The hotly contested Supreme Ridden Horse Championships produced its fair share of thrills today (August 2) at theLongines Royal International Horse Show, but it was Jayne Ross who came out the victor with hunter Time 2 Reflect.
A cob and a bank
The British Horse Society Supreme Ridden Horse Championshipset off to a thrilling start when – much – to the crowds delight Cob Champion Chaplin and top jockey Oliver Hood appeared on the top of the Derby Bank during their show.
The crowds cheered for Sue Rawland’s light weight cob when they spotted them standing admiring the view from the infamous jump.
Oliver said: “You’ve got to try something different to win it.”
Oliver had complete trust Chaplin wouldn’t disappear down the other side of the Derby bank: “He’s been hunting and he’s a great horse. I have a lot of trust in him.”
Ross reflects
The day however went to the hunter after a nail biting ride off between Jayne’s Time 2 Reflect and Jordan Cook’s Hack Supreme, Fleetwater Xecutive.
Jordan’s hack was the epitome of elegance during his display in the ride-off. But it was Jayne’s true hunter gallop that wowed the crowds and the judges to take the titleleaving Jordan to settle for reserve place.
“She’s so honest and so eager to please,” said Jayne about Time 2 Reflect. “But there was no way I was no way going up that bank.
“I thought speed might do it rather than height,” she joked, refering to Oliver Hood’s stunts.
Jayne’s husband Alan was on the side lines cheering her on: “I am very very proud. She works so hard and she deserves it. She’s Incredible.”
Supreme Ponies
Following the horses it was the ponies turn to charm the crowds and they did just that in a foot perfect showing display. The title was taken byBeat the Boss,the second ever working hunter pony to take the The Underwood Supreme Pony Championship for the Dick Saunder’s trophy.
An overjoyed Polly Eddis, who found Boss pulling a Santa sleigh around a high street in Ireland, said: “He is the darlingist pony. He’s 16 and only started workers last year.”
“What more could any child or grown up ask for? Everything’s a joy.”
Boss, as he’s known in the stable, did the job for his jockey Susie who has never ridden in the main Hickstead ring before.
“He’s just a dream to ride,” said young Susie. “He’s so fun to jump and he’s just fabulous. It was amazing to gallop around the ring.”
Reserve was Ella Georgakis on first ridden Barkway Precocious, who was second at Horse of the Year Show last year.
Sister Success
The Taverner’s have finished their week with a bang as younger sister Ellis took the Oggy Oggy Pasty Company BSPS Supreme Show Pony Champion with Crafton Blythe Spirit.
The 13-year-old was surprised she to take the title. “It’s the first time I’ve come champion here, so it’s really amazing,” she said.
“I love her trot,” continued Ellis. “She’s just really calm and comfy to ride.”
Earlier on in the week Ellis’ big sister Brogan took the overall Riding Horse Championship with High Treason and carried on to be placed fourth with High Treason in the Ridden Horse Supreme.