more careful – no kisses!” Guess where I found her a couple of days He has been a really good ‘baby sitter’ In 2019 Possum went to the Veteran Horse later? Giving cuddles and kisses in the both at home and away at shows. At Society National Championships, and I stable! Poss has always loved attention. home he looks after the youngsters on thought that we’d have a lovely weekend the roads when they get scared of passing seeing our friends and maybe win the cars, rubbish or the odd leaf that looks odd class. It was my first attempt at their particularly threatening. He also baby in-hand mountain and moorland supreme sits very well at shows. We’ve looked final, and as they announced the results in after children on flightly ponies out reverse order my number had not been [email protected] | June 2022 Issue | The Native Pony | 45

called out by the time they announced done so well the year before, but Possum performance at Equifest; the ponies in fourth. I was so disappointed as I really knew what to do and before they said, “trot there were incredible and the atmosphere thought he had earned a place – and then on!” I was back to normal. He won and was breath taking! Certainly, a night to I heard my number as second! This was took champion again, the first pony to have remember. the first step for me towards my love of in- done so two years running! hand showing, which I owe completely to Over the winter Possum had treatment Possum. He then went into the ridden final, Mum and I debated pulling him out of the for a sarcoid, and when the vets took a where I was so nervous as I knew they Open 15-19 Supreme Final the next day, biopsy, they discovered cancerous cells. liked my pony but would have to pull out but neither of us was quite ready to and he Consequently, he underwent intensive an incredible show! When the time came, certainly didn’t want to stop! It led to one treatment and laser surgery. I was I took a deep breath, patted Possum and of those incredibly magical days that just devastated, after losing my father to cancer he just wowed me. We walked away that don’t happen to people like me! He won I couldn’t face losing Possum. The team day having won the ridden mountain and his supreme final, went on to be ridden at Field Equine Vets worked so hard, moorland final, and later stood mountain supreme champion and Supreme Veteran of and he was able to make his comeback at and moorland supreme champion, the Year 2020! BSPS Area 6. I cried rugging him up to something I had never dreamed possible! load him and again when collecting my What made it extra special was the number number; I didn’t think I’d ever get to be In 2020 when COVID hit I thought the of people who messaged and called to say out again with my partner in crime. The season was over before it began, until the congratulations to Possum; he is so loved poor secretary had to deal with my being Veteran Horse Society ran their online it makes me cry just thinking about it! It a blubbering mess but fortunately, as I’m a qualifiers for their supreme finals and then is the best result I have ever achieved, but member of the area, they knew his history. the most incredible show in the October, achieving it with Possum – my best friend, keeping everyone as safe as possible whilst made it so much better. We were rusty in the open class having still providing an electric atmosphere. I only walked and trotted to regain his fitness went into the mountain and moorland Possum had a fantastic 2021 season, and not cantered for months! I nearly didn’t ridden final feeling sick; the steward told qualifying for the RIHS in both the stay for the PP home-produced qualifier as me I looked green. All I could feel was the intermediate and the amateur UKPH finals. I didn’t want him to overdo it, but he felt pressure I was putting on myself having But for me the best result was reserve on fire, so we waited. He entered the ring champion junior ridden in the evening and, ‘Boom! We’re back!’ He was pulled

in second and pinged through his – I leant down for them to pin a individual show. I knew we had matching sash to my shoulder and done everything we could to win suddenly I was on the floor and the but you never know if it’s enough. saddle was under his belly! Turns out When I was pulled in, Mum and I hadn’t remembered to tighten my our friends gave a huge cheer and girth. Luckily Poss stood still, I could there were more tears from me. swear he was laughing at me. I pulled myself together for the championship and we took the title. I suffer with anxiety and depression, I am so grateful to those who came and when I am really struggling I out to support him at his first show go sit on Poss. With him, something back – we had Prosecco to celebrate special just happens, and I feel more a moment I will truly never forget, centred – back to my normal self. and Possum looked so happy getting He got me through the toughest his congratulatory hugs, pats and times in my life, and I owe him the kisses from everyone! world for that alone. Of course, we’ve had some funny This year I’d love to get placed at moments, not least at our first show the RIHS, and I’m also aiming to together. Not knowing his quirks, qualify for the Senior Showing and we went about business as usual. Dressage final at the RIHS – we’ve He doesn’t like things on his legs. never done it before, but I’d love He thinks he’s dying in travel boots to go as so many of my friends so we had a difficult time trying to competed in that class last year! remove his boots whilst he piaffed. He then roared down the ramp, I would also really like a foal from wouldn’t stand to be brushed or for him, I don’t have the facilities at the me to mount! Mum even looked at moment, but I am hoping to be able me and said we could still send him to have them in the next few years. back! He is so special, and I know I won’t cope when he goes so having a little Years ago at Bury farm (2015) for piece of him left for me would really the then Ponies UK Summer Show help. I was working in for a WHP class when I tipped him upside down I plan on him progressing to mostly over the practice fence – I sat there doing the Senior classes, as I’ve got laughing (as did my friends) whilst some fantastic ponies waiting in the those who hadn’t met possum before wings but he will always be my true shouted ‘LOOSE STALLION!’ Poss partner! did NOT appreciate being loose and ran straight to my mum! Workers Possum is my best friend, and I am are not my strong point, so instead so proud of him. Last year we had we popped over to the ridden ring the most wonderful moment in an for a class and when I stood in front RIHS qualifier – the judge asked of the judge she asked me quite why me if he had ever covered. At this I I had mud all the way up the side pointed to a lovely fell mare in the of my leg, jacket and on my hat… class, “That’s his granddaughter!” luckily she still loved him and he I am in contact with several of his went champion. progeny’s owners – he even did the pairs sidesaddle with his son Possibly my favourite ‘oops’ moment (Waverhead Bracken) one year at was the Equifest pairs with Ruby Equifest!

trienastuaregeThestoryencompasses Fyfedene two continentsof the highly successful VFyfedene and many years of judicious breeding by a family dedicated to preserving the Highland pony. It starts with Hugh McGregor, who was heavily involved in the equine world. In the 1920’s he was offered the chance to embark on a boat trip to Australia to transport Clydesdale stallions that were being exported there. He saw a business opportunity and developed a successful enterprise buying horses for resale, some of which would find their way to contacts in Australia. Hugh had started with a Clydesdale stud in Australia before establishing a stud in Scotland and he was to name it “Hazeldean” after one of the Clydesdale mares. However, the name was already taken. An alternative was sought Salinadene and the decision was made to shorten the name and alter the with spelling to “Dene”. This decision was an influential one, as all stock Fyfedene as bred by the McGregor’s from that time on bore the suffix “Dene”! a foal To create a base in Scotland, he bought a 100 acre property near Stirling called Ballinton for £500 – less than some of the horses he was buying – and developed the business to include sourcing horses for film work and pony trekking. With the rise in tourism in Scotland, pony trekking was to become Sauchrie” winning the supreme at the RHS on three separate more and more popular, and Hugh realised that the Highland occasions. Pony was perfectly suited to the task. He was to set up five centres across the UK and very soon his young son Scott was flung into a In 1992 Scott had decided to cover Salinadene – a legend in her managerial role, immersing himself in the day to day running of the business. Scott was interested in farming in general and was a own right – with Falcon Frost of Sauchrie, a perfect match one keen member of the Young Farmers Association; his dedication was rewarded with opportunities to travel to such faraway places as would suppose but as we all know, these plans don’t always come Canada and Australia. By Robert Parker Jones to fruition. Salinadene had a negative scan and so was sent to Jo Over time Scott was bitten by the showing bug and attributes this to one special mare named “Glenearn Beautility” who was to Jack to be produced become a special favourite and contribute greatly to the breeding programme. At its peak, the stud consisted of 160 ponies, including for ridden classes. stallions, broodmares, youngstock and trekking ponies and can rightly be proud of having bred over 600 ponies that have gone to Following an an impressive list of owners that include HRH Queen Elizabeth II. outing to a local Hugh and Scott showed the ponies successfully with many championships and supremes at shows including the Royal show, everyone Highland Show. Following Hugh’s passing, the successes continued with one notable pony, the stallion “Falcon Frost of was extremely surprised to find a small colt foal by her side the next morning. He would become Fyfedene – a decendent of Glenearn Beutility – and 1993 a memorable year for the “Dene” stud. Fyfedene On this occasion, ridden by the match worked and the special foal Barbara inherited the very McVean best characteristics from both parents. Fyfedene was lightly shown as a yearling and following a win at NPS Scotland as a two-year-old, he managed to get his tail completely chewed off, curtailing his showing until it grew back. In 1997 Barbara McVean went to work for Scott and on his tour 48 | The Native Pony | June 2022 Issue | [email protected]

of the ponies that included seven stallions, he pointed at Fyfe, an immature four-year-old with very little mane and tail, and said, “And if you have time, you could break that in”. The mane and tail took some time to grow back, but his education progressed well and when the time came for his reappearance in the show ring, he was well prepared. Fyfe was a working stallion and managed to combine his covering and showing without any problem; he knew his job depending on his headgear and was happy to comply. Although often cheeky at home, once he entered the ring, he was perfect. The scene was set for a successful showing career in hand and under saddle and Fyfe wasn’t about to disappoint! In 2003 Fyfedene was to achieve historic success at the RHS both in-hand and under saddle. He started his remarkable run of success by becoming male champion from very strong entries. Next, he contested the overall Highland championship, the Fyfedene two judges couldn’t agree so a referee was brought Champion in. Finally a decision was made and Scott’s hat went in-hand flying into the air as he led Fyfe forward. After two previous attempts, in which he was male champion and reserve champion, Fyfe followed his sire and dam into the By 2006, Scott had made a life changing decision: to move the stud top spot. to Australia. Having visited on many occasions, he felt an affinity The following morning, Barbara was victorious in the under to the country and made the journey to the other side of the world 14hh ridden Highland class, following up with the overall with eleven Highland ponies (including Fyfe) and one Dartmoor championship and taking the Olympia qualifier for the third time. pony. The stud has continued to thrive and the Highlands have The climax of the in-hand classes came with the Cuddy Supreme been joined by some home bred part-breds using the prefix/suffix and international event rider Jane Starkey chose Fyfedene from a Ballinton. strong field to be supreme. What an achievement, and even more Scott’s advice for anyone looking to buy, breed or show Highland special with a homebred stallion. ponies? Hugh’s granddaughter and Scott’s daughter, Mhairi remembers “Look for a pony that totally appeals to you in the first three as a young girl being able to groom Fyfe in the stable and when seconds of looking at it. If that initial attraction isn’t there, there is only ten years of age, receiving riding lessons from Barbara in the no point looking for the finer details. school (not outside the school because he was more than capable of finding fifth gear when the mood took him). Next, look for how it tracks up; is it true and straight? You want a horse with a broad head, wide between the eyes and a good Scott had the honour of being elected President of the Highland muzzle. Back legs are the most important. The distance from the Pony Society from 1993 and 1995 and has been the biggest point of hock to the ground must be balanced with the distance supporter of the Highland pony throughout his life. between the point of the stifle to the front of the hock. This is where, over his years of judging, many ponies have found Not only was Fyfe a successful show stallion but he also put themselves at the bottom of the line because they don’t have these himself into the history books with his progeny. He always correct measurements in their conformation. This doesn’t only stamped his stock and they have gone on to tremendous success. apply to Highlands, but the horse world in general. Finally, if you Certainly his most successful son has been Stirlingdene. Born in are ‘umming and arrring’ about it, leave it alone!” 2002 out of Dark Maiden of Kildavie, he has emulated his sire by being a supreme champion both in-hand and under saddle. Fyfedene ridden In 2005, the Atherden family managed to persuade Scott to part by Barbara with Stirling. Frazer broke him in and continued to partner him throughout his showing career. In 2012 at HOYS, he won his McVean Chpion ridden class, stood mountain and moorland champion and as a at the Royal career finale, Supreme Pony of the Year. Highland Show Stirlingdene ridden by Frazer Atherden [email protected] | June 2022 Issue | The Native Pony | 49

Breeding: The Burning Questions Maggie Simons asks three experienced breeders some burning questions Gillian McMurray breeds the Trailtrow Highland ponies near Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire How long have you been breeding Highland ponies? I was introduced to Highland ponies in the early seventies when I worked in a summer job at Blair Castle with the trekking and hill ponies. I bought my first filly, Dunrowan Dolphin, in 1978 followed by Rowena of Campsie in 1980. Although Dolphin had a very successful showing career, she was not so fortunate as a brood mare. However, Rowena bred very well and is in the pedigree of all our ponies. What led you to choose the Highland pony? I rode a variety of ponies growing up but after working with Highlands I realised that they were an excellent match for the level of my own ability and that I would be able to compete confidently in a range of activities to suit my skills. How do you go about choosing a stallion? First and foremost, importance is placed on conformation followed closely by temperament. As a stud, we are particularly keen to promote Highlands as performance ponies but without losing breed type. We look for good bone and movement, coupled with a good length of rein, strong, round quarters and a correct hind leg. It’s important for us to have the power coming from behind. Temperament is also important as the ponies need to be safe to work with in all situations, but we do like ours to be forward thinking! The fact that, in my advanced years, I’m still riding our homebred stallion and a novice pony is perhaps testament to a sensible temperament! Where possible a stallion is chosen for our mares who has shown success as a ridden pony or who comes from a line of ridden ponies, as this proven ability to be ridden and to stay sound is of great importance in breeding the next generation of ponies. Soundness links directly to correct conformation. Ponies should be bred for a job, not to be field ornaments where unsoundness can be masked! All our mares have ridden careers before retiring to stud. 50 | The Native Pony | June 2022 Issue | [email protected]