A teenager from Scotland has taken the title in the Science Supplements Mountain & Moorland Working Hunter Pony of the Year, ridingCoathamdene Just-Dylan (9 October).
Endurance pony
Much more than a pretty face, the nine-year-old pony also enjoys hunting and endurance with Becca Macmillan– covering up to 50km at a time.
“All year we’ve been working hard keeping him fit,” said the19-year-old from Scotland. “A friend has been riding him while I’m at university so it’s at team effort.”
It looked like the pair wouldn’t make it to HOYS when Dylan trod on a stone two weeks ago and went lame. However, he was back to full health in time for today’s championship – and it was certainly worth the long drive from Scotland.
Well prepared
“I kept thinking, ‘how am I here competing against these ponies’,” Becca told H&C. “I couldn’t believe it when they called us forward. I looked either side as I didn’t think it was me.”
However, when it came to the lap of honour under the spotlight the rider said she was well prepared.
“When you’re little you always play at ‘shows’ and practice your gallop,” said Becca.” So when the man came over to tell me what do, I was like, ‘It’s fine, I’ve been doing this my whole life!’ I’ve been waiting for this moment.”
Crème de la creme
Earlier in the day,Jayne Pimbley from Lancashire won theScience Supplements Ladies’ Hunter of the Year Championship, ridingLisa Clarke’s five-year-old mare Deauville.
“The crème de la creme were in that class, it was an amazing win,” said Jayne. “She’s only five, but she’s a fantastic horse. It’s hard work physically and mentally out there – especially for a young horse, but she was great.”